I Have a 2020 Python and for the past week I've given it a good going over and have some comments to share with members of the forum. I've owned several over older Pythons --currently have a 1977 vintage six inch bbl tuned up by Sandy Garrett at No. Va. Gunworks that I have used with much success in NRA Action Pistol Competition (aka Bianchi Cup) in the Production Division.

I really like the new 2020 Python and I consider it to be better than the old models in many respects.

Finish: Excellent -- The stainless finish I like- and it really pops with a little flitz polish. And I like the fact that I can now use a Kydex holster and not be so hard on the blue finish. Holster I use is a Blade Tech for a S&W 686.

Grips: The new grips look real nice and they fit the frame nice and tight. However, they don't work for me when shooting NRA Action Pistol Courses. I like Hogue grips, and unfortunately Hogues won't work on the new Python because there are no pins on the bottom of the grip frame so the Hogue "stirrup" cannot be secured to the frame. Plan B was to look at Pachmayr and I have some Pachmayr's with Colt medallions from a previously owned Python and they are a much better fit for my hand than stock-- but I prefer Hogue but they are a "no go".

Sights: I don't like red ramp sights -- Its good that Colt makes changing out the front sight an easy proposition. The rear sight and the blade edges are bevelled it offers a nice picture--BUT why there is a lock screw requiring a 5mm hex wrench is beyond me. So, to make windage adjustment on the rear sight requires two tools and not one. NOT very convenient and I don't like that feature. Elevation adjustments can be made without a hex wrench.

Trigger face: Still old Colt and not good--sharp edges on the side that dig into my finger when shooting Double Action which I do about 95% of the time. It would be better if it had a slight radius to the edges.

Trigger pull--DA and SA. It's difficult to give it a fair comparison versus my Sandy Garrett tuned Python which has a butter smooth DA that must be left to be believed (but goes BANG only with ammo loaded with Federal primers). The new gun has a "lawyers trigger" especially in SA. The SA pull on the new gun measures 6 pounds which IMO is unacceptable--but since I don't shoot much SA its not a deal breaker. The DA pull feels much better and my gauge measured it an average of 9.5 pounds just a slight bit of stacking at the point the hammer falls. I'm sure it can get better but right now I like it because it will go BANG with ALL primers--not just Federals (all primers are hard to find now but Federals are especially non existent)

Internals: Compared to the old Python the internal parts of the new gun are simpler and better. The cylinder stop is identical to S&W. The hammer and trigger are well made and finished. Still uses a rebound lever but simpler. The main spring is a "U" shape versus the old 'V'shape. The hammer block is better and not the "Rube Goldberg" design like the old guns. The hand looks like the one in old guns and the new Python still has that "bank vault lockup" like the old models.

Barrel: The new gun barrel is nicely finished with a good looking counter bore at the muzzle and the crown looked good too. I cleaned and polished the forcing cone area and it too is well finished. The barrel is just as good if not better than the old models.

Cylinder: The cylinder too is simpler and better that the old design. Its always recommended that disassembly of the old cylinders NOT be done unless its a well schooled gunsmith with the correct Colt specific tools. The new cylinder design doesn't require special tools. I disassembled mine so I could chamfer the charge holes to make it easier to use a speedloader with wadcutter ammunition. The cylinder disassembles similar to S&W. Outside -- the front edges are beveled so that feature makes the gun easier to holster. The cylinder throats are prefect for for cast bullets measured at .358

Accuracy: I loaded up some .38 Special ammo using mixed brand cases, CCI small pistol primers, 158 grain RN Bullets with Hi Tek coating diameter .358 from Chey Cast bullets here in Cheyenne, WY behind 3.7 grains of W231. I used an NRA Action Pistol reduced size AP2 target at 50 feet. I fired a three shot group in Double Action resting the gun on the front table in the shooting booth. 3 shots were touching each other an excellent group and an indicator of what the gun is capable of doing. I then proceeded to shoot the NRA Action Pistol "Practical Course" indoors which entails shooting at multiple targets at 10 yards, 15 yards, and then use the reduced size AP2 target at 25 feet and 50 feet which simulate outdoor shooting at 25 and 50 yards. 48 shots total and a maximum possible score of 480-48X. Each stage requires draws from holster, strings of fire are done under time pressure and one string of fire is done with weak hand only. There were no "clickers" the gun went bang each time even with CCI primers and I scored a 455-22X -- a high "expert" score and just short of Master territory which would be a 460 or higher. Not bad! --the new Python shoots great and it may do better with wadcutter ammunition.

Summary: I was skeptical but I give Colt kudos for building a great gun worthy of the Python name.

Good review -- thank you for taking the time. You going to let Mr. Garrett have a look and give his thoughts?

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Pickpocket

Great review, Thank you! I had a Python back in 1977 that I let go after a $40 gunsmith bill to get it back in time. Wish I'd have kept it (of course, right?)
As for your grip issue: have you considered drilling a small hole at the bottom of your frame, if possible, and inserting your own pin?

Excellent review,thank you!I have been waiting a year for my dealer to get some in here in central Virginia.I have several older Pythons and I love em!
Wish someone knew why these are no delayed.

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

I know Sandy Garrett, he’s done some work for me & he’s one of the best. Anyone know if he’s still in business?

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

The first run of new Pythons had some issues, sounds like Colt has fixed their factory issues and is now turning out very nice, and much more durable, Pythons. Just like with the S&W K-frame 357's, if you want one for collecting and gentle use, the vintage ones are great, but if you want one for serious shooting, get a brand new version.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

Thanks for the in depth review. I have a 1975 6" Python and its a great gun. If Colt ever gets around to making a blue 4", I'll likely buy one.

I made a mistake about Hogue grips on Python. I Was comparing with my S&W 686 which has the pins for the hogue "stirrup" permanently attached to the frame. The Python has a pin included with the grips that fits over the frame and that pin is used to attach the stirrup.

Sandy Garrett is still in business- and business has been very good. He's in good health. When I was living in No. Va. he did all work on my S&W's and Colts. I live in Cheyenne, WY now.

1) Colt fumbled the first run and several made it out the door with issues; all had to be repaired and the cause of the issues corrected. 2) Ongoing Colt financial troubles, ownership musical chairs and layoffs; 3) Covid-19 and attendant disruptions to labor force, pipeline, supplies, etc.

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Pickpocket

I see you are relatively new to the S&W Forum. Welcome to the
Best Smith & Wesson Forum, Accept no Substitutes.

Thank you for the Excellent 2020 Colt Python Review. Someday
please give another Review of extended usage.

Someday maybe I'll run into you and your Colt at the Cheyenne
Pistol and Rifle Range or Archer Complex. No promises.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.

Attached Images

WIN_20200712_07_28_42_Pro.jpg (66.4 KB, 43 views)

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SD social distanc'n since 1889

Very informative review. I have a 6" on the way and look forward to giving it a go.
We miss you on the Hide

Thanks for the great review, and good shooting on the Practical stage. I've had very good performance with the Bayou Bullets 138 gr. polymer coated wadcutters running about 920+ fps.

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protocalldesign.com

FWIW I purchased my 1st 2020 Python a 4.25 inch from Sportsman's Warehouse in late April, ser# was in the mid 5000 range.Price was 1499.00.2nd Python was a 6 inch in late Oct. serial #range very low 21000 purchase price was 1380.00+tax.The 6 inch was ordered in Feb. with a 500.00 deposit.Both Pythons were purchased to shoot, the 4.25 inch has about 1500 rounds through it, mostly mid range magnums, the 6 inch about 1000 rds with 1/2 38`s and 1/2 magnums.Both have preformed as expected, accuracy on par with my other Pythons and OMM.I do have a wadcutter load with Bullseye that really out preforms any factory match ammo I have shot in the 6 inch.Some Pythons experienced a gap where you could see light between the frame and back of the barrel, neither of mine do but did examine one that the owner sent back.I feel the 6 inch is a little muzzle heavy but handles recoil well.The 4.25 inch is my go to carry gun on our property and it has already accounted for a few critters.I replaced the factory grip with Pachmayr grippers and installed Colt medallions.The old factory grip will fit but many are put off by the price that approaches the price of Cokes.There is a member on another forum that makes a reproduction grip that is better than the original IMO and would be worth looking into if so inclined.As stated by others I find the trigger sharp and cutting in DA. Single action on the 4.25 inch runs about 5.5 lbs 6 inch a little heaver, both DA triggers are in the 11 lb. range.My only dislike is the rear sight. It looks like something off an Airsoft toy.Whoever designed it should give Colt their money back, not even a distant last to the old Ellison unit. In 1976 I bought a 6 inch blue Python for 253.00 and thought I was crazy spending 2 weeks pay on a revolver but it was worth it.Today the new Python is still 2 weeks pay and with a few changes will also be worth it.

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SWCA#2288
SWHF#407