2020 Colt Python update at 1000 rounds

[vanfunk]

Hi All:

I’d thought I’d summarize my experience with the 2020 Colt Python now that I’ve eclipsed 1000 rounds.

Things Colt got right from the factory:

1) The new lockwork is excellent. Simpler and more robust than the original and, IMO, extremely unlikely ever to go out of time.
2) The DA trigger pull was excellent and broke at 9 lbs out of the box.
3) The media tumbled polish is uniformly excellent; not mirror bright, which I don’t actually like, but much more even and attractive than the S&W brushed finish to my eye.
4) The accuracy has been excellent with both .38 and .357 factory loads and handloads.

Things they didn’t get right, and which needed attention:
1) The ejector rod was finished coarsely and “scraped” its way through the center of the cylinder.
2) As has been lamented by many, the rear sight is a poor design and not robust nor easily adjusted.
3) The SA trigger was much heavier than desired, due to the positive cam action and the drop safety requirements of CA and MA. Mine broke cleanly but heavily at just under 6 lbs.
4) The grips/stocks. Altamont does a fine job with laminates, but Python-pattern grips have just never been comfortable for me.

What I did to address these issues:
1) The ejector rod was a 5-minute job with some 800, then 1000, then 1500 grit sandpaper. Cleared it right up and now it feels as it should. Honestly I think the f8nal polishing step was completely missed at the factory. Now it’s lovely.
2) I replaced the rear sight with the Wilson Combat unit, which is a massive improvement in both construction, usability and quality of sight picture. I will replace the front sight with a Wilson gold bead as soon as it comes in (10 days).
3) I spent some time polishing all the trigger contact points with the goal of slicking everything up, not necessarily removing metal or changing any engagement angles. When I felt I’d done enough, I lubed it up and was rewarded with an 8.5 lb DA pull and a 3.5 lb SA pull. I am NOT a gunsmith by any means and I have tomsay that I was pleasantly surprised that a fairly simple polishing job had such a positive effect. Very happy.
4) They’re kinda ugly, but I replaced the stocks with a set of vintage Pachmayr Presentation grips. They fit my hand much better than the factory Altamonts and they cover the backstrap for better trigger finger positioning and recoil control. I may pick up a pair of those Deer Hollow grips eventutally just to have something nice to look at, it for range use with .357 magnums, the Pachy’s are the ticket.

So there you have it, folks. The revolver is broken in now and will reliably shoot teeny groups from the bench, even with my crappy LSWC reloads. Is it more accurate than a 686? Who knows. Was it worth it? Yeah, it was. That question means different things to different people, but for me, yeah, it was. I love it. I love my Anaconda too. AND I love my S&W 66, 67, 18, and 629. I’m a fan of ALL quality firearms. The Python is, well, iconic, and fun, and pretty, and accurate. That’s all I need to be of value to me. Thanks for listening. Now I am going to grab a zip lock bag of my crappy reloads and hit the range!

 

[Slamfire]

I think a pistol that costs that much ought to have a target grade trigger. Blaming California for a heavy trigger is a Corporate excuse. If heavy triggers were only due to California, Colt could make a heavy trigger model only for California, and a decent trigger model for every where else. And Colt needs to install a good rear sight.

The new lockwork is excellent. Simpler and more robust than the original and, IMO, extremely unlikely ever to go out of time.

No doubt you wish this to be true and have full integrated the advertising in your software, but you need to shoot more rounds downrange before making conclusions about lock work durability.

Lets see if you make it to 5000 rounds.

I am glad you like your Python, wishing you luck that that it stays everything you hope it to be.

 

[mcb]

Nice write up. A 9lb double action trigger is pretty good for a factory trigger, assuming its smooth. 1000rd is about two months of competition. How about a update when you hit 20,000 rds?

 

[Old Dog]

I’d thought I’d summarize my experience with the 2020 Colt Python now that I’ve eclipsed 1000 rounds.

Your experiences pretty much mirror mine (I have three of the new Pythons, though have fired only two). I will say that the DA trigger on my 4" (4.2 actually) is noticeably better than that on my 6" ... but the SA trigger on the 6" better than that of the 4". Have not measured with a trigger-pull gauge.

No doubt you wish this to be true and have full integrated the advertising in your software, but you need to shoot more rounds downrange before making conclusions about lock work durability.

Well, there is already a fair amount of anecdotal evidence out there (since these revolvers have been out for three-plus years now) from some pretty experienced, and credible gun guys (the name Bill Wilson ring a bell?) that OP's statement is valid. Is it just me, or does it seem like in every thread about the current production Colt revolvers, people are always chiming in to cast doubt on the worthiness of these guns? I get that this forum is rife with diehard S&W and Ruger fans, but c'mon, let us have our moment. And some of us actually have a little bit of experience when it comes to evaluating firearms, preferring to use and judge for ourselves, rather than subscribing to the "accepted" internet lore.

In any event, I am certainly enjoying my "New Pythons." As well as my new Cobra and King Cobras. I hope they make it to 5000 rounds, crossing my fingers

 

[vanfunk]

Hi Slamfire:

I take your point on the “compliant” trigger and I haven’t the foggiest idea why Colt doesn’t see fit to make two triggers for different markets. We’re all left to speculate on that; some will surmise that they’re lazy, or don’t care, and others will cite manufacturing complexities as the reason. What I know is that I do wish it had come from the factory with a lighter SA trigger but that it also took me all of 15 minutes to make a measurable improvement. I also learned a little bit about the action’s design, which led me to feel that it’s more robust than the previous design. As you say, we will see and yes I am hopeful that I am right in my assumption. I am sure it’ll make it to 5000 rounds unless I grenade it with a double charge of Power Pistol. I accept your challenge! I didn’t buy the Python because I’m a drooling, obsequious fanboi, nor am I bent on justifying my purchase with sycophantish praise and stare at myself in the reflection of its sideplate. It’s a GUN. I am going to shoot it, a lot. I love all of my guns, and all of them have faults that either should have been engineered out or simply assembled better. My Python’s no different, but I’ve made it better and it’s a joy to shoot. No one’s harmed.

 

[Old Dog]

I didn’t buy the Python because I’m a drooling, obsequious fanboi, nor am I bent on justifying my purchase with sycophantish praise and stare at myself in the reflection of its sideplate.

Eloquently stated, sir.

 

[vanfunk]

mcb: I’ll give you a 20k update, no problem. The way my son shoots the Python, that’ll take about six months if he uses his college fund for ammo.

Old Dog: you have me wanting a 4”, and a 3” now, thank you very much. Oh, and I saw a new King Cobra today too, looked nice. Just looking; nothing to see here folks.

 

[CajunBass]

I guess I'm just another fanboy because I really like my two Pythons. I've probably got a couple thousand rounds through mine now. Most have been 38's but a few 357's just for grins and giggles so to speak. I really can't think of anything I don't like about them. I've never noticed anything particularly wrong with the rear sight, but then I don't adjust it. They're both just like they came out of the box. I treat them as if they're fixed, something I do with most all adjustable sight handguns. I'm not shooting at long ranges, and I don't change loads often. Once I see where they're hitting, Kentucky windage gets me as close as I can shoot.

I'm sure I've fired them in S/A at some point, but I don't remember anything about the trigger. The DA is so good the guns just beg to be fired that way, and I'm happy to oblige. That's gotten me to doing more DA shooting with my other revolvers also.

I like the grips on the new guns better than I did on the old Pythons (I used to own one of those btw). The old ones were wider at the bottom and narrow at the top...like a wedge, driving the gun deeper into my hand under recoil. The checkering was so sharp it was like holding onto a wood rasp when shooting. They looked good though. The current ones fit my hand much better, and the checkering is less pronounced. Maybe not perfect, but about as good as anything else I've ever used. And unlike most it seems, I actually like the muted color against the bright shiny SS steel. A good contrast IMHO. I've thought about some aftermarket stocks, but decided why bother. These work for me, just fine.

This one is one of the early ones I suppose. S/N is in the 5500 range. It was the first 4" I saw. I got it back in May of 2020, so I've had it what? Three years now? I doubt I'll live long enough to put 20,000 rounds through it, but it's a nice goal. The other one (my wife's actually) looks just like it. I have to check the S/N's to know which is which. Her's doesn't get shot as much though.

 

[vanfunk]

Handsome revolver, CB! I’ve been wondering about the 4.25” as I don’t currently have a .357 in that barrel length. I have .357’s in 2.75” and 6” but only a .38 in 4”. Maybe I should pick up a 6” S&W 686 just to have a counterpoint to the Python? Then again, the Python is just so nice. I took it out again today for a range stroll in this Northeast gloom and it’s just such a honey to shoot. 8 grains of Power Pistol under a 158 grain LSWC speaks with authority but doesn’t beat me up. I benched it for a cylinder and was rewarded with a 1.25” group at 20 yards. ‘Bout the only thing I can think of doing to it now is perhaps breaking the edges of the trigger serrations with a little sandpaper, we’ll see.

 

[golden]

SLAMFIRE and VAN FUNK,

It is almost impossible to make two different triggers in the U.S. because of the liability issue. Ammo companies used to make +P+ ammo only for law enforcement agencies because the agencies had to sign a waiver of liability with the company. I doubt anyone would do that for triggers except a custom shop. IF it was an option for every state, then you might be able to get away with it, but it would be a tricky thing and if someone brought a lighter trigger gun into a heavier trigger state, then the company (which is likely the richest target for lawyers) would probably get sued.

Jim

 

[whatnickname]

The Colts are easily one of the nicest looking revolvers that have ever been made. I’m glad that Colt has come out with new editions of their revolvers. I’ve thought about buying one of the new Pythons. The original Pythons are crazy expensive. But then I think about the revolvers I have. I shoot Smith & Wessons more accurately than the Colts I have owned. I carry a revolver when I’m deer hunting… either a Ruger GP100 or a Ruger Redhawk. The Ruger guns are reliable and built to last with the sustained use of heavy loads. A new Python? Probably not at this stage of my life.

 

[The Happy Kaboomer]

A $1500 gun.......add $200 rear sight,,,,and $75 front sight..........Overhaul guts to make it smooth.........REALLY???

 

[Poper]

Overhaul guts to make it smooth.

Exaggerate much?

Some people love their hobby for more than just for burning gunpowder. Me? I love to handload just so I can shoot more than I could if I bought factory ammo.

I have one of the new Pythons and a new Anaconda, too. For me, they are just fine as-is. A connoisseur of fine revolvers I am not. I have had Taurus revolvers (I still have my 2" total Titanium .44 Special), S&W - still have a M66 and M15, Ruger - Still have an old 3" GP100, Dan Wesson - still have a .41 Magnum with both 4" & 8 " barrels and I have a recent acquisition of a Diamondback "Sidekick". Ok for plinking and for the grand kids, but not a lot of value for the money, IMO.

To each his own. I applaud vanfunk for his venturesomeness to tackle the guts of his Python. - I did something similar to a Taurus M94 many years ago. I was very surprised what a couple hours with polishing compound and elbow grease could do for that trigger! But there is no way I would attempt the same in my Python or Anaconda!

 

[Styx]

SLAMFIRE and VAN FUNK,

It is almost impossible to make two different triggers in the U.S. because of the liability issue. Ammo companies used to make +P+ ammo only for law enforcement agencies because the agencies had to sign a waiver of liability with the company. I doubt anyone would do that for triggers except a custom shop. IF it was an option for every state, then you might be able to get away with it, but it would be a tricky thing and if someone brought a lighter trigger gun into a heavier trigger state, then the company (which is likely the richest target for lawyers) would probably get sued.

Jim

It's not impossible and it has been happening for decades now. Massachusetts has a law that dictates what features and trigger weight some handguns must have, and many manufacturers design handguns that have those features to be sold in Massachusetts. I am not sure about California laws and regulations.

For example, here is a MA compliant S&W M&P that has a 10lb trigger! The standard M&P has 6lb +/- factory trigger. It is common and legal for gun owners in MA to change out triggers and/or springs to bring the pull back down to standards. Manufacturers just can not legally sell them that way.

I have seen people from other states who have purchased MA compliant handguns in the past, and then complained on social media and forums about how bad the triggers were. Of course, simular to you, they didn't realize or know the triggers were mandated to be that way, so they fail to mention it which leads to unfair criticism of the manufacturer and their product line.

Commercial +P+ ammo can be purchased by civilians, and there are several companies who offer it for sale. Underwood and Buffalo Bore being two of those manufacturers.

 

[Old Dog]

Overhaul guts to make it smooth.........REALLY???

Really? Haven't ever fired one, have you?

And the front sight does not require replacing while there are easy fixes for the rear sight (yes, some cost money, but so what?).

Once again, a classic example of a thread posted by a fan of a particular revolver in which some folks just can't stop themselves from chiming in with derogatory remarks about the subject gun. As I said before, let us have our moment. No need to interrupt a love-fest thread with negativity.

 

[Gork10]

I bought a 3 inch python about a year ago. DA trigger pull averaged 9.5, SA was at an even 4 pounds. You are right about. The rear sight, just a bad design. Fired little over 1500 rounds in 6 months. Ran great. No issues except the sights. Very accurate. Being a Smith revolver shooter, I just couldn't get used to the different feel of the python. I sold it for what I paid for it. Great gun, just not for me. I do own a Colt detective special I occasionally carry that I like a lot. I see a lot of negative comments on the Internet about the new pythons. What some of these people need to remember is if Colt didn't re engineer and re release the python a lot of people wouldn't be able to afford one with what original pythons are going for nowadays.

 

[Styx]

I bought a 3 inch python about a year ago. DA trigger pull averaged 9.5, SA was at an even 4 pounds. You are right about. The rear sight, just a bad design. Fired little over 1500 rounds in 6 months. Ran great. No issues except the sights. Very accurate. Being a Smith revolver shooter, I just couldn't get used to the different feel of the python. I sold it for what I paid for it. Great gun, just not for me. I do own a Colt detective special I occasionally carry that I like a lot. I see a lot of negative comments on the Internet about the new pythons. What some of these people need to remember is if Colt didn't re engineer and re release the python a lot of people wouldn't be able to afford one with what original pythons are going for nowadays.

You are most likely seeing a lot of life long S&W and Ruger revolver owners with negative things to say about new Colts mostly because they're different than S&W and Ruger revolvers. I agree with the sight design. That's the main complaint I've heard.

To those complaining about the Python trigger in comparison to S&W, the Python seems to have a pound or two heavier SA trigger; however, the DA trigger is nicer and lighter out the box than any stock S&W or Ruger (LCR excluded) I've ever pulled. Seems like a lot of cherry picking is going on when it comes to putting the revolvers some prefer above other manufacturer's offerings.

I said it before and I'll say it again. As someone who owns striker-fired, DA/SA, polymer, metal frame, SAO revolvers, revolvers & pistols, etc from multiple manufacturers that are all different sizes, weights, and have different ergos, I just find it odd that people who have no problems shooting a multitude of different semiauto handguns and all types of action and platforms of shotguns and rifles have so many problems and issues when it comes to shooting different revolvers ONLY. It's like a switch in their brain turns off with revolvers.

 

[Gork10]

Styx. You are absolutely right. I do agree, the python has one of the best out of the box triggers in a revolver iv ever shot. The fit issue I had with it was on me, not the gun. I'v grown picky about the Simi auto's I shot as well. All except one of my Simi's is steel framed hammer fired. Nothing against striker fired pistols. Most of them are fine guns. Iv never been bothered by a heavy trigger pull, anything under around 12 pounds DA And around 6 pounds SA is good for me. Back to the OP's post, I'm glad he's enjoying his python. And if we ever meet at the range, I'll gladly swap pistols with him for a few rounds.

 

[UncleEd]

.... As I said before, let us have our moment. No need to interrupt a love-fest thread with negativity......

Well, here's a positive about a negative: Complaints exist about the sharp serrated trigger.
Short of a bit of grinding, perhaps an easy solution to avoid sore fingers are soft finger
thimbles. They come in all sizes, made of different materials, cost little and cover
the better part of the trigger finger. Great variety on Amazon.

Or stick a Band-Aid on your finger.

 

[RainDodger]

Good info. I have a King Cobra in .357. The ejector rod for your Python must come from the same guy that doesn't polish them in the Colt factory. Mine was crunchy also, and quite rough.

 

[vanfunk]

Maybe I’ve gotten used to the trigger, or maybe I’ve developed a little callous, but I am minding it less and less. It really does help with maintaining a repeatable finger pad position, which aids accuracy. I put another 250 rounds of my pet handload through the Python this morning and it did splendidly. It’s just so damn accurate, both single and double action. I think I am going to try it at 50 yards next time - stretch its legs a little.

 

[vanfunk]

Funny RainDodger! Must be the same damn guy. Mine was bad but again, it was easily remedied. My Anaconda was obviously finished by another employee because the ejector rod was smooth as glass out of the box.

 

[UncleEd]

Maybe I’ve gotten used to the trigger, or maybe I’ve developed a little callous, but I am minding it less and less. It really does help with maintaining a repeatable finger pad position, which aids accuracy. .

Finger pad position for double action? Most DA shooters want their finger to be
able to move a bit, roll as it were, in the cycling; hence smooth triggers are now
preferred.

 

[Styx]

Finger pad position for double action? Most DA shooters want their finger to be
able to move a bit, roll as it were, in the cycling; hence smooth triggers are now
preferred.

Yes, I never use the pad of my finger for shooting DA revolvers. I thought it was sandard practice and always thought to use more of the joint area.

 

[UncleEd]

Jerry Miculek, I believe, is an exception and quite a one at that.
He prefers serrated triggers so his finger doesn't move in DA.

Back in the 1960s, '70s it was common practice to grind off
the serrations on S&W revolvers. With the introduction of the
S&W 586 and Ruger GP100, smooth triggers became the norm.