hey to each his own...
Id prefer to spend the $2K in the S&P 500....

Not a Colt fan-just not for me.
I'd much rather make loud noises w my 686

They did, it was called a Diamondback

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Sceva
OGCA SWCA NRA

My mistake, meant to say "Cobra" frame. Come to think of it, a REAL re-introduced Diamondback .22 would be nice....

Larry

Colt also suffers from union workers unless something has changed. Someone has to pay their demands.

The single grainy photo (if of the new Python) appears to be a variation of the current Cobra, with a full lug barrel. If so they may have a hard time selling these at $2K plus.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Colt pulled out of the civilian AR market since they have over a sales quarter worth of inventory sitting on shelves. The market is in an AR gult. They can't compete against sub $400 ARs that PSA is churning out.

The market is heavily depressed right now and major distributors have gone out of business and mkre are soon to follow.

I'm not a Python fanboy, but I recognize it's appeal in spite of the shortcomings.
Manufacturers in the firearms industry, every now and then, realize that on occasions in the past they created a product that went on to become an icon. More often, these same manufacturer themselves are simply a reorganization of a previous company of the same name.
Marketing almost dictates that said icon will be reissued.
A few "case in points":
-S&W Classic series
-SIG USA P210
-Mauser P08 Parabellum "Luger"
-Almost everything made of blued steel and walnut with the name "Wnchester" or "Browning" on it.

Every time it happens, people ask "How will it compare to the original?" And, "How will it affect the value of originals now that they are collector items?"
The answer to the first question is variable, and highly objective.
The answer to the second question is, almost without exception, the originals continue to climb in value.

Jim

PS: the answer to the second question is, to a degree, somewhat a commentary on the first question...!

Seven firearm distributors went out of business in 2019. More than likely two more will follow suit in early 2020. The entire industry is running on razor thin margins with very little profit. Several major manufacturers have already announced price increases effective 1/1/2020. Colt is trying to stay in the game and be competitive.

Sold my 1971, safe queen Python about 6 years ago. Asked and got $2,600. It was shot but very little, watched the value on it (and my other Colt's) just headed for the moon, and decided to cash in all the prancing ponies and move full time to Smiths.

More fun, can all be shot, carried, balance and point well for me, holster, grip choices abound, and even ventured into a couple engraved specimens along the way (so far).

Like the title says.....I don't miss it a bit. Somewhere back around 1965 or so I had a friend who was in a richer than most family and bought a brand new street version Shelby Cobra...the "real" thing. I rode in that car...what a beast! Fast forward bucoo years when some "disposable" income came my way and "real" Cobras were $100K and up, but kit cars could be made up that looked like it, smelled like it, drove like it (still a beast w/427 side oiler), for about $35,000.

I really came close to pulling the trigger, but when all said and done........it wasn't real.........close but no cigar. Glad I went into firearms and never looked back.

Personally the Python was, and still is, a classic fine piece of precision mechanical work, but I see the same craftsmanship in most all of my collection of Smith & Wesson fine handguns.

To each his own.

Merry Christmas to all, and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year.

Attached Images

Colt Python reduced size.JPG (27.7 KB, 58 views)

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Charlie B
SWCA#3083, SWHF#570

Well , I tell ya , I have mostly all smiths and just one colt . I like Smith's , their easy to work on . I do have an OM trooper , it's built on the same frame as the python, same internal mechanism . It lacks the vented ribbed barrel and the lustrous finish . I thoroughly enjoy it and would never sell it . If I can afford it I will gladly buy another Colt , one of the new ones would be fine . I'm glad to see Colt getting into the revolver business and I am very supportive of them . I'm not a Colt basher ,Regards, Paul

Whatever they come out with,I'm not selling my 1976.While I shoot my S&Ws and DWs more often,I like to bring the old lady(the Python,not my wife!) out at the range now and then and shoot some lightly loaded .38spl just for the feel of the smooth handfitted action.
For serious action,I'll take the Smith,the Dan trailing not far behind.But the Python,well,they just don't make them anymore and I doubt they ever will with the same action smoothness.

They’ll make it. It’ll have the feel of a Ruger and the fit, finish and design of Charter Arms. It won’t have the hand assembly of the original Python, since all those old master gunsmiths have long since retired on their union salaries.

Some people will buy them, some of those souls will spend energy on the internet, trying to convince the rest of us it really is a good gun.

I have a 1975 Python that was my high school graduation present. Its rough as hell now as I will be the first to say that I didn't care for it properly when I was in my 20's. It was carried hunting and fishing and shot ALOT and I still shoot it regularly. It is a great gun but I would just as soon shoot a rougher Model 357 from 1954. Those are the only Colts in my revolver stable of about 60 pieces. Have owned several other Pythons and Diamondbacks through the years and I never understood why the prices went so high. Great guns and fine quality but not 3-5 times the price of a model 27. Based on what I have seen with the New Cobra and King Cobra, I certainly can't imagine a Colt anywhere near the quality of the older versions coming out of the same factory.

Hope it’s proudly emblazoned with the QR codes that the new cobras have:



How elegant!

All of you who are so enamored with the old school, hand fitting nonsense should take a look at the latest YT post from GunBlue490. CNC and Mim are where we are now and it is not going to go away. My first handgun purchased was in 1975. I bought a new S&W m-19. Beautiful revolver, deep blue finish, wonderful trigger, shot to hell, loose as a goose in 2 years. My friend had similar results with a 1 owner Python he had purchased around the same time. Soon after they were released, I bought a 2019 King Cobra. While I have not had it long enough to truly know yet, after well over 500 rounds through it, 250 of that being .357, I can tell how much more sturdy this revolver is than any other I have owned. It shoots point of aim, and is well balanced. I could not be more pleased. The new Python will probably only be offered in stainless, and that will probably not be as beautifuly done as the old ones, but I would not presuppose that the old school Pythons will hold up or be better revolvers than the new iteration.

I would be shocked if Colt didn't bring back the Python, especially when there is renewed interest and demand for it ever since it was featured in The Walking Dead.

That being said, it will most likely be denigrated at every turn by self-interested individuals who have "invested" in an original Python and fear that a reintroduction will make theirs more difficult to sell, as was the case when Colt reintroduced the Cobra.
Obviously cost-saving measures will be implemented in order to make the Python more affordable/profitable, which owners of the classics will make a huge deal over, regardless of the fact that they would have never bought a new model anyway in a desperate attempt to "protect their investment" which has most likely been relisted countless times on gunbroker for an exorbitant price that no one will ever be interested in paying, but they'll never budge because that's how much it is worth in their dollar-sign-obscured-eyes, and they'll take it to the grave at said price.

It's coming.

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Shooting Comfort is bilateral.

The gun is most likely going to be tailored to cosplayers and modern braindeads who are fans of The Walking Dead TV show and video games.

I agree. Everyone has this idea that old stuff was all made by magical goblins living in the enchanted forest and anything new is junk. There is not a single person alive today capable of doing anything right. What a load of nonsense!

You want a python made as good as the old ones and don't want to pay more than $600. Not going to happen. Colt is capable of making new Pythons that are much better than the old ones. But it is going to cost. There are plenty of shops out there making very high quality guns and they sell for thousands of dollars. Maybe Colt is making something that they can sell for $1000. If so, you are going to complain about the quality. Or maybe they will be making some of the finest guns ever built. Then you will be complaining about the $5000+ price.

When Colt first came out with the SAA it would take about a month's wage for the average guy to buy one. Today that is about $4000 or so. At that price it is possible to get a very high quality gun.

A Colt SAA cost about a double eagle gold in 1873, so the price has not change, a double eagle gold coin is what a SAA Colt cost now......
Check the price of double Eagle 1873 coins....

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

You don't often see a "remake" that is as desirable as the original, whether it be a gun, a car or a movie, and a poser Python would be a prime example. Frankly, I've never understood the market for Pythons based on the sheer volume of production. Expecting a new production gun to be of equal quality to the original would be a fool's errand. I would be remiss if I didn't say I am a Python owner, and I really like the gun. BTW, it was bought brand new, by me in 1972 for $198, and it does see range time.
.

Idle pondering......
We all have seen the RIA near-knockoff of the Colt Detective Special, and IIRC, it's <$300.

Let's get RIA to make a Python knockoff!
(j/k, but the industry takes some strange turns.....)

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

They won't be the old gun. Different era. Different manufacturing methods. Different dynamic as in technology is relatively cheap and skilled labor expensive.

I'm going to do my best to look at the gun on it's own merits. That being said, it better be dang good for the 2000ish dollars Colt is purporting to charge for these things.

For what its worth, the photo (under very blurry magnification) appears to be a standard new production 4" King Cobra, down to the current style of laminate grips.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Oh so true.

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Sure you did

There’s a guy on the Colt Forum who has a pretty good inside line on upcoming events at Colt. When everyone was haw-hawing the idea Colt would come out with DA revolver, he knew it was coming.

He says those expecting a legit Colt Python won’t be disappointed.

The idea old master gunsmiths are required these days is nonsensical. Even in “the old days” Pythons were mostly assembled by middle-aged ladies who knew how to fit parts from bins of parts.

Also, our own JayFramer is taking a mild beating over there.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

Well the conversions about Old vs. New, Then and Now is
interesting.

Throwing a wrench in this. Maybe Uberti or Pietta could
manufacture the Python better and at a more reasonable price.

We know it can be done. "Yea but it's not a Colt" my friend
says, "Your Damn Right it sure isn't" my reply; pertaining to
the U.S. Fire Arms SA piece of Art Work I'm showing him.

Also Miroku making Lever and Bolt Action Rifles like Winchester
could never Craft. I like my 1895 Mirokus, without fear of losing
my face from the many questionable originals I looked at.

Also look at Henry making the Original Henry, Beautiful Crafted
and yea it's going to cost you at today's prices as in Days of Old.

Great stuff about past and present. I like what 3D printing,
CNC, and the new Metallurgy Technology can do Today.

Special Evil Unconventional Built USFAs, built in America,
destroyed by Bad Management in usual America style below

Attached Images

USFA Bisley Flt Top.jpg (4.3 KB, 336 views)

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SD social distanc'n since 1889

I keep a Python on hand, a 1978 blue 6-inch. Have had it for years now. I've long thought Pythons were over-styled, overrated, and hugely over-priced. There are other vintage Colt double-action revolvers that are just as amazing.

I'm grateful though that Colt is seen to be making an attempt and look forward to seeing the results. Who knows? Perhaps it'll be good 'nuff after all.

I like ol' Colt and am pulling for them. Like ol' Smith & Wesson too.

Is it really so gratifying to all of y'all who feel obliged to lecture us old forum fogies, attempting to compel us to swallow all this "new and better" bunk down our geezerly throats? We're not required to accept it you know. We can wallow in our good ol' stuff, disdaining and ignoring the "wonders" of modern gun manufacturers' catalogs to any extent we wish. Your attempts to tell us "how it is" fails to convince.

Couple more decades of shooting fun, give or take and I'll be at the point of shuffling off this mortal coil. With the guns I have, along with other vintage guns I admire, I can get through to that point without being required to sample any of the firearms manufacturers' current products.

If the new products keep shooters in the game then gun ownership in this nation benefits, but I'm not required to buy it.

The "new crop" of firearms are fine ... for somebody else.

Here's a picture of the 2020 Python. I like it and will be buying.

Attached Images

49278219098_fe49a1b263_o.jpg (130.5 KB, 170 views)

Congratulations, and Thank You for posting a Picture of what
the Reintroduced Colt Python will look like.

How much?

Give us a Range Report as soon as possible.

Thanks again.

Attached Images

Steel case reloads fired.jpg (3.5 KB, 288 views)

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SD social distanc'n since 1889

The pic looks pretty good. I had a Python some years back that I sold for about 3X the purchase price. Don’t think I’ll be shelling out $2K+ for another one any time soon.

There are a couple of minor differences, but it sure looks Pythony. I hope the price leaks soon.

I’m sure the naysayers are looking for nits to pick.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

GTBL, thank you for the clear picture of the 2020 Python, from that thumbnail, it is pretty and looking at the top of the trigger guard, you can see the lineage to the newer Colt revolvers.

I think that the Python was always a pretty revolver, but I can still hear the words of my old time gunsmith telling me that a Colt won't hold a good trigger like a Smith. Honestly, there are very few 'smiths left that I would trust any of my guns to if they needed work. In the late '90s I wanted a Diamondback, and Bill tried to sell me on a Highway Patrolman, I ended up getting the price I wanted on a Trooper MkIII. As much as I am a Smith shooter, I still long for a Diamondback, and a Python just wouldn't do.

On the newer Colt revolvers (from pictures) the trigger geometry looks longer to me. I envision a long action with MIM parts comparable to what you found on the old MkIIIs. Those parts just can't be stoned like the old parts we are fond of. Good triggers may require the replacement of all the internals in the hopes of getting a good trigger.

Honestly, I applaud Colt for trying to resurrect the revolver line, because even the Smith revolver aficionados will end up on the winning end, because it will encourage competition and in that arena, the consumer usually wins! If Colt comes out with an appealing revolver, will I buy it? Probably not, unless it comes with an attractive price tag and an extended layaway plan! Meanwhile, I will still keep looking for a Diamondback!

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Judge control not gun control!

Old Python, new Python.

But as I see it, Colt has to do a really
good sales job with the new Python,
pointing convincingly its worth and
dare I say improvements mechanically
over the older model.

When all is said and done, from a practical
point of view, Colt has to prove it has a worthy
competitor in its NEW Python. It can't
claim that it has resurrected the old Python.

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Ubi Est Mea

It's good that they're bringing out a new iteration of the Python. Given what I've read about the other new Colts, my 1979 Python should be going up in value.

How do you know what he paid for it? Maybe some old widower woman from his church sold it to him because he was her dear departed husbands best friend. I know that's a stretch but stranger things have happened. Heck, I've had people give me guns and wouldn't take any money for them when I offered. I've given a few away myself. Not everything comes with a price.

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That's just somebody talkin.

Seems I may have run across some bad intel, gang. Apologies in advance.

The new Python looks solid. The frame behind the cylinder looks to me a little more like an L-frame Smith in some ways. Overall I like it. I don’t really care for the laminated (i.e. fancy plywood) grips, but so long as it takes standard Python grips, it should be an easy matter to swap them.

Looks like the NEW Colt’s Model Revolving Holster Pistol of Magnum Caliber is set to be a sure winner. I imagine they’ll be out of stock and constantly sold out for months or years. Maybe some day, once the Walking Dead fanatics have sold there’s to pay for some new cosplay props, I’ll pick one up.

I actually kind of like the grips—they look interesting. I look forward to seeing one in person. Thanks for your follow-up.

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Possum—The other white meat!

Once again Colt's is "thinking big." Let's say they make and sell 10,000 guns @ $2400 and another 500 "collectors" for $2800. That's a shade over $25 million. Last I heard (a long time ago) UAW wages, benefits in Connecticut were about $75/hr. 50 workers= $7,800,000 yr + materials and facilities. Might be doable. Woulda been more doable if'n they built out the factory Osceola County gave them 10 years ago with a skilled (think recently unemployed aerospace) workforce @ maybe $30/hr. When I see product I will be convinced. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

I seriously doubt that. Anyone that REALLY shoots a Pyhton instead of locking it away and bragging on it knows better. It doesn't take a whole lot of rounds to get out of time. The second leg on the hand will push the cyl into lockup when you pull the trigger when the timing goes bad. Mine has gone out of time twice. Both times I removed the hand and stretched (peened the sides) to bring it back into time. 50 years with S&W and I've never had to do that.

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S&W Accumulator

I’ve owned three Pythons and a ton of other Colt revolvers. I’ve been hearing the “Colts get out of time” line for decades.

Usually someone will demonstrate this awful affliction by very slooooooooowly bringing back the hammer to full cock, then triumphantly nudging the cylinder into place with a little click.

I say - cock it normally. Oops, it locked up

Or I’d say - pull the trigger and hold it back. Now nudge the cylinder. Ooops, its solid as a bank vault.

I’ve never had a Colt revolver actually be out of time when used as its meant to be used. I just bought a 120 year old New Service that has seen plenty of use and it is still perfectly timed. Part of the design is for the hand to shove everything into place if required when the trigger is pulled.

I’m happy this internet wisdom is out there, though. Leaves more Colts for me.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

The "out of time" reports usually followed
vigorous and constant double action
shooting.

The empirical evidence suggests Smith & Wesson
and Ruger revolvers handle double action "fast
and furious" shooting much better than Pythons.
It seems the Colt Python's method of lockup wears faster.

My experience mirrors that of Mike, SC Hunter that
the Python hand needs stretching (peening) to
restore its timing, at least for a short time.

Grant Cunningham, known as a revolver gunsmith,
explains in an article about the Colt Python
hand and how it wears and must be replaced
on a regular basis for the gun to stay in time.

The NEW PYTHON, I expect, addresses that
timing situation with the hand and Colt might well
have redesigned the gun just enough to
act like a SMITH.

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Ubi Est Mea

So Colt is reintroducing the Python? That's nice. I expect it will have zero effect on the value of older Pythons, just like the current S&W revolvers have had on previous S&W revolvers. I would expect the new Python to make extensive use of MIM parts and to be CNC machined so that it can be easily assembled instead of hand fitted.

FERTILIZER...........You probably don't shoot 100's to 1000's of rounds out of yours either. And why should one have to cock it like pumping a jack handle to get it to lock when cocked?

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S&W Accumulator

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Five screws and 3-1/2 inches.

We went through this once before with the Colt Single Actions. Colt stopped making them for WW2. Then started making them again in 1955. I'm not old enough to know if there were any complaints about the quality of the new Colts back in 1955. I do know that if you compare the new Colt Single Actions to the pre-war ones, there are a lot of small details or short cuts that Colt did. We can expect the same withe the Pythons.

Haha! Keep it up, and I’ll keep buying those “out of time” Colts!

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

And let us give this gentleman a hand, a bag
full of hands, Colt Python cylinder hands!

(Sorry, couldn't resist. )

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Ubi Est Mea

Who would have thought a Colt Python thread would stir up more arguing than a discussion of politics or religion!? And on the S&W forum to boot where we all know one 586/686 is better than 10 Pythons.

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Possum—The other white meat!

If you think this is something, go look on the Colt Forum.

Attached Images

USFAFlatTop44Spl.jpg (3.5 KB, 169 views)

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SD social distanc'n since 1889

Interesting....with all the new vs. old, CNC vs. handfitting, there was only one passing reference to USFA. Their "Premium" SAA combined CNC with handfitting, using best quality materials like bar stock and tool steel, combined with gorgeous color casehardening. They proved a modern manufacturer could take a classic design and build it to the level of a custom gun for a reasonable (albeit not cheap) price.
Management had other plans, though, and USFA is finished.

But, I digress..... back to Colt.
Colt doesn't care about the private civilian market. They've neglected it for decades.
Ever try getting parts or service once they discontinue a gun? Forget it!
They are in financial trouble (yet again) because of thinning gov't contracts.
If they ever get those back at some time they will likely discontinue the bulk of their consumer products (again) and drop the ball regarding spare parts and customer service (again).

With that in mind, whatever shape or form a new Python takes is a moot point.