The new 2020 Python has a VR code on the side of it. Supposedly you can install an app on your smartphone, scan the code and get information. Who likes it and who doesn't?

They should’ve put that and the serial number in a more inconspicuous place.

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N.R.A. BENEFACTOR Member

The future is here. Why argue with it?

I’m wondering what it reads on the Python?

I tried maximizing the image and scanning it with my phone, but resolution must be too low. I’ve read people saying it can bring up user manuals and parts lists, videos, image galleries, etc. etc.

I know personally on my Ruger PC9 carbine the code brings up nothing but the serial number... which is engraved two inches away next to the QR code. So in that case, it appears to be useless for the consumer. I’ve been reading that these are added on new guns to save production and repair time as employees at the factory can just scan the code like the checkers at Wal-Mart instead of laboriously entering in the serial number one digit at a time.

Not sure how I feel personally. After I scanned my own gun (Ruger) and it came out to be nothing, I hope the Python one at least will link up with a manual or something. Otherwise count me in the eyesore bunch.

As is, these codes aren’t going anywhere on new firearm. Most companies are starting to use them. Thankfully the one on the new Python is pretty small.

If it told you the date of manufacture, gun forums would see a huge drop in future posts.

Question. What other information is embedded in that QR code?

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

I'm holding out for a USB port and a GPS app to guide my bullets to the bullseye.

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Just Say No - To Social Media

When they're large and stick out like a sore thumb, I hate 'em.
But the pics I've seen of the new Pythons show it to be small, inconspicuous and it blends in pretty well. So I just don't care.

I'd prefer it to have a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time.

I've been buying 686's with a hole on the side of it, so this little thing does not bother me one bit.

I’d prefer not to have it but not a deal breaker for me.

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I’m your Boogie Man, uh huh.

When you scan the code, you’re automatically entered into a secret gun registration database.

Actually, if I get the New Shootable Reintroduced Colt Python (NSRCP)
357Mag, I'm going to take a Sharpie and blacken in the QR code.

That will start a lot of conversions at the Gun Range. The Millennials
there will get a Kick out of it, scanning the QR with their new
fangled walkie talkies distractors.

Not a Deal Breaker for me, I just want to shoot.

Attached Images

SW Ruger Flat Tops.jpg (4.5 KB, 861 views)

Mehh, could be a lot worse...

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Smith,... Wesson.....and Me

It does not look as bad as I thought it would. The Smith&Wesson lock is more of an eyesore.

You are right, the future is here and I don't like it.

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Jorge

At least it’s nothing mechanical that can interfere with the operation of the gun. They should have put it under the grips of inside the side plate. No one wants to see that garbage on the side of a Python.

Sure. Here's one that links to this thread.



Indeed.

There's one of the side of my Cobra...



The only information on it is the S/N. I suppose it would be faster/easier for service techs to just scan it rather than enter it manually.

As for anyone else, the S/N is right there anyway.

After the first ten minutes or so I stopped noticing it.

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John 3:16 .

Do you go to jail for grinding it off?

You could put a small Hello Kitty sticker over it.

at least it doesn't have a half paragraph of safety warnings telling you to read the manual scrolled onto the barrel.

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Smith,... Wesson.....and Me

I'm just glad they didn't warn us about it being able to fire with the magazine removed...
Its ugly, should have hidden it under the crane. What were they thinking? Although its equally ugly as the key lock so we'll call it a draw.

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Good one!

I can see the advantage of not fat fingering the serial number, if people will use it. Or mistaking an assembly number for a serial. But they should have hidden it out of sight.

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Just Say No - To Social Media

My new Marlin .30-30 has one, no big deal. It's a whole lot better than that big ole ugly JM barrel marking on the old Marlins.

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- Change it back -

The presence or absence of the QR-thingie is a great example of ... a moot point. It's small and reasonably inconspicuous. I hope to get one - after selling a coupla old-timers, and I will be much more concerned about fit and finish (which look great on the samples I've seen) and the action. So, it'll have a squiggly on it ... so what!

Edited to add: Someone mentioned ease of tracking and inventorying; many, many moons ago I was a HQ company commander in Korea (EUSA) with 2000+ M-16s. Anyone here remember doing the monthly serial number inventories?? Very painful doing them manually . Understand Pythons will prolly never be inventoried in an Army arms room – but I don’t have a problem with the small marking and the concept is great.

I honestly don't care at all. New SIGs and Walthers have QR codes on the frame as well, but it doesn't matter to me because it does nothing to diminish the aesthetics in my opinion.

This honestly seems like one of those non-issues that self-interested RARE VINTAGE PYTHON sellers on Gunbroker would push in a desperate attempt to convince people that their RARE VINTAGE PYTHON is worth the $3000+ they're changing for it.

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Shooting Comfort is bilateral.

I'm wondering if it can be polished off the SS version without marring the gun?

I'm deeply suspicious of anything that could let the govt. track guns. I don't want electronics on mine.

California models of the Python will not have the VR code stamped on the side. Instead, the VR code will be microengraved on the tip of the firing pin, making it nearly invisible. If you want to read the code, just fire a shot, remove the shell, and run your cell camera past the primer. Just another idea for improving gun esthetics from the fertile minds of the California State Legislature.

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What, me worry?

Won’t stop me, bring on a 3 inch Python.

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I’m your Boogie Man, uh huh.

Perfectly legal to buff off. If you hate it that much.
Know who prefers the Spanish lingo on a S&W?

Would it bother you if Colt started doing this to new Single Action Armies?

uhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....yeah!

So then why not the Python?

Its my understanding that its really not for the end user anyway. Its more of a way for the maker, warehouse, shipping, the distributor and eventual seller to save time on inventory. Now they can just scan the gun for a second instead of having to take the time to read and write the serial number. Considering how many guns this folks deal with on a daily basis, I'll bet they just love 'em.

... to have a cell phone to go with your gun or is it the other way around? I guess that will draw in the Y generation.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

No doubt. It's all part of the automation process so that as few human hands as possible touch the gun until it gets to the customer.

If that's what it takes to get the gun out at a reasonable price point then I understand....but I still hate it! I'd rather pay $50 extra and not have it!

A few years ago I would had said that is crazy talk, till Edward Snowden outed NSA etc. survelliance capabilities.

I mean your smart phone is listening and maybe looking whenever you have it on. And if you think you turned it off, how do you know it's really off? Remove battery and put it in a microwave oven (cheap available Faraday cage)

If nothing else, you've piqued my curiosity. I'll have to see if there's a stamp on my new model King Cobra.

Reminds me of a crop circle.



Not a deal breaker but I'm more interested in how it performs and holds up. What would the code tell you that the serial number couldn't?

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Isaiah 41:10

It's actually Latin words.

Soylent Green.
You’ll be a marked person

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“Look life in its iron face”

"Why argue with it?" Because that's what we do!
We're a bunch of grumpy old farts that like pinned and
recessed revolvers? What do you expect!

What he said^^^^^

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“Look life in its iron face”

If I get one, those plywood grips would have to go. What was Colt thinking? Oh, well, that is easy to change.

I wish it was Latin but it's Spanish as registrada is not a Latin word. After WWII Spanish gun companies were copying Smiths too closely so the result was marcas registradas getting stamped on the guns.

Just my opinion but it's an eyesore. Sort of like a tattoo on a pretty lady. What's not really talked about is for how long will QR codes be around? Tech gets replaced all the time with something else that eventually becomes the next standard. Google for example is already adopting NFC over these QR codes. In 10-15 years who knows if there will even be ways to read and decode them.

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Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

My Python is in hand and it is virtually unnoticeable in real life. The pictures make it look waaaay worse. 100% a non issue.

There's always sandpaper and polish...........

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S&W Accumulator

I, for one, will not be buying one as long as that is on the side. Its like smearing dog feces on the face of a supermodel.
If they absolutely had to put a QR code on it, they should have put it (along with the serial#) where the original pythons had their serial numbers.

You just HAD to open THAT door didn't you????

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