I got my new Python out today…meh.

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Old Dog said:
Just out of curiosity, how many rounds did you put through it? BTW, I'm a little surprised about the trigger comment, as every one of these I've fired has had pretty doggone good triggers. Even though it's apparent that the trigger pull weight on these critters seems to be all over the map. I read a lot of reviews before I took the plunge. A couple reviewers claimed sub-4 lb pulls in SA (?!) but I think Colt bills it as around 5 lbs. Most reviewers stated DA pulls ranged from 8 lbs to 10 lbs. Colt specs call for 7-9.5 lbs DA. But even a smooth 9-lb pull isn't a bad thing. And the Python trigger is a bit different than the typical S&W's, so the first time shooting a Python can be an adjustment. All I can tell you is that the DA triggers on my two specimens are smooth with the heaviest being on my 6" model at a little over 9 lbs. with a great surprise break. The SA trigger on my 4.25" is crisp and seems to average about a little over 4 lbs. But, here's the thing: I've been shooting the snot out of these lately and the triggers seem to be getting better. I've owned some S&W revolvers that had absolutely horrid triggers when I first got them, but years and a lot of rounds downrange, they're buttery smooth.
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I put 50 rounds through it. The trigger is fine, the DA was my favorite part of it, it was smooth just a bit heavy and yes it was crisp, SA was fine as well but neither DA or SA were as nice as my 27 and SA action was not on par with my buddy's 686, I would say that the DA of the Python was equal to the 686. My point with my post is that in my now limited experience with the gun is that it does nothing notably better and in a few aspects as well as the S&W’s and Ruger’s.
I have seen many reports on the Colt snake guns being the bee’s knee’s and worth the premium price, mechanically they are not in my opinion but obviously something made me desire one enough to pick it up which is from a collectors stand point and to me they are just beautiful.
 
Since we're talking about the Python and I'm watching this Manny Mansfield character at SHOT show, I found this quote about Colt to be especially true. "The more things change, the more Colt stays the same."


 
1) Go to a gun show
2) Try out dozens of triggers on new and used revolvers that fit your hands well
3) Buy the one with the best trigger (or your favorite of the top five or whatever)

You probably won't come home with a brand-new Python.

It can be kind of random. You can handle brand-new revolvers of the exact same model, and some will have better triggers than others. Some of the nice brands put out a few stinkers. Some of the inexpensive brands will put out the occasional revolver where all of the tolerances lined up just right and the trigger is great.

My Colt revolver has a nice trigger, but it's probably due to the extended break-in period (101 years). :)

Colt Army Special

Colt Army Special

 
I’d like to try one of the new Pythons. The more I think about it the more I think that if I were to buy a new wheelgun today, the Python might get the nod. But realistically I’d probably never buy one, I’d find a pre-lock Smith in the appropriate configuration.
 
I don't have a Python butbI do have a King Cobra. The trigger on the KC is WAY better than any of my S&W left spring revolvers and definitely better than any Rugers I own.

I can't imagine the Python being much worse. This forum is the one and only forum that I am seeing people who aren't happy with their Pythons. Most others I seen seem to be more than happy with their purchase.

I am aware that there were different updates/versions/fixes made on some of the KCs and Pythons. I wonder if someone of you got an early release.
 
Targa said:
many reports on the Colt snake guns being the bee’s knee’s and worth the premium price,
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Understood.

Of course, one has nothing to do with the other.

You expected something more and special, the consequence of reputation and price – only to find the revolver is a good gun, no better or worse than any other.

The price is the result of economics 101: the market determines the price and value of a good – and consumers are clearly willing to pay that price for a Python.

But value and cost are more than how the revolver functions – economists have long acknowledged the value of reputation: owning a Colt revolver reflects positively on the owner, he incurs an inherent cost accordingly, and the Python will indeed retain its value in the years to come, another inherent cost one is willing to pay.

Indeed, even my humble King Cobra will retain its value for no other reason than being a Colt revolver.

Needlessly to say, many will find this silly and wasteful, paying hundreds more for a Colt that functions no better than a Smith – “you’re paying more for just the name”; but again, reputation and pride of ownership are considered to be legitimate factors contributing to the cost and value of a good or service.
 
The new Python came along at
just the right time.

Many who love Smiths shunned
the newer ones with the lock. And
quality control issues were constantly
being raised.

With the new Python, a harkening
back to the good old days of
revolvers occurred. It was time
for revolver fans to reconsider
Colt, even at a premium.
 
This is why I said from the get go that the new Pythons wouldn't put a dent in the old Python prices, not the same gun. Hate to say it but I prefer my tuned Model 19 to either. Well at least the new Colt's don't have a lock.
 
Sorry you're not thrilled with it. Maybe in time you will grow to love it. If not, it's a good thing you didn't buy a matching pair!
 
Targa said:
But they were kind enough to put a QR code on the frame which is every bit the eye sore to me as the lock.
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But does it have the potential to lock the gun up under heavy recoil? Asking for a friend. :)
 
I handled another new Python, probably the day I got the Standard Mfg SAA and it was friggin' gorgeous. This from a guy who's sworn off stainless and is a lifelong Colt critic. The action was very smooth and the trigger the proverbial glass rod.


TTv2 said:
As nice as it is to see Colt get back into making revolvers, I don't expect their revolvers to be anything more than a generic wheelgun with the Colt name and pony on it.

That's all I'm gonna say about that.
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I have to wonder what a person is looking at to make such a statement, because you can't be looking at what I'm looking at. I have S&W's and Colt's going back 100yrs. Rugers going back to the 50's. S&W is not doing anywhere near the level of polishing and machine work that new Colt's exhibit and Ruger never did. You can't look at a GP, 686 and a Python and think they're all the same.
 
Tallball said:
My Colt revolver has a nice trigger, but it's probably due to the extended break-in period (101 years).
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Not sure mine's a bit older than that, has a fantastic trigger, but I doubt it's had many rounds shot thru it. 20220923_093449.jpg
I think it just speaks to the level of quality control and craftsmanship. The Army Special wasn't exactly the flagship model and fit finish and trigger are amazing.
But I also believe this isn't isolated to just Colt.
 
doubleh said:
Meh is what I said about my one and only Python many years ago. Nice but I preferred my S&W 19. I sold the Python to a friend for what I gave for it. I haven't even seen the new version but new things tend to not show up quickly in my area.
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I went to a gun show around 1983. I bought a Smith Model 19-5 for around $325 (Nickle plated) and my buddy bought a Python for about $820 (blued). Both were 6" barrels. I shot his, he shot mine. We then talked - he was stunned by how good the Smith shot and I was stunned at how much he paid.
 
Tall said:
I went to a gun show around 1983. I bought a Smith Model 19-5 for around $325 (Nickle plated) and my buddy bought a Python for about $820 (blued). Both were 6" barrels. I shot his, he shot mine. We then talked - he was stunned by how good the Smith shot and I was stunned at how much he paid.
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$820 in 1983? That's $2,444 today. We're they all that expensive back then?
 
CraigC said:
I have to wonder what a person is looking at to make such a statement, because you can't be looking at what I'm looking at. I have S&W's and Colt's going back 100yrs. Rugers going back to the 50's. S&W is not doing anywhere near the level of polishing and machine work that new Colt's exhibit and Ruger never did. You can't look at a GP, 686 and a Python and think they're all the same.
Click to expand...
Looks can be deceiving and I don't base my opinions on firearms of various makes and brands off solely on appearance. Feel, fit, function, and accuracy are more important to me and I doubt that a Colt Python that costs twice what a GP100 or 686+ does will shoot twice as good and have a pristine trigger out of box. Even then, I'm finding that unless the trigger and ergos are just terrible, I can work with a less than perfect trigger.

If owning a Colt is like owning a Cadillac and it makes you feel good to own, that's fine, that's your bag, baby, but don't tell me that the Cadillac Colt is going to last longer or do the job I use it to do better than my Ford Taurus.
 
Eh, there's Smith and Wesson guys, there's Colt guys, there's the Ruger fellows, and then the odd Dan Wesson guys.

I'm one of the (apparently) rare Colt AND S&W guys.

As an aside, the new Colt King Cobras -- the 3" and the 4" Target models -- are simply exceptional revolvers, and if you haven't tried one out, and you call yourself a revolver man, you're doing yourself an extreme disservice. JMO.
 
I feel like there are guys who think Ruger revolvers are "meh." I am one one of them. I don't think they are anything special fit and finish and trigger wise, and just in general.

There arer some guys who aren't found or impressed with S&W revolvers.

There are some, like a few members in this forum who aren't impressed with Colts.

Over on the DefensiveCarry.com forum, they are the only group who bash the crap out of the Kimber K6S.

I am a S&W and Colt guy like @old fart, and have zero complaints about my examples. I chalk it up to it being great that we all have options, and manufacturers can't please everyone. Someone will always have a gripe.
 
TTv2 said:
Looks can be deceiving and I don't base my opinions on firearms of various makes and brands off solely on appearance. Feel, fit, function, and accuracy are more important to me and I doubt that a Colt Python that costs twice what a GP100 or 686+ does will shoot twice as good and have a pristine trigger out of box. Even then, I'm finding that unless the trigger and ergos are just terrible, I can work with a less than perfect trigger.

If owning a Colt is like owning a Cadillac and it makes you feel good to own, that's fine, that's your bag, baby, but don't tell me that the Cadillac Colt is going to last longer or do the job I use it to do better than my Ford Taurus.
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I'm not some dimbulb fooled by a shiny finish and you don't have enough experience to call me out. Now you can try and convince yourself of whatever you need to.but having a truckload of revolvers, some very expensive and professionally built custom guns and handled two or three truckloads more, I think I have a pretty good handle on what constitutes a good one. The facts are that the new Pythons are very well polished, not just shiny, they are very well machined and the actions of those I've handled have been slicker than butter on glass. I have an even dozen S&W's, some of which were tuned by a factory gunsmith and the only one that the new Python compares to, is the one tuned by Bob Munden.
 
CraigC said:
I'm not some dimbulb fooled by a shiny finish and you don't have enough experience to call me out. Now you can try and convince yourself of whatever you need to.but having a truckload of revolvers, some very expensive and professionally built custom guns and handled two or three truckloads more, I think I have a pretty good handle on what constitutes a good one. The facts are that the new Pythons are very well polished, not just shiny, they are very well machined and the actions of those I've handled have been slicker than butter on glass. I have an even dozen S&W's, some of which were tuned by a factory gunsmith and the only one that the new Python compares to, is the one tuned by Bob Munden.
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Does the Python have the same trigger and left spring as the King Cobra? I believe I vaguely recall that they do.
 
I could not bring myself to pay what they want for a python or anaconda in my parts. I handled a friends but did not shoot it, it felt nice in the hand and certainly looked really nice but Im just more of a Smith and/or Ruger kind of guy.
 
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