New Colt Python

[Thaddeus Beauregard]

I had an early 2020 Python when they first came out. It had a 6" barrel, rather than my preferred 4", but it was a Python, so I grabbed it. It was a shooter, but not long after I got it, it bound up. Fortunately, I had seen a video on U-tube or read somewhere that the sideplates could/would work loose and bind up the action. I checked and sure enough, the sideplate was loose. A couple of minutes with a screwdriver and I was back in business. Eventually I sold that gun to replace it with the 4.25 inch one I really wanted. I check the sideplate screws on the two have now but have never found one loose since.

I have a theory on the whole loose side screws issue. I think at the beginning, they either used an alloy for their sideplate screws that was super hard and wouldn't stretch slighly when torqued down to self-lock the threads and they've since changed the steel used for the screws, or maybe they went with a tighter class thread spec. I can't confirm either because I haven't yet handled one from the initial 2020 batch. They initially used thread locker on the screws as a fix, but now, I'm not seeing any thread locker on the screws anymore and I'm also not seeing the screws work loose anymore.

 

[WardenRoss]

Which is why you are admonished in church every Sunday to "sin no more and AVOID THE NEAR OCCASION OF SIN." You placed yourself into temptation, you knew it going in yet you went in anyway. Kinda like motorboating your server at the local gentlemens club and then saying "it just happened".

Guilty as charged Counselor.

Although, have mercy as…He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone…



,

 

[Thaddeus Beauregard]

Yeah, the QR code bugs me like the "billboard" Rugers and the Hillary hole Smiths. But it is what it is.

I asked Colt customer service why they put the QR code permanently on the frame, and the rep I talked to told me it was necessary for their internal manufacturing process routing. I then asked him why it couldn't instead be on the side of the grip frame where it would be hidden by grip panels, and the guy had no specific answer, yet insisted it had to be where it currently is for some procedural reason to adapt to their scanning systems and having to remove grips to access it would cause a problem. I then asked him why it couldn't go behind the crane/yoke instead. Again no answer, yet insistent that it "had" to be where it is for some reason.

 

[ChoochGambino]

If you want a bargain on a Colt, look into an 89-98 V frame King cobra. They can be had for 1000-1200, no bar codes, no holes, trigger extra buttery.

 

[CH4]

I really appreciate the new Colts.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

I have a theory on the whole loose side screws issue. I think at the beginning, they either used an alloy for their sideplate screws that was super hard and wouldn't stretch slighly when torqued down to self-lock the threads and they've since changed the steel used for the screws, or maybe they went with a tighter class thread spec. I can't confirm either because I haven't yet handled one from the initial 2020 batch. They initially used thread locker on the screws as a fix, but now, I'm not seeing any thread locker on the screws anymore and I'm also not seeing the screws work loose anymore.

That's exactly right. The new steels Colt is using is so hard and tough it doesn't have any spring to it to act like a lock washer. It didn't show up during the testing phase because the test revolvers were disassembled and inspected on a regular basis and they never had the opportunity to back off.

Once the problem was recognized it was solved by using thread locker...a simple solution.

It's like with automobiles...no matter how much you test the prototypes it's not until they get into the hands of the consumers who use, abuse and misuse the product in ways the manufacturer never thought. That's when you find out issues.

I have a 2020 Python that was made in December 2019 prior to Colt's announcing the new Python. It's never given me a problem but I also know to keep the screwed tight.

 

[Thaddeus Beauregard]

That's exactly right. The new steels Colt is using is so hard and tough it doesn't have any spring to it to act like a lock washer. It didn't show up during the testing phase because the test revolvers were disassembled and inspected on a regular basis and they never had the opportunity to back off.

Once the problem was recognized it was solved by using thread locker...a simple solution.

It's like with automobiles...no matter how much you test the prototypes it's not until they get into the hands of the consumers who use, abuse and misuse the product in ways the manufacturer never thought. That's when you find out issues.

I have a 2020 Python that was made in December 2019 prior to Colt's announcing the new Python. It's never given me a problem but I also know to keep the screwed tight.

Yeah, at least on the stainless versions they use 17-4PH that's in the low to mid 40s Rockwell C hardness, and 17-4 has very high tensile and yield strength. Not sure what material their screws are made from though. I heard they originally used the thread locker as a solution, but these days I never see thread locker on the screws of the current guns I've fooled with. So I think they may have just changed from class 2 to class 3 thread tolerances.

 

[suda01952]

I've got two of the "new" Python's also. A SS one and Blue. Both 4.25". I have a "thing" for a "4" revolver. No idea how many rounds I've fired through them, but they've mostly been 38 Wadcutters. Quite happy with both. I actually like the grips. The original Python grips (I had one) felt like a wood rasp, especially when shooting magnum loads.


View attachment 853178

Hey, you stole my guns! I own two just like that. Beautiful firearms and a pleasure to shoot. Enjoy.

 

[Alton]

Colt Python - Anaconda or S&W Model 27 and 29 I love them all

 

[Thaddeus Beauregard]

Colt Python - Anaconda or S&W Model 27 and 29 I love them all

Hard to find fault in that!!!

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Yeah, the QR code bugs me like the "billboard" Rugers and the Hillary hole Smiths. But it is what it is.

 

[daveboy]

wish they didn’t have that QR code in the side

agreed. I think that is pretty silly.

 

[KenTheHunter]

Just purchased a new 3" stainless Colt Python.

I'm a S&W guy and had no plans to get a new Colt. I became enamored after handing this gem at the local gun shop counter. Enamored.

Fit and finish is immaculate. The double-action is very impressive, real impressive. The single action is a bit heaver than expected but nothing terrible.

It looks like Colt actually cleans the revolver after the test firing. I like 3" revolvers and I'm certainly dazzled with this one.

View attachment 852738

Nothing against Pythons, but I’m a diehard pre 2000 S&W wheel gun guy

 

[winmag45]

I just picked up the Combat Elite model with the unfluted cylinder. I must say I was surprised at the action as it feels like it was custom tuned. I was a little hesitant as my friend purchased a blue 6" and it had the stacking sticking issue right out of the box.

 

[CajunBass]

I finally bought a Python because it was something I'd always wanted, and nothing else would scratch that itch.

 

[EPVegas]

Patiently waiting for the blued combat elite, can't be too far away

 

[1TommyBoy]

My only complaint.

I plan on getting some good stocks for mine but just haven't decided which yet.

I think Tyler Gun Works is pretty close to adding their Bear Hug design for Python's. I'm hoping to get some when they come out.

 

[Gullskjegg]

I think Tyler Gun Works is pretty close to adding their Bear Hug design for Python's. I'm hoping to get some when they come out.

Had to edit. I'll take a look.

 

[Taos4]

I ordered Colt Custom Shop consecutive serial numbers. Very pleased with the fit and finish.

 

[Dana L Haynes]

They're not the handmade quality of the original guns but they are cheap and very functional so if you just want one to shoot they're fine

 

[giguchan]

They're not the handmade quality of the original guns but they are cheap and very functional so if you just want one to shoot they're fine

Any truth to the originals having alignment issues or something to that effect? I thought i heard or read that somewhere.Modern tech and materials can be a good thing i think.

 

[fofoguy]

I’ve always been a S&W guy. But the past three years, or so, I have been GIVEN 4 Colt handguns, from different friends and estates.
“Hey you’re a gun guy, do you want this old gun Dad, husband, or Grandpa had?”
I even offered to pay, to no avail…
The only Colt I have previously is an AR.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Any truth to the originals having alignment issues or something to that effect? I thought i heard or read that somewhere.Modern tech and materials can be a good thing i think.

The issues with earlier Pythons was they received a higher degree of tuning compared to other Colt revolvers. Because of that they could suffer timing issues earlier than other Colt revolvers…particularly when fed a diet of hot loads. I’ve heard it likened to a Ferrari vs. a Chevrolet…one performs awesomely but can require a higher degree of maintenance.

 

[dave lehnert]

My only complaint.

I plan on getting some good stocks for mine but just haven't decided which yet.

I have Hogue 'vitgage' wood 3 finger stocks on all my revolvers. I've found it gives me the same purchase on everything. Plus, they are pretty good looking. Older stocks are still to be found if you are patient & have the time to graze the inter web.

 

[Thaddeus Beauregard]

Any truth to the originals having alignment issues or something to that effect? I thought i heard or read that somewhere.Modern tech and materials can be a good thing i think.

Snidely is correct. The original Python has more complex lockwork than the new Python, so parts have greater dependence on each other to maintain timing than the new Python or when compared to a S&W.

For example, on the old legacy Python, the cylinder lock bolt is actuated off a cam on the rebound lever. The rebound lever is in turn acuated by trigger movement, since it both resets the trigger and provides spring pressure against the hand, in addition to rebounding the hammer after firing. So, the cylinder lock bolt movement occurs downstream from multiple part movements, where wear on multiple surfaces can change the timing of when the cylinder locks and unlocks.

In contrast, the new Python uses a S&W style cylinder stop that is actuated directly by the front nose on the trigger, mechanically identical to a S&W. This is a more positive, direct, simpler system with fewer contact surfaces and less likely to get out of time.

In addition, a Colt hand is length-dependent for proper timing, has dual stage contact with the cylinder ratchets, and holds pressure against the ratchets at the moment of firing to get the so-called "bank vault lockup" known to Colt revolvers. This means that a lot of aggressive DA shooting can eventually peen and slightly shorten the contact points on a Python hand which will cause slow timing on carry-up. This is not super common, but can happen with a lot of use. In contrast, a S&W hand is width-dependent, and at full carry-up it sweeps beside the ratchets rather than maintaining upwards pressure against the ratchets like the Colt, which causes less wear on the hand.

 

[SASFixer]

My only complaint.

I plan on getting some good stocks for mine but just haven't decided which yet.

Not thirty minutes ago, I installed a set of Altamont "snake skin" grips on a 4" Python. The grip that came on my new model python are more comfortable than the ones that came on my 1968 and 1975 models. I literally have an intense distaste for the original grip. I think it is too skinny at the top and moves around in the shooter's hand.

 

[Gullskjegg]

Not thirty minutes ago, I installed a set of Altamont "snake skin" grips on a 4" Python. The grip that came on my new model python are more comfortable than the ones that came on my 1968 and 1975 models. I literally have an intense distaste for the original grip. I think it is too skinny at the top and moves around in the shooter's hand.

Would this apply to the third gen grips? It looks from the side anyway that the current Python grips match the 3rd gens.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

My Python complaint is for the price what is up with the cheap adjustable sights and the plywood grips.

 

[Dana L Haynes]

How about one of the new ones when they first came out just to compare it to the old ones and it's a pretty good revolver, it's not the quality of the hand fitted guns but it's a pretty good gun. You get what you pay for

 

[Mark_Mark]

I finally bought a Python because it was something I'd always wanted, and nothing else would scratch that itch.

Still got the Itch?