3" Python With Range Report

[Pef]

So I sold a few guns, and had over 2k burning a hole in my pocket. Bought this. Pricey.

$1748.99 out the door.

But the cashier forgot to give me my $1.01 back, and I forgot, too, and I realized this about five miles from the gun store. So to turn around to get my $1.01 back, well, it would have cost me more in gas. So the gun cost me $1750 even. Good omen. I'll remember how much it cost.

Thing is rock solid when the trigger is pulled. Very unlike a Smith & Wesson. Very smooth action, but the triggers on the Colts do stack a bit near the end in double action. I do think the 686 SW trigger is better overall. But hey, it's not a Smith. And the fit & finish is impressive.

Had the choice between a 6", a 4.25" and a 3". Went with the 3". Had the best balance.

The grip design is pure Colt - a Fat Bottomed Girl that might not be the prettiest thing but feels perfect in the hand.

The range opened at 11 this morning so I went out for a quick run.

The trigger is heavier in SA than the SW 686 trigger in SA (about 5.8 pounds for Python, about 4 for the 686's). In double action, the pull is "lighter" in the Python (about 9 pounds v. 9.75 pounds for a 686) but stacks near the end of the pull (see post 19 below for details).

That being said, the workmanship is outstanding. And like any steel revolver, it tames the .357 magnum loads quite well.


I shot:
Sellier Bellot 158 Gr .38 SPCL
Reminginton 125 Gr .+P .38 SPCL
PMC 132 Gr. .38 SPCL
Fiocchi 142 Gr .357 Magnum
Magtech 158 Gr .357 Magnum

No light strikes. Only once did some Magtech .357 fail to eject, and I had to tap out two casings. After that it continued to eject .357 cleanly. No other hiccups.

The gun performed best with the Magtech 158 .357's. I did lot of single action shooting, which is a bit of a challenge now, as I'm having difficulty focusing on the front sight (need to get some lenses just for that, maybe?).

The first picture below is of six shots at 7 yards, and the second is 12 shots at 25 yards. In the 25 yard photo, I had to adjust the sight to move the POI to the left. The shots on the right are from the first try. NOTE: READ THE MANUAL! I DID NOT APPRECIATE THERE IS A WINDAGE SET SCREW ON THE SIGHT, AND IF YOU DO NOT SET THE SET SCREW THE REAR SIGHT WILL DRIFT UNDER REPEATED SHOOTING!

The last target is 6 rounds of PMC 132's at 10 yards. By then I was getting "fatigued" for single action, so I switched to double action using a standard silhouette target. That is where I can really tell the difference between the 686 and Python. The 686 trigger is much more steady in double action pull weight.

Bottom line: This is a well made, almost stylish, revolver. Fit and finish exceeds that of the SW 686, but I do think the 686 has a better trigger.

IF I had to choose just one revolver, it would be the S&W 686.

But that does not mean I am disappointed in the Python; in fact, the opposite. I'm really pleased with it. It's a different gun from the 686, and I'm sure there are others much prefer the Python over the 686.

Magtech 158 Gr .357 Magnum, 6 shots, 7 yards:

Magtech 158 Gr .357 Magnum, 12 shots, 25 yards (shots to the right landed first, then rear sight corrected for next six shots):

PMC 132 Gr. .38 SPCL, 6 shots, 10 yards:

 

[bigmtnman]

I do NOT want to run across a new 3" Python ....... That would be a fast trip to "moneybegone" for me. That is some nice shooting !

 

[cowboy4evr]

For your first time out with the new colt , that was some fine shooting . I have a 686 , from a retired LEO . I have often pondered getting one of the new colts , but haven't made up my mind which barrel length . Enjoy , regards Paul

 

[shovelmike]

Nice

That's a great looking revolver, congratulations. Great shooting too!

 

[malph]

Colt has managed to produce new revolvers, using modern manufacturing techniques that still look good.

Smith should take a lesson from that.

 

[Rudi]

Outstanding!! Beautiful piece.

 

[mauser9]

Congratulations on your new Colt. 3 inch would be my choice too. Sounds awful good and some good shooting. Ain't cheap I agree but one you should be satisfied with for a long time.

 

[CH4]

Congrats!
Welcome to the 3” Python club!
I found mine at a Vegas show this past February; traded into it for about $1500. Found these 2nd Gen grips on the next table for $50. Great carry piece.

 

[Pef]

Congrats!
Welcome to the 3” Python club!
I found mine at a Vegas show this past February; traded into it for about $1500. Found these 2nd Gen grips on the next table for $50. Great carry piece.

Great pic - the Python in the old mitt! Nice!

 

[CH4]

Great pic - the Python in the old mitt! Nice!

Thanks, always looking for new props.
That was my mom’s mitt and ball; a cherished childhood possession.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I know the 686 is an excellent revolver and to be honest I’ve never even held one. I just never got excited about them. Part of this is I have a 28-2 I bought new in 78 and a 66-2 2.5” that was my dads. I really love those guns! But I previously owned a late 70’s 6” Python and the smell of money a few years ago seduced me and I sold it for 5 times what I paid for it.

Last summer I ran across a 4.25” Python locally at a discount. Well I had to have it and like it so much I added a 6” and then a 3”. Absolutely these are gorgeous guns with beautiful fit and finish and great accuracy. Saying this, I still love shooting my 28 and 66. They are outstanding revolvers.

I hope you get great enjoyment out of your new toy.

I have several other newer Colt revolvers and all show the same excellent workmanship as the new Pythons.

 

[chief38]

I have not pulled the trigger on a new Python yet put might soon. Colt's fit and finish has always been a step above S&W's, even years ago when they were quality. I have friends who purchased a new Python and have only heard great things about them. I am glad that Colt finally came out with a good seller - they could use the sales!

While I own many vintage S&W Revolvers with great finishes, fitting and quality, the new Python's are still calling my name!

If I were to buy a new production Revolver today, it would be a Colt as I think they are blowing the newly manufactured S&W's out of the water.

 

[Pef]

....

If I were to buy a new production Revolver today, it would be a Colt as I think they are blowing the newly manufactured S&W's out of the water.

I really think it is a toss up between the two, and for a function to value consideration, I think S&W has the edge, mainly due to price. The Pythons are much more expensive than the 686's. I could have purchased nearly two 686's for the cost of the Python (part of that is due to demand, though).

I can't speak to the Cobras, though, as I do not have one of those.

Either way, I'm glad to see more choices available to the wheel gunners.

 

[swagmeister]

The Python is definitely a great looking revolver, but I'll stick with my two 686's.

 

[malph]

If I were to buy a new production Revolver today, it would be a Colt as I think they are blowing the newly manufactured S&W's out of the water.

I've always been a Smith guy as I prefer their actions but you have a great point.

Colt is making some nice revolvers these days.

 

[boykinlp]

I wonder how long it will be before we see the first "modern day" Smython? A 3" Python barrel on a 686 frame might just be the best of both worlds.
Larry

 

[PauldL]

That's super impressive shooting!
Congratulations on your new Python

 

[SWFan27]

I really think it is a toss up between the two, and for a function to value consideration, I think S&W has the edge, mainly due to price. The Pythons are much more expensive than the 686's. I could have purchased nearly two 686's for the cost of the Python (part of that is due to demand, though).

I can't speak to the Cobras, though, as I do not have one of those.

Either way, I'm glad to see more choices available to the wheel gunners.

The S&W 686 basically helped the Python go bye bye in the first place. I know nostalgia helped bring them back a few years ago. But the prices on the new ones are just nuts. I hope the OB enjoys his new Colt.

 

[Pef]

Regarding the trigger, got the pull gauge out tonight.

What I prefer is subjective, and perhaps because I have shot 686's for so long, I slightly prefer the 686 trigger over the Python trigger.

1) Single action: My S&W 686 SA triggers are about 4 pounds, and the SA Python trigger is about 5.8 pounds. There is no creep in the S&Ws, but there is a smidge of creep in the Python. A smidge, but just enough that you can see the transfer bar move ever so slightly before the hammer falls.

2) Double Action: According to my Lyman digital trigger gauge, the Python DA trigger is about 3/4 pound lighter than the 686's, on average. Python around 9 pounds, may 686's around 9.75 pounds. (I have corrected my original post above).

But the Python has a very minor degree of "stacking" near the end, while the S&W's have a more "steady" weight.

The Python starts pulling at 7 pounds or so, but then about halfway through, the pull increases steadily to 9 pounds or so and the hammer falls. Again, the stacking I perceive is minor.

The 686's, on the other hand, once the triggers start moving, do not stack - the gauge pretty much stays about 9.75 - 10 pounds through the entire pull.

The target photos in my original post are from my first outing, and those results are nearly what I do with the 686's. So I can't say the trigger is "worse" when compared to the 686; it's just "different."

 

[stansdds]

Colt and S&W trigger pulls have always been different and which one is preferable is dependent upon who you ask.