I got my new Python out today…meh.

[Styx]

I've been on the Colt forum for a few years now and there's been lots of complaints about the new Python. Colt will never be able to replicate the quality of the older hand fitted Pythons by master craftsmen, just not cost effective to do so. I am glad that they brought back the snake line though, hopefully they will get better.

I have not seen anymore complainants than usual vs other models of firearms on other gun forums. A quick check again just to make sure I didn't miss something, and there still doesn't appear to be many issues or complaints.



They had the most issues during the teething phase when they first were released. Colt handled it well, were very transparent, and addressed the issues.

There were also issues with the King Cobra, but they were solved and fixed before I purchased mine.

 

[VMC]

I've seen the receipt for the one my dad bought my BIL It was $375. I'm not certain what year that was for sure but I know it was either for his 21st birthday in 81 or college graduation in 82 or 83.

I bought my 1981 model Python in 1982 and paid just a little under $400 new. I use Hogue Cocobolo grips, which fit my hands better, and leave the originals in the box for safe keeping. The trigger is just perfect to me. It's the one gun I'll never sell it unless in some desperate situation. Not even if the current prices doubled again. I installed the Colt Medallions myself.

 

[dickydalton]

I bought a new King Cobra target 6 or 8 months ago that I haven't shot yet for various reasons and the action feels very good. Now I just picked up this 1968 Cobra that has had only a few rounds through it. It also feels pretty good after living in a safe for a half a century.

 

[JDeere]

I've been on the Colt forum for a few years now and there's been lots of complaints about the new Python. Colt will never be able to replicate the quality of the older hand fitted Pythons by master craftsmen, just not cost effective to do so. I am glad that they brought back the snake line though, hopefully they will get better.

The Colt purist just like the S&W purist will always claim the old is better than the new. There is some truth in that but those days are gone. I'll agree the older royal blue Pythons were absolutely beautiful. They to had their issues and it's not just internet lore. As I mentioned earlier I always wanted one but never could afford one. The new model had it's issues when first issued but those seemed to have been taken care of. Outside of some with the slight sight base wobble I have not seen as many recent complaints. When the new model hit the streets the first day they were going for 1350. I passed and said I would wait. Wrong move and they sold out and were not available for awhile or at way above msrp. I waited till they moved back to msrp or below. I'm happy with my 6 inch and it's accurate with my reloads. ymmv

 

[CraigC]

I have not seen anymore complainants than usual vs other models of firearms on other gun forums. A quick check again just to make sure I didn't miss something, and there still doesn't appear to be many issues or complaints.

Some folks think because they see a few complaints online, that it's the rule rather than the exception. I look at the internet as the world's complaint department. I think people are far more likely to open their mouths to complain, than to deliver a glowing review. If something works they just go on about their business.

 

[gunmechanic]

Sorry to hear that .That is one model pistol that i have longed for for years .I wonder if an old model would be a better fit then?

 

[UncleEd]

Bill Wilson and Ken Hackathorn have
given an interesting followup review
of the new Python and in particular
the 3-inch model.

 

[RainDodger]

A new King Cobra here... very, very nice action and a wonderful single action pull. The double-action has very little stacking and is a pleasure to shoot. The gun is very tight. And... wait for it.... it doesn't have a loose rear sight! That's because it doesn't have one! <good old fashioned "groove" down the back strap>. No complaints here, but I paid a lot less than a Python costs.

 

[UncleEd]

A new King Cobra here... very, very nice action and a wonderful single action pull. The double-action has very little stacking and is a pleasure to shoot. The gun is very tight. And... wait for it.... it doesn't have a loose rear sight! That's because it doesn't have one! <good old fashioned "groove" down the back strap>. No complaints here, but I paid a lot less than a Python costs.

Definitely the better value.

 

[Targa]

I just took the Python out for another 100 rounds all in double action, I have to say that after a bit more trigger time I can’t imagine a better double action pull…very impressive. Unfortunately, its going back to Colt, I couldn’t make it through a cylinder without a light primer strike.

 

[Styx]

I just took the Python out for another 100 rounds all in double action, I have to say that after a bit more trigger time I can’t imagine a better double action pull…very impressive. Unfortunately, its going back to Colt, I couldn’t make it through a cylinder without a light primer strike.

What version is it?

 

[Targa]

I believe it is a 22, the serial number is in the 260,000’s. Right off the bat I am impressed with Colt’s/CZ’s customer service, the representative was pleasant and as helpful as could be.

 

[Shivahasagun]

I love my new KC. About 1500 through it I guess. About 300 .357 pressure. 500 .38 +p pressure.

I love it! Great trigger!

I suspected it wasn't hitting primers that hard based on dents. I finally had one not light off. So from then I only used Federal primers. No trouble since and with this awesome trigger totally worth it.

I'm disappointed about the Python / Anaconda rear sight cheapness and grooved triggers. I hate grooved triggers unless its extremely shallow.

The Anaconda has a grooved trigger, too, right?

Maybe I should just buy another KC instead of a Python or Anaconda?

 

[Styx]

I love my new KC. About 1500 through it I guess. About 300 .357 pressure. 500 .38 +p pressure.

I love it! Great trigger!

I suspected it wasn't hitting primers that hard based on dents. I finally had one not light off. So from then I only used Federal primers. No trouble since and with this awesome trigger totally worth it.

I'm disappointed about the Python / Anaconda rear sight cheapness and grooved triggers. I hate grooved triggers unless its extremely shallow.

The Anaconda has a grooved trigger, too, right?

Maybe I should just buy another KC instead of a Python or Anaconda?

I am sure Colt will address the site issue, and will fix or replace them for free in the future if they haven't already.

I don't mind grooved triggers. I don't typically put hundreds of rounds through any of my revolvers like I might do with a semiautos at the range. The DAO trigger, ammo cost, and constantly having to reload after every 6 or 7 rounds is the reason for that. I am not going to shoot enough in one sitting for it to be a potential issue.

I really want a 3" Python. That is what's on my bucket list. I'd still get the Python over another KC if I were you.

 

[Shivahasagun]

I am sure Colt will address the site issue, and will fix or replace them for free in the future if they haven't already.

I don't mind grooved triggers. I don't typically put hundreds of rounds through any of my revolvers like I might do with a semiautos at the range. The DAO trigger, ammo cost, and constantly having to reload after every 6 or 7 rounds is the reason for that. I am not going to shoot enough in one sitting for it to be a potential issue.

I really want a 3" Python. That is what's on my bucket list. I'd still get the Python over another KC if I were you.

I shoot 100-150 rds through a revolver brought to the range.

I like a smooth trigger face because ones finger should slide across the trigger during the press. One should not hook the trigger or only use the pad of the finger. 98% of my shooting is DA.

I also think if I'm not going to carry a Python I may as well get an Anaconda. I reload .38 Colt Short, .38 spl, .357, and .44 Russian. I'd probably start loading .44 mag, too, if I got an Anaconda.

But I'd want a 4 inch. Not made yet.

 

[Styx]

I shoot 100-150 rds through a revolver brought to the range.

I like a smooth trigger face because ones finger should slide across the trigger during the press. One should not hook the trigger or only use the pad of the finger. 98% of my shooting is DA.

I also think if I'm not going to carry a Python I may as well get an Anaconda. I reload .38 Colt Short, .38 spl, .357, and .44 Russian. I'd probably start loading .44 mag, too, if I got an Anaconda.

But I'd want a 4 inch. Not made yet.

I never heard or seen anyone suggest that they're sliding their finger across trigger when shooting DAO revolvers. That's a first...

Below is how I place my finger and pull straight back.

 

[UncleEd]

Roy Huntington's demo on DA revolver
shooting almost suggests staging the
trigger. I'm afraid he'll mislead many
a bucko. Well, that shivers me timbers.

As for "sliding" the trigger finger, that
may be too strong a term. Let's just
say a smooth trigger allows for better
'"adjustment" during DAO shooting.

But "sliding" is the common reference
in DAO shooting. Or it used to be.
Just means finger isn't "locked" or
"glued" to extremely rigid position.

 

[Shivahasagun]

Roy Huntington's demo on DA revolver
shooting almost suggests staging the
trigger. I'm afraid he'll mislead many
a bucko. Well, that shivers me timbers.

As for "sliding" the trigger finger, that
may be too strong a term. Let's just
say a smooth trigger allows for better
'"adjustment" during DAO shooting.

But "sliding" is the common reference
in DAO shooting. Or it used to be.
Just means finger isn't "locked" or
"glued" to extremely rigid position.

Yes.

Perhaps "slip" is a better word to use.

And no staging.

It could be argued a grooved face trigger is better for single-action shooting and smooth faced better for double-action shooting.

You put as much finger through the trigger guard as much you can and "curve" it past / around the trigger. Start pulling back, letting the finger "slip" as it pulls through the trigger travel arc. This lessens lateral pressure / movement applied to the gun during the firing sequence.

It's extremely helpful to have a smooth, light mechanism for this. My KC has it.

A barely perceptible grooved trigger doesn't prevent this, but if the grooves are sharp / deep it stinks and makes good DA shooting difficult.

 

[UncleEd]

"Slip" is a great word.

The DAO is very aptly described.

 

[MarkLH]

I’ve shot a new 6” Python.. granted it was worked on by Mike Heffron, ..

and IMHO it is PHENOMENAL! If I had the coin I wouldn’t hesitate, but I wouldnt pay over MSRP
that said Id really like to compare a King Cobra Target

I have mid 70’s Smith 14, 17 and 28 .. so Im familiar w nice action revolvers for comparison sake.

Id say: consider a Python if yer interested

 

[SwampWolf]

I've had a Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus since around the year 2000 and I've always considered it to be one of the nicest da revolvers ever made. Last year, my firearms bucket list was filled almost to the brim when I purchased a new Colt Python (like most, I've always wanted one but had to get old before I could afford one-the kids' Buster Browns and their college education kept a lot of things on the back burner). Maybe I'm just a sucker for things that are nice and well put-together, but I was "wowed" by my new Python.

Since both (the Python and the 686-do wish the Smiths came with names like they used to before 1957 instead of boring and non-descriptive numbers) have 4" barrels and are very close to each other in terms of size, weight and configuration, a comparison between the two seemed very apropos. My take is simple: the two revolvers seemed to be very equal in terms of finish, material, workmanship and handling properties. The Colt had by far the better da trigger pull; the Smith, a slightly better sa trigger pull. All of which means to me that the Python is not worth the extra $500.00 or so in terms of value ("investment value" over the coming years might make the Colt worth the substantial extra cost but I doubt it).

So would I buy the Python if I had it to do all over again? Yep, you bet I would! I have a list to address and, at my age, there's a hole in the bucket that keeps getting bigger.

 

[The Happy Kaboomer]

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.

In 1980 my wife bought me a 6 in. blue Colt Python from The Colt Custom Shop for $480.00. I shot the ^$((!!! out of it in those days. Had to replace the V main spring 3 times due to light primer strikes. Haven't shot it in years. Much prefering my S&W's. Still it sleeps in the back of the safe.

 

[JDeere]

I've had a Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus since around the year 2000 and I've always considered it to be one of the nicest da revolvers ever made. Last year, my firearms bucket list was filled almost to the brim when I purchased a new Colt Python (like most, I've always wanted one but had to get old before I could afford one-the kids' Buster Browns and their college education kept a lot of things on the back burner). Maybe I'm just a sucker for things that are nice and well put-together, but I was "wowed" by my new Python.

The Colt had by far the better da trigger pull; the Smith, a slightly better sa trigger pull. All of which means to me that the Python is not worth the extra $500.00 or so in terms of value ("investment value" over the coming years might make the Colt worth the substantial extra cost but I doubt it).

So would I buy the Python if I had it to do all over again? Yep, you bet I would! I have a list to address and, at my age, there's a hole in the bucket that keeps getting bigger.

Yep It took me a long time to be able to get to where I am at today. Is a Python worth 1500 bucks? I guess that all depends on who you are and what you believe. Are they an investment? Time will tell. The day they came out they were $1350 and I passed thinking maybe they would get cheaper. They sold out and then started selling north of $2500. Nope I'm not paying more than msrp. They are at msrp now and my LGS can't keep them on the shelf. As I mentioned earlier I got a 6 inch awhile back and I am happy with it. Filled that hole in the bucket list. Got a 4.25 inch on lay away now. Life is to short and it took me awhile to figure that out. Living life one day at a time these days because no one knows what tomorrow may bring. So yeah I got S&Ws as well as Rugers but I'm ticking the boxes on that always wanted list and enjoying it as I do so. ymmv

 

[SunnySlopes]

If you shot them and not made them safe queens they would go out of time.

False. It happened, but not generally so. And yours is a generalization. The old hand fitted Python (I currently own two) are fine handguns.

 

[JDeere]

False. It happened, but not generally so. And yours is a generalization. The old hand fitted Python (I currently own two) are fine handguns.

Yes they are fine hand guns and if I would have liked to have been able to get one back in the day. I'm glad yours is problem free. That does not change the fact they had their issues so we will just have to disagree on that issue. Have a great day...