If you are familiar with the new production stainless Pythons, then about the only difference is the color. The little QR code laser etched on the right side forward of the trigger guard is harder to pick out. I was worried that it would show up worse, but they kept it black and it blends in pretty well. In the same cabinet they had a '70s 4" to compare it to. About the only similarities are the name and the caliber. The new blue looks good, but it just didn't compare to the 50 year old Royal Blue. I'm sure it will shoot as well as it's stainless sibling, but I wouldn't mind hearing from someone who has shot one.
So I got to check out a new blued Python today...
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They are pretty nice. I’ve got several of the new and old Pythons. I just got a 6” blue purchased on Gunbroker. Unfortunately it’s going back to Colt. It has some very obvious dings on the edge of one of the cylinder flutes. The damage was blued over so obviously done prior to finish application. Otherwise it’s quite nice. Now I’m looking to get a 4” to go with it, so this experience hasn’t soured me on them.
I have three of the new stainless Pythons and just acquired a 6” blued gun. I’ve also owned a number of the older ones in various lengths. They were beautiful to look at - real art - but I found them delicate for everyday working use. Of the dozen or so I owned, most were either out of tune or got that way. I know many will say they’ve fired millions of rounds in their 1956 originals without a blink. Good for you. I wasn’t that lucky.
The new guns are, IMHO, better using guns than the old ones ever were. They’re stronger, simpler and good looking. The double action trigger is better than the original. They balance like the old ones. Accuracy in mine is as good as any of my old ones were and one of them is markedly better. The only thing the old one was better on was the single action trigger and that can be fixed. Bluing on the old ones was beautiful but it was delicate. Some don’t like the new rear sight but mine have been just fine. Break an old one and good luck finding someone to fix it.
I like the blue ones better than the stainless but that’s just personal preference. I felt the same way about the old ones. And at half the price of an old one, maybe less, I think you’ve got one heck of a fine handgun. As you can tell, I like the new Pythons. Try one yourself, blue or stainless, and I think you’ll be glad you did.
The new guns are, IMHO, better using guns than the old ones ever were. They’re stronger, simpler and good looking. The double action trigger is better than the original. They balance like the old ones. Accuracy in mine is as good as any of my old ones were and one of them is markedly better. The only thing the old one was better on was the single action trigger and that can be fixed. Bluing on the old ones was beautiful but it was delicate. Some don’t like the new rear sight but mine have been just fine. Break an old one and good luck finding someone to fix it.
I like the blue ones better than the stainless but that’s just personal preference. I felt the same way about the old ones. And at half the price of an old one, maybe less, I think you’ve got one heck of a fine handgun. As you can tell, I like the new Pythons. Try one yourself, blue or stainless, and I think you’ll be glad you did.
I gave up waiting for the blued Pythons and bought a 3" stainless one. Then, you guessed it, within a month the blued Pythons were introduced. Man I hate it when that happens.
So, anyway , I took my new 3" Python to the range and put it up against my 3" S&W Model 13-2 from 1980. Now granted, the Python was brand new out of the box and not broken in but in both .38 Special and .357 Magnum my Model 13 had considerably better groups than the Python. Your mileage may vary of course but that Python just couldn't touch my old Model 13.
But I'll still be lining up to buy a blued steel 3" Python when they come out. Love 3" revolvers. Sure, you don't get the accuracy of an old 6" revolver but I just love the balance of a well made 3" wheel gun.
So, anyway , I took my new 3" Python to the range and put it up against my 3" S&W Model 13-2 from 1980. Now granted, the Python was brand new out of the box and not broken in but in both .38 Special and .357 Magnum my Model 13 had considerably better groups than the Python. Your mileage may vary of course but that Python just couldn't touch my old Model 13.
But I'll still be lining up to buy a blued steel 3" Python when they come out. Love 3" revolvers. Sure, you don't get the accuracy of an old 6" revolver but I just love the balance of a well made 3" wheel gun.
.455_Hunter
Member
Are they blued carbon steel or blackened stainless?
I keep hearing how good the new ones are, but I just can't bring myself to pull the trigger ( insert laugh track here.) I've had a few of the old ones, and they wouldn't shoot as well as my Smiths. In fact, my last one was schooled by my 2 1/2" 19-3! So I've been soured on them. They are beautiful to look at, but for what the old ones cost, they needed to do more than look good. I may get around to trying one of the new ones, but I feel like I'm just setting myself up for disappointment again.
I bought a 3 and 4 inch stainless Python and then a 2.5 came out. Waiting on a blue/black 2.5 and when the opportunity strikes a 2.5 stainless.
OutAtTheEdge
Member
Just wondering, Rick...
Before retiring a year and a half ago, I ran the gun department at a pretty large independent sporting goods store in Wisconsin. At that time, ALL revolvers were in terribly short supply, so I pretty much bought anything I could get from my distributors. One in particular was pretty good at scrounging the new SS Pythons and King Cobras. Interestingly, they frequently came up with factory seconds, they called "Blems", which were marked down to sell "as is" cosmetically. Typically, it was quite a challenge to find the blemish that was the reason for the markdown, and in some cases it was a total mystery. Still, I always made sure I marked and priced the guns accordingly. I imagine that Colt's is still offering these blemished and discounted guns, and I suspect that some dealers might be tempted to take advantage of the opportunity to sell the guns at full dollar without advising the buyer.
Obviously, Rick, I don't know your dealer and am absolutely not implying that they did this. I also don't know how the factory would handle a request for warranty service in such a case. I just thought I'd throw this out as one possible explanation as to how a cosmetically flawed gun might have been sold.
I'd certainly be interested in knowing how Colt's handles your warranty request, Rick. I hope it works out to your satisfaction.
I’ve bought a couple Colt blems over the past couple years. The 3” stainless Python, I couldn’t find the flaw. The 8” Anaconda had a small scratch on the barrel. This one was purchased from a reputable seller on Gunbroker, as most all of mine have been. It wasn’t marked as a blemish and the flaw is well beyond what I would consider minor. It should never have left the factory.
Glenn R. McMannly
Member
The new Pythons are as good as it gets.
FAR more durable, half the price.
FAR more durable, half the price.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Looks to me that the vents in the blued rib are smaller than the vents in the stainless rib. I don't like the smaller vents-makes the gun look like a Rossi.
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jframe
Member
Never owned a Python, but I've always wanted to. The new three inch guns are probably my favorite. If they come out with a blued version, and it looks good, they may have to take my money. I just hope "blued" is truly that. I realize the old Royal Blue is the cat's meow, and probably not going to happen, but if it's decent and doesn't look like something sprayed on, I may have to be a player.
hkcavalier
US Veteran
I plan on getting a 3" blued and put the homemade stags + T-Grip from my 6" on it, then get some Culina's for the stainless gun (probably American Holly).
Rodan
Member
They just look like that in the picture.
I know the new ones are objectively better guns, but this picture says it all to me... the new ones just look like cheap airsoft replicas of the originals.
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