New Colt Python

AJ

AJ

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A friend bought a Colt Python and brought it to the range after finally getting through the required waiting period. Nice looking piece, though it felt a touch heavy. It is bright stainless with a 4 inch barrel. I shot six rounds through it and the trigger pull was terrible when compared to my 27-2. The rear sights were not to my friends liking as there are no positive clicks when trying to adjust the windage or elevation. He plans on replacing them as soon as he can. Accuracy was decent for only firing six rounds with a terrible trigger. Since the revolver is new he hopes the trigger pull will wear itself down to acceptable shortly. I will stay with my 27-2 and not be looking for a snake gun.
 
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I own four old Pythons - two were done over by officers for PPC - they are great, one 1957 and has a decent DA pull, but it does sliightly "stack up" (gets heavier toward the end, I haven't measured it. and alateer 4" nickel that defintely stacks up.

Opps, make that five pythons, I have a 3" that has a decent trigger.

I've never tried to do a trigger job on a Python, but I have on a coupld of Diamondbacks - they stack up as well but I managed to improve one.

I've shot new Pythons - they do indeed seem to have a better DA trigger - I don't see how they could improve on the old model SA trigger though.

Riposte
 
But does it look good?
Edit to add: I thought the new Colts were better out the gate than the old ones? In looks and function. I pretty much expect to replace at least the hammer spring on a new or new to me Ruger revolver, but they make it so easy if you want to ease it up a little. I don't own any Colts from this century, but I have seen prices. For the price of a new one I would think they would get it right, or else make it right. I don't suppose he called their customer service?
 
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AJ said:
You're right. He thought it was like the original Pythons.
Click to expand...
I have five of the new ones (several of the old ones too) and they're not the same. The old one has a better finish and a better single action pull. The rear sight is arguably better but I really don't have any problems with the new one. Weight on the two is about the same. The new one is simpler, stronger and much more durable. They are less prone to getting out of time. Balance is barrel forward just like on the old ones. The double action pull is WAY better than the old ones and I do most all of my shooting double action. I like the old stocks better than the new ones but that's just personal preference. The old ones are very difficult to get repaired these days. Not so the new ones. Both are accurate, sometimes almost scary accurate. Finally, though expensive, the new ones run about $1000 less than a good used old one. Bottom line, if you want something to shoot, the new ones are the way to go. If you have a big budget and just want one to look at then you should buy an old one.
 
I've owned both "old" and "new" Pythons. I'll take the new ones. They're just better guns. (Ducks incoming tomatoes) The new ones just beg to be fired DA. The DA on my two is 11.5 pounds, smooth as silk, with no stacking. S/A is about 6, but since I don't shoot them SA, I don't really care about that. I've never touched the sights on either out of the box, but I've always treated adjustable sights as if they were fixed. Almost all of my DA revolvers over the years and all of the semi-autos had fixed sights. I never saw much difference, but I don't shoot at longer ranges, or change loads often. I like the new grips better than the old ones. I don't like the grooved trigger, but can live with it. I would prefer a smooth face one, but not enough to change it.

I didn't buy a Python because I just wanted a 357. I bought a Python, because it was a Python, and nothing else would scratch that itch. I tried a lot of "just as good, but less expensive" guns, and they probably were, if we're just talking about being a 357. I've never thought a Python was any better than a Smith and Wesson or even a Ruger whatever. But it was a Python, and that was what I wanted all along.

f38cb78e-5987-4a79-b8c6-34d6171df31f.jpg
 
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He bought it off Gunbroker. His original intent was to purchase one of each barrel length and have a set. Once he gets this one sorted out to his liking it will probably go into one of his safes and will rarely see the light of day.
 
I bought a new python early in my collecting "career". Bought it because it was my dream gun. Them I started accumulating and experiencing S&Ws. Them my python lost its lustre. Sure, it was beautiful. But the trigger bothered me. My word for it is "gummy". The final bit of trigger travel felt like you pushing the internals through a chunk of bubble gum. I could have gotten a vintage model 27 for what I paid....and with the money in lost on my sale I could have gotten a K-Frame!
 
I bought a new Python as a platform to support a Mike Heffron action job. I'm currently on the 2+ year waiting list. In the meantime after an initial test fire, it's in the back of the safe. My K-frame-based Smython, on the other hand, is sublime, although I don't want to feed it full-power 357 loads. For those I've got my 686….
 
Pantera Mike said:
I bought a new Python as a platform to support a Mike Heffron action job. I'm currently on the 2+ year waiting list. In the meantime after an initial test fire, it's in the back of the safe. My K-frame-based Smython, on the other hand, is sublime, although I don't want to feed it full-power 357 loads. For those I've got my 686….
Click to expand...

Mike can perform the action job now just by sending him the hammer and trigger. Check out his blog.
 
Wyo said:
I can't help but wonder why your friend bought this gun. Seems like there's nothing good about it - too heavy, terrible sights and a miserable trigger. It's a wonder Colt sells any at all. Sheesh!
Click to expand...
Earlier this year I purchased a 3" python…. after about 100 rounds it had to back to Colt as the trigger would not return after firing. 12 weeks later the gun arrived…. it fired but then I discovered that the screw to remove the front sight was stripped. I decided to cut my losses and sell it.

The new ones are nice, but they are not like the old ones. I have no doubt I got a lemon (even thought I found others with the same issue) but it wasn't for me.

That said, I still have a set of brand new, un-opened Wilson Combat sights I would love to sell if anyone is interested (the repair took so long I missed the return window from Wilson).
 
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