EDITED BELOW: NOTE CYLINDER LATCH ISSUE IN POST #12:

Guys I just got in my Colt’s Python:



Here are the cliff notes:

-Overall fit and finish are excellent
-DA pull is incredible... just phenomenal
-SA pull is light but a bit of grit, hopefully smoothes out
-Lockup is bank vault
-Timing excellent
-Cylinder gap looks ideal (need to measure)
-Rear sight has a bit of play
-Comes with usual stuff in box
-Crown could be a bit smoother
-Cylinder latch issue (see post #12)
-QR code on side almost unnoticeable

Not a perfect gun but overall I’m pleased. I’m going to call Colt and mention a couple things and just see what they say. It’s very much an extremely impressive piece. The laminated grips it comes with are very pretty but I love the old black rubber Colt medallion grips and had a NOS set around and they fit good. Can confirms both Safariland and HKS speedloaders meant for the Python work well. Some more pics:





Going to shoot it tomorrow at the range. I have a box of 100 .357s and we’ll see what it can do. Thanks guys!

-Jay

I have to say it looks better in your pictures than the ones I've seen in the discussion threads. Can you post a pic of the other side?

These look like impressive re-releases of the Python. I said on these boards a few years ago that ever since Colt came out with the Cobra, they were testing the waters to make the Python again.

I'm waiting for a royal blue version in 2.5 inch barrel. I wouldn't be surprised if Colt does this.

Very Nice! Can you show us a picture of the lockworks with the sideplate off? I'm really curious as to what the new action is like.

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Protocall Design

VERY nice-looking revolver, and great photography! Thanks for sharing. I'm curious about "Rear sight has a bit of play." Could you expand on this? (Sorry if I sound like a Jr. High teacher; just wonderin'.) I hope it's repairable to your satisfaction. That gun does shine, though. I'm hoping it'll shoot as good as it looks! Looking at a new gun like that is like a new car scent! (No, maybe better.)

Look on u-tube. Its there with a plastic side plate. Has some MIM parts inside. Colt says 14 less parts than the old one. New action design. No trigger stacking in DA as in the old one. Colt said they tested it with 12,000 full power .357's. Found no mesurable effects on the gun.

Hope they get back in the civilian gun business and don't quit us like they did in 1977 when they got the big rifle contracts from uncle sugar. At that time they almost dropped all the "good ol" colt's that we grew up with.

Good looking snake J.

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S&W Accumulator

Congratulations on your Python JayFramer! I stopped by a local range/gun shop today to see if they had one in person. They did but it was already spoken for. However, the woman behind the counter let me inspect it. I haven't shot it so I can't speak to that but I handled it for 15 minutes, went through the included materials and took a few pictures. Fit and finish is spectacular and appropriate for the $1500 MSRP. Lock up is well fit but not overly tight. Nothing felt like it was dragging just that it was machined to the exact tolerances. The stocks had a tiny gap near the bottom of the back strap but I live in Utah where it's dry so maybe they shriveled up a bit. Single action has a tiny bit of creep but should easily be taken care of with a bit of stoning once someone declares what Power Custom adapter is needed. Who knows, it might just break in after a few range sessions. Double action is butter smooth with stacking near the end but not as much the other vintage Pythons I've shot. The sights seem great. If there is a gold bead/brass bead sight that drops in (uses the new King Cobra sight set up) then they'll be perfect. I took pictures of the muzzle and the sides because I know you're mostly here for the pictures anyway.

JayFramer, I can't wait to hear how it shoots. I know I'll be on the hunt for one myself.

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Could you give us a link? The only ones I could find were from months or years ago.

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Protocall Design

My new Ruger GP100 has the same style front sight removal pin-punch hole as I see in kilov's picture. Is this normal on newer revolvers? Please excuse my ignorance, as my others don't have that "system". My S&Ws are few, and 20th century-made. The few other brands I have don't have that, either. I like that easy change-out feature. I'm really out of the loop I suppose; also, very ignorant. Kilov, too bad you didn't get that one. Both guns look very nice. I only noticed the sight because I think I may end up changing mine out as I get it broken in a little more. Every day I try to learn. Jeff T.

It almost looks like a two piece barrel but after studying closely believe the crown is simply recessed into a solid part. But it almost appears two-pieced to me. Not a criticism, was just curious. I think it’s a beautiful revolver and I believe a rising tide floats all boats—the more quality revolvers out there, the better it will be for both the consumers and the manufacturers.

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RIP Joe, Dan M., Mike.

I’ve been opening and closing the cylinder all day, have oiled it, but it doesn’t seem to be breaking in at all gang. Worse, sometime it absolutely will not open sometimes, it just seizes. There is a distinct “clicking” feeling and sound when moving the cylinder latch with the cylinder open and out of the way.

I’m thinking there is a burr or rough spot in there. Well... going to ring Colt’s in the morning and see what can be done. This can’t be right, would hate to have to reload this under duress and it seizes up. Will also mention the loose rear sight and rough crown.

Also, I am noticing significant play in these Colt branded new old stock Pachmayrs. Upon further inspection, the grip cutouts on the inside leave gaps, and when the revolver is shaken, it can be felt. I would advise those ordering the new Python be wary of this. Might well be normal for these grips and not a dimensional issue with the actual gun’s grip frame, but if you are like me and like the looks of these black grips, expect some play in them.

So we’ve got a nice little laundry list of issues here gang, with the most serious (and it is serious) being the cylinder release latch sticking and locking up. Keep in mind this is a sample size of ONE and a single data point. With my luck, this is the only Python made with these issues but it’s just something I figure I’d mention.

Will advise what Colt says tomorrow. Hoping they don’t have an abysmally long wait time (thinking of you, S&W mothership) lol!

-Jay

This picture makes me question if I really want a 4.25" version.

It wears a 6" barrel most well.

What serial number sequence did ya get?
Hundreds,thousands...?

Thanks for the write up!!

Pachmayrs on my 629 & 29: Some have more wiggle than others on the frame...just depends on the particular grip pair U get, it's a **** shoot, some might be snugger than others. I have several sets. One can always shim the grip profile inside to contact the frame more so long as whatever material is used doesn't walk out & effect the main spring etc.

Thanks for the report. I thinking I want one.

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John 3:16 .

Big kudos to JayFramer for getting his hands on one of these and giving us the scoop, positive and negative.

I'm watching with intense interest. We seem to be coming into a revolver renaissance. Ruger's still making good products and constantly updating its variations; Kimber made a winner in the K6s and appears committed to the product by expanding the line each year since its introduction; and Colt's return with the well-reviewed new Cobra and King Cobra.

Now the Python -- which looks to be an overall improvement within the bounds of modern production methods.

All these manufacturers seem to be listening to their customers and their potential customers, who have been lamenting their options for some time.

Good designs. Quality builds with consistent evidence that the manufacturer and its employees care about each product that leaves its factory.

Consistently good, shootable triggers out of the box.

Better sights and sight systems, stock.

No locks.

Thoughtful new designs that find a happy medium between capacity, shootability, concealability and carryability.

S&W, the premier manufacturer in this group -- and a passion for some of us -- has fallen behind in these respects and it's reflected in the emergence of significant new competition, which I suspect will enjoy a lot of dollars that otherwise would have grudgingly gone to S&W.

I know my money now has other viable -- in many instances seemingly better -- options and will be spent accordingly.

I hope S&W is paying attention and has a plan to compete in the form of offering new and updated products that better reflect what the market is clearly showing it wants.

As for the Python, I like what I see (and I have never been a Python or Colt revolver guy), and want to hear from the likes of Jay Framer and more new owners in the near term, because if its established (like the K6s snubby, Night Cobra and others) to be yet another example of the revolver S&W should be building, I'm buying (at least) one.

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Pickpocket

UPDATE:

Spoke with Colt this morning. We talked about the issues and long story short, this pretty pony is going back to the stable. They are sending a free shipping label.

Will advise everyone on the repair as I learn more. This is a gorgeous gun and they got MOST of it right. Sweet action, beautiful finish, just probably has teething issues since it's a new product and I am more than aware there is risk in buying any newly released gun.

Thanks for the report. Now future buyers will have a good idea of problem areas to check out.
Yep, it sucks to be the beta tester.

Wow. The gun sounds great except that critical glitch in the cylinder release. I’m tempted to sell my old Python and buy one of these and a Cimarron S&W American repro in .44 Special. But that gun ain’t out yet and the new Pythons can’t come into California.....yet?

I just couldn't resist lol. Normally I'd wait a while but with the new Python, well, it's a gun I've lusted after for 14 years. I'm just doing my best to inform anyone reading and pass on my experience with the gun.

A wise old pilot once told me "Never fly the "A" Model of anything".....

Jay—I can’t help but wonder if you took it out and shot a few cylinders of .357 through it if it would not clear up the latch issues by “limbering it up.” But then again the cylinder might lock up too. I think you did the right thing. Thanks for all the reporting and pictures.

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RIP Joe, Dan M., Mike.

Holy Moly. There’s a 6” new model Python on GB right now started at $1699 and is at $1825 with nine days to go. I have to say, Colt should ask JayFarmer to take pictures for them. They’ll sell more guns. My E nickel old Python that looks like stainless has nothing visual on this new gun here.

Im also watching this VERY carefully. It sure would tempt me.

For me, a 6 inch blued.

Dang, not ONE WEEK after I get my dream 27-2, and I've got another case of gunlustivitis brewing! Wife is gonna shoot ME if I'm not careful.

Congratulations on the Python and thanks for the very informative review. Sorry it’s going back but I’m sure they’ll take good care of it.

A received an Email from Grabagun this morning saying they had it in stock. By the time I logged into my account, it was gone. Maybe that was a good thing for now.

You know what would have been a nice touch? If Colt put a lip around the rear of the cylinder like on the Mark V/Lawman (I think) that gives the gun a “recessed” look. While my older Python is, well, a Python, it doesn’t have that classy recessed look my 27 and 29-2 do. That aside, I REALLY like this new Python.

Hopefully no one was surprised at these problems showing up. Pretty much everything coming out of Colt in the past 10 years (probably more) has been near-junk. It's not unusual for guns to have severe issues, whether it's the new revolvers or the 1911s they've been producing.

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John

I didnt see it on Colt’s website; are they planning a blued version?

Looks pretty bad A!

I'll have to disagree "Pretty much everything coming out of Colt in the past 10 years (probably more) has been near-junk." My recent [last year] series 80 1911 is tight and right in every way & shoots very good. And I have a series 70 on layaway.

I think that Python looks really nice. The fit and polish appear to be very good and I love that red insert front sight. The rubber grips don't do the gun justice to me but certainly would aid in heavy loads.
Colt has made a diligent effort in the last 3 or so years to improve their quality from what I have experienced.
I've recently bought a 70 series and an 80's series 1911's and there were no issues. The quality was good.

Thanks, guys! Hoping it just needs a little more attention from the factory. I also measured the BC gap. It measures .001 at full lockup and .0015 with endshake factored in. Seems very tight to me, going to mention it in my letter to Colt. I know for Smiths I prefer a .004-.006 BC gap as I’m more of a defensive shooter, and am okay with as much as .008 as long as the gun doesn’t spit lead.

Another thing I forgot to mention is the gap between the frame and crane, or the lack thereof, as it is virtually seemless. Excellent job there. I also plan to compliment them on the DA pull, it’s straight up dreamy guys.

So yeah... here we are. Most things are extremely well done on this revolver, but it’s got those problems. I’ll post a transcript of my letter to the factory tomorrow when I draft it. The shipping label should be in my email box tomorrow according to the Colt rep.

Expect to be informed every step of the way and I’ll post a meticulous response once the gun is back.

Stay tuned, gang!

-Jay

Good stuff, Jayframer. Keep it up!

I found this interesting. YouTube


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The old blowhard is back!

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John

Question - if anyone knows.....
How much of their profit margin has to go to the writers and producers of 'The Walking Dead'?

Are they planning a 'Rick's Python Package' with a black basketweave Jordan-style holster/belt rig and accompanying uniform Sheriff's cover, complete with star?

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

They would owe nothing to the show unless they did a package like you're suggesting, which is based on the show. While I think you were being tongue in cheek, given the way some folks follow TV and celebrities, it might not be a bad idea to push that kind of package.

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John

JayFarmer, a member of the Colt forum posted issues with his/her 2020 Python that mirrored your issues exactly.

Very terse post listing lockup and loose rear sight. Assuming you are not the same poster, it does seem more than a bit odd.

Just another good reason to delay a purchase, (1)pricing fever and (2)issues reported by buyers (as well as how Colts addresses/corrects problems).

Bill

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"What does this button do..."

It is a Colt. Many more people will buy it than shoot it. It will be treasured. Drooled on. Cleaned and stared at until finally sold by the widow for a small fortune that is spent on the pool boy.

We'll know the new Python has
really arrived when reports
come in of canted barrels.

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Ubi Est Mea

My ‘75 colt python 357/6” in blue was the most accurate of all my revolvers in 357 at that time. I wonder if the new one can deliver the same accuracy. I sold my first python to start a business.

With all my revolvers i lube the lock up pin, hand and spur with moly. The hinge and stud too. It smooths it all out.

I’m thinking that since Jayframer has a very early production number, Colt is gonna knock themselves out trying to get it just right so as to keep/get it’s reputation up there. They’d be fools not to. (No one is gonna want to buy a new model Python at ~$1500 MSRP with a rep for shoddy quality.)

Let’s see what Jay framer says when he gets it back.

Seems like the the SA trigger issue Jay mentioned in his first post has been overlooked...
A gritty SA pull?
I've never experienced that with a Colt Officers Model Target, Shooting Master, or even a plain ol' New Service or Detective Special.
Sounds like much the same issues with mediocre Diamondbacks, etc. from the 1970s.

How much time does it take to do a full Quality Control check by a qualified individual?
A few minutes?
How much does that person get paid an hour?
Is it too much to expect this as part of the deal?
At this MSRP it's totally unacceptable that there should be any issues, especially given the pure hype surrounding this product.

Thanks for the report. From your review, other comments, and the Colt's website, I'd say Colt's has done a nice job. But why did they see the need to "cheezy" an otherwise beautiful revolver with this. ?

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John

Jay... got to get rid of those 1970s Pachmayer prophylactics. That just does not work, the gun wiggling around back/forth in it....

But I also agree, the plywood Altamonts are a total joke on a 1.5 thousand dollar gun. I am really trying to be open here but what I have seen so far just does not do it for me...

Got to look at one of these two nights ago at LGS. They got in two 6" models and sold one the first day and the other the next. Posting a pic below, which given the better pics already posted seems a bit redundant at this point. Selling for $1,699 and apparently no trouble finding buyers. I was advised that dealer cost was $1,325. I don't know how dealer cost varies from dealer to dealer, but man that seems high. At MSRP that about 11-12% margin. Anyway, it was almost out of the question at $1,499, definitely out at $1,699.

As a consolation I picked up a display model S&W 66-8 from Academy. Regular Academy price $799, clearance price $649, manager gave me another 10% off, plus 5% off with Academy credit card. $612 OTD, or 3 new Pythons after tax.

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Once the gun is back from Colt, and if everything is okay, I might spring for one of the high quality repro walnuts.

Thanks, all. I received my shipping label in today’s email. Going to send the gun in tomorrow. Will advise every step of the way on progress.

You can have all the 66-8 you want, there’s plenty laying around, I’m getting a short barreled Python.

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In memory of Labworm