Colt Python 2020 vs Original

[cfullgraf]

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.

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While I cannot confirm the single action trigger pull comparison with the original Python, my new manufacture Python's single action trigger pull is heavier than my S&W 586 and 686 pistols.

The double action pull on the Python is quite nice when compared to the S&W's. Apologizes for not putting a trigger pull gauge on them.

I've put a couple boxes of mid range ammunition through the Python and have been pleased with it so far.

 

[Paul7]

I've been wondering about this. Money aside, is the new Python really a Python or a glorified Trooper MkIII?

I would call it a glorified version of the current King Cobra. I own an old one and have handled the new, IMHO the DA pull is better on the new and the SA is better on the old. I doubt most will wear out either one, but there are certainly guys who will work on the old ones today. Of course you can't get the awesome bluing on the new.

The experts can correct me, but from what I gather when the new model came out there were a lot of light primer strikes, but the Colt 'fix' made the SA trigger pull heavier.

 

[Paul7]

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.

And a trigger lock?

Personally, once used to the Colt lockup I don't have any use for S&W.

 

[CapnMac]

Yeah just hoping the prices go back down.

Not much hope of that.
Colt might back down to $1200 or so; but the old ones are not likely to ever scare $1500-2000 ever again.

 

[Paul7]

Not much hope of that.
Colt might back down to $1200 or so; but the old ones are not likely to ever scare $1500-2000 ever again.

Agreed, the release of the new Sig P210s didn't impact the high prices of the old ones.

 

[CapnMac]

release of the new Sig P210s didn't impact the high prices of the old ones.

Well the old ones were Rolex; the new ones more Seiko

 

[The Happy Kaboomer]

I have owned a 6" Python from the custom shop since 1980. Shot it alot in the early days. It has gone out of time TWICE. Each time I had to remove the hand and peen it(stretch) to get it back in time. It is a fragile action for high volume shooting. After owning it for 40 years I don't see the mystic. Smith revolvers are cheaper and better. My N-frame guns in 357/44spl/45LC/44mag from the early 80's have never required any work. Paying big $$$ for any Colt is over rated as compared to others.
Old saying "You buy Colt's to fondle, brag on and keep in the safe. You buy Smith's and Rugers to shoot."

 

[4v50 Gary]

I've been wondering about this. Money aside, is the new Python really a Python or a glorified Trooper MkIII?

The new Python does not have a Trooper Action. Instead it is based on the original Python but simplified somewhat.

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.

It's the 4140 steel of the original Pythons. They held up for a long time.

The newer Python has MIM parts and from the image in American Rifleman magazine, was simplified somewhat. For example, the bolt (cylinder stop) on the original operated off the rebound lever. The new one which is MIM operates off the hammer (like the S&W revolver). I don't know if the transfer bar is the same on the new Python because the image from the magazine never showed it with the hammer removed (nor was there a schematic drawing).

 

[Pat Riot]

Well, the one thing you have going for you is the higher price on the new Python. You can find them in stock online and in some stores. Most new shooters or people looking for a handgun during this “panic” or whatever it is aren’t spending two grand on a handgun.

 

[Paul7]

Well the old ones were Rolex; the new ones more Seiko

I've heard the new P210s compare very favorably with the old ones. I used to own a new one, have never seen an old P210 so am no expert.

 

[Paul7]

Well, the one thing you have going for you is the higher price on the new Python. You can find them in stock online and in some stores. Most new shooters or people looking for a handgun during this “panic” or whatever it is aren’t spending two grand on a handgun.

For the same price I'll take an old one.

 

[Paul7]

I have owned a 6" Python from the custom shop since 1980. Shot it alot in the early days. It has gone out of time TWICE. Each time I had to remove the hand and peen it(stretch) to get it back in time. It is a fragile action for high volume shooting. After owning it for 40 years I don't see the mystic. Smith revolvers are cheaper and better. My N-frame guns in 357/44spl/45LC/44mag from the early 80's have never required any work. Paying big $$$ for any Colt is over rated as compared to others.
Old saying "You buy Colt's to fondle, brag on and keep in the safe. You buy Smith's and Rugers to shoot."

I agree if you're a high volume shooter the new Python, Smith or Ruger are a better choice. Most people are not. Can I ask about how many rounds through your Python?

 

[PzGren]

I've heard the new P210s compare very favorably with the old ones. I used to own a new one, have never seen an old P210 so am no expert.

Favorably is probably over - optimistic. The P210A is to the P210-1 to P210-6 what the Hammerli X Esse is to the Hammerli International - and this carries well over to the comparisons of the Python, new and old.

The originals were legendary because there was no expense saved to manufacture a supremely superior firearm. The current models, while having some practical improvements, do not compare when it comes to quality, neither do they compare in accuracy, when you look at a Hammerli 208 test targets and an Xesse targets, it becomes evident.

Do the current production guns shoot well? Yes, the P210A, the Xesse, Colt Python with the glitches worked out will always satisfy the needs of a marksman - but then, who shoots Bullseye nowadays anyway? Most people I see at my range, blast away at five to ten yards.

 

[Paul7]

Favorably is probably over - optimistic. The P210A is to the P210-1 to P210-6 what the Hammerli X Esse is to the Hammerli International - and this carries well over to the comparisons of the Python, new and old.

The originals were legendary because there was no expense saved to manufacture a supremely superior firearm. The current models, while having some practical improvements, do not compare when it comes to quality, neither do they compare in accuracy, when you look at a Hammerli 208 test targets and an Xesse targets, it becomes evident.

Do the current production guns shoot well? Yes, the P210A, the Xesse, Colt Python with the glitches worked out will always satisfy the needs of a marksman - but then, who shoots Bullseye nowadays anyway? Most people I see at my range, blast away at five to ten yards.

There seem to be different opinions on that, from the Sig forum:

"Sounder, glad to hear you are happy with yours, I have no regrets in purchasing mine. I bought one late last year due to positive early reports. But having owned Swiss and German versions, I admit I was ready to loudly trash it, perhaps even going so far as to label it an abomination. That is, IF it had turned out to be as bad as I suspected it might. Ok, so I buy US 210 without ever handling one. Turns out the barrel/slide/frame fit is as precise as my Swiss and German versions, cleanly machined in and out, nicely finished, trigger just under 3.5#, reliable, and accurate, at least as far as my capability allows me to determine accuracy."

 

[BigBlue 94]

Love my old python. Though the checkering on the original grips is sharp as he11. It bites, literally. I need some hogues for it.

Trigger is very comparable to the JRC500 S&W PC revolver i have.

I have no experience with any colts newer than the Python I have, from I think around 1980.

 

[The Happy Kaboomer]

I agree if you're a high volume shooter the new Python, Smith or Ruger are a better choice. Most people are not. Can I ask about how many rounds through your Python?

I have no clue. I don't keep a round count on ANY of my guns. Who Does? Seems frugal to me.

 

[v8stang289]

I've never shot an original python, But my best friend/shooting buddy has one of the new ones with a 4.25" barrel. It's a nice gun for sure with a nice trigger, but dollar wise it's not 3x as nice as My 4" 686-4, to me at least. And I have a 66-2 with a double action trigger pull wayyyy smoother and lighter than the python. If it was $1000 I'd say it was an awesome revolver, but since most I see are going 1800-2000, I think it's overpriced for what it is. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice gun, but in my opinion it's overpriced for what you get.

 

[UncleEd]

I agree if you're a high volume shooter the new Python, Smith or Ruger are a better choice. Most people are not. Can I ask about how many rounds through your Python?

No experience with the new Python but I can comment
a bit on the older Pythons from the 1960s to 1980s. It's
not just about volume of ammunition that goes through one;
it's about how that ammo is shot.

Fast double action shooting wears the Pythons of old and
they lose their timing way before a Smith or today's Rugers
that are shot really fast.

And the older Pythons, and I believe the 2020 version, just
don't have as fast trigger reset as you'll experience in the Smith
and Ruger.

But to add, one might ask why is fast, really fast DA shooting
have to be done most of the time? It doesn't. Leisurely DA
shooting or nicely paced DA shooting certainly can be the norm.

 

[Paul7]

I have no clue. I don't keep a round count on ANY of my guns. Who Does?

There's currently a whole thread on that subject over on the Handguns General Discussion section.

 

[Mosin77]

I think if I were looking to drop a lot of coin on a new revolver, the new Python would be a strong contender.

I probably wouldn’t buy an original because theyre even pricier, probably shoot less well, and are more delicate internally. And a small scratch on that glorious blueing will devalue the gun by many Benjamins. But if you want an original and the mystique of “the finest revolver Colt ever made” calls to you, then nothing else will scratch that itch and you will save money by just buying the original Python.

 

[PzGren]

There seem to be different opinions on that, from the Sig forum:

"Sounder, glad to hear you are happy with yours, I have no regrets in purchasing mine. I bought one late last year due to positive early reports. But having owned Swiss and German versions, I admit I was ready to loudly trash it, perhaps even going so far as to label it an abomination. That is, IF it had turned out to be as bad as I suspected it might. Ok, so I buy US 210 without ever handling one. Turns out the barrel/slide/frame fit is as precise as my Swiss and German versions, cleanly machined in and out, nicely finished, trigger just under 3.5#, reliable, and accurate, at least as far as my capability allows me to determine accuracy."

Everybody is allowed an opinion and in this case mine differs very much. I shot competitions successfully and was a pistol coach for decades. I still shoot a lot and worked as an engineer in Germany, so my quality standards and technical understanding might be very different from that of others.

 

[Paul7]

Everybody is allowed an opinion and in this case mine differs very much. I shot competitions successfully and was a pistol coach for decades. I still shoot a lot and worked as an engineer in Germany, so my quality standards and technical understanding might be very different from that of others.

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I can't dispute anything you've said, never having handled the old P210s, but I really doubt the average shooter is going to tell the difference between new and old.

 

[Huntolive]

So anyway back to the cold pythons...

 

[Huntolive]

So if I were looking for a classic old and well made durable 357 revolver that is less likely to have timing issues than the colt, what else can you guys tell me about the original 357 which I believe was actually made by Smith & Wesson and the early models of 357 Smith & Wesson's?
I have a nice old Smith so maybe I should just get another one like that but then again the guy who said that the itch might never be scratched if I don't buy a cult (pun intended) could be right

 

[Huntolive]

I mean really right now it probably would be smarter to buy some semi-automatic stuff given the climate if I'm looking to potentially recoup value.