New Python vs. trend in Smith, Ruger

[UncleEd]

After reading a lot of comments for the
new Python, many posters--did I say many--
said they'll be aboard when it comes out
in shorter barrels than the 6-inch and
4.25-inch barrels.

It seems that many--did I say many--of the
offerings nowadays from S&W and Ruger are
in the 2-5-inch and 3-inch models.

After the surge for the new Pythons as offered,
I wonder will desire dwindle considerably until
Colt does offer the "compact" models. I say
compact when thinking of the L and I and GP-100
frames which basically are one and the same.

Also a factor is that Smith and Ruger offer 7-shooters
and I don't see a Python in that mode. I happen to
like the Smith plus 3-inchers.

 

[chief38]

Given the alternative Revolvers out there PLUS the fact that it looks like Colt actually got this one right - I expect the Python to be a great gun and a good seller.

 

[Echo40]

The Phython is more of a target revolver than a concealed carry gun, and most folks don't carry guns that cost $1500, so a 2.5"-3" Barrel model probably wouldn't have that much of a selling point.

 

[JayFramer]

Plenty have carried Pythons for defense, including police.

 

[ContinentalOp]

If the Powers-That-Be at Colt paid enough attention to enthusiasts wanting the Python to return, and thinking there was a market for it, I don't think it's unreasonable to presume that they may also listen to those wanting a 2.5" Python. Add to that the recent short-barrel, more carry-able revolvers being offered as a sign of what the market wants, and if sales of the new 4.25" and 6" Pythons are strong, I could see them offering a snubby Python, maybe as a limited edition model ("Python Carry," anyone...?).

However, I'm just guessing as I'm no expert. I could be way off base here. Just my thoughts.

 

[daddio202]

I just have to wonder if having the new models out and available for purchase will have any effect on the exhorbanent prices of the older pythons? If you can go out and buy a brand new gun for $1500 will that kill some of the $2000 to $3000 prices on regular old models?

 

[Laketime]

I still don’t get the appeal of a full frame gun with a short barrel. But I am sure Colt will offer one in time to answer demand.

 

[stansdds]

I just have to wonder if having the new models out and available for purchase will have any effect on the exhorbanent prices of the older pythons? If you can go out and buy a brand new gun for $1500 will that kill some of the $2000 to $3000 prices on regular old models?

I tend to doubt it. The improved versions of the S&W revolvers does not seem to have affected the values of the ones produced in the pinned & recessed eras. The new Python looks a lot like the old Python, but the markings are different and the lockwork is very different. People who want a shooter or are new to the revolver world will likely buy new Pythons, collectors will not.

 

[chief38]

After watching the video reviews over the last week I actually have gotten interested in possibly buying one! Can't wait until I can actually see and handle one in person. Apparently they have also beefed it up to the point where it is not a "fragile gun" any more. Fit & finish look terrific!

Let's see now...... NO internal lock..... NO Barrel Insert..... Forged..... Interchangeable Sights...... Ultra Smooth DA and crisp light SA Trigger Pulls.... YUP, sounds like Colt finally got it right! Plus the price isn't out of line for today's market. I might just get one!

 

[shocker]

Anonymous source (tool and die maker from Colt) says a 3" Python will be released sometime in 2020. Maybe a blued version too.

 

[Erocksmash]

Anonymous source (tool and die maker from Colt) says a 3" Python will be released sometime in 2020. Maybe a blued version too.

Limited run or a standard production model?

 

[ladder13]

Anonymous source (tool and die maker from Colt) says a 3" Python will be released sometime in 2020. Maybe a blued version too.

3 inch? I’m in

 

[sodacan]

Looking at the photos, the new Python looks nice, and if I bought new production guns, I would consider buying one if it has more going for it than good looks. I have a 6" from 1972 that I shoot regularly. It's actually one of the very few guns I bought brand new ($198). IMO, the 6" Python is the most beautiful revolver on the planet. I think Colt may help create a new generation of wheel gun enthusiasts with this one.

 

[Sistema1927]

I am guessing that Colt will sell as many as they can make, regardless of barrel length.

I have never owned a Colt revolver, and I don't think that will change. In many ways I am a "purist": S&W for revolvers, Colt for 1911 (and only in .45 ACP, 9mm belongs in the Hi-Power).

I did bring home a new revolver yesterday, a Ruger Redhawk in .45 ACP/.45 Colt. I have long had Ruger Blackhawks in .45 Colt, and decided that a double action convertible would be just the ticket for forays into the wild.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Concealed carry weapons are carried a lot and shot a little.

Having had a 3" round butt 586......99% of the time when I wanted a revolver for carrying around all day I chose a K-frame; 2 1/2 or 3 inch.

Plus I think you loose a lot of the Cooooool look of the Python barrel if it's less than 4"

Haven't seen one yet....... but been thinking; if they could do the same improvements I'd like to see a "New" 4inch Diamondback... IMHObetter Concealed Carry with +P .38 hollowpoints.

 

[Wyo]

I just have to wonder if having the new models out and available for purchase will have any effect on the exhorbanent prices of the older pythons? If you can go out and buy a brand new gun for $1500 will that kill some of the $2000 to $3000 prices on regular old models?

Well, I sure haven’t seen prices on the 1st or 2nd generation Colt Single Actions fall despite the fact that you have been able to buy a newer one at less cost since at least the mid-70’s. I think many people will continue to want the “original” Pythons and prices will stay relatively high as a result.

 

[xfarfuldog]

I keep hearing about the ‘fragile Pythons’ on this and other forums. I carried one and taught/requalled many for several years. Never a problem with any Python I saw. My Python is in my safe with another blue 4”. I will be buying a new one.

 

[DWalt]

I wouldn't mind getting one of the new Pythons, but the price is beyond what I would pay for another bauble. Besides, I already own a 3-5-7 (6") and the old model .357 Trooper (4") so why would I need a Python?

 

[shocker]

Let's see now...... NO internal lock..... NO Barrel Insert..... Forged..... Interchangeable Sights...... Ultra Smooth DA and crisp light SA Trigger Pulls.... YUP, sounds like Colt finally got it right! Plus the price isn't out of line for today's market. I might just get one!

Has to go back to the Mothership for correcting production faults.... Check.

 

[03hemi]

The Phython is more of a target revolver than a concealed carry gun, and most folks don't carry guns that cost $1500, so a 2.5"-3" Barrel model probably wouldn't have that much of a selling point.

Tell that to Rick Grimes.

 

[runscott]

A few people have posted that they think the price is right, and that they are buying the 2020 Python as a shooter.

If there had never been a Python and this 2020 version were the first, the $1,499 price still be "right"? I would argue that Colt is getting away with this price because of the old Python's collectability. If a 98% old Python had a market value of $2,000, the new Python would be priced proportionally lower, more in line with what other quality .357 shooters are selling for.

 

[Texas Star]

I wouldn't mind getting one of the new Pythons, but the price is beyond what I would pay for another bauble. Besides, I already own a 3-5-7 (6") and the old model .357 Trooper (4") so why would I need a Python?

Well, obviously for the better cylinder timing! If that proves to be the case...

Also, the new action should be easier to repair, if ever needed. Smiths who'll work on older Colts are few.

I've owned two Pythons and a .357 Trooper on the old action and sold all and swore off Colts. The new Python could bring me back.

 

[ken158]

I want to handle one before I make a potential purchase decision but am glad it is a 6 shot because mid and large frame revolvers are traditionally 6 shot and small frame guns 5 or 6 shot. Thankfully, no IL. MSRP is not out of line when compared to MSRP on a regular or PC S&W. Hopefully the old Python delicate action has been improved as advertised. In defiance to some, $1500 is not too much for a carry gun and a shorter barrel model will have a large following.

 

[runscott]

So it's PC quality?

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I still don’t get the appeal of a full frame gun with a short barrel. But I am sure Colt will offer one in time to answer demand.

Love my 3 1/2" 27.

 

[Engine49guy]

My guess is since the 4.25" and 6" Python can be sold in the US and Canada it makes sense to offer these first,
When sales begin to decline it then would make sense to offer them in blue,
As sales of the blue versions decline adding a 3" in SS or blue would gain the attention of the people that bought 4.25", 6" in SS and blue and now want to complete the set.

The new Python would make sense to people who like shooting Pythons but dont want to devalue their high condition piece.
Also makes sense to gun investors looking say 15 years down the road as they will likely be out of production by then.

I do like the look of the Python but never liked the old Colt trigger compared to S&W's.
Another consideration is that IIRC the new 4.25' Python is almost exactly the same weight as my 5" full underlug Model 629-3 Classic.

 

[runscott]

My guess is since the 4.25" and 6" Python can be sold in the US and Canada it makes sense to offer these first,
When sales begin to decline it then would make sense to offer them in blue,
As sales of the blue versions decline adding a 3" in SS or blue would gain the attention of the people that bought 4.25", 6" in SS and blue and now want to complete the set.

The new Python would make sense to people who like shooting Pythons but dont want to devalue their high condition piece.
Also makes sense to gun investors looking say 15 years down the road as they will likely be out of production by then.

I do like the look of the Python but never liked the old Colt trigger compared to S&W's.
Another consideration is that IIRC the new 4.25' Python is almost exactly the same weight as my 5" full underlug Model 629-3 Classic.

I don't have a preference as to the trigger of old Colts vs old S&W's - I just find them to be different. But that's true even when comparing my old Smiths against one another. My newer ones don't stand up to the ones from the 1950's, but it could just be that the older triggers are more seasoned.

But your statement has me thinking I need to do more comparisons. I believe tomorrow will be my 1974 19-3 4" vs a 1954 Colt 3-5-7 4". Really looking forward to comparing my 686-6 to a 2020 Python, but prices need to drop a lot.

 

[Laketime]

Love my 3 1/2" 27.

I loved mine too I wish I still owned it.

 

[kaaskop49]

Anonymous source (tool and die maker from Colt) says a 3" Python will be released sometime in 2020. Maybe a blued version too.

3" barrel!!?? That's a telegraph pole! I realize that, in the eyes of many, 3" bbls are the greatest thing since sliced bread (for every Jack, there's a Jill), but to me, they're neither fish nor fowl. Gotta be 2.5" as in the original Python. YMMV

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. Odd that no one has mentioned that the trigger reach of the original Python frame is just a smidge too long to be comfortable, unlike the K, L, and even N-frames. Since the original grips seem to fit the new gun, from what I've read, I guess this has not been adjusted.

 

[NYlakesider]

3" barrel!!?? That's a telegraph pole! I realize that, in the eyes of many, 3" bbls are the greatest thing since sliced bread (for every Jack, there's a Jill), but to me, they're neither fish nor fowl. Gotta be 2.5" as in the original Python. YMMV

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Well its basically only a machinery adjustment perhaps they will make both a 2 1/2 and a 3''.

Of course you know a collector will have to have those two shorties in his collection. A sold gun is a sold gun!