New 4.25" Blued Python

[ZGrand]

I already have one of the new stainless Pythons I bought a couple of years ago, but I prefer blued revolvers. When Colt recently started manufacturing Pythons in a blued finish, I knew I wanted one. After the initial shipment of blued Pythons were sold, they became hard to find, especially in the 4.25" barrel length. And, of course, if you could find one, dealers wanted a premium. I recently found one in Florida at MSRP and had it shipped to my LGS. The Priority Mail package took 2-1/2 weeks to get delivered 350 miles (thanks USPS) but it finally came in yesterday.

I installed a set of original Python stocks and an Elliason rear sight, but haven't been to the range with it yet. The bluing is well done -- not as nice as a vintage Smith or an original Python, but mainly I suppose because they don't spend a lot of time polishing before bluing. For a modern production revolver however, it is extremely well finished.

 

[NY-1]

Congratulations - it's a lovely piece and the finish looks quite respectable considering how few outfits offer a shiny blue from the factory anymore! Those grips are big improvements over the too-thin Altamont ones that come on these from the factory.

I just don't like that Colt added a third vent onto the barrel of the blued 4.25" models. I think it looks a little too crowded, and it doesn't match the good looks of new stainless models nor the vintage blued models.

 

[ZGrand]

I don't mind the vents at all -- can't see 'em when you're shooting.

I do wish they had case hardened the trigger and hammer, though. Since they're blued, I wonder how they will hold up over time.

I actually like the feel of the stock Altamont grips - they're just not very attractive.

 

[murphydog]

I also think it’s odd for the blued and stainless barrels to have different numbers of vents. They must use different machines or use two separate ones?

As I recall, original Pythons (and most Colt double action revolvers) had blued triggers and polished hammers with a blued spur, so the new ones don’t seem that different.

 

[SF VET]

I got one of the new SS Pythons, 4.25 a few months ago, and now just make up some soft 125gr 38sp's for it, easier on my hand. I only have one other revolver, a M28, not shot much. I was frustrated that shooting my Python, I just could not shoot it as accurately as my other handguns, so worked with a lot of dry firing, with snap caps. So this AM went over to the indoor range at PSA, i live near in Columbia, SC. And found that somehow all of sudden I am much more accurate at 8 yards, equally so with SA and DA shooting. Nice to reload, a week ago, made up about 500 rounds of my 125 gr loads, so I can shoot it a lot more. I have big hands, and should be getting bigger Altamont grips later this week. I think I am about to really like my Python. I did put a Wilson gold dot front on it, although it doesn't make much difference indoors. SF VET

 

[ZGrand]

I also have a 4.25" stainless Python - I also put the Wilson Combat rear sight and a green fiber optic front sight (after I took the picture below). I put on a set of reproduction Colt stocks from a company called Deer Hollow. They are actually nicer and fit better than the real Python stocks above on the blued gun. Once I got the sights dialed in, it's as accurate and as much fun as my classic S&W's.

 

[much ado]

Python

ZGRAND says "
"I installed a set of original Python stocks and an Elliason rear sight,"
Question about the Elliason sight: It`s not an original sight is it? Is it the one made(supposedly) by Kensight"?

 

[stansdds]

I agree, 3 vent slots on a 4" or 4.25" looks crowded and makes it look like a Taurus or Rossi.

 

[RMFnLA]

I don't mind the vents at all -- can't see 'em when you're shooting.

I do wish they had case hardened the trigger and hammer, though. Since they're blued, I wonder how they will hold up over time.

I actually like the feel of the stock Altamont grips - they're just not very attractive.

I’d like to see a wider combat trigger for DA shooting.

I carried a 6” nickel Python with Mustang combat grips back in the ‘80s and that narrow trigger was my only complaint.

 

[ZGrand]

ZGRAND says "
"I installed a set of original Python stocks and an Elliason rear sight,"
Question about the Elliason sight: It`s not an original sight is it? Is it the one made(supposedly) by Kensight"?

Yes, it is made by Kensight. I don't have an original Python, so I don't know if there are any differences new to old. It does say "Elliason" on the sight itself. Definitely better than the stock Colt rear sight.

 

[ladder13]

Nice gun, congrats. Waiting on the 2 1/2.

 

[shil]

I agree, 3 vent slots on a 4" or 4.25" looks crowded and makes it look like a Taurus or Rossi.

Both the blued and stainless models are beautiful revolvers, but my eyes prefer the two-vent. It's kind of a moot point with me as I'm deterred by the price of admission to either. I'm not certain what I'd be able to do with a Python that I can't do with my 686-3, but pride of ownership can be an important factor to many.

 

[madmikeb]

I have a 3" Combat Elite Python and a 4.25" stainless, when I come across a blue 6" it will come home with me to complete the collection! I do have to say though that I prefer the 2 vents on the shorter barrels.