Jenrick
Member
I'm a S&W revolver guy, I don't know all that much about Colts. What exactly are the differences between the King Cobra and the Python, that makes one a $750 or so gun, and the other a $1.5K and up gun?
-Jenrick
-Jenrick
Differences between the King Cobra and the Python
- Thread starter Jenrick
- Start date
- Status
ColtPythonElite
Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2011
- Messages
- 10,477
Even though they look similiar, they are totally different. The Python uses a leaf style mainspring. The KC uses a coil style.
The current prices pretty much reflect the percentage difference in what they cost back when they were making them. I have a bright polished KC, which was the most expensive model of that line. I bought it brand new in 1990 for $335. A Python of similar finish was about double that money.
The current prices pretty much reflect the percentage difference in what they cost back when they were making them. I have a bright polished KC, which was the most expensive model of that line. I bought it brand new in 1990 for $335. A Python of similar finish was about double that money.
Both the King Cobra and Python are 2 totally different guns.
If it wasn't for the Snake name and the pony stamped on the side, there would be no similarities.
Not one part is interchangeable. Even the internals & actions are different.
Unlike S&W not even the grips interchange.
As was pointed out above, the Python was Colt's top of the line revolver.
It's internals were hand fitted by skilled craftsman like a fine watch. It was also polished and finished to a higher degree than any normal production gun.
Much more time and effort was put into each Python than the King Cobra.
Look at a blued King Cobra and a Blued Python and you'll see the difference externally.
Hope that helps.
Jeff (GUNKWAZY)
If it wasn't for the Snake name and the pony stamped on the side, there would be no similarities.
Not one part is interchangeable. Even the internals & actions are different.
Unlike S&W not even the grips interchange.
As was pointed out above, the Python was Colt's top of the line revolver.
It's internals were hand fitted by skilled craftsman like a fine watch. It was also polished and finished to a higher degree than any normal production gun.
Much more time and effort was put into each Python than the King Cobra.
Look at a blued King Cobra and a Blued Python and you'll see the difference externally.
Hope that helps.
Jeff (GUNKWAZY)
Guillermo
member
that says it all
JohnBT
Member
"I bought it brand new in 1990 for $335. A Python of similar finish was about double that money."
A blue Python was double that or more.
My father bought a blue 6" Python that year. The small town shop near him got $849 for the new one they had. My father drove 100 miles to Richmond and we got him a new one for $599.
A blue Python was double that or more.
My father bought a blue 6" Python that year. The small town shop near him got $849 for the new one they had. My father drove 100 miles to Richmond and we got him a new one for $599.
Jenrick
Member
Okay so internally the Python has a lot more fit and finish work done the the King Cobra, as well as using a different main spring. Good to know.
I know Python's are legendary for their accuracy and (for a Colt at least
) triggers. How does the King Cobra stack up?
-Jenrick
I know Python's are legendary for their accuracy and (for a Colt at least
) triggers. How does the King Cobra stack up?-Jenrick
TexasBill
Member
I know Python's are legendary for their accuracy and (for a Colt at least
-Jenrick
The Pythons were legendary for their triggers compared to an anything. They were just a phenomenal handgun. I once had a match-tuned DAO Python - probably the most incredible revolver I ever fired. It was almost like the gun would not let you miss. Turning loose of that gun still ranks among the stupider things I have done in my life.
Lucky Derby
Member
A King Cobra is an assembly line gun.
A Python is built by a Craftsman.
I would, and have, trust my life to either.
My Chevy gets me around town just fine.
A Cadillac would as well, but with more comfort and style.
A Python is built by a Craftsman.
I would, and have, trust my life to either.
My Chevy gets me around town just fine.
A Cadillac would as well, but with more comfort and style.
ColtPythonElite
Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2011
- Messages
- 10,477
Every thing that has been said about the Python's accuracy and smoothness is true...However, a King Cobra is nothing to sneeze at. Both of mine shoot very tight groups. I have one that has had 20 years of shooting done thru it. It's trigger is pretty darn smooth. The other one hasn't been shot so much and isn't nearly as smooth. Then King Cobra is a stronger gun when it comes to use and abuse. They aren't prone to going out of time like a Python. If you shoot a Python enough, you most likely will have to send it back to Colt for a tune up.
moxie
Member
Pick them both up, cycle the action, look at the fit and finish. Try the trigger. No comparison.
In 1989 a guy in an Albuquerque pawn shop offered me a like new Python snub. Incredible gun. Over my budget. In hindsight, I should have found the extra cash and bought that gun. A real jewel.
In 1989 a guy in an Albuquerque pawn shop offered me a like new Python snub. Incredible gun. Over my budget. In hindsight, I should have found the extra cash and bought that gun. A real jewel.
Zsnark
Member
Pythons are cool!
Hi,
I've got a Python (made in 1969) which I bought used at a gun show in the mid 80s. In the late 80s, I wished to trade it in on a Browning HiPower. Guy in the gun store looked at it and said these are nice "old guns" and wouldn't even consider it.
Man, am I ever happy about that! Since that time, I (1) began to appreciate the Python for what it was, and (2) realized what a prize the piece is.
It easily takes hot .357s and is accurate. When I'm not shooting autoloaders (my first love), this is my favorite. My first gun was an old model Colt Trooper which was/is a Python w/o the rib. That S.O.B. was incredibly accurate. Not to long after I got the Trooper, I got a G.I. carbine. Seemed to me that the Trooper was about as accurate as the carbine at 50 yds. Now, this is totally subjective but I was impressed. After some personal difficulties I needed to cash out the Trooper. A few years later, I picked up the used Python. I am not sure the Python is a accurate but it is very accurate.
Al W
Hi,
I've got a Python (made in 1969) which I bought used at a gun show in the mid 80s. In the late 80s, I wished to trade it in on a Browning HiPower. Guy in the gun store looked at it and said these are nice "old guns" and wouldn't even consider it.
Man, am I ever happy about that! Since that time, I (1) began to appreciate the Python for what it was, and (2) realized what a prize the piece is.
It easily takes hot .357s and is accurate. When I'm not shooting autoloaders (my first love), this is my favorite. My first gun was an old model Colt Trooper which was/is a Python w/o the rib. That S.O.B. was incredibly accurate. Not to long after I got the Trooper, I got a G.I. carbine. Seemed to me that the Trooper was about as accurate as the carbine at 50 yds. Now, this is totally subjective but I was impressed. After some personal difficulties I needed to cash out the Trooper. A few years later, I picked up the used Python. I am not sure the Python is a accurate but it is very accurate.
Al W
rem1858
Member
A couple years ago I purchased a 1980 Colt custom shop 6" Python for distinguished revolver competition.
I have only ever shot lead .38 ammo through it as the original owner had done.
I have owned a lot of revolvers over the years and still own a few, S&W, Ruger and Colt.
The Python is by far the best fit and finish and most accurate revolver that I have ever owned.(I also owned a King Cobra at one time).
I have earned 24 points so far with it toward my distinguished revolver badge.
JMHO;
Clarence
I have only ever shot lead .38 ammo through it as the original owner had done.
I have owned a lot of revolvers over the years and still own a few, S&W, Ruger and Colt.
The Python is by far the best fit and finish and most accurate revolver that I have ever owned.(I also owned a King Cobra at one time).
I have earned 24 points so far with it toward my distinguished revolver badge.
JMHO;
Clarence
788Ham
Member
In 1986, I bought 6" blued Python, NIB for $275.00. It sits in the safe, not a safe queen, but has a designated spot in there! My wife and I took a handgun course, it was shot then and we qualified, but doesn't get the use my other revolvers do. Its still as shiny as when new, the trigger still as smooth, possibly smoother now. What a firearm, one I'll never part with.
ColtPythonElite, Don't know if I'd send mine back if problems arose, might not be anyone there that could do a satisfactory job on it! Possibly the "Masters" have left.
ColtPythonElite, Don't know if I'd send mine back if problems arose, might not be anyone there that could do a satisfactory job on it! Possibly the "Masters" have left.
JohnnyOrygun
Member
One of these days I will own a python, but I really love my King Cobra, bought it new in 1992 and it's smooth as silk. It's "my Baby", if I could only keep one gun it would be my King Cobra... actually had to make that choice for financial reasons once, while sad I had to get rid of other guns, I am glad I kept the K.C. As smooth as my K.C. is, I can only imagine what a Python must be like, polished glass maybe?
ColtPythonElite
Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2011
- Messages
- 10,477
788,
Colt's Custom Shop still works on Pythons every day. They repairs, refinishes and Custom tunes..... The ones that I have seen that have been reblued by Colt look as good as the day they were new.
Colt's Custom Shop still works on Pythons every day. They repairs, refinishes and Custom tunes..... The ones that I have seen that have been reblued by Colt look as good as the day they were new.
ColtPythonElite
Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2011
- Messages
- 10,477
For those of you interested heres a 1989 suggested retail price sheet. You can see that Pythons have always been nearly twice what King Cobras were. Of course, keep in mind this is only MSRP. The guns could actually be had for less $$ that what is listed....I also have the 1989 catalog if anybody wants to know any info from it.
Attachments
Part of owning a Python is just the mystique. The pride of ownership. I think that they are the most beautiful handguns ever made. That being said, it still comes down to what you prefer. While a python is very accurate due to the slightly tapered barrel, any quality revolver, whether KC, 686, GP-100 will shoot groups tighter than a human can match. A pythons groups at 25 yards may beat any of those guns by 1/2 inch. I've owned a 686 and GP-100that would do 1-1.5 inches with the right ammo all day long, and I'm sure there are KC's that will do the same.
The Lone Haranguer
Member
The King Cobra's action design is the same as that of the Trooper MK III.
ColtPythonElite
Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2011
- Messages
- 10,477
The King Cobra's action is the same as the MK V design, which is an updated version of the MK III.
aryfrosty
Member
Colt Python.
I owned one but was a young cop and couldn't afford to own more than one revolver at a time so it left home after a couple of years. I regret that. I have a 1968 Colt Trooper that is as smooth and accurate as the Python was but it doesn't "show out" as well as the "Snake". One day....
I owned one but was a young cop and couldn't afford to own more than one revolver at a time so it left home after a couple of years. I regret that. I have a 1968 Colt Trooper that is as smooth and accurate as the Python was but it doesn't "show out" as well as the "Snake". One day....
- Status
