Colt Python 2020 vs. Colt King Cobra Target

U

UncleEd

Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2015
Messages
1,655
Location
N. Georgia
This is strictly personal opinion based on
limited experience.

I'm a dyed in the wool S&W revolver guy
and also do love Rugers. Most of my
shooting in revolvers has been DA with
Smiths, my favorite being the Model 15
and the Model 586. The 586 never a
pick nowadays. Ditto the Rugers.

Dimensionally the Colt Python and the
Smith 586 are cousins while the King
Cobra Target represents the size and
some handling characteristics of the
Model 15/19 which are slightly bigger.

Now I'm not much of a Magnum shooter,
12 or so .357s a year and I'm done. With
.38s, a lot of +P as well as full wadcutters.

So I've come to like the Colt King Cobra
Target very, very much. The Python 2020
not so much, finding the weight nowadays
an unnecessary handicap. The triggers are
about the same but I give the edge to the
King Cobra. It just performs better for me
(I've ground off the ridges/serrations on the
Python trigger).

I've found myself reaching for the King
Cobra Target more often than the Python.

When it comes to price, the King Cobra
Target consistently retails more than
$500 below its bigger brother. And
I don't believe the extra price for the
Python is really worth it.

I think Colt should push the King Cobra
Target in its promotions and start offering
various stocks, sight options and maybe
sooner than the Python a blued version.
(Of course secretly I wish for the
resurrection of something like the
blued Diamondback, even if only
in .38 only. But that's a dream.)

Won't be long before a Python 2020
goes on sale in my neck of the woods.
And afterward, another Target might
find a new home. :):):) :):):)
 
I have both the new King Cobra 3" and two of the new Pythons (4" and 6"). I find the King Cobra's trigger to be superb and detectably better than both Pythons.

I really want the 4" KC Target model, because, as you indicate, it hits a sweet spot in terms of size, weight and balance.

A new blued Diamondback? Ah, we can only wish...
Diamondback.X.jpg
 
UncleEd said:
Most of my shooting in revolvers has been DA with Smiths, my favorite being the Model 15 and the Model 586.
[...]
Of course secretly I wish for the resurrection of something like the blued Diamondback, even if only in .38 only. But that's a dream.
Click to expand...
index.php

Obviously we share a taste for the finer things in life. :) :thumbup:
 
@UncleEd,

I share your views regarding non magnum loads, even from magnum revolvers. Last time I fired 357 Magnum (factory load) more than 20 years ago. I was visiting my parents, and went with friend in mountains. He brought his S&W M66, and only ammo he had was noted 357 factory. The only ammo I reload is like 38 Special+ level, albeit in 357 magnum cases. If I wanted more, I had 41 Magnum (foolishly I sold it, hope tom get it again), but I usually end up at 1100-1200 fps, using 210-220 SWC bullets. Same with 44 Magnum; 250 -265 SWC at 1100-1200 fps is enough, even if I take it as a backup gun during wild boar hunting.

Yes, I do have few boxes 357 and 44 full power factory magnum load, but those are only if I have a guest begging to try shooting those calibers "as seen in movies".

As for medium frame 357 magnum, I prefer balance of 6" S&W M66 and Ruger Security Six. I do have S&W 686, 6", but I wish it has half underlug like M66 or Security Six.
 
I think the Python and the King Cobra revolvers are just different enough, especially in terms of size and weight, to make it a comparison between oranges and tangerines choice.
 
The Colt King Cobra Target looks interesting. It maybe added to my lists of wants for a third Colt revolver behind a modern Python and Anaconda.
 
I prefer the looks of the new Python over the new Cobra.
Do not care for that flattened loop of trigger guard.
FWIW I don't like the trigger guards kidney shape being exaggerated on the old Anacondas.
IMHO the new Anaconda looks better than the old one.

The new Python triggers are a bit funky too.
For me, Smith looks best across various models, from J to N frame.
Like their rear sights better too.

HOWEVER, a blued old Python in 6" is just darn good looking. I changed my sights to Kensight and its better (patridge front, full face rear).
The only complaint I have for old Python looks is then the muzzle, that doughnut deal. Blah.
The old King Cobra barrels looked decent IMHO.

Am not a fan of underlugs on .44 smiths but like em on K and L frame stuff.
Honestly, for a do all gun a 686/586 pre lock is hard to beat, performance and looks.
4" is nasty w magnums, 6" tames em for me.
But is a little long for general use. Hunting or range...........6" is fine.

Ideally a 5" 686/586 would be my great all arounder.

BTW, I only shoot magnums in my old Python. Maybe 200 a yr max. Factory stuff, it aint that hot IMHO. 140-158gr.
With the new sights on, need to verify. Plus maybe test some ammo.
I have a Ransom rest and the insert for the snake.

Might drag that stuff out next weekend and do a video.
It loves Hornady leverevolution which is nowhere to be found these days.
Have only shot one deer w it and where I shot it anything would have worked.
So Im still wondering about .357 for deer.

Rereading post for possible edit.....and I remembered......A Smith w a Python bbl, if it had the old King Cobra type of muzzle........would sure be a looker.
 
Last edited:
LGS had 6 and 4 inch new Pythons.
Stronger, stainless.......might be a better hunting gun than my old one.
They sold em both this week.
Honestly, the 6" would be the better hunting rig, but the 4" just looks balanced.
If I was gonna get one and target shoot/plink......or let others in the fam do same.......Id get the 4" for the looks.
38 spcl diet, itd be comfortable.

They did get the new Colt 1911 w adj novak, comp series 70 "O" model.
Cheaper than that 4" Python would be.........I managed to walk out w my money still in pocket.

If that 1911 was a 10mm (deer legal here) Id be working Saturdays LOL
 
Hookeye said:
...Honestly, the 6" would be the better hunting rig, but the 4" just looks balanced...
Click to expand...
Some years back I read article about Ruger market research. Among other things, they looked into why some customers preferred 4" GP100 over 6" one. They find out that many customers prefer balance of 4" revolver. Soon after GP100 6" was available, and 5" still is as a distributor special, with half underlug. To be frank, I am not surprised that 6" GP100 half underlug isn't listed any more. Security Six 6" looks IMO much more elegant. No wander many still consider Security Six as a top choice revolver.

0MaJOvd.jpg

As for Colt, Python was always a symbol of a nice design and elegance. However, I wouldn't be surprised if just for handling and balance, some go with 4" barrel. OK, 6" full underlug makes sense if shooting full power 357 Magnum, but how many times we shoot such ammo? Last 30 years I didn't fire more than a dozen.

As for hunting, well some folks are OK with 357 Magnum. However, I would start with 41 Magnum, like Ruger Blackhawk, Redhawk, Super Redhawk, or S&W M57/657.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the comparative picture, GeoDudeFlorida.
Doesn't get any better than this. But sadly, no longer
either produced any more. :(:(:(

upload_2022-7-10_5-57-59.jpeg
 
I have both and each are nice in their own way. Shooting magnum loads I'll take the Python. Shooting full house magnums in the KC Target a lot just doesn't seem right for some reason. It just doesn't seem like it will hold up over time imo. I have the 4 and 6 inch Pythons and the 4 is my favorite. The 6 inch does have it's place at longer distances...
 
JDeere said:
Find a 5 inch GP 100 best of both worlds. My LGS had one awhile back and I grabbed it just because it was a 5 inch. Damn fine weapon imo. Easy to change springs and such to obtain your favorite combo...
Click to expand...
I’m giving old Colts a break… going to look for a modern revolver: probably the Colt 3” Python & GP100 Match or Normal!

but if a S&W 19, 15, 10 come up… all bets are off on old guns edit… and 27 and pre-27
 
Mark_Mark said:
I’m giving old Colts a break… going to look for a modern revolver: probably the Colt 3” Python & GP100 Match or Normal!

but if a S&W 19, 15, 10 come up… all bets are off on old guns edit… and 27 and pre-27
Click to expand...
PSA has blem Pythons available right now if you’re looking for a modern revolver. I believe they listed 3” for $1099.
 
Can't believe how strong this thread is going after a one-year
hibernation. Perhaps it'll get another rest and return for
July, 2024.
 
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