New Colt Python for 2010 ???
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If a new Python were made with the old action and made in the U.S. exactly as before, $1500 would be the impossible dream. More like $3000-4000. Made on the new action, with MIM parts and a cast frame, maybe $1000, but then it wouldn't be a "real" Python and no one would buy it.
Frankly, I am skeptical that they will ever "resume" production of DA revolvers in the U.S., but I wouldn't rule out an Italian or Chinese-made "Python" with the Colt name on it.
Jim
Frankly, I am skeptical that they will ever "resume" production of DA revolvers in the U.S., but I wouldn't rule out an Italian or Chinese-made "Python" with the Colt name on it.
Jim
Guillermo
member
I concur as they sold all of their plans and R&D material. Let's hope those Chinese prisoners do good work
rljatl
Member
What if they made a Python just like the original one on the outside, but had a new action? What if the new action did not stack and kept in time better than the old one? WHat if this new action was easy for gunsmiths to work on instead of requiring a gunsmith that specialized in Colt's? What if the new action was better than the old Python action and as good or better than a S&W? Remember when gunsmiths were putting Colt Python barrels on S&W frames to have what some considered to be the best of both worlds?
We can "what if" until a month after Doomsday, but if Colt is serious, they have to come up with something they can make and sell at a profit and sell enough to amortize the equipment and development costs, which would probably run well over a million dollars. I don't know if they have the new revolver tooling or not. That would meet those standards, but would the gun be a "real" Python?
Actually, it would be easy to make a gun like rljatl wants. They could just buy S&W's, weld up the lock hole, screw on a grip extension, machine off the name and put theirs on, with PYTHON in big letters. Then they could charge three times what the S&W cost, and everyone is happy.
Jim
Actually, it would be easy to make a gun like rljatl wants. They could just buy S&W's, weld up the lock hole, screw on a grip extension, machine off the name and put theirs on, with PYTHON in big letters. Then they could charge three times what the S&W cost, and everyone is happy.
Jim
gmh1013
Member
I think if they build it they will buy it. Rolex has 1 or 2 price increases a year until they are in the stratosphere in pricing ...to me anyway...and people still line up and pay 6/7k for one and up to 20k.
Rolex today are as good as my fathers in the early 60's IMHO....maybe better
My 68 Colt Diamondback 4 inch is IMHO the pinnacle of .38 DA's nothing comes close to it...so I hope if Colt does start producing them again and if the are made in USA from US parts.
I would gladly pay up to 2500 for one..maybe more.
Im surprised they would not jump into the snub's again to get into the CWL with so many
people getting one these days.
Rolex today are as good as my fathers in the early 60's IMHO....maybe better
My 68 Colt Diamondback 4 inch is IMHO the pinnacle of .38 DA's nothing comes close to it...so I hope if Colt does start producing them again and if the are made in USA from US parts.
I would gladly pay up to 2500 for one..maybe more.
Im surprised they would not jump into the snub's again to get into the CWL with so many
people getting one these days.
rljatl has a good point. If the old Python were still being made, there'd be many complaints about it. "Collectible" doesn't mean "flawless."
If Colt re-thought the internals, and did things right, the new Python could be BETTER than the old ones. It would not be cheap. However, I don't think that anyone expects it to be cheap.
Would Colt do things right? Their (admittedly few) current offerings are known for quality.
This much can be said accurately: there is exactly one revolver in current production, that was designed with modern production methods in mind. It's part plastic, and a niche-market gun. The all-metal revolvers from Ruger and Smith, and the Smith knock-offs from Taurus, are all legacy designs. My oldest S&W is a Model 10-5; my newest is a current-production 629-6. The design of the Model 10 is little changed from the 1899 Hand Ejector, and the 629 is the same design with a bigger frame.
What if engineers designed a revolver, intended to be a fine piece, with top-quality modern methods in mind from the get-go? I'm thinking that it could be a very nice gun.
If Colt re-thought the internals, and did things right, the new Python could be BETTER than the old ones. It would not be cheap. However, I don't think that anyone expects it to be cheap.
Would Colt do things right? Their (admittedly few) current offerings are known for quality.
This much can be said accurately: there is exactly one revolver in current production, that was designed with modern production methods in mind. It's part plastic, and a niche-market gun. The all-metal revolvers from Ruger and Smith, and the Smith knock-offs from Taurus, are all legacy designs. My oldest S&W is a Model 10-5; my newest is a current-production 629-6. The design of the Model 10 is little changed from the 1899 Hand Ejector, and the 629 is the same design with a bigger frame.
What if engineers designed a revolver, intended to be a fine piece, with top-quality modern methods in mind from the get-go? I'm thinking that it could be a very nice gun.
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rljatl
Member
Wonder what is the most time consuming and expensive part of a Python is to build? The external polish? The fit and handwork of the internal lock work?
I still say that if Colt is smart, they'll figure out a way to keep the Python quality, with a better action and at a competitive price. A new action may be the way to have your cake and eat it too. Remember S&W has a big, glaring disadvantage to many...the little hole in the side for the lock. That could be the edge Colt needs.
I still say that if Colt is smart, they'll figure out a way to keep the Python quality, with a better action and at a competitive price. A new action may be the way to have your cake and eat it too. Remember S&W has a big, glaring disadvantage to many...the little hole in the side for the lock. That could be the edge Colt needs.
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Guillermo
member
My guess is that they will contract with some existing revolver producer and have it build to their standards put a vented rib on a steel frame and a nice finish.
Jim Keenan's Italian thought is probably spot on.
Jim Keenan's Italian thought is probably spot on.
Action_Can_Do
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Seeing as Freedom Arms is able to make an amazingly high quality handgun for $1500, I don't see why it would take Colt up to $4000 to do the same. If the new python could match a Smith and Wesson Performance Center gun, both quality wise and price wise, I'd be happy.
351 WINCHESTER
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I don't see Colt making an affordable python anywhere near the quality of the old ones. Maybe Italy would be a good place for them to start.
snooperman
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Colt " betraying the trust" ?
The people who are asking Colt to tool up and build the Python again are assuming that they are building guns much like the originals and to do something less is betraying the trust of a lot of Colt fans and gun enthusiasts such as John Taffin and many other gun writers who have been calling for the Python to be produced. The product manager used words like"dust off the old machines and start production". That does not sound like they are going to the Chinese to produce their guns at all. I am an optimist on this myself and hope for the best. That said, I remember my brother bought a Python in 1970 that had to be returned for a forcing cone problem, obviously the original production guns were not " all" perfect to say the least. They vary somewhat from gun to gun. Both of mine are not quite the same either.That said we will have to wait to see . To me it would be a lose lose situation for them to produce an inferior copy of a gun as beautiful as the python. My 2 cents. Thanks for the comments both negative and possitive.
The people who are asking Colt to tool up and build the Python again are assuming that they are building guns much like the originals and to do something less is betraying the trust of a lot of Colt fans and gun enthusiasts such as John Taffin and many other gun writers who have been calling for the Python to be produced. The product manager used words like"dust off the old machines and start production". That does not sound like they are going to the Chinese to produce their guns at all. I am an optimist on this myself and hope for the best. That said, I remember my brother bought a Python in 1970 that had to be returned for a forcing cone problem, obviously the original production guns were not " all" perfect to say the least. They vary somewhat from gun to gun. Both of mine are not quite the same either.That said we will have to wait to see . To me it would be a lose lose situation for them to produce an inferior copy of a gun as beautiful as the python. My 2 cents. Thanks for the comments both negative and possitive.
earlthegoat2
Member
I would not mind seeing one with the cost savings that CNC machines and MIM parts bring. I dont see them as being such a bad thing. I would like them to have above average hand fitting though that the expense of could be hedged with the improved CNC manufacturing process. Good trigger from the factory and all the looks of the old Python. The finish would of course have to be above average. If it could be priced around 1500, I would say that would be a good price to get a lot of buyers.
I see the price of older Pythons only going up with the introduction of a new model.
CNC machines and MIM parts I can live with but a new Python had better not have any locking device so help me Pete.
I see the price of older Pythons only going up with the introduction of a new model.
CNC machines and MIM parts I can live with but a new Python had better not have any locking device so help me Pete.
jhco
Member
Thats great Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuut. I'm sure they will find a way to screw it up, they(not just colt) always do.
Why the assumption of MIM? Colt's 1911s are some of the most MIM free in the business (currently only one part, right?) and I don't believe current SAAs have any MIM - I wouldn't expect a hypothetical DA revolver to be any different.
Not convinced as to the rumor anyway, though - I foresee Colt expanding their 1911 offerings (S70 commanders, 9mm options, etc.) before getting back into DA revolvers.
Not convinced as to the rumor anyway, though - I foresee Colt expanding their 1911 offerings (S70 commanders, 9mm options, etc.) before getting back into DA revolvers.
snooperman
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Milosz-- you say rumor...
Here is their phone number for you dispell the"rumor". 1-800-962- COLT, I would not think Colt would be spreading rumors to dealers either, as many in this area are fully aware of it. Why would they say to me and to dealers they will have them at the SHOT show booth???
Here is their phone number for you dispell the"rumor". 1-800-962- COLT, I would not think Colt would be spreading rumors to dealers either, as many in this area are fully aware of it. Why would they say to me and to dealers they will have them at the SHOT show booth???
I'm going to jump in here and take the positive side. Is anyone familiar with the Colt Talo National Match Royal Gold Cup? Here is a link to GunBlast's review:
http://www.gunblast.com/TALO-Colts.htm
Note the raves about the fit and finish. Note the super tight group sizes. Note the suggested retail price.
That price was with Talo's profit added in. The guns sold for less than retail (as most guns do). I wish I would have bought one. The gun also included a really nice maple presentation case.
I think Colt could (and will) make a Python that is the equal of the Talo National Match Royal Gold Cup. I also think the pricing will be good. I think the market is there to sell a whole bunch of them. I also think Colt may use the frame to expand their double action line and give some competition to S&W. Especially when Colts don't have an internal lock.
http://www.gunblast.com/TALO-Colts.htm
Note the raves about the fit and finish. Note the super tight group sizes. Note the suggested retail price.
That price was with Talo's profit added in. The guns sold for less than retail (as most guns do). I wish I would have bought one. The gun also included a really nice maple presentation case.
I think Colt could (and will) make a Python that is the equal of the Talo National Match Royal Gold Cup. I also think the pricing will be good. I think the market is there to sell a whole bunch of them. I also think Colt may use the frame to expand their double action line and give some competition to S&W. Especially when Colts don't have an internal lock.
Jim Watson
Member
mm6
The difference is that Colt has the Gold Cup in regular production and there was not a whole lot of extra work involved to buff the snot out of some and put them in a box for Talo. The Python tooling is at best kicked in a corner of the warehouse and most of its operators and fitters retired. I do not expect to see the Python back in production on the original pre WW I action. It would be very expensive and would be subject to criticism from Internet Experts who assure us that the guns are flimsy and "go out of time" at the drop of a hat. That last might not bother Colt, they would rather you didn't shoot their guns anyhow. Remember when the SAAs came with the hammer tied down?
The difference is that Colt has the Gold Cup in regular production and there was not a whole lot of extra work involved to buff the snot out of some and put them in a box for Talo. The Python tooling is at best kicked in a corner of the warehouse and most of its operators and fitters retired. I do not expect to see the Python back in production on the original pre WW I action. It would be very expensive and would be subject to criticism from Internet Experts who assure us that the guns are flimsy and "go out of time" at the drop of a hat. That last might not bother Colt, they would rather you didn't shoot their guns anyhow. Remember when the SAAs came with the hammer tied down?
blaisenguns
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I have wanted a Colt Python since I saw one in a movie a long time ago. I actually thought that Colt still made Pythons in in their "Custom Shop", isnt that what the Python Elite is? As long as the gun is made in America I will give it serious consideration. Just like I will not buy a foreign made winchester I will not buy a foreign made Colt.
By the way Mr Keenan, Equipment is depreciated not Amortized.
Guillermo
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the payments can be
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