Python Update

All three of the Smith & Wesson revolvers I have purchased in the last few years have either had screws loosen up or the the ejector rod loosen up (or both) within the first few hundred rounds of fire. No biggie.

Glad you discovered that and didn’t have to send it in to the factory, Cajun Bass.

Edit: I don’t consider Loctite unless the screw it a repeat offender.

Rudolph31 said:

My S&W Model 29’s cylinder started binding up until I had to give it a sharp rap to open or close. I thought I was going to have to send it back but a friend told me the ejector rod was backing out, and that it had reverse threads.

So, it’s not just Colt. And I hope loose screws are all that’s wrong with the new Python.

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When my work hours allowed for it, I used to shoot in a local club's double action revolver league.

The first night of my first season, EASILY a half dozen shooters had alibis due to ejector rods unwinding on their S&Ws. This included me.

Thanks for keeping us updated CajunBass. There’s a lot of us interested in the running status of these guns.

I’m hoping to buy next year.

I put myself on 3 website's notify list when the new python is back in stock. Big retail gun stores around me have no clue when they will get some in. Does anyone know when the next batch of guns will become available?

Colt Addresses Python Issues in New Video



https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2020/2/24/the-keefe-report-colt-addresses-python-problems/

Pythons are ment to be kept in a safe & not fired.

Got to handle one today. VERY impressed, to say the least. The polishing is perfect. Not like the `80's when all the edges were rounded off and recesses dished out like a gorilla was at the buffer. In a world where most people don't look beyond "oooh shiny!", the flat surfaces remain perfectly flat, the edges are crisp. The action was also very smooth and slick. One thing I don't care for are the grips but I always change them out anyway.

I will say this, for the guys that think there is nothing there over a Ruger or S&W, you're flat wrong. You might not be willing to pay extra for it but it is definitely there.

I am really looking forward to seeing one in person, and a little leery too since it may end up hurting the bank account. I’ve wanted one since I was a kid, and being able to get one and not worry about it being a safe queen.

I saw MSRP, but what is street cost? Any suggestions on what "line" to get in that would be the best?

CraigC said:

Got to handle one today. VERY impressed, to say the least. The polishing is perfect. Not like the `80's when all the edges were rounded off and recesses dished out like a gorilla was at the buffer. In a world where most people don't look beyond "oooh shiny!", the flat surfaces remain perfectly flat, the edges are crisp. The action was also very smooth and slick. One thing I don't care for are the grips but I always change them out anyway.

I will say this, for the guys that think there is nothing there over a Ruger or S&W, you're flat wrong. You might not be willing to pay extra for it but it is definitely there.

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Coming from a wheel gun connoisseur that is encouraging. Did you buy, or intend to? I know you’re a big bore guy at heart, so just curious.

I am still on the look out for a 4.25” probably be next year before production catches up with demand. Not willing to buy sight unseen.

A bit concerned that Colt’s intends to change the mainspring to more reliably light off imported ammo with hard primers since I wouldn’t personally run cheap ammo anyway. So I will for sure wait until reports come in on the trigger quality after that revision.

Glad Colt’s has addressed the early teething issues and gotten on top of correcting them. I had serious doubts and unkind words, the lamentations of a disappointed Colt fan. Happy they seem to be doing what they can to prove my angst wrong.

Any chance you’d share your thoughts on what grip material and finish you think would pair nicely with the new Python? I know you have something in mind.....

Coal Dragger said:

Coming from a wheel gun connoisseur that is encouraging. Did you buy, or intend to? I know you’re a big bore guy at heart, so just curious.

I am still on the look out for a 4.25” probably be next year before production catches up with demand. Not willing to buy sight unseen.

A bit concerned that Colt’s intends to change the mainspring to more reliably light off imported ammo with hard primers since I wouldn’t personally run cheap ammo anyway. So I will for sure wait until reports come in on the trigger quality after that revision.

Glad Colt’s has addressed the early teething issues and gotten on top of correcting them. I had serious doubts and unkind words, the lamentations of a disappointed Colt fan. Happy they seem to be doing what they can to prove my angst wrong.

Any chance you’d share your thoughts on what grip material and finish you think would pair nicely with the new Python? I know you have something in mind.....

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No, it was already spoken for, ordered for a customer. I saw nothing that would've prevented it though, had I been of the mind to. Sounds like you have probably guessed that I'm not big on .357's but the biggest hurdle would've been the Desert Eagle I had already put in for.

Judging by this sole example, I don't think it will hurt to increase the spring rate a couple pounds. Its action was very light and smooth.

I will say that I have never been a big fan of the Python. Probably mostly because of the .357 cartridge. I'll also say that the Python grip is one of the most comfortable I've ever encountered. The grips on the new version don't feel like that. I would consider a few options. One would be to rob the Python take-off grips I put on Dad's Army Special .32-20, if they interchange. Another would be a set from John Culina, Keith Brown or Herrett's. Not sure about the wood, haven't thought that deep into it.

I will also say without a doubt that if Colt reintroduces the Anaconda I'll be first in line.

I am going to get my mitts on one soon to wring out. Can't wait!

I've never been a colt fan but I did get my hands on a King Cobra and I expect the Python has the same action in it, but I couldn't believe how far I had to pull the hammer back before it locked. I had to articulate the gun somewhat sideways in my hand to get it cocked.
Are the new Pythons the same frame size as the King Cobra or are they a larger frame? The hammer definitely had to be pulled back further to cock than anything I've ever fired. Is this a colt thing or is the Python a larger frame size than the King Cobra?

Thanks CajunBass, that's what I wanted to know. Don't know if I can afford a Python, I have to have it in my hands to know that. Perception of what I can afford changes rapidly when every thing feels right.

tightgroup tiger said:

Thanks CajunBass, that's what I wanted to know. Don't know if I can afford a Python, I have to have it in my hands to know that. Perception of what I can afford changes rapidly when every thing feels right.

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Well make sure your wallet is in order, cause holding one will make you want one...

tightgroup tiger said:

I've never been a colt fan but I did get my hands on a King Cobra and I expect the Python has the same action in it, but I couldn't believe how far I had to pull the hammer back before it locked. I had to articulate the gun somewhat sideways in my hand to get it cocked.
Are the new Pythons the same frame size as the King Cobra or are they a larger frame? The hammer definitely had to be pulled back further to cock than anything I've ever fired. Is this a colt thing or is the Python a larger frame size than the King Cobra?

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Why are you worried about thumb cocking the hammer? It's a DA revolver if you are thumb cocking you are doing it wrong.

I was under the impression that they stopped making them because it was too expensive. Did they change their mind or find ways to cut corners and make an equivalent product for less money? What are we giving up by buying a 2020 model compared to say a 1980 model?

Kleanbore said:

Yes.

And some of us older folks might put it the other way around.

I was surprised to find that the L-frame is about the size of a Colt Model 1892 New Army in .38 Long Colt. That frame was with us for a century--and it appears to have been reborn.

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Yep! I think a lot of folks don't realize that the mid-frame Colt's have always been about that size. Just as the New Service 1917 was more the size of the Redhawk than the N-frame. Here's a +100yr old Army Special .32-20 with Python grips. Bigger than a K-frame, more like an L-frame or GP.

I haven't yet handled the new Python but I've owned two of the older ones, the first was my first gun purchase and the second replaced the first after a burglary. Neither one was or is a safe queen.
1975, give or take, Python #1. Picture taken by a friend with an old school instamatic camera, apologies for the picture quality or lack thereof.

CajunBass said:

This time I stopped and looked things over closely and found that the two screws on the left side of the gun were loose.

View attachment 892350

It took about thirty seconds to find a screwdriver in my bag, a minute to remove the grips, and a few more seconds to snug each screw down, and flip the gun over and check the one on the right side. It was OK.

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Very nice-looking revolver, a Python has always been a desired handgun for me. Not sure what type of screwdriver you used, but the sideplate screws on revolvers are fitted pieces, and if you need to tighten or remove them, you need a screwdriver with a hollow-ground tip that exactly fits the slot width and the diameter of the screw. A regular straight-blade screwdriver can either spread the head so the screw won't fully seat, or gall the slot and mar the screw. When/if the gun is ever sold, a knowledgeable buyer will look at the sideplate screws immediately to see if the sideplate has ever been removed. If the screws are marred, it affects the value of the gun.

I agree with everyone above who said they were disappointed that a new gun with only 500 rounds through it already has screws loosening. My M19-3 (made in 1967) has several thousand magnum rounds through it and never had to tighten a screw yet.