Colt Python 2020 vs Original

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Huntolive

Huntolive

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Sold a couple other nice 357 s and Seriously considering throwing down cashola for a Python. 6 inch.
Am considering both 2020 version and original 1980s- 1990s versions.
Purpose: to have one, and for occasional hunting and target shooting, but Not a simple safe queen, although I do want to keep value in the investment.

Initially new model got many bad reviews for loose parts and not cycling consistently.
How are they really?
Pros and Cons of new model for about $1800 vs Original in excellent condition for about $2500???
In what ways is new model actually Better?
How/why old model better?
 
I've been wondering about this. Money aside, is the new Python really a Python or a glorified Trooper MkIII?
 
earlthegoat2 said:
New model.

Less pesos. More reliable factory support. Less likely to go down as much in value if you shoot it a bit.
Click to expand...
Yes, and considering that the old Colts required periodic tune-ups, the support issue is a big one.
 
unspellable said:
Money aside, is the new Python really a Python or a glorified Trooper MkIII?
Click to expand...
It is not a "glorified" anything.

It is a somewhat beefed up Python, which was a deluxe .357 derivative of the old Colt Official Police, with a couple of very welcome design changes that will undoubtedly extend the service life considerably.
 
I watched a video with Ken Hackathorn and Bill Wilson who said something to the effect that the original python lockwork was so complicated that it cost more to get a trigger job done on it than it did to buy the gun, which I found fascinating.

That being said I once shot 50 rounds out of a python and it was an amazing experience.

-Stan
 
If I shoot a new model, but handle it with care and put it away clean and cozy, do y'all suspect it will retain or increase in value like the old pythons?

So Really Kleanbore, u think the new python is better than old , functionally speaking?
What about finish/craftsman ship?

So the old ones aren't worth the money?

But Is Any python worth price when compared to a performance center S&W or nice Dan Wesson that can easily be had for under $1000?
Is it just the Mystique or are How are they Better?
 
Huntolive said:
If I shoot a new model, but handle it with care and put it away clean and cozy, do y'all suspect it will retain or increase in value like the old pythons?
Click to expand...
The old ones are no longer being made--that will limit supply.

Demand? Who knows how much people will keep paying high prices?

Huntolive said:
So Really Kleanbore, u think the new python is better than old , functionally speaking?
Click to expand...
The old ones went out of time and required service periodically.

Smiths did not. The new Colt cylinder locks up in a matter similar to the Smith to eliminate that problem.

for the same reason, I would prefer a new Cobra to an old DS for carry.
 
The old Python and Colt OMM actions are very much alike and I have worked on both, resolving issues that came from decades of shooting the guns. While Pythons are harder to work on than S&W revolvers, mostly because parts are hard to find, the actions are easier to understand and repair than a Korth or MR73.

I had bought my first Python pre-owned for $400 in 1985 and shot it for approximately 15,000 rounds without an issue before I gifted it to one of my sons. By the way, that round count did not show and the gun is still looking great.
 
At the end of the day I want a gun that's going to shoot well that I can have confidence hunting with.
Sure I have other guns that cost s half the price that I can hunt with but I don't want just a safe Queen. Yes I would see buying a python as an investment but I do want to shoot it so my final question is functionally speaking do either the new or old pythons justify the price?
 
I think the old ones will hold their value (relatively) better than the new ones, sort of like pre-64 Winchesters or JM Marlin things recently.
Not saying that the new ones will plummet but if they are still making them in 10yrs and selling them at $1500 (picked from thin air) then used new gen ones will be less than that.

Much can change though. If Colt goes under the argument that new is better as they will work on them is gone.
Another big TV show or movie could raise interest in them again.
Its really a big guess. If you like it and think you got value for your money enjoy it and roll on. I would buy a new one and enjoy it except that I have more than I "need" now.

I wish Colt hadn't put the QR code (or whatever it is) on the side of the new one. Just looks really out of place on such a nice looking revolver. Other than that and the initial QC issues (which the 'net may well have blow out of proportion) I like them and am glad to see them back!
 
Huntolive,

Not sure the 2020 Python is worth the money except
it says "Colt" on it and has the distinctive vents atop
the barrel. For the money and reliability don't overlook
either used or new S&W 686 or 586. In the stainless
version you can even get a 7-shooter. And half the price.
 
Yes I own at least one 686 seven shot stainless steel Tallow edition that shoots awesome with a seven inch barrel and I don't worry about scratching it so:thumbup:
I also have a very nice stainless steel Dan Wesson and a couple Smith & Wesson performance centers all of which shoot great and I wouldn't sweat each time I put it in and pulled it out of my holster and laid it down on a hard surface.
And yet it's not a Colt Python:evil:
Yeah I guess I'm dealing with a high-end problem.
But I'm not rolling in money nor am I poor.
As a Hartford Connecticut boy originally and an appreciative owner of a king cobra that is fantastic it's just kind of got me mesmerized.
I'm trying to fight off the urge with rationality and also thinking through whether the new one for two thirds the price of a good used one would be a middle ground way to go.
 
I know it's almost anathema, but I owned an 80's era (iirc) blued 4" Python. While it was one of my "grail" guns I never warmed up to it. Shot it a few times. Shot into 1.5" at 50 yards from a rest. But the grip to trigger reach was too big. Always worried it would break without parts available....etc.

I would look at a new Python, but after my previous experience its just not quite as high up my list.

That said I was handed a new 3" King Cobra a couple weeks ago in a gun shop. It felt so good in my hand that I immediately handed it back to the owner as I didn't think spending $900+ dollars would go over so well with the other half... Taking another look at that model is definitely on my short list.
 
Last edited:
The new Python is a totally different design then the original Python, who's action dates to the Colt Army Special of 1908.

The new Python is a "version" of the Mark III/original King Cobra in that it's a transfer bar safety-ignition design, but which has an updated "vee" type mainspring similar to the old Colt spring, and still has the old Colt "Bank Vault Lockup" cylinder.
Instead of the wire torsion type trigger return spring of the Mark III and original King Cobra, the new Python has a trigger return system that looks like the old rebound lever of the original Python, but which powers only the trigger.
It has a cylinder locking bolt that's very similar to the S&W and Mark III system and will be trouble free since it's a stronger, simpler design then the old Python.

Owners report that the single action trigger pull is somewhat heavier then the original Python but accuracy is as good..... and in some cases better then the original Python.

The frame and cylinder size are the same as the original Python, although it's beefed up in critical areas and is a stronger frame.
Grips of the new model will interchange with any of the older medium frame Colt's from the Army Special to the original Python, but NO other parts will interchange.
The old Colt Accro and Ellison rear sights will not interchange with the new Python.

In all, the new Python is not the complicated, hand assembled and finely tuned original, but it's a far tougher, very accurate gun and should be trouble free for the life of the owner.
 
Well that was a lot of good information I thank you and appreciate it and we'll have to leave the final decision to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
But I'll be sure not to include my wife in it:evil:
 
IMG_1794.JPG
His new one and my old one, side by side, 41 years apart.
The New Python looks like a solid piece and he shot it well.
The double action is better than a stock original, not nearly the stacking.
Nearly up to my Jungkind duty action, near enough I'd see what lube and breakin would do for it. I don't know of anybody working on them anyhow.
 
I'm pretty fond of mine, that's all I know. I've got two 2020 Python's and a "new" Cobra. I like all three. I didn't buy any of them to collect, but to shoot. The only thing I do different now is save the box's, and all the papers. I'm not going to holster them and drag them over hill, over dale. I'm going to carry them in a gun sock, in a range bag when I shoot them, and I'm going to clean and wax them when I get them home. I suspect they'll still be worth something when I'm done with them.
 
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