Gen 2 Colt Python Experience Thus Far

[AyyDudee30]

Happy Friday all!

I am making this post to reach out to other owners of new gen Colt Python revolvers, I have had mine for roughly a month now and have taken it on a couple trips to the range. Honestly I couldn't be happier with the revolver, it looks great, feels well machined as it can get for a mass production piece, and shoots wonderfully (when it does). That leads me to the point of the post, I have been having some primer strikes that wont ignite the primer and a rather curious "double strike" with a mix of Fiocchi, S&B, and PMC .38 Special and .357 Mag. I am about 300 rounds in on it and am curious if anyone has had a "break in" period for theirs. On the weird two strike on the primer my theory is that since it is all with .357 when that happens it might be hammer bounce or rebound? Any discussion or thoughts are greatly appreciated, also if you'd like to post the Colts!

 

[UncleEd]

Send it back to Colt. Probably needs a stronger spring. Reportedly
Colt initially put in too "soft" of springs to achieve a wonderful,
light double action pull. If I'm not mistaken the ammo you
used also is foreign and primers may be harder than U.S. made ones.

I understand Colt has retrofitted a number of FTF Pythons with the
stronger spring but in doing so, the weight of the DA trigger has gone up.
Also all current production guns now get the heavier spring, I believe.

 

[cfullgraf]

My new Python has performed well. The only complaint I've heard is some folks do not like the OEM sights. I have not had issues with mine but I bought a set Wilson front and rear sights to try on my Anaconda. If I like them, I'll get a set for the Python.

 

[1976B.L.Johns.]

Let's see...
I purchased my Python on September 25th, 2021.
The next day it went to the range.
33 rounds of 38 special and 38 rounds of 357.
I was pleased!
Of a total of only 506 rounds through since then with 54 rounds of 38 special (blasphemy!) included I have no complaints.
Yeah, the Wilson sights may be an improvement in the future!

 

[Miami_JBT]

Have both old and new Pythons. The new gun works fine, my gripe is the trigger is too squared off in shape and the serrated texture is rough. I'd like to get a another, a smooth faced trigger like what is on my new 3" King Cobra. But Colt doesn't make 'em. So I'm just going to get another trigger and smooth it out myself.

 

[CajunBass]

I bought one of the first 2020 Pythons, S/N was less than 2000 (I understand they started at 1000). I had some trouble with that one with light primer strikes when shooting my reloads with CCI primers. Never with factory ammo. I switched over to Federal primers and haven't had any problems again with either that one or my other two that came later. (Full disclosure. I've since sold that gun, but only because I didn't care for the 6" barrel.) Neither of my 4.2" Pythons have ever suffered a light strike, but again full disclosure, I don't think I've fired factory ammo in either, and I'm sure I've never used CCI primers with them. Not knocking on CCI primers either. Never had a problem with them before, and haven't been able to get any since. Besides, the Federals are doing fine, so I'll probably stick with them.

If I did have a light strike issue, I'd contact Colt and made arrangements to ship it back.

I really like all three of the ones I had. Again, on the first one I had the sideplate screws come loose at the range once and suffered the dreaded "lock up" that was widely reported back then. I saw the sideplate was loose, tightened the screws and the problem went away and never came back. I didn't even put locktite on them, just snugged them down with a screwdriver. No more problem.

The two 4" ones, never a problem. I don't shoot them a lot, one of them hardly at all, but that one is my wife's and she will let me know that is HER gun and I have my own. I've never touched the sights, they're just the way they came out of the box, so I've never noticed any problem with them, but then I tend to treat adjustable sights as if they were fixed on all my guns. I pretty much use one load, and the only place I shoot is at the indoor range and I've pretty much figured the "Kentucky Windage" out there.

The DA triggers are really good. They just beg to be fired in DA. I'm sure I have used the SA at some point, but I'll be darned if I can remember it. It's just not a factor for me.

Edited to add: I had over 800 rounds through the 6" gun when I sold it. No problems other than the couple minor ones I mentioned. "My" 4.2 inch has seen at least that many, probable more, but my wife's doesn't get shot as much. Maybe 100 rounds through hers.

And they look like a million bucks to me. This one is "mine."

And this one is "her's." I have to check the SN's to know which is which.

I'm a Smith and Wesson guy, and I'm asked from time to time, "which one is "better?" Well, I couldn't tell you. They're different. Is a Python "worth it?" It is if you want a Python. It won't do anything any other really good 357 will do, except be a Python, and if you want a Python, nothing else will scratch that itch. I've got a 686 Smith and Wesson that is just "as good" when you're talking about it as a revolver. But it's not a Python. About the best I can tell you.

A really GREAT gun. But not a Python.

 

[JDeere]

I have the 4.25 and 6 inch new models with well over a thousand rounds each with 0 issues The original sights were ok but I replaced them with Wison's. Just a much better sight without that chincy set screw for windage adjustment. The triggers are miles ahead of the newer 686 and 586 I own as well out of the box.. I roll my own so I cannot say anything about factory ammo and light primer strikes. I have had none and run CCI and Win primers. I also Have the KIng Cobra target and she's a keeper as well. I can say these three revolvers will stay in my stable...

 

[vanfunk]

My 4” and 6” Pythons, and 6” Anaconda, are my favorite handguns. I replaced the sights on my 6” Python and Anaconda with Wilson rears, but left the stock rear sight on my 4” as it was rock-solid from the factory. They are all superbly accurate and I shoot them better than any of my other handguns. Nowadays I pretty much always shoot them offhand at 50 yards at an 8” gong and a miss is very rare. Between the three, I have over 10k rounds and the triggers have smoothed up and lightened nicely. I have S&W .38s and .357s and I love them too, but the Pythons are nicer in every way. I can tell no difference in accuracy between my Pythons and my Korth with my chosen handloads of hardcast 158s and 2400 powder. I have not had any issues with my Pythons and light primer strikes but my Anaconda has had difficulty igniting Fiocchi and Winchester primers double-action. I only load with Federal primers now in .44 Magnum and I’ve had no issues. Overall my experience is that Fiocchi primers are pretty hard and may not fire reliably in revolvers with light springs.

 

[Miami_JBT]

My new Anaconda wears the Wilson rear with the new Colt OEM red ramped front sight.

 

[ilbob]

A guy I used to shoot with sometimes about 1980 had two nib pythons in a safe deposit box. He was convinced they would be worth something some day.

 

[UncleEd]

Seems some here accept the fact that the Python is not
able to pop all primers. That's OK. It's only a toy.

But as a defensive handgun, shouldn't it be able to pop
all primers no matter their origin, domestic or foreign or
particular maker. That's not a question but a statement.

Is Colt selling a toy or a defensive handgun. That's a
question, not a statement.

Again, I love that Colt has jumped back into the revolver
game. But it must produce a totally reliable gun capable
of defensive reliability. Just giving buyers a wonderful
out of the box double action trigger is not enough.

 

[JDeere]

To each his own. I own no toy Colts and would trust the new models I own in any defensive situation. Carry on...

 

[Targa]

I like my Python but did have to send it back due to light primer strikes, then add having to spend the extra money on a replacement rear sight for a $1400 gun leaves me a bit underwhelmed but I did want a Python for my collection and I have to say the DA on the thing is impressive. Now with that said, my 3” King Cobra impresses me.

 

[Shivahasagun]

My New Gen King Cobra had one light strike out of 1k plus rounds. I think it was a Hornady primer.

For defensive loads I'll only use Federal primers. (I reload) It's my favorite revolver ever. I'm aware of the hammer issue, though. (they can break)

I bought a new 686+. Loved that 7th shot. But I just don't like the gun as much as my KC. Also, like older S&W's I've had, my new one will "gum up" with lead until the cylinder stops turning. None of my Rugers or my Colt have this problem.

I'm selling the 686+. I may get another KC. Or a 3" Python or a 4" Anaconda. I only shoot DA. I sure wish there was an 8-shot .357 Anaconda 4-inch!

I hate grooved triggers on Double-Action revolvers!

 

[jdc1244]

Purchased a 4 inch Python last April – great gun, fun to shoot, beautiful revolver.

 

[CajunBass]

But as a defensive handgun, shouldn't it be able to pop
all primers no matter their origin, domestic or foreign or
particular maker. That's not a question but a statement.

Is Colt selling a toy or a defensive handgun. That's a
question, not a statement.

My understanding is that Colt changed the springs after some of the early guns had a problem with light primer strikes. The one I had was one of those early guns (S/N < 3000) and it only had light strikes with CCI 500 primers. My two 4.25" guns, from later production had never had that, or any other problem.

I switched to Federal primers, but that was mostly because I couldn't find CCI's during that time, and still don't think I have seen them now that I think about it.

 

[vanfunk]

After a few thousand rounds each, both of my Pythons have DA pulls under 9 lbs and SA pulls just over 3 lbs. They’ve never failed to light a primer in both varied factory ammo and my reloads. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them for defense but I have other guns for that role.

 

[Targa]

After a few thousand rounds each, both of my Pythons have DA pulls under 9 lbs and SA pulls just over 3 lbs. They’ve never failed to light a primer in both varied factory ammo and my reloads. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them for defense but I have other guns for that role.

Did you try CCI primers? The reason I ask is because thats when my Python had light strikes. Federal and Winchester hasn‘t had any problems. As for factory loads, I haven’t used any yet but I might buy a box for chronograph comparison with my reloads.

 

[vanfunk]

Hi Targa:

I have used CCI small pistol primers with no issues in the Pythons but I haven’t tried the magnums; they might be a different story. I’ve probably shot 20 times as many Winchester and Federal primers as CCI but again the CCIs were no problem. My Anaconda, though, will fail to fire CCI large pistol primers about 1 in 10 when firing double action. Single action’s no problem but I again I stick with Winchester or Federal for no problems. It’s a range gun only so I don’t care, and the trigger is so damn nice now I sure don’t want to make it heavier.

 

[tomrkba]

The blued Pythons are now out. Can't wait for a 4" and 3"!

 

[Targa]

but I again I stick with Winchester or Federal for no problems

That’s my plan vanfunk. Winchester and Federal have been very reliable, the light strike issues I had were with CCI 550 primers.

 

[Miami_JBT]

The blued Pythons are now out. Can't wait for a 4" and 3"!

I don't think they'll do a 4".

 

[Old Dog]

I don't think they'll do a 4".

It's 4.25 inches.

I have had zero issues with my new Pythons through many hundred rounds. I've made them available to friends at our shooting events and no one has experienced any misfires. And I've fired Fiochhi and S&B as well, along with some other brands noted for harder primers. I would have no problem using these as self-defense guns in a serious situation.

 

[UncleEd]

Some gents over at the Colt Forum already have the 4.25 inch
blued versions. The barrel ribs have three vents instead of two.

 

[CajunBass]

Just a quick follow up on something I said earlier about my 6" Python misfiring when I was using my reloads, with CCI primers, which was true. I blamed it on the gun at the time.

However, over the weekend, I went to the range and took along a box of my reloads I'd found at the bottom of a stack that I'd loaded during that same time period as that first Python, so they were almost certainly the exact same loads. If nothing else, I didn't use anything but CCI primers back them.

Anyway, I experienced a half dozen "light strikes" (at least) from that box of 100 reloads using my Smith and Wesson 686-6 this time, so maybe it wasn't the Python back then. Maybe the primers were hard? Maybe I didn't get them all seated deep enough...They all fired on the second hit. That Python never misfired with any factory ammo I tried or after I switched to Federal primers. I don't have that gun anymore, so I can't test it again, but I thought I'd pass along the info for what it's worth.