RETURN OF THE SNAKE
In 2022, Colt fans were ecstatic when Colt brought back the King of the Colt revolvers. The return of the Python marked a new day for Colt and fans hoped it would be everything the old Python was.
The original Pythons were true works of art. Craftsmen took oversized parts and, using stones and files, carefully fitted them to the frame. The original Python was probably the most labor-intensive revolver of its time. Unfortunately, Colt discontinued Python in 2005. Ever since fans have begged Colt to resurrect the “Snake.”
In appearance, the new Python is a faithful rendition of the original. The new model retains the same graceful lines and vent rib that endeared the Python to its fans. However, this is not a remake of the original 1955 gun. In reality, Colt does not have enough skilled gunsmiths to manufacture Pythons in the old method. And, if they did, the cost of a Python would be astronomical.
Instead, Colt updated the Python with some very significant improvements. First, Colt has made extensive use of modern manufacturing technology to make individual parts to a higher tolerance. This eliminates most of the hand fitting that was so costly. Second, there are also subtle changes in design, specifically the frame, that make the new gun stronger than the original. This ensures that the new Python will withstand a steady diet of full house .357 Magnum loads. One great feature is that the user can change the front sight using an Allen wrench. Finally, Colt redesigned the rear sight to be more durable.
THREE INCHES IS PERFECT
When Colt introduced a 3” version, I immediately ordered one. I consider a medium frame, 3” barrel, revolver to be the perfect fighting gun! So, I was very excited when the new Python arrived at my dealer.
Taking the 3” from the blue Colt box, I found an absolutely gorgeous pistol. The brightly polished stainless finish is flawless. The pistol is void of sharp and offending edges and there are absolutely no visible machine marks. The double action on the new gun is like glass and the single action breaks nicely at just over five pounds with no grit or excessive creep. For me, the 3” barrel is the perfect length for a carry gun and the balance of the Python is perfect.
After an initial range visit, I found that the Python was lacking in two areas; the sights and the stocks. While not an issue for some shooters, I found the sights were difficult to acquire and index. The rear sight blade was very shallow and did not allow for a significant amount of light to either side of the front sight blade. I also had difficulty seeing the red ramp front sight blade.
The second issue with the Python was the stocks. I have two issues with the factory stocks. First, the stocks are not properly shaped for optimal recoil control. The taper of the stocks results in the hand riding up on the backstrap during recoil. In addition, the rear backstrap is not contoured. However, the most disappointing issue is the stocks do not fit the top of the back strap. The edge actually extends past the frame creating a sharp edge.
HARRISON SNAKE SIGHTS
John Harrison, of Harrison Design, is a good friend who happens to own a new model 4” Python. John is my age and we share the same issues with aging eyes. He found he was having the same issues with his Python as I was. While John is known for his custom work and extensive line of 1911 components, he is also a true wheelgun aficionado.
John set out to design a better set of sights for the Python. He has redesigned both the rear sight and the front sight for an optimized sight picture. The overall improvement is dramatic.
The height of the rear sight blade has been increased by .040, giving it a deeper notch. The width of the notch has been increased the width by .150” to allow for more daylight on each side of the front sight blade. The rear blade is also thicker than the factory blade increasing the strength against impact. Finally, he increased the size of the dovetail to reduce the play found in the factory blade.
The front sight blade is also higher to be compatible with the rear sight. The blade is .125” in width and available with a plain black serrated face, a fiber optic rod, or a 14K gold bead. Installation of the new sights can be done in just a few minutes using the supplied Allen wrench and a flathead screwdriver. I ordered a front sight with a flat-face gold bead.
HOGUE MONOGRIPS
For the first 12 years of my law enforcement career, Hogue’s Monogrips were on my police service revolvers. The Hogues fit my hand well and the shape, when combined with the finger grooves, is very effective in controlling recoil and the pistol shifting in the hand. For the Python, I ordered a set of their over-mold rubber stocks.
THE PROOF IS IN THE SHOOTING
The really nice thing is the design of the Python enables the owner to replace the sights in a matter of minutes. Range time reflected just how much difference these two improvements made to my Python. The square front post, combined with the gold bead and larger rear sight aperture, improved alignment and tracking significantly. The Hogue stocks absorbed the recoil and eliminated any shift in my grip. The Python was pleasant to shoot, even with the hottest magnum loads.
I shot a modified “Test” from 10 yards, shooting two strings of five rounds each, with a par time for each string of five seconds. I used Speer’s 158-grain, Gold Dot Personal Protection load, which averaged 1,142 fps out of my chronograph. I dropped four points into the 9-ring while making the par time on both strings.
A CLASSIC PISTOL DESERVES CLASSIC LEATHER
For my revolvers, I’m addicted to custom leather. For the 3” Snake, I contacted Mike “Doc” Barranti and ordered a Chairman holster and speed strip pouch. The Chairman is a high-ride, neutral cant, holster that can be worn both strong side and cross-draw. While my holster was plain finished, for those who like to dress up their leather, Doc does amazing borders and carvings. The pouch for the speed strip is open-top and designed for low-profile carry while keeping the strip easily accessible. The combination was perfect for the “Snake”. Barranti Leather Company
PYTHON LEGACY
The new Python, Cobra, King Cobra, and Anaconda are some of the best revolvers to ever come out of Hartford. I have had an opportunity to shoot several new Pythons, along with a King Cobra and an Anaconda. The consistent quality and finish have impressed me. Having come up in the revolver era, I am encouraged to see a revival of the market. If you own an older Python, consider getting a new one to carry and shoot. If you have never owned a Python, here is your chance to own a classic!
Colt Python Specifications
| Model | SP3WTC |
| Caliber | .357 Magnum |
| Capacity | 6 Round |
| Length | 8.25” |
| Front Sight OEM | Red Ramp |
| Rear Sight OEM | Fully Adjustable |
| Action | Single/Double |
| Grip | Walnut w/Colt medallion |
| Material | Stainless |
| Barrel Length | 3” |
| Weight | 35.5 oz. |
| MSRP | $1,499 |
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No word of CZ. What’s up with that?
Beautifully made, perfect balance and Caliber: ideal handgun for self defense in this era of unchecked lawlessness.
Had an Anaconda and foolishly let it get away from me. Ever regretful!
This is a beautiful piece of fine Colt craftsmanship and I highly recommend it.
Cowards to publish my remarks!
Apparently not, Philip!!!
My brother, engraver, I helped plate several old Pythons. You take the side plate off 3 parts fall out a nightmare to reassemble and known to be unreliable S&W vastly superior. He had his own 6” I shot a deer with the most accurate 357 I’ve ever shot. I hear new ones have 13 fewer parts is this an improvement?? I don’t care about the grips and the sights! What about the action?!? The FACTS ‘it your feelings!
I owned an old Python. That revolver was so smooth and accurate. The new Colt Pythons have a trigger pull that is heavier and not as smooth. I prefer the old customs over the mass-produced models.
As a former FFL, Colt stopped producing firearms for the general public and folded to pressure from ‘slick-willie and the brady-bunch’. They deserted their customer base. Now they want to sell guns again…. FUCK COLT!
I can’t believe I got one of the originals from a dealer friend of mine for $350 new in the box. I love it but probably haven’t shot 6 boxes of cartridges in it. Keep saying I need to sell it but just can’t do it.
That original is worth well over 10 times that now.
“Perfecting the Python”? What, like, making it a S&W?
Joking aside, I’ve always thought modern Colt double action revolvers were funny looking, something in the shape and geometry of the relationship between the grip frame and wherr the rest of the frame enlarges around the cylinder.
Tgen again, I have a shelf full of relatively modern K, L and N frame Smiths that, to me, look and feel like works of art. And their classic Goncalo Alves targer stocks are factory grip perfection.
I did have to throw away a factory rubber grip on a model 69; was like a molded rubber broomstick.
And Harrison doea make outstanding 1911 parts. Got back a 6″ Springfield TRP 10mm, last week, with one of his single-side safeties newly installed.
Original Pythons and “Python 2’s” or “Continuation Pythons” are not quite the same guns – Colt just wisely used the name and outward appearance to market their new offering. Just like the “King Cobra” is not a real King Cobra. But nice guns, nonetheless. IMHO.
When I was in high school, a family friend showed me a couple of his original Pythons. Ever since then, I’ve wanted one of these “Cadillacs” of revolvers for my own. After Colt ceased production, I grudgingly resigned myself to the reality that owning one would set me back $3,000 or more…a price I couldn’t justify. Then, in 2020, in an act that would constitute one of few bright spots that year, Colt reintroduced this classic…for less than $1500! I wondered if/how the new ones could equal the originals. All I can say is that my 6″ model does so in spades. Reading some of these comments just reminds me how some folks won’t be happy no matter how good the product is. Bah…take my word for it folks: the new guns aren’t good, they’re excellent. If you’ve been wanting one of these, don’t miss the boat for 30 years like I did. This is one of a few for which I would trade another gun/guns. Yeah, it’s THAT good.
Is any handgun perfectly set up for you out of the box? Everyone is different so the aftermarket picks up the slack. I dont need this revolver but I want it- just because.
Did they lengthen the ejector rod to fully eject a spent .357 case?
I have not yet had the pleasure of owning an original Python. But, if this is the best that Colt can produce, in this day and age of computerization, I will wait and see what Colt does with these 1st mods. to make the handgun truly functional. Personally, I would add to the list, a lightening of the break on the trigger to around 4 lb. I am 1 month shy of 80 and, although my mind thinks I am still 40 and my eyes are better than they were when I was 40 [thanks to the use of modern laser technology], my fingers tell me that Arthur has done a job on my grip and trigger squeeze!
As far as the “Proof is in the Shooting”, for me a better proof would be a short video on the same “Test” shooting with the “Proof” being simply the holes made in a few targets?
“Eighty,” did you say? Sure you want to wait for Colt to make further refinements?
I just got the 6″ version this summer after waiting and looking for nearly 2 years. I have only had it to the range once, and was not able to hit the paper at 25 yards! I need some more controlled testing, but this isn’t my first rodeo (at 58). My expectations of keeping everything in the black (which I can do with my Ruger Security Six from the 1980s) were not realized.
Beautiful gun and the revisions to the sights and grips really enhance the function. I want one of these even though I don’t need it or have a specific use for it.
I bought one of the new 4 inch pythons and the rear sight fell off of it after only a couple months of me carrying it on and off, not so happy with the new python
Replace it with a wilson-combat rear sight. Bill Wilson address that problem on his YouTube channel.
So, you a pay premium price for a Python, and then make modifications to make it acceptable. Why couldn’t Colt just make the revolver right the first time? I’ll take a Kimber.
My colt python 1970 is the best , maybe some day I sell it..