New Colt Python for 2010 ???

[Confederate]

Back in the early 80s, one gun magazine took a 6-inch Colt Python and a 6-inch Ruger Security-Six, and, only altering the Ruger by adding a spring kit and an idiotic rib kit, bolted them doem and shot the same loads thrugh them. At 25 yards, the difference was such that if you removed the banners stating what gun shot each, you wouldn't be able to guess.

Some improvements to the Python might include better grips and larger, more robust pawls that don't wear as quickly. And hopefully the bluing would be as masterful as ever.

The workmanship of the Python is what really makes the difference, and I've always thought S&W's 686 revolvers (the first ones, anyway) are every bit as accurate as the Pythons. But nothing matches the workmanship and beauty of the Python -- and a Ruger with a spring kit and a vented rib still ain't a Python!

 

[hinton03]

I don't think they need to go to China; Eastern Europe and Turkey are turning out stunning quality from their firearms manufacturing plants.

 

[oldfool]

I predict a VERY pricey nostagia/collectible for niche market, not unlike their SAA stuff, but much pricier... but falling well short of the original on performance

would like to be real wrong about that, but unless Colt gets serious about the civilian market again (which will be about the same time pigs fly), I fear 'tis so


PS
like some said, if you luck into an excellent condition vintage original, do not hold off waiting on the New Python !

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Look at the SAA. The Colts costs about triple that of the foreign produced SAA and about a 1/3 more than the domestic competition.

Much of that is due to union contracts. Colt needs to do what Winchester did, and up stakes and move south.

 

[oldfool]

PLEASE don't use Winchester (USRA, etc.) as an example of what might/could happen to the memory of legendary Colts !



PS
ohmygawd, I just had another (different) chilling thought....
The New Python w/ the new & improved Infernal Lock
:banghead:

 

[AbitNutz]

I had always dreamed of Colt producing a "Pythonized" version of the New Service. The Python was based on their .41 caliber frame while the New Service was a true .45 caliber size and would be able to handle magnum cartridges larger than .357. The New Service's action is pretty much identical to the Python, just fit to a larger frame.

So, I have to make due with sitting my Colt New Service Officers Model, next my Python, drink a stiff shot of McCallum's scotch, wait till my eyes cross and imagine a Colt New Service Python.

 

[Big Bill]

I just hope Colt doesn't have them produced in the same place they produce their knives.

 

[AbitNutz]

Isn't there a rule about that? Never bring a knife to a gunfight?

 

[Guillermo]

oooooooooo...the idiotic lock.

Wasn't Colt trying to build a "smart" gun?

 

[savit260]

I would fear a lawyers warning roll stamped down the barrel just as much as an internal lock.

Either would make me quite ill.

 

[rogertc1]

Will they have a Hillary Hole on the Colt?

 

[DPris]

Computer's been down for several days.
Colt says no new Python.
Denis

 

[leadcounsel]

Well they already own the equipment. I can't imagine there's much cost involved in pouring and treating the steel, assembly, and polishing. Mass produced, maybe 6 hours of actual labor per handgun, and $100-$200 in raw materials? The Python markets itself. 100% profit per gun at $600.

 

[DPris]

There is no way you'll see a re-introduced Colt Python for $600.
Denis

 

[harmonic]

maybe 6 hours of actual labor per handgun. The Python markets itself. 100% profit per gun at $600.

LOL! I don't guess you've ever opened up a Python. Very intricate lockwork. And you can't get that royal blue finish via "mass production."

 

[leadcounsel]

LOL! I don't guess you've ever opened up a Python. Very intricate lockwork. And you can't get that royal blue finish via "mass production."

You know, a skilled laborer can rebuild an engine in 6 hours! Well, maybe.... Point is that I can't believe they cannot assemble and polish a Python from machined parts. And we're talking about efficient assembly production, not a single guy building the gun from scratch, right? Say $30 for skilled factory labor. Even at 7 hours that's just over $200 of labor.

 

[Ky Larry]

It's a good thing they don't build 'em like they used to because, if they did, we couldnt afford 'em. I love older guns because of the hand fitting and the smooth way they work. However, I know that comes from skilled craftsmanship, and that ain't cheap. I recently got to handle a n.i.b. Colt 1911 made between WW1 and WW2. The fit, finish, and overall feel was beyond anything I have ever experienced. If Colt does bring back the Python, I expect it to be very expensive or very pedestrian. Just my $0.02 worth.

 

[harmonic]

a skilled laborer can rebuild an engine in 6 hours

Definitely not the same thing. The lockwork in a Python is handfitted. I've rebuilt an engine. The parts are already appropriately sized and shaped and the tolerances are much more generous than the tolerances in a Python.

Even with a Colt Commander, a lot of pieces cannot be just "dropped in." They have to be handfitted by a pistolsmith. Much more so with the Python. Take one apart sometime. It's got as much lockwork as a clock, almost.

Plus, the guy rebuilding the engine doesn't have to polish the surface perfectly smooth in order to blue it Python blue.

It's not the same thing.

 

[mordechaianiliewicz]

I would estimate that a Python made the "traditional" way using American labor would cost around $2000 a piece.

Turkish or Eastern European we are still talking about $1000+. If you do it right.

Colt Python using modern CNC tech, and minimal hand-fitting..... more affordable.