The New Python: initial thoughts and observations

[Dragonfly]

I’m more of a semi-auto guy than a revolver guy, and when it comes to revolvers I’m more of a Smith & Wesson or Ruger guy than a Colt guy, but I’d been intrigued by the re-introduced Python that originally came out in 2020 and decided to find out what all the fuss was about. I’d heard that Colt had improved the action to make it sturdier and less failure-prone while still maintaining the classic Python feel. I can’t attest to that one way or the other as I’ve never shot an original Python, and actually haven’t seen one in person since the 1980s. This one is absolutely beautiful. The finish is not quite mirror polished, but close—I actually prefer it to a full mirror finish.



When I saw photos of the new Python online I thought at first that Colt was using a two-piece barrel, but it’s actually a recessed muzzle—that’s a nice touch. You can also see the hex head screw that allows for super-simple front sight replacement. I’ll be replacing my front sight with a green fibre optic one, as I’m not fond of red-ramp sights. While it might not have the classic Python look, I find them much easier to see.



The top of the frame and barrel are matte finished, ostensibly to cut glare. The rear sight is a plain black blade.



The hammer is grooved versus the checkering on the original model. Its shape makes cocking easier than other S&W revolvers I’ve had, and it feels like it requires less effort. Very nice!



The trigger is narrow and deeply grooved…to the point when it’s a just bit uncomfortable to be honest. I’d prefer a wider or smoother trigger. And speaking of the trigger, I was surprised that the single action trigger pull is 5 pounds, compared to 3.5 pounds on my S&W Model 28-2, with a bit more overtravel, too. I was expecting it to be a bit better. The double action pull is a pleasure, though. The pull starts at about 8 pounds and stacks a bit compared to a typical S&W pull but is very smooth. It feels a bit shorter, too. The shape of the trigger is less curved than the original.



The grips look to be laminated wood, and are lightly checkered—I find them very comfortable. They’re apparently a little thinner side-to-side than the originals, which helps with trigger reach but not with felt recoil. I’ll see how it feels at the range. The shape of the front of the grips is changed from the original. Whereas the original had a pronounced forward curve at the bottom of the front the new one is more vertical. I’m not sure of the reason for the change, but I’m thinking that the original may have been more intended for one-handed shooting?



The ejector rod is a little short—I’ve heard that it’s not long enough to fully eject magnum cases (not without a sharp stroke at least).



Ok—the initial impressions are mostly favourable with just a few minor annoyances. I’m looking forward to taking this out to the range.

 

[The Glockodile]

Looks really nice!

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Yup, Colt has been on fire with their new revolvers, the fit and finish blow away current offerings from S&W and Ruger. Durability is still a question mark, but they have been very proactive and responsive when issues have arisen. The Python and .22 Cobra Target are both on my list.
Gorgeous, Dragonfly, congrats!

 

[cfullgraf]

Nice revolver.

I bought a new 6" Python a couple years ago and it is my first ever Colt revolver. I pleased with the way it shoots as well.

 

[cfullgraf]

I liked my new Python enough that I bought a new production Anaconda. Mine is a 44 Magnum but if CZ brings out a 45 Colt Anaconda, I'm all in.

My #2 daughter married a Brit and lives in the UK. They come to visit in the fall so I thought to leave the Anaconda un-shot and let my son-in-law shoot the first rounds in the Anaconda. It gives him some opportunities not available to him in the UK.

The Anaconda has been made with the same care as the current production Python.

 

[Old Dog]

I've got a couple of the 2020 Pythons, one 4" and one 6" with a 3" on order.

Ok—the initial impressions are mostly favourable with just a few minor annoyances. I

I've some acquaintances who are considered revolver experts and they've stated that the 2020 Pythons are mechanically superior to the older models. Bill Wilson (amazingly enough, a Python expert) and Mas Ayoob have touted the worthiness of the new Pythons while a number of nationally-known revolver "experts" have provided quite positive reviews of the new Python incarnation. I'll go on record as a fan of the "new" Python. The triggers on mine are superb - the DA is smooth, the SA very crisp (the 6-incher has an almost 1911-ish trigger, seriously). The fit and finish are superb. The accuracy is, as expected, excellent.

Alas, as some have noted, the rear sights come pretty loose from the box and need to be tightened. I've use Lok-Tite on both of mine as they were wiggly even after constant tinkering (and Colt couldn't be troubled to supply the .050 allen wrench for windage adjustments). Apparently, there's some after-market attention coming with regard to rear sights. Eliason had reportedly been onboard, but the latest is no-go, but a couple other companies may be stepping up.

All things considered, though, the new Pythons are keepers. (Yep, re-issues in Royal Blue would be awesome)

 

[Madcap_Magician]

I, too, have a six-inch, and the bright stainless finish is indeed a thing of beauty. I really like the matte top rib, you can feel the blasted texture on it.

With regards to the trigger I think it was six of one, half dozen of the other, with many people seeming to agree that the double action trigger is modestly improved over the original and the single action is modestly worse but that it's still a good trigger right out of the box. I don't have an original to compare, but the trigger pull and the lovely finish is what sold me. It has the look of a gun that one of my children will one day want.

 

[AzShooter1]

Very well written review. Nice to hear from someone that's not a gun writer getting paid to praise a new gun. Your honesty is very valuable.

 

[The Glockodile]

Nice to hear from someone that's not a gun writer getting paid to praise a new gun.

Gun world prostitutes.

 

[JDeere]

I finally bought a 6" Python awhile back when prices came back to a little less than msrp. It was my first ever Colt anything and she is a really nice pistol for being recently made. The action is really nice in single action mode right out of the box. Double action is OK as well and I won't have to do anything to it. My buddy at the lgs called me and said he had a 4" at a fair price. I told him maybe later as they will be around and it's just not one I have to have. My Smith's and Rugers are nice pistols in their own right and run well so need to jump on the Python band wagon as a must have. I do however want to pick up a King Cobra Target to try out...ymmv

 

[Anchorite]

Not to sound like a snob, but isn’t Colt owned by CZ now?

As the owner of 2 “original” Pythons and one “original” Anaconda (45) - that is before Colt ceased production of these revolvers, I can say that the “purists” like the fact their Pythons were hand-fitted, and lovingly caressed before leaving the factory. The Anacondas were admired and sought after because Colt had *finally* brought out it’s own 44 Snake after years of hopeful revolver enthusiasts painfully waiting.

Sure, there is a lot to be said for modern manufacturing techniques and technology, but I think the “original” is just as “sturdy” and not as “failure prone” as the interweb rumors would have one believe.

Kudos for (CZ) Colt for reintroducing some classics and keep revolver-itis alive. I am delighted they are reintroduced, and I don’t have a dog in any fight over old vs new.

 

[whatnickname]

Nice looking revolver. Always wanted one. The vintage Pythons are just crazy expensive today. I would have bought one of the current issue guns except for some of the reviews I’ve seen on YouTube where new Pythons wouldn’t run right out of the box. Then there’s Colt’s politically correct position on the AR15.

Pull the Python footage from Hickok45 up on YouTube and you can see for yourself. Another case of factory trained wine-o workers that don’t care whether they’re making guns or doorknobs? Couldn’t say, but, I know that is what killed Colt in Hartford years ago. Then there was the politically correct position Colt took on AR15s and not selling theirs to the public because the market was already saturated. Like I said, nice gun. Think I’ll pass and support those manufacturers that build quality products and support my Second Amendment rights.

 

[Anchorite]

Nice looking revolver. Always wanted one. The vintage Pythons are just crazy expensive today. I would have bought one of the current issue guns except for some of the reviews I’ve seen on YouTube where new Pythons wouldn’t run right out of the box. Then there’s Colt’s politically correct position on the AR15.

Pull the Python footage from Hickok45 up on YouTube and you can see for yourself. Another case of factory trained wine-o workers that don’t care whether they’re making guns or doorknobs? Couldn’t say, but, I know that is what killed Colt in Hartford years ago. Then there was the politically correct position Colt took on AR15s and not selling theirs to the public because the market was already saturated. Like I said, nice gun. Think I’ll pass and support those manufacturers that build quality products and support my Second Amendment rights.

The curse of mass-produced vs painstakingly hand assembled. You don’t hear of “older” Pythons with QC issues like you do new guns, do you?

As for the prices on older guns, I agree….seriously over-inflated, but like anything for sale, value always seems greater in the eye of the beholder. It’s all a matter of perception.

 

[Old Dog]

Kudos for (CZ) Colt for reintroducing some classics and keep revolver-itis alive

Colt introduced its new revolver line prior to being bought by CZ.

some of the reviews I’ve seen on YouTube where new Pythons wouldn’t run right out of the box. Then there’s Colt’s politically correct position on the AR15.

Yeah, YouTube reviewers accustomed to shooting semi-autos with no clue how to properly use a Colt DA trigger. Most of the initial problems reported were purely cosmetic.

Not sure you have an understanding of how the business works. Nothing to do with politics or refusing to sell AR-15s to civilians.

 

[whatnickname]

Colt introduced its new revolver line prior to being bought by CZ.
Yeah, YouTube reviewers accustomed to shooting semi-autos with no clue how to properly use a Colt DA trigger. Most of the initial problems reported were purely cosmetic.



Not sure you have an understanding of how the business works. Nothing to do with politics or refusing to sell AR-15s to civilians.

Know exactly how the industry works and Colt’s position just coincidentally came at a time when they were vying for Government contracts.

 

[ShootMeStraight]

I bought a brand new Anaconda, it shoots a few inches high with the sights bottomed out. Looking for a taller front sight.

 

[golden]

EVERYBODY,

I know many believe that they used to make guns better in your father's day, but the DID NOT!

My brother bought a S&W 25-2 with the cylinder slightly out of alignment, so it would not rotate completely. Hard to shoot that way.

A friend had a COLT Python that just never shot to point of aim. The frame was warped. You could not see it, but an experienced gunsmith found it and it had to be replaced by the factory.

I bought a S&W model 28 back about 1990 to carry on duty, but the trigger was just gritty and got worse with use. I sent it back to S&W and they fixed. The man I spoke with said it should have never left the factory.
I also bought a S&W model 547, a K-frame gun chambered for the 9m.m.x19 Luger cartridge, but designed so that you did not need moon clips. The barrel started to rotate in the frame and caused lead spitting.
I had a similar problem with a COLT Viper. The barrel started to rotate and the barrel shroud pressed up against the cylinder rod.
Later, I bought a COLT DS-VI and it had a heavy double action trigger pull. I brought it to a gunsmith thinking an action job would fix it. He said no, it was the spring and it needed replacing. So much for that.
I bought a RUGER GP-100 last year and it did not function properly. I could not get through a session at the range as it would go out of time.
Oh, and just to show it is not only revolvers, I bought a BERETTA 86 and have had it in for repairs twice. It has fired a total of 41 rounds and will probably never be fired again.
I also bought a SIG 220 and it could not go through a single magazine without a misfeed. So much for the much hyped quality of ITALIAN and GERMAN made guns!

All of these are HIGH QUALITY GUNS and none were low cost or cheaply made.

Also, does anyone remember when S&W signed a deal with the CLINTON administration to keep guns out of the hands of bad dealers?
S&W nearly went out of business when gun owners let them know how they felt about that deal. They learned their lesson.

COLT went bankrupt for the simple reason it had bad management. The lived fat and happy on military contracts, not caring about the civilian and police market.
They did a poor job of updating their revolvers when police still bought revolvers. Remember the MK III revolvers?
They fixed the problems with the MK III when they brought out the MK V revolvers including the very nice original KING COBRA, but by then you needed to be selling a 9m.m., double action with a double stack magazine to get pollice contracts.
They did almost nothing to compete for the 1911 replacement contract that went to BERETTA. COLT let SPRINGFIELD ARMORY and KIMBER take away the 1911 market they once owned.
COLT had a double action pistol back in the 1970's, but they never released one for sale. I know it existed because I saw photos of it.
Then the management released the DOUBLE EAGLE without adequate testing and it got a bad reputation. They fixed it with the DOUBLE EAGLE II, but it was already dead on arrival.
Then they bought the COLT 2000 from someone else and it was another disaster. They tried to do a deal with CZ, to sell a version of the CZ-75 with a 1911 style grip.

Now, COLT also seems to have learned their lesson and I think all gun owners should be happy. We need more gun makers, not less.

Once companies get established and successful, they often lose the person or persons who drove them to success.

Jim

 

[SwampWolf]

(Yep, re-issues in Royal Blue would be awesome)

It would truly be awesome but, given the labor intensive process to achieve the original Royal Blue finish, you'd have to be a "man of means" to afford one if Colt ever tried to replicate it.

I bought the 4" version after debating mightily over which barrel length to get (Old Dog has the right idea; get all three variants-but I'm not a man of means ). I like the revolver a lot but when I compared it to my Smith & Wesson Model 686-5, the two revolvers seem equivalents in every sense of the word, making me wonder why the Python costs so much more. I do agree with the op and Madcap_Magicia: the single action trigger pull on the Colt was disappointing; the double-action pull was superb.

 

[ECVMatt]

Great pictures and a very honest review. I REALLY want one of those and posts like this don't help.

 

[cfullgraf]

I bought the 4" version after debating mightily over which barrel length to get

Granted everyone has a preference but when it comes to a firearm that would be used for hunting type applications, I’d rather have a 6” or so barrel length.

My new production Phython and Anaconda are both 6” barrel revolvers.

That is not to say I do not have any 4” barrel revolvers. They are fewer in numbers.

Up until a few years ago,I had no use for an S&W 8-3/8” revolver. I bought a 8-3/8” Model 25-5 to round out a 25-5 collection. I’m hooked on long barreled revolvers.

I’ll probably invest in an 8” Anaconda in the near future.

 

[Remington1911]

I have also put it on my list, they are still quite spendy and not sure if I will do "new" or "old" but one is in the future.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

The only YouTube reviewer I saw that had even a remote idea of how to run a revolver was Hickok45... the rest of em couldn't figure out how to run a revolver if it killed em..

 

[Madcap_Magician]

It would truly be awesome but, given the labor intensive process to achieve the original Royal Blue finish, you'd have to be a "man of means" to afford one if Colt ever tried to replicate it.

I bought the 4" version after debating mightily over which barrel length to get (Old Dog has the right idea; get all three variants-but I'm not a man of means ). I like the revolver a lot but when I compared it to my Smith & Wesson Model 686-5, the two revolvers seem equivalents in every sense of the word, making me wonder why the Python costs so much more. I do agree with the op and Madcap_Magicia: the single action trigger pull on the Colt was disappointing; the double-action pull was superb.

Granted everyone has a preference but when it comes to a firearm that would be used for hunting type applications, I’d rather have a 6” or so barrel length.

My new production Phython and Anaconda are both 6” barrel revolvers.

That is not to say I do not have any 4” barrel revolvers. They are fewer in numbers.

Up until a few years ago,I had no use for an S&W 8-3/8” revolver. I bought a 8-3/8” Model 25-5 to round out a 25-5 collection. I’m hooked on long barreled revolvers.

I’ll probably invest in an 8” Anaconda in the near future.

I like the 6", but I kind of wish I'd gotten a 4". The 6" has sight radius and velocity, but it doesn't quite balance for me like a 4" does, so then accuracy suffers for me over time shooting. I really want a 4" Python to go with my 6". A 4" medium-frame revolver always seems to balance really well in my hand.

 

[The Glockodile]

The only YouTube reviewer I saw that had even a remote idea of how to run a revolver was Hickok45... the rest of em couldn't figure out how to run a revolver if it killed em..

Curious - what is the proper way of using a Revolver?

For the most part, mine are treated like any DA/SA, save for the obvious.

What are the finer points?

 

[cfullgraf]

I really want a 4" Python to go with my 6".

Yup, I agree.

My family of Model 25-5's. A 4", 6" and an 8-3/8".
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?attachments/img_1395-jpg.224380/