There seems to be some indication Colt will begin to make the Python again.

https://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/cla...hot-show-2016/

I'll believe it when I see it. Colt is struggling to make a comeback and I'm not sure they get it yet. For instance, regarding the Python, "Our source said the Custom Shop is working on the Python build now. "

What that tells me is they will be uber expensive, it they appear at all.

Yes A new Python would be nice, but I agree with your assessment.

I found a nice one for sale at a LGS a few weeks ago but I passed. It was shot but in very good condition. They were asking $2500 for it. Just gun, nothing else came with it. They know me well there and let me look it over, knowing I have a fondness for revolvers.

They only had it a day when I saw it and it was gone a couple days later.

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!

The last Pythons Colt built were done by the Custom Shop. A friend of mine bought one. After two trips back to Colt to correct problems, he got fed up and sold it. So don't expect much.

I doubt even if everything went off without a hitch, very few of us would be able to afford the new Python. A bunch of old parts and the tooling is only part of it. Colt put it's top 10% of gunsmiths on the Python. Those guys are gone. They were a huge piece of the puzzle.

Well good for Colt, I hope they make them, and prosper.

Get ready for the whining, like in the 1911 CMP thread, why they don't sell them for $400 like they did "when i bought mine".

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Sure you did

It will be just like the SAA. Overpriced compared to anything it competes with . It may be a nice gun and all , but I have never seen the reason that they've gotten so expensive. There are lots of guns that aren't being manufactured anymore. Doesn't mean they're priceless.

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1st smiles,lies.Last,gunfire.

I don't know why they couldn't program the CNC machines to produce them. The handwork would be less hours now than back then, although at a higher hourly rate. I think they could realistically sell them for $1500 or less. Remember they only cost about $100 more than a S&W back in the day, about a 30% premium over what is now the S&W Classic line.

Agree with the above - the highly skilled talent pool needed to assemble new Pythons are not available, need training to get to the necessary skill level, or both. I would not want to be one of the early buying pool .

It would be possible to redesign the internals to reduce the need for intensive hand fitting, but it probably wouldn't feel the same and the Python purists would howl.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

They were getting $1300 for their new production 1903 a year or so ago. I've noticed that their 1911 prices have come down a little bit. I don't understand why they won't market a nice $1000 DA revolver and try to compete. And as has already been noted, do they have the tooling and residual skill to pull it off? Would it really be a 'Python'?

I have to sort of disagree with this.

How do we know the "highly skilled talent pool" isn't out there? I mean, just because a craftsman isn't 80-years-old and worked for Colt for sixty years doesn't mean there aren't highly skilled people who can do the work. I'm pretty sure they're out there. They might not want to work for Colt (or any other manufacturer) for what Colt might pay, though.

And even partially trained personnel can learn new skills.

Were they GETTING 1300, or were they ASKING 1300? Big difference.

Oh, and if they changed the internals, it would not be a Python. They could call it a Python, but it wouldn't be one.

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I always take precautions

No disagreement on your points here, but consider - if it is easy to train excellent Colt gunsmiths at a sustainable cost, why didn't they do it already, and how many of them are out in the non-factory gunsmithing world right now? I know I have older Colt DA revolvers for which I have found one 'smith, at a $250 fee just to look at it. . Not impossible but difficult, I think.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Well, I didn't say it was, or would be, easy. Although I don't know why Colt hasn't been training new personnel, I'll take a wild guess and say it might be because they had no idea where the company was headed. They didn't know if there would even be a Colt in 2016. Regarding sustainable costs, I'm pretty sure they were cutting costs every whichaway in order to stave off financial disaster.

I haven't a clue.

By "look at it", do you mean disassemble it and examine it in detail in order to determine what was wrong with it or something? Or do you mean just, like, hold it in his hand and look at it? If it was the latter, then shoot, man, bring it to me...I'll look at it for a minute or two and only charge you $50. In all seriousness, though, if that's true, that's just way out of line. I think the gunsmith I use only charges around forty bucks to diagnose gun problems and give an estimate.

I will believe it when I see them in the stores.

I suppose it could happen. They're probably looking at the prices the old ones are bringing and figure they should put those old parts to use! If they are just utilizing parts on hand, I wouldn't expect the guns to be made in any great quantity.

I do find it hard to believe that Colt is actually firing back up their double action revolver business. I've heard rumors for 8+ years that they had intention of doing this, but these have never materialized. I had a reliable source/industry guy tell me several years ago that they were recruiting for folks to start up a revolver line in their new facility in FL. Of course, this never materialized.

Who knows, but it will be interesting if they go ahead with the plan, I'd love a new-manufacture Python!

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NRA Life Member

Bet the originals made years back will always be the ones worth big bucks.

Perhaps it will be what the Colt Cowboy was to the SAA? The Python II?

They're incompetent if they don't make revolvers again. The market shows that Colts will bring more than anything else. I was just telling someone that they need to make a Python and a detective special again.

I am and always will be a Smith and Wesson man, though. I grew up with them.

I wouldn't be surprised, and those who own the "first run" Pythons will holler, and rightly so. It will destroy the collector value.

I have all four of the original Ruger Redhawks, in both barrel lengths, if that makes sense. Eight stainless Redhawks. Now Ruger decides to bring them back. I wonder how much money I have lost when six months ago a 7-1/2" 41 would bring $1250 if in the box, and now you can buy a brand new one for $779?

Perhaps this news was given to Pietta, and that is the reason that their P1955 has not reached the market?

If Colt were smart, they would have Pietta build the parts, maybe even assemble them, but figure out a way to say it is made by Colt, and made in the USA.

Remember when S&W hung a sign on the outside of a shotgun factory in Italy a few years back, and claimed they had a factory in that gun-making region?

i wish Colt well, but I have doubts about them going back into the Python business, especially if that means really building them in West Hartford with the existing work force. And, if they do, the price will be astronomical.

Who knows? If people are as excited as they say about the 1903/1908, which is marked Colt, but not built at Colt, perhaps a small-shop Python will work for them also.

If they are counting on using the existing tooling and design, with all the hand fitting and hand polishing necessary, a factory-new Python would cost in the neighborhood of 3 grand, a pricey neighborhood indeed. But since even average condition used Pythons are going for close to that kind of money these days, it might just make sense...in a way. Pythons have always been low-production, semi-custom guns. Even at that price point, they will probably sell all they can make. Now, if they offered a Magnum Carry with the fit and finish that is coming out of the factory lately and priced it to compete with S&W Pro Series revolvers, where do I sign?

I am holding my breath now...
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Okay...I'm over it.

[QUOTE=shawn mccarver;138917777]If Colt were smart, they would have Pietta build the parts, maybe even assemble them, but figure out a way to say it is made by Colt, and made in the USA.

Remember when S&W hung a sign on the outside of a shotgun factory in Italy a few years back, and claimed they had a factory in that gun-making region?

i wish Colt well, but I have doubts about them going back into the Python business, especially if that means really building them in West Hartford with the existing work force. And, if they do, the price will be astronomical.

Who knows? If people are as excited as they say about the 1903/1908, which is marked Colt, but not built at Colt, perhaps a small-shop Python will work for them also.[/QUOT
This is the same company that is trying for the second time just to nickle a Det Spc cyln for me ($100) after messing up first time.

It won't be built the old way; building a new way will make it a "Python" in name only.

This rumor makes the rounds this time every year...

OR...............they are going to sell a rebranded Pietta pyhton as their own as in their fake/rebranded BAR & 1903..........Colt is pitiful all round.

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S&W Accumulator

No...just more AR-15s and 1911s like the year before that and the year before that and the year before that and the year before that...and folks wonder why they go under every few years?

First, I have serious doubts Colt will ever resume production of DA revolvers. I'll believe it when it happens. Second, with modern machining and manufacturing methods, components could be held to much tighter tolerances than was formerly possible, largely eliminating the need for highly skilled hand assembly and fitting. Whether Colt will have the resources to invest in the modern machine tools, etc., to do that, I have no idea. Or if it's even an economically feasible project, as I don't believe that there will be enough of market demand for a "new" Python to justify it. I did see that Colt has announced new lower prices for their Government Model pistols.

To me, in the past 30 years, Colt never wanted to compete in the handgun market. Very sad one of the great revolver/pistol manufacture gave up.

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JIM
NRA Pistol Instr

Instead of the Python, I'd much rather see them bring back the Dick Special, in .38 Special rather than the Magnum Carry. I believe they could sell enough of those to make it profitable unless it cost three large.

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Oh well, what the hell.

I don't think so. S&W's recent production of its "Classic" revolvers certainly didn't damage market value of original Model 25s or 27s.

Ditto for Ruger's Old Model Blackhawks. In spite of all the new Ruger SAs, the original unaltered 3-screw models still command a premium price from serious shooters/collectors.

I predict it'll be the same for any new Python that hits the market. Colt (and U.S. Armaments) won't want to throw enough cash into the endeavor to totally duplicate the look and feel of the originals.

There's sort of a truism among collectors. All things being equal between old and new...fit, finish, feel, and just overall charisma-nostalgia...older is better and will almost always fetch higher prices.

SO TRUE!..........However they just didn't give up......They priced themselves out of the market.......Union labor didn't help any either.

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S&W Accumulator

The last Python was called a BOA. Mirror image of a Python. Bring back the snake revolvers in 357, 41, 44 magnum. I'll get a few.

I'd agree. I'd think competitively priced Dick Specials and Cobras (for lightweight revolver fanciers) would far outsell a new version of the Python. I have always believed that the DS or the Cobra is the best-designed compact revolver ever made by anyone.

Colt reminds me of a quote uttered by the late Abba Eban: They never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.

There ya go. And if they go back to building D-frames, they should revive the Diamondback in both .38 and .22. Those I might buy depending on the price.
I have absolutely no interest in a new Python and can't afford and old one. Detective Specials and Diamondbacks would sell a whole lot better.

I have a 3-5-7 and an early Trooper .357. Don't need no steenkin' Pythons.

The Trooper III was a awesome revolver too.

From a report I read Colt said no it will not be bringing back the Python. They said there are very few old time Colt smiths still with the company that were familiar with the making of the Pythons. Colt said the costs would be off the charts to build the Python again for public sale.
I talked to my gunsmith and he said very few gunsmiths will even attempt working on a Python due to the extreme tolerances in the gun parts.
I have to say I have never had another gun with the trigger action of a Python. I am not saying there isn't but only I have not seen one that would compare to it.

About 3 years ago I spoke with a fairly senior Colt executive. At that time he expressed his belief that Colt would never again build any DA revolvers. I suppose if Colt ever decided to get back into the DA revolver business, it would likely be Colt-branded but made (or largely made) elsewhere in the world. I just cannot imagine we will see any more of them coming from Colt.

An American made Python would be a losing proposition. IF they are ever made again it will be imported into the country with the Colt brand.

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John
S&WCA Life Member

I had the opportunity to pick-up a once-fired 6" blue Python last week (1978 build date) and I couldn't get my wallet out fast enough. It came with the original box, paperwork, factory grips and the wood replica grips you see pictured. The stars and planets must've been in perfect alignment because, for once, I found one in near-mint condition, had the money to pay for it and was able to thoroughly inspect it in-person prior to purchase. I figured that replacing the last one I owned in 1992 was just a fantasy.



As much as I'd like to believe it, I don't see Colt ever building the Python again. The Python and the other I-frame guns it was based on were from a previous era, when technology was relatively expensive and labor was comparatively cheap. The Python is from a time when every part was hand fitted to the gun and was buffed to a high finish. Those skills are lost, the machinery that made the guns was scrapped and they aren’t coming back in the foreseeable future. I'd say we're more likely to see a return of the Anaconda than the Python.

The Python isn't coming back.The SAA costs about $1500 and is a simple gun compared to the Python.How much of a market is there for a $2000 revolver that the original Python doesn't fill?

"Oh, and if they changed the internals, it would not be a Python. They could call it a Python, but it wouldn't be one."
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It seems to me that by this reasoning, Chevrolet should change the name of the current Corvette to something else.

Bringing back classic designs always elevates the value of the originals. The new ones never live up to their predecessors. Compare any of the "reproductions" to the originals and you'll go running to buy an old one.

I fear that this will be one of those things like the 1903/08s that they mfg a few years back...$1k and up except the new Pythons would be WELL over that. Colt have dug themselves into a hole year after year banking on ARs and 1911s.

Well, the 1903/1908 Pocket Hammerless remakes were licensed to and produced by another company, and are still in production...

...and perhaps the new Colt Agent is a forerunner of bigger things to come?

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I like the look of the Python, but I could never justify the cost. I also like the look of the Diamondback. When I bought my Trooper MkIII, I was looking at a 4" Diamondback, but my 'smith wouldn't budge on the Diamondback as much as the Trooper Mk III. Then this college graduate thought he was smart when he passed on a NIB 1950s vintage Trooper for the same price as a 1970s vintage NIB Trooper MKIII. I guess it is a matter of live and learn! Just before Bill died in '07, he had a wall of NIB Smiths, Colts, and High Standards from the '50s thru '70s, had to be at least 50 of those handguns!

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Judge control not gun control!

I am not a smart man, and, I have made my share of questionable decisions, but, I believe we are in the Golden Age of the firearms history. The free market has driven this growth engine and I really have no desire to give my money to a firm that bailed on me (the consumer) years ago for all of the above discussed reasons. I believe that if a collector or enthusiast wants to spend his or her hard earned money on a perceived better mousetrap, bless them and I support that right and opinion. As always, the market will decide who or what stands up.

Please take a look at this: The Real Story About Gun Sales in America
(If this has been posted, please delete.)

I seen a used Python 2" yesterday the dealer said it was one of the older Model and they was asking $2,500.00 price.It almost looked new.

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Life is short,live it fully.