Great history, and I’ve been looking forward to this one. I’m very impressed with the modern Colts – I don’t think you can do better in a modern production revolver these days. And now I’ve got a serious hankering for the 5″ blued Python to compliment my Combat Elite…
I have all four barrel lengths in the stainless Python and a 4.25” blue one. Bring a S&W aficionado forever, I am very impressed with the new Colt Pythons. I am most impressed with the fact that there are seven(?) fewer parts in the new actions compared with the older ones, and the fact that the new ones don’t seem to go out of time as readily as the older ones ones. This is a good thing as there only a couple of Python gunsmiths still around that can work on them.
With the Combat elite you only need a rear sight unless you want to change the front. The Harrison rear sight is much deeper/visible and has a better set screw. The combat elite has a .200 front that is compatible with the Harrison rear sight.
Awesome video. Thanks for doing more Colt videos. I remember seeing Bill Wilson talk about the timing issues that plagued the old Pythons in one of their videos. He shot one competitively back in the day and attributed the issues to a lack of an overtravel stop for the hand. I think he said he installed a stop and didn’t have any more timing issues. Do these new actions have that or have what is needed to make them as robust as your average Smith in your opinion?
Agreed. This is what cracked me up about the initial reaction from some traditionalists that, “the new Pythons aren’t as good as the old ones.” In reality, the new Pythons are objectively BETTER than the old Pythons. Mechanically stronger while also being simplified. Colt hasn’t just tried to tap into nostalgia by re-issuing a ‘modern’ version of the Python – they took the updates and redesign seriously, and honestly improved it.
DB & Y: Great video. That said, how about doing a video on the Smolt that is pictured in the first few frames of the Python video. Those were cool old guns.
I bought a 6” Python in ‘74 and carried it in the sheriff’s academy, then through my first 2 1/2-3 years on the job until we were authorized to transition to semi-autos. It had a beautiful blued finish but I had it hard-chromed, thinking it would prevent rust and corrosion.
Good article, guys. I haven’t bought a “new” gun in a while. I might just have to have one of these Pythons
Thanks boss man! Our personal favorites are the 3” Stainless versions. But the oxide blue guns are sexy!
Are you referring to the 3-inch Combat Elite stainless?
That and the 3” Stainless. They’re all shooters though!
Bryan
Great history, and I’ve been looking forward to this one. I’m very impressed with the modern Colts – I don’t think you can do better in a modern production revolver these days. And now I’ve got a serious hankering for the 5″ blued Python to compliment my Combat Elite…
I have all four barrel lengths in the stainless Python and a 4.25” blue one. Bring a S&W aficionado forever, I am very impressed with the new Colt Pythons. I am most impressed with the fact that there are seven(?) fewer parts in the new actions compared with the older ones, and the fact that the new ones don’t seem to go out of time as readily as the older ones ones. This is a good thing as there only a couple of Python gunsmiths still around that can work on them.
John’s Snake Sights make a huge difference. I won’t own a Python without them.
Absolutely!
Garrett, Please tell me more about the snake sights as I have a Combat Elite Python on order,
With the Combat elite you only need a rear sight unless you want to change the front. The Harrison rear sight is much deeper/visible and has a better set screw. The combat elite has a .200 front that is compatible with the Harrison rear sight.
Y
Awesome video. Thanks for doing more Colt videos. I remember seeing Bill Wilson talk about the timing issues that plagued the old Pythons in one of their videos. He shot one competitively back in the day and attributed the issues to a lack of an overtravel stop for the hand. I think he said he installed a stop and didn’t have any more timing issues. Do these new actions have that or have what is needed to make them as robust as your average Smith in your opinion?
The new actions are 100% stronger and have minimal overtravel. I think they’ll last a lot longer.
Agreed. This is what cracked me up about the initial reaction from some traditionalists that, “the new Pythons aren’t as good as the old ones.” In reality, the new Pythons are objectively BETTER than the old Pythons. Mechanically stronger while also being simplified. Colt hasn’t just tried to tap into nostalgia by re-issuing a ‘modern’ version of the Python – they took the updates and redesign seriously, and honestly improved it.
100% accurate
Great Wheelgun Wednesday, gents.
Are those Hogues in the pics? Beautiful grips for full size gun.
Yes they’re the cocobolo single finger groove Checkered stocks.
Is there plans for more videos from the colt python experience?
Not immediately. Subscribe to RangeReady they filmed a ton of content.
Is that not gun talk media?
Yes that too
DB & Y: Great video. That said, how about doing a video on the Smolt that is pictured in the first few frames of the Python video. Those were cool old guns.
I bought a 6” Python in ‘74 and carried it in the sheriff’s academy, then through my first 2 1/2-3 years on the job until we were authorized to transition to semi-autos. It had a beautiful blued finish but I had it hard-chromed, thinking it would prevent rust and corrosion.
Common thing in those days to refinish them. Blued wheel guns are a pain to maintain these new ones are oxide finished and wear way better.
Y