Colt's New Revolvers Lineup

[UncleEd]

Now had a chance to check out the
Python (4-inch), the King Cobra Target
(4-inch) and the King Cobra (3-inch).

While the new Python seems to be a
superb reworking of the old models,
I find it at my stage of shooting
"too big and too heavy" for me.

But the other two are ideal, I believe.
I really like the Target . I think of it
as a vastly upgraded Diamondback
in size and handling. Of course the
new gun can handle the .357 while
the Diamondback was strictly .38 or
.22.

So glad to see Colt come back.

 

[danof76]

Agreed. I now CC a Night Cobra that, even as a snub, enjoy to shoot and it is just a well rounded gun. I have owned it's predecessor, a '77 DS, for many years now but as a shooter I think my Night Cobra is just the better gun.

A 2020 Python is next on my list. I had the chance to compare a new one side by side with several old Pythons of different eras. I know I am going to be in the minority on this, but even if price were no factor I would still take a new one over an old one. The only thing I like more on the old ones is they have beautiful bluing (obviously this is not a thing the new ones do at all... currently...), backstrap serrations, hammer checkering (new ones are just serrated) and the lack of a QR code.

My LGS has been steadily dropping prices, too. They are now at the MSRP of $1,499, if they go any lower I won't be able to wait and shall incur whatever wrath my wife wants to dish out.

Also excited to see what CZ plans to do with Colt, too.

 

[brunowbe]

Now had a chance to check out the
Python (4-inch), the King Cobra Target
(4-inch) and the King Cobra (3-inch).


But the other two are ideal, I believe.
I really like the Target.

If you are going to get the King Cobra Target, make sure you get the version with the rubber grips, as there are 2 versions of this. If it is the one with the wood grips (mine is thi version), the grips look nice, but are absolutely worthless for shooting, especially if you are running.357 magnum through it. .357 makes the gun slip right through your hand as the grips have no grip. Other than that, it's a great little revolver.

 

[UncleEd]

Brunowbe,

Aware of the "slippery" wood grips. Have a rubber
placement already or I'll just go gangster and wrap
tape and rubber bands around it.

 

[Jack B.]

I want an Anaconda 6" sadly I have no money. Been wanting an M29 also. I guess I'll just have to dream. At least that's free!

 

[brunowbe]

I want an Anaconda 6" sadly I have no money. Been wanting an M29 also. I guess I'll just have to dream. At least that's free!

Save up and get both! I got my 629 last summer, this summer I got my Anaconda. I love my 44s!

 

[brunowbe]

Brunowbe,

Aware of the "slippery" wood grips. Have a rubber
placement already or I'll just go gangster and wrap
tape and rubber bands around it.

If you go gangster, don't forget to hold it sideways while shooting. Not sure that would look right with a revolver though. Maybe you could scratch "Glock" on it somewhere.

 

[SwampWolf]

The only thing I like more on the old ones is they have beautiful bluing (obviously this is not a thing the new ones do at all... currently...), backstrap serrations, hammer checkering (new ones are just serrated) and the lack of a QR code.

I agree. I really liked the checkering and the shape of the original Python hammer spur (and of course, the "Royal Blue" finish) but, like you, if given the choice and the price was the same, I'd opt for the latest Python. What is a QR code?

 

[SteadyD]

I would like to see Colt and Kimber release alloy lightweight versions in their lineup. That’s the final missing piece.

 

[SwampWolf]

I would like to see Colt and Kimber release alloy lightweight versions in their lineup. That’s the final missing piece.

With the Cobra especially, given its original reason for being, I think an alloy frame should have been the first piece; the final piece being a steel variant aptly called the "Detective Special".

 

[shoebox1.1]

I love my king cobra 3 inch

 

[Pat Riot]

With the Cobra especially, given its original reason for being, I think an alloy frame should have been the first piece; the final piece being a steel variant aptly called the "Detective Special".

I have been wondering why Colt’s has not released a new Detective Special. I am sure it would do well in sales.

 

[SteadyD]

With the Cobra especially, given its original reason for being, I think an alloy frame should have been the first piece; the final piece being a steel variant aptly called the "Detective Special".

I wish you had told Colt that a few years back!

 

[danof76]

With the Cobra especially, given its original reason for being, I think an alloy frame should have been the first piece; the final piece being a steel variant aptly called the "Detective Special".

I would wager that if they are going to make a light framed version that they will stick with a snake name.

Also a QR code is that little pixelated square that you typically scan with your phone that will usually open a link for you or perform an action (like a restaurant menu these days). I honestly don't know what the code is for certain on the new revolvers but I assume it is just the serial number. I just tried to scan my Night Cobra but it is either too small and/or too obscure to read.


This QR code for instance, if you scan it with your phone, should prompt you to open a link that will take you to this thread.

In any case you can see them on the right side of the gun on the lower right corner of the frame on all new Colt revolvers. It isn't too much an eyesore so much that it just looks weird (and modern) on an otherwise classically styled gun.

 

[bassjam]

I would wager that if they are going to make a light framed version that they will stick with a snake name.

Also a QR code is that little pixelated square that you typically scan with your phone that will usually open a link for you or perform an action (like a restaurant menu these days). I honestly don't know what the code is for certain on the new revolvers but I assume it is just the serial number. I just tried to scan my Night Cobra but it is either too small and/or too obscure to read.

View attachment 1013422
This QR code for instance, if you scan it with your phone, should prompt you to open a link that will take you to this thread.

In any case you can see them on the right side of the gun on the lower right corner of the frame on all new Colt revolvers. It isn't too much an eyesore so much that it just looks weird (and modern) on an otherwise classically styled gun.

It's not a QR code, it's a data matrix code meant for manufacturing purposes. While a QR code contains a link, a datamatrix code just contains information and is specific to however the manufacturer coded it and only a scanner linked to their database can read it. It probably is the serial number like you said, could also have a brief description like barrel length, color, caliber depending on how large the matrix is. A 10x10 pixel square like what appears to be on the Colt's can't hold much information, it's generally just used for internal QC checks.

 

[Jonesy814]

I would wager that if they are going to make a light framed version that they will stick with a snake name.

Also a QR code is that little pixelated square that you typically scan with your phone that will usually open a link for you or perform an action (like a restaurant menu these days). I honestly don't know what the code is for certain on the new revolvers but I assume it is just the serial number. I just tried to scan my Night Cobra but it is either too small and/or too obscure to read.

View attachment 1013422
This QR code for instance, if you scan it with your phone, should prompt you to open a link that will take you to this thread.

In any case you can see them on the right side of the gun on the lower right corner of the frame on all new Colt revolvers. It isn't too much an eyesore so much that it just looks weird (and modern) on an otherwise classically styled gun.

S&W puts them on the grip frame so you can't see it with the grips on

 

[CraigC]

The new Anacondas are shipping. I'm glad I waited. Though I may wait longer still for the 4". Laminate or rubber, the factory grips will have to go.

 

[brunowbe]

The new Anacondas are shipping. I'm glad I waited. Though I may wait longer still for the 4". Laminate or rubber, the factory grips will have to go.

The factory grips are very comfortable, mine is keeping them on. If you still don't like them, any grips that fit the Python will fit the Anaconda.

 

[Kleanbore]

I have been wondering why Colt’s has not released a new Detective Special.

They have. The call it the Cobra. Detectives do not carry revolvers today. Same deal when they changed the name from "Army Special" to "Police Special".

I am sure it would do well in sales.

It has.

 

[SwampWolf]

if they are going to make a light framed version that they will stick with a snake name.

Like Cobra!

 

[Pat Riot]

They have. The call it the Cobra. Detectives do not carry revolvers today. Same deal when they changed the name from "Army Special" to "Police Special".

It has.

Interesting. I didn’t realize the Cobra was the same size as a DS. Thanks.

 

[CajunBass]

It's not a QR code, it's a data matrix code meant for manufacturing purposes. While a QR code contains a link, a datamatrix code just contains information and is specific to however the manufacturer coded it and only a scanner linked to their database can read it. It probably is the serial number like you said, could also have a brief description like barrel length, color, caliber depending on how large the matrix is. A 10x10 pixel square like what appears to be on the Colt's can't hold much information, it's generally just used for internal QC checks.

I've got three 2020 Pythons. On one of them the code box does read the S/N but nothing else. On the other two, I haven't been able to read anything on them. Rather it's my phone's program, or what I've no idea.

I've very fond of the grips on mine. I've thought about getting a really nice looking set of Altamonts with a inlayed Colt Pony, but I like the standard grips too much.

How many have they made? I don't know for sure, and this probably doesn't tell the story, but my first one has a S/N in the 2700 range. The second purchased a couple of months later is in the 5500 range. The third, I got about a year after the second one, and it's S/N is in the 205000 range. That's a big jump. I'm not sure what it means, but it got my attention.

 

[SwampWolf]

I didn’t realize the Cobra was the same size as a DS.

The old (original) Cobra was exactly; not the new one-at least not as nearly exactly as the original Cobras and Detective Special revolvers were.

 

[CraigC]

Actually wouldn't mind seeing them bring back the Peacekeeper to scratch a very old itch.