Gun Reviews, Community & For Sale

Colt Python

The Colt Python is manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut as a .357 Magnum caliber revolver. The Colt Python is often praised to be the quintessential American revolver. The Colt Python and the Colt Peacemaker are frequently considered to be the best revolvers made by Colt.
Headline: 

The Colt Python is manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut as a .357 Magnum caliber revolver. The Colt Python is often praised to be the quintessential American revolver. The Colt Python and the Colt Peacemaker are frequently considered to be the best revolvers made by Colt.

Termination

In October of 1999, the Colt Manufacturing Co. announced the official termination of its manufacture and production of Colt Python revolvers. Colt's Custom Gun Shop proceeding producing a limiting number of Python revolvers however this production was terminated around 2003.

Description

The Colt Python revolver is a large I-frame, double action handgun chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. The weapon was originally developed by Smith & Wesson. Colt Pythons have an outstanding reputation for accuracy, superior finish, smooth trigger pull and constrained cylinder lock up. The one downside to the precision is that the Python's ability to go out of time with persistent heavy shooting. The condition affects the Colt Python in which the cylinder does not turn into the precise alignment with the forcing cone of the weapon. Therefore, a user may be sprayed with small bits of hot gun powder when he firearm is discharged. When this happens to the firearm, the lockwork on the weapon needs to be re-timed.

Introduction

The Colt Python revolver was first brought to the marketplace in 1955 as Colt's premier model revolver, and the weapon was initially presented to be a large frame 38 Special revolver for targets. As a result of this, the weapon features a smooth trigger, precision adjustable sights, extra metal and a durable and solid construction. Routine production of the Colt Python ceased in 1998 and then the special order ceased in 2001.

The Colt Pythons distinct appearance includes a ventilated rib, full barrel underlug and adjustable sights. These features give the gun a very unique look. Initially, Colt manufactured the Colt Python with hollow, less stable underlugs, however Colt quickly changed them to solid to add a stabilizing effect to the barrel weight. The Python has an edge over other revolvers because when at full cock, just as the trigger is pressed, the cylinder on the firearm locks up tight for the full duration of the revolver's hammer strike. Other revolver firearms have a small hint of looseness even when they are fully cocked. The small gap between the cylinder of the weapon and the forcing cone is very tight and compact. This feature further adds to the weapons velocity and accuracy.

Variants

The Colt Python revolver was initially presented in two finishes: Bright Nickel and Royal Blue. The Bright Nickel finish was quickly discontinued when the satin stainless and mirror polished Ultimate Stainless steel models were introduced.

Colt Pythons come available in several barrel models including 2.5 in, 4 in, and 8 in sizes. The most popular model was the six inch version of the weapon and the eight inch model of the weapon was intended for hunting. There is a 3 inch version that is a collectible.

Due to rising production costs and an overall lack of sales, the Colt Python is not in production or manufactured today.

Usage

The Colt Python quickly became a favorite among many law enforcement agencies when it was first introduced. The 6" barreled Colt Python was very popular with uniformed officers and the shorter 3" and 4" barrels were the optimum choice for plainclothes officers. The Colt Python along with all revolvers have lost considerable interest because of greater law enforcement needs that utilize the semi automatic pistol. Many agencies have also banned the Magnum load. The round has a very lethal force even after shot through walls. 9mm are cheaper to maintain and do not pose this problem. The Colt Python still remains an enormously popular revolver and is till used on the market and in high demand.

19 Comments

2 years 10 weeks ago, 12:54 PM

Ghost

Ghost's picture

Rank:
Corporal
Points:
4
Join Date:
Jun 2008

wondering if anybody who has one thinks it is a good gun

2 years 10 weeks ago, 1:44 PM

Anonymous

You are joking, aren't you?.... They sell used for $1000+ Although slightly large for my hand, it is the best DA revolver made in the USA and in my opinion in the world.I like mine as do most "shooters". A lot of money for a revolver to shoot but I think they are a good investment in mint condition and should continue to increase in value too.

1 year 5 weeks ago, 9:29 AM

Hi Ball

Hi Ball's picture

Rank:
Staff Sergeant
Points:
18
Join Date:
Jul 2009
Location:
Chicago, Illinois, United States

I have owned a Colt Phython .357 magnum revolver, ever since I got my orders to report to Viet Nam in the mid-60's. I purchased it at City Loan and Music Company, Albany GA. while I was stationed at Fort Benning, GA.

I have never shot groups with other pistols at the range like I could with that Colt Python. It took me about 6 months of shooting before I managed to become proficient in the field with that Python.

The last pair I saw for sale "used" mind you, were going for $1250 and $1,400 dollars a piece. I do not know of any current revolver that holds that kind of high dollar price.

Thank a VET for your Freedom Americans!
32 weeks 5 days ago, 3:02 PM

Don Johnson

Don Johnson's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
1
Join Date:
Jan 2010

DONT FORGET THE KING COBRA .357--AFFORDABLE-AND NEVER GOES OUT OF TIME.AT LEAST THE ONE I have owned for 10 years and I have shot all kinds of shells--was my test gun when I first started reloading my own ammo and in the start they where not some of the best ammo in town.

2 years 6 weeks ago, 8:32 PM

al grove

al grove's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
1
Join Date:
Jul 2008

I've had a Python for over 20 years. I've shot many other revolvers and semi-automatics both before and after acquiring my Python. It is without a doubt the smoothest, most accurate and well finished handgun I have ever shot. I carry the much lighter,less accurate,less well fitted Colt Agent simply because it is small, light and less expensive.

1 year 17 weeks ago, 4:36 AM

MR. 1ST CAV

MR. 1ST CAV's picture

Rank:
Staff Sergeant
Points:
13
Join Date:
May 2009

there bad ass

1 year 46 weeks ago, 2:11 PM

ndegiglio

ndegiglio's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
1
Join Date:
Oct 2008

I'm trying to find molded rubber grips to fit my Trooper III .357. I belive it is a "J" frame, like the python.

1 year 46 weeks ago, 2:16 PM

sytasyn_syn

sytasyn_syn's picture


Rank:
General
Points:
3226
Join Date:
May 2008
Location:
Michigan, United States

Why, The Trooper III looks so much better with the wodden grip. I think it would look real nice if you stripped it and stained it a lighter color then it is when you buy it.

Be Kind and Courteous to All That You Meet, But Always Have A Plan to Kill Them -U.S. Marine Corp General-
1 year 46 weeks ago, 2:18 PM

ebear

ebear's picture

Rank:
Speaker of the House
Points:
7568
Join Date:
Jun 2008
Location:
elgin, il, United States

wooden grips in my opinion get slippery as your hand sweats. try Hogue GRIPS. They have a web site

...check... G-AZ
1 year 28 weeks ago, 2:09 PM

wilbur747

wilbur747's picture

Rank:
Corporal
Points:
5
Join Date:
Feb 2009

I have my father's 6" Royal Blue Python in excellent condition, but the Colt stamp on the left side is misstamped with the backside and rump part of the Colt missing and not stamped into the metal. This appears to be a factory mistake and is not due to wear (dad never holtered it and it has less than 100 rds fired).

The gun has never been reworked, nor has been in the hands of anyone but my father and me.

Knowing that misstamped coins are valuable, I can only assume that my gun has some extra value. Any thoughts?

1 year 12 weeks ago, 1:32 AM

revolver123

revolver123's picture

Rank:
Corporal
Points:
6
Join Date:
Jun 2009

I have a question about the reassembly of a Colt Python after cleaning.
I'm having a problem with putting the cylinder latch and latch pin detail assembly back together. Does anyone know the procedure to configure these parts with the side plate and reassemble? Everything is in place except for the latch mechanism. Any information would be very much appreciated. Could not find anything on youtube.com.
Thanks

1 year 12 weeks ago, 1:43 AM

charley9toe

charley9toe's picture

Rank:
Lieutenant General
Points:
1114
Join Date:
Mar 2009

Rev123, You might try Brownell's for a schematic. You can download them. If that's how you got in this condition, I'm sorry.
I have to echo all positive comments on the Colt Python. I had a Nickle Plated, 4" Python that I sold for a pittance because the wife wanted a dining room table. I still water-board myself every saturday night !

(You have to look behind all of that outer space stuff)
1 year 12 weeks ago, 2:15 AM

revolver123

revolver123's picture

Rank:
Corporal
Points:
6
Join Date:
Jun 2009

Thanks

Best one I've seen yet. The reassembly involves parts 84,85,86,87,and the side plate and 2 screws. Maybe it's some trick that's not obvious to me. The side pin on part 85 fits into a hole in part 84 after it is pushed into the slot in the side plate and placed back on the pistol. Part 85 keeps the cylinder from opening without pushing back on part 84. It could be that I'm just clumsy?

Sorry about your Python.

1 year 5 weeks ago, 1:46 PM

daisycutter

daisycutter's picture

Rank:
General
Points:
1972
Join Date:
Jul 2009
Location:
Arkansas

about a mis-stamp, q-control is VERY
good at Colt.
Stranger things have happened though.

iyaoyas
1 year 5 weeks ago, 1:51 PM

daisycutter

daisycutter's picture

Rank:
General
Points:
1972
Join Date:
Jul 2009
Location:
Arkansas

this one. They are as good as any
and better than most and I've never owned one.
My wheel guns are a S&W 29, a Colt
King Cobra and a S&W Chief's.
Mine are good but the Python is hands down better.

iyaoyas
1 year 3 weeks ago, 3:07 PM

Blackshirt Raider

Blackshirt Raider's picture

Rank:
Corporal
Points:
5
Join Date:
Aug 2009

The Python would get my vote as the top revolver built in the world. Colts Diamondback- basicly the Python in a 38 special caliber is a top 10, too. Perhaps the top overlooked revolver due to its bigger brothers dominance but do not under estamare this classic.

For the money and quality, S&W 686 plus .357 mag is an excellent revolver that is hard to find fault with.

1 year 3 weeks ago, 4:03 PM

ivantank

ivantank's picture

Rank:
General
Points:
3223
Join Date:
Feb 2009
Location:
lancaster, south carolina, United States

goes to the .44 anaconda

TO Every action, there is an Equal and Opposite Reaction..Sir Isaac Newton >>>>..
1 year 3 weeks ago, 5:12 PM

ebear

ebear's picture

Rank:
Speaker of the House
Points:
7568
Join Date:
Jun 2008
Location:
elgin, il, United States

im with you, i love shooting my friends Anaconda with the 8 inch barrel. Powerful and accurate

...check... G-AZ
38 weeks 6 hours ago, 2:15 PM

waylntat2

waylntat2's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
1
Join Date:
Jan 2009

I have phython in357 mag bought new in1987, want to know if it is high plolished stainles or nichel

southern cross Tattoo salem va

Details of Colt Python

Department:
Revolvers
Manufacturer:
Colt
Action:
Double Action

Colt Python Videos (1)

Rate Colt Python

9.9 Excellent
(1 vote)
This text will be replaced

Recent Posts