New Colt Python First 100 shots

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Joe Texas

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I unboxed and shot my new Colt Python today. I have the 4.25” barreled version.

After sighting in with MBC coated 158 grain SWC’s, I shot 5 of each hand load I had on hand. They were all developed for my 4.2” GP100. It seemed to like most of them okay. I’ll probably work on some Python specific medium velocity .357 158 grain loads with N340 and some soft .38 special loads over N320 this week. It liked a few of the combos that I have already loaded well enough to not be in any huge hurry. The best group was the last 5-shot group during sight-in (not pictured). That combo was MBC 158 grain coated “match” SWC in .38 special brass over 3.7 N320.

*All shots were taken in single action with my arms resting on my bag at about 13 yards. Here’s some pics of the gun and my targets.
 

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I haven't shot mine yet, not for lack of wanting to, just stuff in the way.
Looks like 357 is better than 38 in most cases.
I always shoot factory ammo in my new firearms just in case it is defective, something like 20 in
revolver & 40 in a rifle. Then I go full bore into reloading.
I always lean toward the 125 grain xtp in 357 even though sometimes it doesn't end well.
Thanks for the info.
 
Very nice revolver. :thumbup:
I like the looks of the 4.25” Python. Actually, I like the looks of both but the 4.25” model looks a little more balanced.

I got a little excited about your .38 Special HBWC load. I thought the target said 2.9 TB which I equated to be 2.9 grains of Trail Boss. After expanding your picture on my phone I saw the “G” that I thought was a “B”. Tite Group, not Trail Boss, I guess. :D
 
what did you pay for that Colt?
$1599. Crazy, I know. I’m actually kind of embarrassed to have spent that much on a handgun.

I paid $550 or so for my GP100 years ago. After polishing the internals, shimming the hammer, and changing a couple of springs, the trigger on my Ruger is now comparable to the Python out of the box. Aside from being a little “looser” than the Colt, when viewed strictly as a tool, there is no significant difference between the GP100 (w/trigger job) and the Python that justifies the extra $1000 in price.

The new Colt Python truly is a fine production revolver and a bucket list gun for many. I guess that’s me. I love the .357 caliber. It’s hard to think of a more iconic and stylish platform to fire it out of. At the end of the day, I get to say I have a Colt Python. Is it worth it? I guess that’s up to the person laying down the cash. One thing’s for sure - it sure is purty.
 
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$1599. Crazy, I know. I’m actually kind of embarrassed to have spent that much on a handgun.

I paid $550 or so for my GP100 years ago. After polishing the internals, shimming the hammer, and changing a couple of springs, the trigger on my Ruger is now comparable to the Python out of the box. Aside from being a little “looser” than the Colt, when viewed strictly as a tool, there is no significant difference between the GP100 (w/trigger job) and the Python that justifies the extra $1000 in price.

The new Colt Python truly is a fine production revolver and a bucket list gun for many. I guess that’s me. I love the .357 caliber. It’s hard to think of a more iconic and stylish platform to fire it out of. At the end of the day, I get to say I have a Colt Python. Is it worth it? I guess that’s up to the person laying down the cash. One thing’s for sure - it sure is purty.
I want one!

as for the price, sometimes they got it and you want it. I personally don’t have time to shop, I just buy it.
 
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$1599. Crazy, I know. I’m actually kind of embarrassed to have spent that much on a handgun.

I paid $550 or so for my GP100 years ago. After polishing the internals, shimming the hammer, and changing a couple of springs, the trigger on my Ruger is now comparable to the Python out of the box. Aside from being a little “looser” than the Colt, when viewed strictly as a tool, there is no significant difference between the GP100 (w/trigger job) and the Python that justifies the extra $1000 in price.

The new Colt Python truly is a fine production revolver and a bucket list gun for many. I guess that’s me. I love the .357 caliber. It’s hard to think of a more iconic and stylish platform to fire it out of. At the end of the day, I get to say I have a Colt Python. Is it worth it? I guess that’s up to the person laying down the cash. One thing’s for sure - it sure is purty.

Nothing to be embarrassed about at all. I say it all the time. I don't believe "you" buy a Python because "you" want a 357. There are a lot of other 357's for less money that will do the job of putting bullets downrange just as well as most any of us can tell anyway.

"You" buy a Python because you want a Python, and nothing else will scratch that itch.
 
More pics:
• Five 5-round groups with my .38 special 158 grain SWC load over N320. Will need to work that one up again for this gun.
• .357 Magnum 158 xtp over various charges of N340 and N105. 7.9 N340 and 12.0 N105 seem accurate enough to be worth the effort of chronographing.
 

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*All shots were taken in single action with my arms resting on my bag at about 13 yards.

Enjoyed reading your report. I've had my Python for a couple of weeks now and haven't shot it yet! I hope to dirty the barrel in the very near future. I do think that when comparing accuracy with other handguns, a more relevant shooting distance is 25 yards.
 
Enjoyed reading your report. I've had my Python for a couple of weeks now and haven't shot it yet! I hope to dirty the barrel in the very near future. I do think that when comparing accuracy with other handguns, a more relevant shooting distance is 25 yards.
Agreed on the 25 yards. Soon. 40’ w/arms rested shooting at 2” dots isn’t bad for comparing different loads from the same gun though. It takes some of my poor marksmanship out the equation. Also, I would prefer a more precise front sight like maybe a partridge rather than a ramp w/insert for shooting that distance.

I’ve been known to test rifle loads at 100 yards also, even though they are intended for 300+.
 
Enjoyed reading your report. I've had my Python for a couple of weeks now and haven't shot it yet! I hope to dirty the barrel in the very near future. I do think that when comparing accuracy with other handguns, a more relevant shooting distance is 25 yards.
Update: Shot some groups @ 15, 20, and 25 yards. No pics. The target was a mess with some holes marked w/sharpie and some covered with repair dots.

Anyway, I managed to hold 3” with one 5-round group @ 25 yds with one round well outside the other 4. I guess that blade front ain’t so bad as I get a little more used to it. The gun is for sure more accurate than I am. I’ll get the hang of it and be able to hold 2” @ 25 at least some of the time before too long.
 
I don't believe "you" buy a Python because "you" want a 357. There are a lot of other 357's for less money that will do the job of putting bullets downrange just as well as most any of us can tell anyway.

"You" buy a Python because you want a Python, and nothing else will scratch that itch.

This sums it up.

Just don't believe that the Python 2020 will outshoot a Smith
686 or Ruger GP-100 either in SA bench rest or double
action "combat" stance.
 
Chronographed my most accurate 158 xtp loads with the new Colt.
Pics are screenshots of chrono results of each powder/charge tested.
• W-231 punches above its burn rate. Mild recoil.
• CFE-Pistol velocity was a little disappointing. More recoil than same charge of W-231
• N340 felt smoother than velocity would indicate. Clean cases and very little flash.
• N105 reminds me of AA#9 and 2400. Same performance + cleaner also.
 

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Have you personally compared your 2020 Python next to those other revolvers in that fashion?

No but I am familiar with what the Smith and
Rugers can accomplish. I shoot exclusively
DA.

However, I found the new Python SA to be
"heavy" compared to the Smith and Rugers.
Maybe it'll improve with use.

The new Python DA is nothing special,
especially since Colt had to increase its
weight to be reliable in popping primers.
Before that, I understand the DA trigger
was mushy and a shooter didn't dare
ride the trigger during reset as one can
with a Smith or Ruger. Even with the
newly installed heavier V (now described
as a U) spring, I still found myself
short stroking at times.

Notice I write about the new Python saying
"found" and not "find." I've sold it.
 
Have you personally compared your 2020 Python next to those other revolvers in that fashion?
I’ll chime in here. I actually have a 4.2” GP100 also.

Ruger GP100:
• The double action trigger on my Ruger was almost unusable out of the box.
• The single action was just okay.
• After changing the springs, polishing the internals, and shimming the hammer, the double action is now about 8 lbs and the single action is about 2.5 lbs.
• The tool marks from the MIM manufacturing process are apparent in several places.
• The action is rugged but more than a little loose compared to the Python.
• I put Williams fiber optic sights on it and love them.
• It feels heavier than the Python even though it is two ounces lighter.

New Colt Python:
• Double action is about 9.5 lbs but feels lighter ‘cause it’s perfectly smooth.
• The single action is a crisp 3.75 lbs. It could be a little lighter but I’m spoiled by the excellent results of the trigger job I did on the Ruger.
• Out of the box the Python trigger is about as good as any new production Smith I’ve played with. So are the triggers on the new Cobra and new King Cobra.
• Only someone used to triggers that have been worked on and lightened would be likely to complain.
• Those that are only familiar with out of the box revolvers would probably say it's among the best.
• It is balanced almost perfectly.
• Lockup, fit, and finish are near perfect.
• My accuracy with it continues to improve as I shoot it. I believe it exceeds my Ruger in accuracy potential.
• My only complaint concerns the stock front sight and limited aftermarket options.

@uncle Ed - “I shoot exclusively double action.” Why? I understand practicing DA shooting. I don’t understand depriving oneself of the ease of using SA. Do you also only shoot full-house magnum loads to further increase the difficulty? Maybe try shooting with your weaker hand while standing on one leg? If that gets too easy try hopping up and down? I’m sure you’ll master it in no time. I personally need all the help I can get. SA helps.
 
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