The Pietta Python

[Darkenfast]

I just got a new 1858 Army from Pietta. If they can do the decent quality of my new toy for $220, I imagine they can do a decent Python replica for the higher price. The grips on the new 1955 look a lot more comfortable than a friend's original Python wood grips (which he can't use anyway). Me, personally, I'd prefer a 686+, but this is an excellent idea for those who want to shoot a Python and keep the originals in the safe. If it's because of a silly zombie show: hey, no problem! Shoot away!

 

[2ndAmendmentNut]

I know this is an old thread, but does anyone have any update on the Pietta Python?

I have only ever fired one Python in my life. It was a friends 6" blued variant. The trigger had been "worked" on. It was a super smooth action that had been lightened to the point that only federal primers would reliably fire. In my hands it shot wad-cutters about as accurately as my 686. Still the Python has serious cool factor to it, and I want one. I have come across a few Pythons priced north of $2,000 with terrible triggers, finish issues and "bubba" screw heads.

I own a Cimarron Pietta copy of the Colt 1873. It might not be a Colt, but the Pietta is very pretty and scratches the itch I had to own a "cowboy" gun. I certainly won't pass up a Pietta copy of a Python just because it is not a Colt.

 

[Brian in Oregon]

So....if parts become available, anyone here going to make a replica Smython?

 

[andyo5]

I've never been a fan of the Python action, although they are beautiful to look at.

 

[Erich]

So....if parts become available, anyone here going to make a replica Smython?

Chiappa will probably use metric threads.

 

[joe44va]

I bought a Zanchetta granulator once. One of the best made pieces of equipment I ever bought. The Italians know how to make things. My Pietta 1960 Colt Army copy is really nice. Some 150 years newer than the Colt so it looks better. A little big so I carry a Smith.

 

[DWalt]

" My Pietta 1960 Colt Army copy is really nice. Some 150 years newer than the Colt so it looks better. "
I assume you mean 1860, not 1960. Anyway, I also have a Pietta 1860 which appears to be beautifully made and finished. I bought it "Almost NIB" at a gun show for $100 about 5 years ago. It had a little fitting problem, but that was simply cured by a little file work and stoning - took me maybe 15 minutes. And I don't have to reload for it. If Pietta ever does bring out a Python knockoff anywhere nearly as well made as the 1860, and at a non-ridiculous price, it will sell.

 

[dmar]

I've never been a fan of the Python action, although they are beautiful to look at.

I've heard other people say the same thing, but man, I just love the Python action. I've got 3 of them, and they are the smoothest revolver action I've ever come across, and I've had/have dozens of nice revolvers (including Model 27s...). And the single action trigger break on the Python is the proverbial glass rod... But hey, everyone has different tastes, that's what makes our hobby interesting.

I guess it is the slight hitch/stack on the double action pull that some people don't like. For me, I've always liked that part of the action. It is not noticeable during a fast DA pull, but helpful when slow firing. It has that slight stack right at the single action break, so it's like you get the benefit of a single action shot when slow-firing double action... Really helps with bullseye accuracy.

Anyway, to the OP's thread, I have not heard of any new announcements on the Pietta release, just that they are supposed to be coming out with it. Not sure how excited I am about it, as I just don't think they can cheaply imitate the Python action/quality.

I think Pietta does a decent job on the other replica-type guns that they make, so I'm sure they'll be good guns, I just don't see running out and buying one myself. I do think any new revolvers being manufactured is a good thing! There's a market for everything out there.

 

[andyo5]

You know, when you think about it, we're seeing history repeat itself.

After WWII, Colt stopped making the SAA. Low sales, high costs...etc.. Then along came TV westerns and there was a demand for six guns.

Maybe what's needed is a TV show about a detective named 'Johnny Python'.

 

[Texas Star]

It seems Pietta is calling it the model 1955-P. Who cares that it's a copy. I still think it's a pretty neat attempt. How many manufacturers copied the S&W model 10? According to history nearly all of them! It was the most copied gun of the century and some of the Spanish models are still in fine condition out there.

Anyway most of the websites I've come across are in Italian. Anyone take a guess at what they're saying?

Zobrazit téma - Pietta P 1955 (Colt Python replika) ? St?electví.cz

Armietiro - Il Colt Python risorge con Pietta

Actually, that first site is in Czech! The title for the Italian one is Arms and Shooting. That's all it says.

I've owned two Pythons and both went out-of-time as most older design Colts do. They were very accurate, but no more so than S&W M-27's owned then. I am talking all six bullet holes at 25 yards being one single jagged hole, from both brands, on the days when I shot that well. Clearly, the guns could do it.

Overall, I won't buy Colt DA revolvers. If I did, it might be a stainless King Cobra. I simply think Ruger and S&W made better revolvers.

 

[DWalt]

There are those who report Colts "Getting out of time." Then there are others like me who, after many years of shooting Colts, have yet to experience such issues. But then, I don't fire 20,000 rounds a year through any of mine.

 

[surfgun]

I read somewhere, that a high level executive at Pietta when asked if the P1955 was still on the agenda, he responded in the negative. Take it for what it is worth.

 

[poordevil]

The Italians are the ones making the copies of the S&W Scoulfields , Russians , #3 and Wells Fargos. People who have them seem to like them well.

 

[silentflyer]

Can't imagine it would be anywhere near the quality of a Colt Python, or S&W 27, if you want a quality .357 that's not a S&W check out the CZA Dan Wesson's.

 

[CajunBass]

Can't imagine it would be anywhere near the quality of a Colt Python, or S&W 27, if you want a quality .357 that's not a S&W check out the CZA Dan Wesson's.

Why can't it be? If CZA can make a quality 357 what makes you think someone else can't?

(Personally, I don't Pietta is going to make the Python replica based on the above mentioned comment by a Pietta execuative.)

 

[JSW]

I read somewhere, that a high level executive at Pietta when asked if the P1955 was still on the agenda, he responded in the negative. Take it for what it is worth.

I believe I read the same account. Apparently they couldn't get the price down enough to make the project viable.

 

[model70hunter]

Hmm, the almost, almost happened.

I have owned about 6 Pythons, all before the casino bells and whistles went off screaming jackpot.

I did like them, accurate without any issues. I purchased my 1st one new and used it for a duty weapon. I hand loaded 38's for fun and carried some early Super Vel ammo for duty. I shot it every chance I got. Mostly it was my 38 wadcutter loads. I squirrel hunted with it. Head shots only. Killed a pair of cotton mouths that got too close to my kids. If I had not been independently poor at that time I would have kept it. But I got into shotgun sports after LE and you know, new trap, skeet and later Sporting clays shotguns. All of my pistol/revolvers found new homes. In retrospect I wish I'd kept the 1st Python.

But I now have 2 357's, a 4" 686 & a pre 27 in 6.5", neither needs replaced by a "replica".

 

[6GUNSONLY]

I had one Python back in the mid 70s - a 4" nickel model. Only Python I ever owned, only nickeled gun I've ever owned. I paid $260 for it and only kept it about a year. Put me in the "rather have a 27 or 586" camp. Guess I won't be real interested in a Python copy since I'm not that interested in the originals. But, for folks that like them, there seems to be nothing else that'll scratch the itch; so if Pietta makes a copy, I hope it's a nice one and will fill the bill for those who have the yearning.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

Well after seeing this thread brought back up I decided to just contact and email Pietta last week to see when the Python clone would be available and they responded today. Email is below. I blocked out my personal information for privacy purposes. Not sure what to think but wanted to put a stop to the rumors of "I heard this online ..."

 

[andyo5]

I've heard other people say the same thing, but man, I just love the Python action. I've got 3 of them, and they are the smoothest revolver action I've ever come across, and I've had/have dozens of nice revolvers (including Model 27s...). And the single action trigger break on the Python is the proverbial glass rod... But hey, everyone has different tastes, that's what makes our hobby interesting.

I guess it is the slight hitch/stack on the double action pull that some people don't like. For me, I've always liked that part of the action. It is not noticeable during a fast DA pull, but helpful when slow firing. It has that slight stack right at the single action break, so it's like you get the benefit of a single action shot when slow-firing double action... Really helps with bullseye accuracy.

Yes, Dmar; I am referring to the Python's double action, not its single action.
I have shot several at my club and the stacking seemed to make double action shooting impractical. IDK whether they can be tuned like a S&W to yield a useful double action.