The new snake guns

[BillBro]

Has anyone bought one of the new pythons and really shot it with a healthy diet of magnums? I personally dont care for shootung 38's through a magnum handgun, Ill buy a 38 for those.
Im wondering if the new pythons are holding up well with magnum ammo. I would like to have at least one python since I have never owned one and naturally I think they are a beautiful gun but I buy guns to shoot, shoot alot too but Ive just always heard/read that the pythons just wont take as much heavy use as say a S&W and definitely not as much as a Ruger.
Anyone?

 

[smithra_66]

Has anyone bought one of the new pythons and really shot it with a healthy diet of magnums? I personally dont care for shootung 38's through a magnum handgun, Ill buy a 38 for those.
Im wondering if the new pythons are holding up well with magnum ammo. I would like to have at least one python since I have never owned one and naturally I think they are a beautiful gun but I buy guns to shoot, shoot alot too but Ive just always heard/read that the pythons just wont take as much heavy use as say a S&W and definitely not as much as a Ruger.
Anyone?

I have one. Durability is the least of the concerns with the new Python.

The bigger issues are the poor SA trigger and rear sight.

You'd be hard pressed to wear one out with any normal 357 full power loads.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I’ve owned the old and currently have 3 of the new. I don’t shoot magnums due to arthritis but having owned both and shot a lot of rounds through both. I would have no reservations shooting a steady diet of magnums in the new. Colt beefed up the top strap and made additional improvements in the new ones. They are built as well as any of my Smith magnums including my M28-2.

I’m not sure where the rumor came from that the old Python was delicate. I’ve heard it repeatedly when I owned the older model. My dad had one in the 60’s and I’ve had quite a number of friends that owned them and none of us have ever had one go out of time or had an issue. I have however had two Smiths go out of time, my wife’s 317 and my 625-2. I also had a 357 Ruger Blackhawk straight out of the box out of time. Each required going back to the factory to be corrected.

As to the trigger, Colts DA on the Python is better in the new model than the old and the SA is better in the old. The differences, not much and certainly not enough to worry about. The same with the new sight. So what if you have to loosen a set screw to move the sight blade then retighten it. It’s secure and anyway how often do you readjust the windage on your sights. I find I set it and that’s it and adjust elevation for different loads.

The new Pythons are excellent. Buy one and shoot magnums and enjoy it. Go to the Colt forum and research it. You’re more likely to get the answers from colt owners than Smith owners.

 

[BillBro]

Hate to repeat galsehoods but I am python-dymb. Given the astronomical prices I never really expected to own one so know lottle aboit them, other than the lies told about them.
Yeah, Ive read about the poor rear sight but WC just released a replacement for it, a front too I think.
I dont know, just been admiring a 4" model so I thought Id ask around and cant think of a better bunch to ask, even though it is a "Colt".

 

[Breakaway500]

I bought a 3” Python a few months ago. It is on the top shelf of the safe with snap caps in it and Hogue Gripper grips. Every time I go in there I give it a dry fire workout.It has become a “wow” trigger. The few people who have tried it agree. The single action is 4lbs and crisp and the DA is 9lbs and smooth with no stacking and predictable enough to target shoot with it. I did have to massage the “drop test” factory sear but it’s nowhere near a hair trigger and all springs are stock. I like the stock sights.
I’ve got about 3k rounds of factory .357 ammo though it. I rate its overall performance as nice as ANY revolver I’ve ever used and it’s nice to look at as well. Bravo to CZ/Colt

 

[ZGrand]

I only have a couple hundred rounds through my 4.25" new Python, but all have been 158gr. 357 magnums. No issues so far. Mine has a really smooth double action, and the single action is as good as most of my Smiths. I have replaced both sights with the Wilson Combat units, and the grips with ones from Deer Hollow. I'd say it is equal in quality to any of my Smiths.

 

[CajunBass]

I've got two of the new Pythons, and while I shoot mostly wadcutters, I have fired enough magnums to not be afraid of the idea of using them. Wadcutters are just a lot easier on my old arthritic hands and wrists.

I've never seen much if any problem with the sights or the grips. I'm sure I've tried the SA trigger, but I don't remember anything about it one way or the other. The DA is so good it just begs to be fired in DA so that's what I do.

Personally I think they're worth every dime. I may even get a 3" one to go with the rest of the herd.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

The new Pythons are much stronger than the originals...stronger steels not available in the previous era...fewer internal parts...user replaceable front sights...excellent DA trigger. The sole reason for the heavy SA trigger is to pass the drop test some states specify. Personally...it's not that big of a deal. There are some custom gunsmiths that can lighten it but is has a smooth and crisp let off even if heavier than one might like.

The rear sight design is a mixed bag. If you set your sights and leave them set that way it's a decent design. If you're always adjusting it for different loads it can be a pain. Wilson Combat makes an outstanding replacement sight if it floats your boat.

Durability...it will outlast most any shooter using magnum loads that aren't hand grenades in a brass case. Colt tested them for over fifteen thousand rounds of full power magnums without any durability issues. I doubt if any shooter will put that many through their gun...your wrist will wear out first.

 

[ladder13]

PSA has “blems” for $1099. I have never had a PSA that actually had a blem, though obviously these are not a product
manufactured by them.

 

[Banjo 10-79]

ZGrand that is a gorgeous revolver!

 

[KalamazooKid]

My heart and soul remain tight with my old S&W's but I've accumulated a few old Pythons (2.5", 4", and 6" versions) and now a 3" modern example. I've owned a beautiful set of stags that were originally bought for the 2.5 but when they didn't give me a proper fit I tried them on the new 3" and they fit like a glove.

I've put about 300-350 rounds of 357 thru it now without a hiccup (along with a whole bunch of 38's). I did add a WC rear site shortly after purchase. This revolver balances absolutely perfectly and is a true joy to shoot. To ANYONE on the fence with these new (and relatively economical) Pythons, go buy one and never look back!

 

[boykinlp]

My heart and soul remain tight with my old S&W's but I've accumulated a few old Pythons (2.5", 4", and 6" versions) and now a 3" modern example. I've owned a beautiful set of stags that were originally bought for the 2.5 but when they didn't give me a proper fit I tried them on the new 3" and they fit like a glove.

I've put about 300-350 rounds of 357 thru it now without a hiccup (along with a whole bunch of 38's). I did add a WC rear site shortly after purchase. This revolver balances absolutely perfectly and is a true joy to shoot. To ANYONE on the fence with these new (and relatively economical) Pythons, go buy one and never look back!

OMG Mark, that is definitely “drool worthy”! Mine is similar with the Sambar stag grips, but without the WC rear sight…..so far.
Larry

 

[Bill Lear]

I've put around 2,000 rounds of over-pressure 357 magnum through my 2020 Python. The gun still looks and functions like new.
I've probably shot about 200 rounds of Underwood's 180 grain hard cast with no issue and my own hand loads which are at the top and beyond book numbers.
I've also put about 500 rounds of handloaded 38 special through the gun which is loaded above so-called +P levels with no apparent negative effect.

 

[Rodan]

Has anyone with one of the new Pythons rounded the face of the trigger?

That square faced trigger has stopped me cold every time I've picked up one of the new guns... just doesn't make sense for a D/A revolver. I'm wondering if it's just polished stainless or plated steel? If it's stainless it should be easy to recontour...

Edited to add:

I looked up the blems at PSA, and after a little digging discoverd the blems have their own UPC, and I found nine online sellers with Blem 3" Pythons... That's a LOT of blems...

 

[Breakaway500]

"Has anyone with one of the new Pythons rounded the face of the trigger?"

Ah..the only thing that does not feel ideal to me is the trigger/finger interface. I wish it had a wide (target) version but none are available.

I'm tempted to round mine off...but in all honesty,it's not really that bad when shooting. Even after a 500 round double action session..my finger is none the worse so I have not done anything about it,and I do shoot bare handed.

However..since this thread started..my rear sight has come loose to the point where I did order one of the Wilson replacements. Pricey,but I really really enjoy the revolver so money well spent,if it's as good as everyone says.

A good set of sights on a gun is as important as a good set of tires on a car.

 

[.357magger]

I'm about 300 rounds of full power 125 and 158 grain 357s through my 2020 3".

I'm impressed enough with it that it's in my carry rotation. No issues.

 

[Echo40]

Ya cawl that a snake gun? Thees is a snake gun...