Pietta 1955?????

Seeing how Pietta can screw up some relatively simple revolver designs I highly doubt that they have the needed skilled and knowledgeable staff to make a real Python replica. The hearth of an old style Colt revolver is the action - it's complicated, it must be carefully hand fitted and it relies on tight tolerances to work well. It's way above Pietta capabilities I believe.
I tend to differ about the "over priced old Colts" - they are reasonably priced for an used gun. You and I may not like it, but trust me - a new Python would cost even more. And I mean maybe $1000 more than that "over priced" NIB Python with $3000 price tag we find ridiculous.

Dead.
I asked Alessandro Pietta two years ago.
He said it was not in production & he didn't know if it ever would be.
Nothing since.

It was quite obvious from the beginning that a Python reboot could not be produced to any acceptable quality levels & retail at $800.
Not even in Italy.
Denis

Mizar said:

Seeing how Pietta can screw up some relatively simple revolver designs I highly doubt that they have the needed skilled and knowledgeable staff to make a real Python replica. The hearth of an old style Colt revolver is the action - it's complicated, it must be carefully hand fitted and it relies on tight tolerances to work well. It's way above Pietta capabilities I believe.
I tend to differ about the "over priced old Colts" - they are reasonably priced for an used gun. You and I may not like it, but trust me - a new Python would cost even more. And I mean maybe $1000 more than that "over priced" NIB Python with $3000 price tag we find ridiculous.

Click to expand...

You've never handles a Pietta LeMat, have you?

Pietta CAN makes exceptional quality guns. Normally, however, they don't. Why? Because they try and make some of their Colt and Remington cap and ball clones as cheap as they can, because they sell a TON of them at those prices. They also understand that 75%+ of people buying these cheap cast brass guns won't ever shoot them more than once or twice. It all boils down to business and market demands. The $150 Piettas are rough for a reason. They're also $150 for a reason!

But something like their LeMats, which is a $1000+ revolver, I've owned one and let me tell you, I don't think even Smith & Wesson could make something so beautifully made, polished, and fitted. They are exquisite, made even better than the originals.

So don't think Pietta can't make a good gun, they sure as hell can. Don't judge them by the $150 Cabelas Special value priced budget models.

As for the P1955? Sorry to see it go. I fully believe Pietta could get it right, but it would probably cost even more than their LeMat, and people would whine and complain that it isn't $500 or $150 at Cabelas and others would whine that it isn't a "true Pony gun" and all of that stuff. I don't blame Pietta for not wanting to bother with the craziness that is the Colt Python culture.

I, for one, cannot imagine anyone wanting a copy of a Python. Only the Colt has the charm of being a Colt, whereas an Italian copy would be just another DA .357 Magnum revolver, and certainly would not fare well in competition with an L-Framed Smith & Wesson or even a Ruger.

The Python really has nothing going for it outside of the Colt fit and finish, and lacking this, its just a ho-hum revolver.

I have had considerable experience with the Python, but when the L-Framed Smith hit the market, chose that and never looked back.

Bob Wright

Cooldill, shiny does not mean quality. A LeMat is a piece of cake to manufacture compared to a Python, or any other pre-Mk. III action. Just take a look at the insides, study how it works, how parts interact and you'll see it for yourself. It's like asking Remington to make a side by side with Purdey sidelock action - they just can't, it requires a lot of skilled handwork from highly qualified workers that those companies don't have. Hell, I doubt even Colt could do it now. And if Pietta is asking $1000 for a LeMat, I imagine what the price will be for a Python copy... If they CAN make it. A hint - Pietta introduced the model 1955 revolver before what, 3 years ago? It was "the" 1955, because I believe it was the only piece ever made, the one on that Shot Show. With a MSRP of $800. Well, make it a $1000 - it's easier to calculate. Where are those cheap Pythons now? Where? I think Denis gave you the answer about what Pietta can and can't do...