Stock Colt triggers

[10-Ring]

I've shot some newer Colt wheelguns....an Anaconda, a Cobra, and a newer Python...and was not so impressed w/ the triggers. I have had occassion to try a Python made circa 1968-9 and that trigger was like budduh. So, was that older trigger the exception or the rule? Are the newer triggers exceptions or just a product of poor management???

 

[dfariswheel]

The older Colt action as used on the Python is totally different design than the action used on the later Colt's like the King Cobra and Anaconda.

The older action is noted for a smooth trigger action but does "stack" or get progressively heavier. Whether you like or hate these actions depends on whether you get used to it, or just hate it.
If you "grew up" on S&W's or Ruger's the Colt can seem quite odd.

The newer Colt actions are similar to the S&W and Ruger but still have a slightly different feel.
The Python was basically a hand assembled, hand fitted, hand polished and tuned custom built gun.
A lot of hand work went into tuning the trigger, and that's one reason the Python cost so much more.
A custom gunsmith who really knows Colt's can tune the Python to an even better, incredible level of smoothness.

The newer Colt's design doesn't allow much in the way of tuning since the parts are case hardened and any polishing will break through the coating, ruining the part.
So, with the newer guns, other than installing a spring kit, there's not much that can be done.

Bottom line is, the Python action is an extremely complex design dating back to the 1890's.
The newer guns are a totally new transfer bar design that, like the Ruger, just doesn't lend itself to the same smooth feel.

 

[Steve C]

Colt Pythons came out of the Colt custom shop and all had target grade triggers. The other Colt handguns have what would be considered a "standard" trigger. This was one of the reasons you paid a premium price for a Python and one of the reasons they're still commanding a premium.

 

[Majic]

Colt Pythons came out of the Colt custom shop

Not quite true. Pythons were made long before there was a Custom Shop. Even after the Custom Shop was formed not all Pythons were made in it. Pythons were built by a select few master gunsmiths.

 

[Bullet Bob]

Newer (post - 70) Pythons could be iffy as to tuning. Some were great, like the older ones, some not so great. I have 2 Colt's from the 50's, a .22 OMM and a .357, their actions are the equal of a Python. After, all, it's the same action, and they were premium guns. However, my best Colt action is an older OMT. All this hand fitting was possible because the wages earned by a skilled craftsman were so much lower then, than today. A good action job is $100-150.00. I don't think many people would pay the extra today, considering how many posts I see about what's the best gun for the lowest price, that shoots the cheapest ammo. I don't consider that particularly good or bad, just the way it is.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Pythons made after about 1990 tended to have mediocre triggers, both single and double action. Every new Python made after 2000 I've looked at had a trigger down in the Ruger class.

Small wonder Colt abandoned hand guns: it couldn't compete.

 

[10-Ring]

The best as could be determined, my Python was made in late 1968/ early '69...it feels tight & well made w/ just the smoothest of triggers.