Overheard the LGS call in a rush order for a new Python. The warehouse had 120 something Pythons in stock. When asked to rush ship one to the business....."We can't they all have to be returned to the factory!"

A brief search:

Are there problems with the 2020 Colt Python?

According to internet forums and YouTube personalities like Hikock 45, the new Colt Python has issues causing malfunctions. The main issues that are being reported on are cylinder lockup and light primer strikes. There are reports that hundreds of guns have been affected by these issues causing a quiet recall to take place on these 2020 Colt Pythons.


A quiet recall? What's the big secret

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triggers dog-pile egomaniacs

I would like to get one, but I'll wait for a year or so to let them work the bugs out.

I don't get it, seems a lot of folks on all the gun forums are downright giddy that Colt might have a issue with the Python.

I'm more of in the support camp for Colt. I'm not interested in buying a new Colt revolver, but I say thank you Colt for listening to the market data and bringing back some quality American made revolvers to the market.

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Live long and prosper

It is astonishing that any manufacturer of about any item would release a new product (especially a high profile revolver like the Python) to the market without performing very thorough testing and exercising maximum quality control during manufacture. Yet it seems to happen. Look at Remington's botched introduction of the R51. I know nothing about what the problems with the new Python might be but it will be interesting to find out. From the items I have read, the only two mentioned have been light primer strikes and cylinder lockup problems (possibly more a shooter problem than a design problem), but only in a few cases. Additionally, there have been some cosmetic defects reported.

We have a coupla threads going on this. Here’s one: NEW Python: First Impressions (Has Issues)

Here’s another: 2020 Colt Python

I guarantee you the folks that plunked down their hard earned cash on a lemon aren't downright giddy.

"The Colt Product Innovation Team refined the design of the new Colt Python and performed rigorous testing, ensuring it meets the demands of shooters and collectors. Numerous improvements were made to reinforce the revolver, including the use of stronger stainless steel alloys and a re-designed rear sight which allows for a 30% increase in the cross-sectional area of the top strap -- meaning more steel beneath the rear adjustable target sight, for a stronger revolver and more robust shooting experience."

"Minimizing the amount of parts in the trigger action has simplified the mechanism, elevating its reliability and allowing for more straightforward maintenance. The testing process included over 40,000 trigger pulls on a single Python. Trigger pull scans show lighter trigger pull weights, less friction and increased consistency, re-enforcing the Python’s reputation as a gun that can be heavily used and passed down through generations."

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triggers dog-pile egomaniacs

Go to

this forum's

Firearms and Knives subsection to
read all about in several separate
postings.

Not so dark a picture.

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Ubi Est Mea

I would like to see my Colt Python collection appreciate. I wish them luck, not.

I seriously doubt the re-introduced Python will have any affect on the value of the vintage examples.
Smith’s offering of their Classic line has not put a dent in the values of the original vintage guns, and for good reason.
The new Python like the Classic Smiths look very much like their name’s sake, but they ain’t the same gun.
Smith’s Classic line has not changed values of the originals one little bit.
My bet is the value of your Pythons is more at risk from people getting bored with Snake guns and I doubt I will live long enough to witness that.

At SHOT, when talking with Colt reps and the engineer that redesigned the action, I learned that production didn’t start on the 6” until late November with its release about a month later; not giving much time to for testing. The 4.25” should be released mid February. I’ll buy one, but will wait until the dust settles.

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213th FBINA

the gun is badly stacking for my taste...not good.

A $1500 revolver shouldn't have issues. It's not like Colt just invented the Python, it's a reissue of an old revolver. Especially a gun for $1500 shouldn't have COSMETIC issues. Jeez. I find that unacceptable.

Me too.

Sent from my SM-J320W8 using Tapatalk

No, it's an entirely different gun in the shape of a Python. The internals have been redesigned to essentially eliminate the hand fitting that the original Python required. It also has an improved double action feel, without the "stacking" of the original (or so I've read in the many threads about the gun.) I don't think there are any parts other than the grips that interchange with the original.

So really, they did "just invent the Python" as it is now made.

Hmm
I didn’t experience stacking with the two examples I shot/fondled. I sure appreciated the smooth, 7.25 pound DA. Felt better than a Smith with the strain screw backed out.

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213th FBINA

Reissues such as these, which in reality are more visual facsimiles than exact duplicates, are simply indicators of the appeal and lasting value of the originals.

In the handgun world, you could look at the US made SIG "P210", or the 1970s Interarms-Mauser "Luger", etc. as similar examples.
They fill a budget-conscious market niche and help generate interests in the originals. That's not intended as a "put down". It's simply the nature of business.
The good thing is, for owners of the original, there will always exist a small, yet discerning, buyer who has the desire and means to own what is a high quality commodity of limited availability.
At the same time, collectors continue to do good research, more and more information comes to light, and greater understanding of the many variations and their respective rarity gains appreciation.

Thus, values of the originals continue to rise...

Jim

I would also guess that the introduction of the new snakes will not affect the value of the classic snakes to the serious collector. But I believe that it will shrink the crowd of people that are willing to go the distance just to have an original. Many buyers will see the reasoning that you could buy at least 2 of the new snake guns for less than the price of a original, and if it is to be a shooter then it will not matter as much, if at all.

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Proverbs 21:2

Have you spent your hard earned money on one, or are you just virtue signaling for a once-great, but now inept, American gun company?

I belong to the first camp, and buddy let me tell you, mine was junk. It’s been back at Colt for three weeks and they have yet to so much as give me a peep as to what they’re doing to fix their prom night dumpster fire baby they delivered to me when I was stupid enough to buy one of the first ones off the line.

I followed your earlier thread. My condolences for the hassle and disappointment.

Sad to hear that Colt customer service is as bad as it consistently was the last I dealt with them......back in the 1980s!
The only customers they seem to care for are fat-cat gov't contracts.

Jim

Hello friends,

For me, I don’t currently own any Colt revolvers, but I have a number of their automatics. If Colt gets the “bugs” worked out, and eventually build a nice Diamondback .22, I’ll consider it.

In the BIG picture, I’m glad the gun came out... mostly because I appreciate competition in the market, and understand the Pythons are not equipped with an internal lock.

I’m not trying to hijack this thread content to go into the “lock vs no lock” discussion (we’ve beaten that to death), but for me, I’m glad to see the new Python out in the market.

Hopefully the S&W lawyers, risk management, and the marketing people will at least take another look at the issue. I personally doubt if anything will change, but at least the presence of these new/old guns is generating discussion.

Best wishes everyone!

Roger aka Mr. Wonderful

Call me old school , but I really appreciate the simple , easy going pleasures in life.

Things that work when you want them to work , like a 686.

I do understand the attraction to the Colt snake series , but they are not for me.

Once I saw the page from Bud’s listing cash price $1469 for one ,I moved funds into my account in order to buy one as soon as the listing went public.I am no longer interested in a new Python Since the level of trust with the gun is not there.I planned on keeping it in the back of the gun safe.A future buyer would want to know if the gun actually works , and Colt may not even be around then if there were issues with the fixes.

I wish I hadn't seen that...

That recall might explain why I haven’t gotten an in stock notification from Grabagun in the last two weeks. Prior to that, I was was getting them every other day. I just wasn’t quick enough to cash in. Lucky me.

Jay, I hope they get it all worked out for you sooner and not later.

Just like the first year stock of a new car model, I always wait until they work the bugs out.
If I buy, it will be at least a year from now.

Wondering if after a years wait, will you get a new or modified recall pistol?

Asking for a friend.

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triggers dog-pile egomaniacs

I hope that Colt will mark the modified pistols with some sort of stamping, much like S&W did with the early 586/686 revolvers. That will make it easier to identify which Pythons have been fixed and which ones were not.

That's the great thing about revolvers, especially an old S&W or old Colt. I do have an old Python, and I love it - also love my Colt 3-5-7. The first thing I did when I heard about the 2020 Python, was try to figure out why it was $1,499 when my 686+ had a MSRP of $730. Additional machining and 'Python mystique' don't add up to $770, but even if they did, I would expect a gun as reliable or more-so than my 686+. I think the real reason for the high price point is that if it were higher no one would buy it (except the folks on GB) and if it were lower, people would think it was a cheap gun.

Having said all that, I'm on the list for a new 4.25"

Lord no, why would I spend my hard earned money on a gun that has so many production problems. I'm just not giddy about it.

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Live long and prosper

I will patiently wait for my new Python, while the old ladies cluck and squawk.

No gun in recent memory has elicited the excitement this one has.

I’ve had three old Pythons, and sold them all. They were not the masterpieces folks would have you believe. I have high hopes for this one. If it ain’t right, at least Colt will fix it.

Once Colt sells every one of these $1500 guns they can make, maybe S&W will get a clue.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

Judging from your avatar, you don't really need a Colt. I've never seen a complaint about a Phaser/Faser with a clocked barrel or cylinder that won't turn!

And you can set a Phaser to warm up a big rock to stay warm in a cold cave!

I don't think you have anything to worry about. It's going to be like the S&W Heritage series or possibly the Colt 1911 Black Army reproductions.

Colt can't/won't build a Python with the same finish and hand fitting that the original Python received. Just ain't going to happen.

If you want collector value and appreciation you have to buy the original.

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That's just somebody talkin.

Rush to market, finish development in the field.....I have heard that in more than just the firearms industry.

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

Well, I'm in the first camp also, and I'm truly sorry you got a bad one, but mine has been quite the opposite. A couple hundred trouble free rounds, and hundreds of dry fire cycles. Looks like a million bucks too.

I hope yours come back quickly, good as it should have been new

BTW. What was your S/N range if you don't mind? Mine is in the 0027xx range.

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John 3:16 .

And do what? Raise their prices?

That is a common occurrence with computer software.

It seems people relish failure, and distain success on most internet forums.

What "clue" are you looking for S&W to get? Raise their prices and reduce their quality? They already have pretty much the same models in the catalog that they've been making for decades, so I don't know what model they would reintroduce.

Enlighten the rest of us please.

I suspect there was a little bit of "no lock" in there somewhere.

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John 3:16 .

These two sentences are condratictory to themselves. Demand dictates price. Less demand forces prices downward. Economics 101.

One statement will definitely correct.

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Ban this man,
'89

Could be. I hope he doesn't think that removing the lock would then make the S&W guns worth $1500. I'll keep the lock and pay the current much lower amount.

Your conclusion only assumes that we're talking about the identical product. We're not.

Comparing original Pythons and new Pythons is like apples and oranges. It's comparing collectable versus shooter grade. It's the same reason a pristine M&P revolver goes for so much more than a NIB current manufacture Model 10.

I do not believe so at all, some new offerings and some brands get celebrated and lauded. It is however a widespread opinion that Colt is and has been for decades unable to put out anything decent that is worth owning. Then they reanimate the legendary 'Python' and screw it up majorly at every turn of the road and all say: 'See, told you so...' normal reaction I think.

Originally Posted by daglockman: "I would also guess that the introduction of the new snakes will not affect the value of the classic snakes to the serious collector. But I believe that it will shrink the crowd of people that are willing to go the distance just to have an original."

It makes complete sense to me. He is describing two types of Python owners: the serious collectors for who the new one is not an acceptable substitute, and those who wanted an old one and would have "gone the distance" to get one, but now don't have to because they find the new Python to be a cheaper, acceptable substitute.

I'm a member of the first group. There is a third group, of course - guys in the first group who will add a new Python to their gun safe.

Colt just introduced the new Python THIS MONTH. A few glitches can be expected. They’ll fix it.

This gun is causing such a stir because despite years of saying it would never happen, it happened. And despite wails that it would be a vent-rib King Cobra or not have the classic Python look, it looks great. And despite experts crowing that a Python action could only be assembled by old men in green eye-shades and sleeve garters who are all dead now, the new one apparently has a better action (minus a couple of lemons that will be fixed under warranty).

I don’t remember all this interest when Smith’s current 686 hit the shelves. Man, that thing isn’t even close to the old one.

Maybe I’ll change my mind when I have one in hand. By the time my guy finally gets one in I bet Colt will have addressed their QC issues, though.

I’ll be sure to post it here, warts and all.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

Mine has been relatively trouble free. My buddies at the range are always complaining about the muzzle flash, though, and sometimes I forget to leave it on stun when it's on the nightstand.

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Live long and prosper

I'm in the group that wanted a Python. I had one some years ago but had to sell it. I just figured I'd never get another one because I wasn't going to pay the $2-3,000 and up price for one. So I was not even in any of the groups you described as I understand them.

But the new one, even at $1500...that was something I would consider. I don't consider myself to be any kind of collector. I just wanted a Python.

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John 3:16 .

To my mind the new python is closer to the original than vintage Smiths and those made post 1996. Not sure if it’s been mentioned yet, but the new Python’s hammer and trigger are made from bar stock, not MIM.

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213th FBINA

For a while, until 2017 IIRC, the custom shop had Brent for a manager. He would go above and beyond to put out some good work.

Then Colt decided they needed to trim costs..

That was meant to be group 3! That's where I am as well. I shoot all my guns and only need one example of each, but I consider the new Python to be something quite different from the old one.