Anyone here do any benchrest testing at 25 or 50 yds. with a new production Python or .44 Magnum Anaconda?

I haven't bench rested any but offhand they shot tighter groups than older models...at least in my hands. The differences weren't much but real. Essentially...the differences ranged between merely excellent accuracy and superlative.

Thank you for the response. I sold my two older Pythons in recent years. Neither provided impressive accuracy in the many years I had them. I'm considering the new ones.

Here's the difference between a 1960 made Python and a new 2020 Python made in December 2019. Twenty-five yards with ammo from the same box and identical Pachmayr Presentation stocks rather than factory stocks...shooting double-action.

The only real flaw to the comparison is the 1960 Python has an unknown round count...the other was brand new.

1960 Python...


2020 Python...

I have fired a couple of 3/4 inch, 5 shot groups with my 6 inch Anaconda that has a Leu Delta Point Pro @ 25 yards from sandbagged bench with Lyman 429421s screaming along at 1400 fps. BUT: my single action trigger is tuned to 3 pounds, zero movement. That gun will shoot 4 inch groups @ 100 yards with me yanking the bang switch.

My iron sighted 4 inch Python will put 5 158 XTP around an inch and a half @ 25 yards if I’m having a good day. (From a rest)

My 3 inch Python will put 5 under 2.5 inches @ 25y. This next part might get me called a liar, but I’m just reporting what the Garmin Xero said. My 3 inch Python shoots my XTP load FASTER than my old 6 inch 686.

My gunsmith says his 6 inch Python from a Ransom rest will shoot sub 2 inches @ 100 with ammo it likes.

The new Colts are fast and accurate. I’ve had all the single action triggers on mine tuned up. I see no need to change the rear sights or grips. I hope you have as good luck with your new Colts as have I.

Thank you as well for the information. I only shoot cast bullets in handguns. I think I'm going to have to try the new Colts.

I know a lot Colt guys decry the lack of the old school hand fitting and finishing of the new Pythons. The fact is it’s a different world now…and these computer machine made guns simply don’t need to be hand finished…parts are far more precisely produced and go together with less labor and saves man hours.

When Winchester changed things in 1964 it was because they had to if they wanted to survive. Colt, S&W and others have had to do the same. I’m not going to say they’ve been successful in every instance…but if they didn’t adapt we wouldn’t have the guns to buy and shoot we have now.

Well said and you're certainly right.

My neighbors 6" Python was deadly accurate at 25 yards with my full house 357 Mag reloads. 14.5 grs of 2400 behind a Lyman 158 gr SWC lead GC.

John

I had a little 2X Burris pistol scope on one of the new 6” Anacondas recently. That gun was shooting 5 shot 25 yd groups with 240 grain Hornady XTP’s that were literally one big hole and pushing 1” groups at 50 yd. if I held my tongue just right when I pulled the trigger. I’ve had lots of S&W and Ruger 44’s but this was about the best I’ve ever seen in a .44 Mag revolver.

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Everybody could shoot

I like the current Pythons and Anacondas.
I have no doubt they are accurate, I won’t
even question it.

I also like the fact CNC machining is used
in the manufacture of them, tighter tolerances
can be controlled compared to hand finishing.

Found this Anaconda 45Colt, and anxiously
awaiting for a current one to be produced.

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SD social distanc'n since 1889

I own a 6 and a 4.25 inch new model Anaconda's, and a 3 inch new model Python. Have not shot the Python or the 4.25 inch Anaconda enough yet to form any firm opinions, though they both shoot well.

I have spent more time with the 6 inch Anaconda, and have found it to be just as accurate as any big bore revolver I own, and more accurate than most. I get an inch to a little over at 25 yards with loads it likes from the bench - and that is about as good as I can shoot iron sights anymore. No reliability issues with any of them.

I am a S&W fan but comparing the new 4.25 Anaconda with a new 4.25 S&W 29-10 I picked up a couple years ago, there is no comparison with fit, finish, DA trigger pull, all in the Colt's favor. The S&W has a better SA trigger, and both do seem about equally accurate, which is to say quite good.

Larry

Read that the stainless 8" Pythons are being shipped.
Hopefully they'll soon be available in blue.

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Have Fun/Stay Safe

Wow! Finally a thread which considers real accuracy testing at longer ranges! I'm so sick of seeing people post targets that are shot at 21'.

CDNN has them...at least the last I checked. No word if Colt will produce them in blue.

I already have two 8" blue Pythons...a standard production plus a Python Hunter...not interested in adding more in that length. But then...I've said such things before.

Yes, impossible to assess accuracy up close, but it's common practice these days.