Posted: 2/11/2010 5:53:12 PM EDT
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How do i find out about Colt Pythons?
Searching for the holy grail of .357's sort of....... The money goes up over Smith & Wessons by a lot. They are scarce as hens teeth unless the money flows a lot faster than mine..... Who knows and will tell?????? |
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I know nothing.
I'm pretty sure they're out of production, if you weren't aware of that. At least I thought they were. (Their website talks about the Python as if it's still made, but never actually says so-Colt has kind of been in and out of the handgun business for the last twenty or so years.) They're the coolest looking revolvers ever! Love that underlug. The Python was a very expensive revolver because of the hand fitting it required. It just priced itself out of the market as I understand. Unlike Colt 1911s and SAAs, I've never heard anyone complain about their Python. |
| plenty of people seem to complain about Pythons –– and on this forum even - (not me, i have 2 and love them dearly) –––––––– this board has a heavy S&W bias, so i would suggest going to colt forum |
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Here's some info on the Colt Python.
During the 1920 through the 1940's Colt revolvers were king in the old style target matches. The various Officer's Models were the record holders. In 1955, Colt's west coast top salesman convinced Colt management that he could sell a super-premium target revolver even better than the Officer's Models and the Python was designed. It was based on the old Colt action like the Official Police and the Trooper revolvers. Originally intended to be a .38 Special, the popularity of the .357 caused it to be offered in that since the .38 could also be used in it. From the get-go, the Python was intended to be the finest double action revolver ever built in America and it was. The old Colt action required hand assembly simply to operate and Colt's Master fitters spend even more time on the Pythons action fitting and tuning it for the best trigger action and accuracy. The old Colt action was known as a "soft" action with a smooth trigger pull and the Python carried that even further by more hand fitting. Over the years the Python was offered in 2 1/2", 3", 4", 6", and 8" barrel lengths, and in Royal blue, bright nickel, satin electroless nickel (also known as "Coltguard"), satin stainless steel, and bright polish stainless steel. Calibers offered were .357 Magnum and the Python Target in .38 Special with an 8" barrel. While Colt made a very few experimental Pythons in calibers like the .22LR, a .256, and .41 Magnum, NONE of these guns were ever produced as anything other than one or two experimentals, and none were ever sold. From time to time .41 Magnum Pythons turn up and are argued to be factory guns. These were actually made up by a custom gunsmith and are considered to be unsafe to fire. Colt did make 2 or 3 for a distributor, but decided they were unsafe and these guns are all in the Colt museum. The Python was intended to be the finest American DA revolver, and even during bad times it was always the best DA revolver produced. The action was polished and timed for the best pull. The Royal blue or nickel was the best ever done on a production pistol. Colt always made their own large diameter wooden polishing wheels covered in leather. Only Colt's most experienced polishers were allowed to work on the Python, and the final polish was done with polishing media the consistency of flour. The saying was "While other brands were being received at the distributors, the Python was still at Colt being polished". The Royal Blue finish was always called "the Python finish" inside Colt, and it has a deep mirror-like blue color that is a result of the amount of polishing, not a special bluing process. The real difference between the satin black of a Ruger and the mirror-like deep blue of the Python is the polishing. The old Colt's and especially the Python were the most consistently accurate revolvers due to Colt's "Bank vault" lock up in which the cylinder is tightly locked in place when the trigger is pulled, and because of Colt's high quality barrels made in the Colt plant. These barrels had a different rifling rate that stabilized the bullet better. In addition, the Python had a tapered bore that got tighter toward the muzzle. The Python also got the mysterious "silver ball" treatment in which a finished barrel had a silvery ball of a secret material hand pressed down the bore to give it a brilliant shiny and smooth finish. Many people repeat the old story that the Python is "delicate" and gets out of order easily, and is a "weak" gun. First, as far as strength goes, the Python is actually a stronger gun than the S&W 686 or the Ruger GP-100. This is because the Python has a very high quality forged frame and cylinder, and has the locking notches on the cylinder off-set over the strongest part of the cylinder. The large diameter cylinder and beefy frame make the Python exceptionally strong. The Python action is strong, but it won't take abuse as well as other brands of guns. Abuse is slamming the cylinder open or shut with a flick of the wrist (Bogarting), firing double action by jerking the trigger very hard and fast, or "force cocking" it in single action by yanking the hammer back hard. This kind of abuse will wreck any revolver, but the Python just won't take as much as other guns with differently designed actions. On those guns, since the action isn't as critically adjusted and closely fitted they can take more abuse and continue to operate, while the Python has to be in close adjustment or it gives trouble. While you can take a pickup truck off roading, doing so with a sports car will wreck it. Like an expensive sports car the Python needs more service than a cheap Ford or Chevy. Normal maintenance is repair or replacement of the "hand" that advances the cylinder to the next chamber. After thousands of rounds, the hand will wear and will need maintenance. People claim that this is a weak action because of the maintenance need. They tend to forget that a Ford or Chevy will go a long time without much work, but a Ferrari will need more maintenance. For that higher maintenance level, you get a car that's the finest built car possible and will give performance no Ford or Chevy can hope to match. For the extra maintenance on the Python, you get the finest, most accurate DA revolver ever made in America. In short, the Python was really a semi-custom revolver, built only by Colt's very best people, and to the very highest standards. Yes you will see poor quality Pythons, just like any other gun, but Colt always tried to make the Python THE top quality gun, and while quality suffered at times, other companies did too, and the Python was always the best of them all. What Python to buy is a matter of the individual gun. Guns are not vintages of wine, and there are no "good years" or "bad years", there are only good or bad guns. You should judge a Python on its own merits. What you'll get for the high amount of money is a true American legend, almost certainly the most accurate DA revolver you'll ever own, and the finest DA revolver ever made. Virtually every DA revolver designed since is as close in appearance to the Python as the maker dares but no one has ever managed to top it. Owning a Python is like owning a Purdy shotgun, or a Rolls Royce car: Its the best of the best. |
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Look for Pythons built prior to 72 and you will have one of the finest weapons ever built. Finest trigger that can be pulled and will shoot the wings of a fly. Period. Oh and a proper Python is always blued. Stay away from E models.
Here is mine from 1970 
Not a bad group from a factory worker. 
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Quoted:
Here's some info on the Colt Python. During the 1920 through the 1940's Colt revolvers were king in the old style target matches. The various Officer's Models were the record holders. In 1955, Colt's west coast top salesman convinced Colt management that he could sell a super-premium target revolver even better than the Officer's Models and the Python was designed. It was based on the old Colt action like the Official Police and the Trooper revolvers. Originally intended to be a .38 Special, the popularity of the .357 caused it to be offered in that since the .38 could also be used in it. From the get-go, the Python was intended to be the finest double action revolver ever built in America and it was. The old Colt action required hand assembly simply to operate and Colt's Master fitters spend even more time on the Pythons action fitting and tuning it for the best trigger action and accuracy. The old Colt action was known as a "soft" action with a smooth trigger pull and the Python carried that even further by more hand fitting. Over the years the Python was offered in 2 1/2", 3", 4", 6", and 8" barrel lengths, and in Royal blue, bright nickel, satin electroless nickel (also known as "Coltguard"), satin stainless steel, and bright polish stainless steel. Calibers offered were .357 Magnum and the Python Target in .38 Special with an 8" barrel. While Colt made a very few experimental Pythons in calibers like the .22LR, a .256, and .41 Magnum, NONE of these guns were ever produced as anything other than one or two experimentals, and none were ever sold. From time to time .41 Magnum Pythons turn up and are argued to be factory guns. These were actually made up by a custom gunsmith and are considered to be unsafe to fire. Colt did make 2 or 3 for a distributor, but decided they were unsafe and these guns are all in the Colt museum. The Python was intended to be the finest American DA revolver, and even during bad times it was always the best DA revolver produced. The action was polished and timed for the best pull. The Royal blue or nickel was the best ever done on a production pistol. Colt always made their own large diameter wooden polishing wheels covered in leather. Only Colt's most experienced polishers were allowed to work on the Python, and the final polish was done with polishing media the consistency of flour. The saying was "While other brands were being received at the distributors, the Python was still at Colt being polished". The Royal Blue finish was always called "the Python finish" inside Colt, and it has a deep mirror-like blue color that is a result of the amount of polishing, not a special bluing process. The real difference between the satin black of a Ruger and the mirror-like deep blue of the Python is the polishing. The old Colt's and especially the Python were the most consistently accurate revolvers due to Colt's "Bank vault" lock up in which the cylinder is tightly locked in place when the trigger is pulled, and because of Colt's high quality barrels made in the Colt plant. These barrels had a different rifling rate that stabilized the bullet better. In addition, the Python had a tapered bore that got tighter toward the muzzle. The Python also got the mysterious "silver ball" treatment in which a finished barrel had a silvery ball of a secret material hand pressed down the bore to give it a brilliant shiny and smooth finish. Many people repeat the old story that the Python is "delicate" and gets out of order easily, and is a "weak" gun. First, as far as strength goes, the Python is actually a stronger gun than the S&W 686 or the Ruger GP-100. This is because the Python has a very high quality forged frame and cylinder, and has the locking notches on the cylinder off-set over the strongest part of the cylinder. The large diameter cylinder and beefy frame make the Python exceptionally strong. The Python action is strong, but it won't take abuse as well as other brands of guns. Abuse is slamming the cylinder open or shut with a flick of the wrist (Bogarting), firing double action by jerking the trigger very hard and fast, or "force cocking" it in single action by yanking the hammer back hard. This kind of abuse will wreck any revolver, but the Python just won't take as much as other guns with differently designed actions. On those guns, since the action isn't as critically adjusted and closely fitted they can take more abuse and continue to operate, while the Python has to be in close adjustment or it gives trouble. While you can take a pickup truck off roading, doing so with a sports car will wreck it. Like an expensive sports car the Python needs more service than a cheap Ford or Chevy. Normal maintenance is repair or replacement of the "hand" that advances the cylinder to the next chamber. After thousands of rounds, the hand will wear and will need maintenance. People claim that this is a weak action because of the maintenance need. They tend to forget that a Ford or Chevy will go a long time without much work, but a Ferrari will need more maintenance. For that higher maintenance level, you get a car that's the finest built car possible and will give performance no Ford or Chevy can hope to match. For the extra maintenance on the Python, you get the finest, most accurate DA revolver ever made in America. In short, the Python was really a semi-custom revolver, built only by Colt's very best people, and to the very highest standards. Yes you will see poor quality Pythons, just like any other gun, but Colt always tried to make the Python THE top quality gun, and while quality suffered at times, other companies did too, and the Python was always the best of them all. What Python to buy is a matter of the individual gun. Guns are not vintages of wine, and there are no "good years" or "bad years", there are only good or bad guns. You should judge a Python on its own merits. What you'll get for the high amount of money is a true American legend, almost certainly the most accurate DA revolver you'll ever own, and the finest DA revolver ever made. Virtually every DA revolver designed since is as close in appearance to the Python as the maker dares but no one has ever managed to top it. Owning a Python is like owning a Purdy shotgun, or a Rolls Royce car: Its the best of the best. How Can i top this ? great stuff, and roughly my sentiments as well ! 
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Many people who complain about Pythons have never owned one.
plenty of people seem to complain about Pythons –– and on this forum even - (not me, i have 2 and love them dearly) –––––––– this board has a heavy S&W bias, so i would suggest going to colt forum |
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We don't have a Python. But my human Mr. Squinty has a Rython. This is a Ruger Security Six that has a Python barrel. It shoots like a dream. Get a Python and don't be a schmoe. http://i641.photobucket.com/albums/uu138/Fluffy9lives/156.jpg |
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We don't have a Python. But my human Mr. Squinty has a Rython. This is a Ruger Security Six that has a Python barrel. It shoots like a dream. Get a Python and don't be a schmoe. http://i641.photobucket.com/albums/uu138/Fluffy9lives/156.jpg Okay that was just weird. |
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The Colt Python was famous for having a superb barrel. So back in the day of PPC revolver shooting, a number of shooters used Colt barrels on Smith and Ruger frames. These custom guns were called Smolts, Smythons, Cugers or Rythons. Our Rython looks strange. But it is real and not photoshopped. It shoots superbly and it is a wonderful piece. If you have a chance to get a Python., get it. And don't be a schmoe. Fluffy |
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Many people who complain about Pythons have never owned one ...and many people that have Pythons, do not shoot them but are collectors. My statement is at least as much proven as yours is. I bought my pre-owned Python on 7-13-85 for $ 380 plus $26.60 tax in Franklin Park, IL and have it since. I bought it because it looked great and I intended to use it for ISSF competitions, I ended up using a S&W M14-2 instead that cost less than half the money. Trigger characteristics are one thing, and the Python has a nice trigger, but lock time and the way a hammer has to travel is another. S&W also has a shorter hammer travel than Korth, by the way. The software actually makes a much bigger difference than the hardware...and personal preference makes up the rest. 
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I've owned many revolvers over my life and I always wanted a Python but could'nt afford one. A couple of years ago I went into a local gunshop , they had several tables lined up for an estate sale. On the table were several Colt Pythons, they were used but not abused,
I bought a blued 4" Python for $400. I can tell you they are everything they say they are. It shoots great, a perfect revolver. I remember back in 1971 they were selling for $150 new in box........If only I knew then.......... |
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I used this one to go through the police academy back in the late '80s and then carried it on duty for the first 6 months. I qualified with a perfect score (300x300) but when I got off probation I re-qualified with a Colt Commander, The Commander is gone now, as is the Delta Elite that replaced it. I still have the S&W 645 that replaced that one but I'll be buried with that Python.
I think people that bitch about the Python usually have a vested interest in promoting something else (like the Houston Police Academy instructors a few years ago-they really pushed S&W 686s from a PARTICULAR local dealer. The dealer would buy Smiths by the truckload and so get better prices, the instructors would send the entire academy class in to buy them. and the dealer would clean up. Funny how all those same instructors got some massive discounts when they went in to buy personal junk) or they just can't afford a snake and run it down because they are jealous. Don't let anyone tell you the Python isn't the best there is. 
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Don't let anyone tell you the Python isn't the best there is.
To make such a statement, you must have tried all of them. That includes the two top contestants, the Korth and MR 73. Can you spare an extra 3 grand?  I personally am aware of how highly regarded those 2 revolvers are , but the extravagant price compared to competing against a modern American legend (the Python) means they will likely never grace my gun cabinet ––––- They are better according to people that have fired them, but i am sure there is a law of diminishing returns that kicks in somewhere
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The Korth is a good gun, but like anything made of unobtanimum it's a toy for people who view their status by their price tags. The MR 73 is quite innovative, and is apparently extremely well made. I suppose it could be the equal of a Python in terms of engineering and craftsmanship, but Colt has a cachet on this side of the Atlantic that very very few firearms manufacturers ever find themselves compared to.
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Don't let anyone tell you the Python isn't the best there is.
To make such a statement, you must have tried all of them. That includes the two top contestants, the Korth and MR 73. |
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Can you spare an extra 3 grand? I personally am aware of how highly regarded those 2 revolvers are , but the extravagant price compared to competing against a modern American legend (the Python) means they will likely never grace my gun cabinet ––––- They are better according to people that have fired them, but i am sure there is a law of diminishing returns that kicks in somewhere
I have a Korth, and own a Python since 1985. I have shot several other Korths, MR73s, an MR32, and several other Pythons, as well as many other handguns and rifles. What I want to point out, to make an absolute statement about what is best, you must have tried them all and be an above average handgunner. The Python is definitely not a bad gun, neither is the Korth a toy only for rich people, nor is the MR32! That is big b.s.! The MR32 that I tried half a lifetime ago helped a shooting buddy to win a state shoot in ISSF, my score was great with the MR32 but not good enough. I equally enjoy a Hämmerli 240 in .32 S&W Special that an affluent friend owns. My Korth gets shot regularly at club matches and helped me win a few of them. |
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Can you spare an extra 3 grand? I personally am aware of how highly regarded those 2 revolvers are , but the extravagant price compared to competing against a modern American legend (the Python) means they will likely never grace my gun cabinet ––––- They are better according to people that have fired them, but i am sure there is a law of diminishing returns that kicks in somewhere
I have a Korth, and own a Python since 1985. I have shot several other Korths, MR73s, an MR32, and several other Pythons, as well as many other handguns and rifles. What I want to point out, to make an absolute statement about what is best, you must have tried them all and be an above average handgunner. The Python is definitely not a bad gun, neither is the Korth a toy only for rich people, nor is the MR32! That is big b.s.! The MR32 that I tried half a lifetime ago helped a shooting buddy to win a state shoot in ISSF, my score was great with the MR32 but not good enough. I equally enjoy a Hämmerli 240 in .32 S&W Special that an affluent friend owns. My Korth gets shot regularly at club matches and helped me win a few of them. 
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hows the anaconda compare The Anaconda is related directly to the King Cobra and would compare to the Model 29 Smith. It is a nice gun and i want one ––- but, unlike the Python,, the Anaconda doesnt really re-invent the wheel. Its just a really nice .44 mag alternative for Colt fans (my opinion ang my flak jak is on )
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Can you spare an extra 3 grand? I personally am aware of how highly regarded those 2 revolvers are , but the extravagant price compared to competing against a modern American legend (the Python) means they will likely never grace my gun cabinet ––––- They are better according to people that have fired them, but i am sure there is a law of diminishing returns that kicks in somewhere
I have a Korth, and own a Python since 1985. I have shot several other Korths, MR73s, an MR32, and several other Pythons, as well as many other handguns and rifles. What I want to point out, to make an absolute statement about what is best, you must have tried them all and be an above average handgunner. The Python is definitely not a bad gun, neither is the Korth a toy only for rich people, nor is the MR32! That is big b.s.! The MR32 that I tried half a lifetime ago helped a shooting buddy to win a state shoot in ISSF, my score was great with the MR32 but not good enough. I equally enjoy a Hämmerli 240 in .32 S&W Special that an affluent friend owns. My Korth gets shot regularly at club matches and helped me win a few of them. Quoted from wikipedia According to Colt historian, R.L. Wilson, Colt Pythons have been collected by Elvis Presley and various kings in the traditional sense: "H.M. (His Majesty) Hussein I of Jordan ordered a limited number of Pythons, in 4" and 6" barrels, as gifts to his selected friends. Casing and barrel were embossed with His Majesty's crest. The Python for King Juan Carlos of Spain bore his name in flush gold on the sideplate. Among other celebrated recipients: King Khalid and Prince Fahed (Saudi Arabia), King Hassan (Morocco), Sheik Zyed (United Arab Emirates), President Anwar Sadat (Egypt), and President Hafez Assad (Syria)." It would seem to me that the above named person would have plenty cash lying around to by a name like korth or what the fuck ever but it appears a Python was thought well enough of that he gifted it to his friends some of who it wouldn't surprise me if that they hated America and everything about it. |
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Quoted from wikipedia According to Colt historian, R.L. Wilson, Colt Pythons have been collected by Elvis Presley and various kings in the traditional sense: "H.M. (His Majesty) Hussein I of Jordan ordered a limited number of Pythons, in 4" and 6" barrels, as gifts to his selected friends. Casing and barrel were embossed with His Majesty's crest. The Python for King Juan Carlos of Spain bore his name in flush gold on the sideplate. Among other celebrated recipients: King Khalid and Prince Fahed (Saudi Arabia), King Hassan (Morocco), Sheik Zyed (United Arab Emirates), President Anwar Sadat (Egypt), and President Hafez Assad (Syria)." It would seem to me that the above named person would have plenty cash lying around to by a name like korth or what the fuck ever but it appears a Python was thought well enough of that he gifted it to his friends some of who it wouldn't surprise me if that they hated America and everything about it. How much expertise and marksmanship is required to shoot one's own tv in a drunken stupor???? You choose your own role model...
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I have both a 6 matte SS & 8" nicketed Python, I like the balance of the 6" way better because it seems to balance better. The 8" is a bit too barrel heavy.
I do believe they are a bit over priced and over hyped, but man I would love to find a good deal on one. Just not sure if I would go with the 6 inch or 8 inch barrel. With no doubt it would be blue. BTW: I don't have my 8" Python Target 38spl because I gave it to my oldest son for his 21st birthday. I bought it NIB at the local gun store when he was born. The trigger on the thing is like breaking glass. The is a bit on heavier side than my 6" because it was unfired. But I bet a few hundred rounds and it will be just like my 6". |
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Quoted from wikipedia According to Colt historian, R.L. Wilson, Colt Pythons have been collected by Elvis Presley and various kings in the traditional sense: "H.M. (His Majesty) Hussein I of Jordan ordered a limited number of Pythons, in 4" and 6" barrels, as gifts to his selected friends. Casing and barrel were embossed with His Majesty's crest. The Python for King Juan Carlos of Spain bore his name in flush gold on the sideplate. Among other How much expertise and marksmanship is required to shoot one's own tv in a drunken stupor???? You choose your own role model...
Awwwwwwwwwwwwww man ––––––––––––- this show sucks !!!!!!!!! KA-POW !!!!!!! |
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Can someone please explain this in further detail:
"firing double action by jerking the trigger very hard and fast, or "force cocking" it in single action by yanking the hammer back hard. " FIring double action in and of itself is not bad, correct? If you pull the trigger slowly instead of jerking it back. I don't understand what force cocking means either. I pull the hammer back on my S&W's before firing and didn't think that was bad. I assume this means something different than what I'm understanding it to mean? Sorry, I'm just getting into revolvers more, and actually saw my first Colt Python recently. Gorgeous blue, I see what everyone is talking about now. It had some exotic hardwood grips on it too, but not sure that they were stock. It was a 6" and the price was in the $1200 range. |
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Can someone please explain this in further detail: "firing double action by jerking the trigger very hard and fast, or "force cocking" it in single action by yanking the hammer back hard. " Firing double action in and of itself is not bad, correct? If you pull the trigger slowly instead of jerking it back. I don't understand what force cocking means either. I pull the hammer back on my S&W's before firing and didn't think that was bad. I assume this means something different than what I'm understanding it to mean? Sorry, I'm just getting into revolvers more, and actually saw my first Colt Python recently. Gorgeous blue, I see what everyone is talking about now. It had some exotic hardwood grips on it too, but not sure that they were stock. It was a 6" and the price was in the $1200 range. Force cocking in single action is when you jerk the hammer back hard to cock it. I've been on the line with some clown who was force cocking a new S&W 686 so hard, I could hear a "CLACK" all the way down the line. He proudly showed me his new 686 and the cylinder locking notches were already chewed up badly. When I told him he was ruining it, he told me that "they're made to take that". Basically, he just thought it made him look cool. You can fire revolvers fast in double action, but there is a technique involved. Most people just jerk the trigger hard, which also causes battering. The technique is "rolling the trigger" which is tough to explain. Its something you have to teach yourself. The idea is, instead of trying for speed by jerking the trigger hard, you sort of "roll" it back fast. Force cocking the hammer or jerking the trigger hard will ruin any double action revolver. Its just that the Python will take less of it than other brands, because the Python is a more highly refined action. Because the other brands don't lock up tight like the Python, they can continue working even when in relatively bad shape. However, even they'll show early signs of battering of the bolt notches in the cylinder. All revolvers will show some light battering as normal wear, but when the notches are badly battered and burred, the gun is being abused. |
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Look for Pythons built prior to 72 and you will have one of the finest weapons ever built. Finest trigger that can be pulled and will shoot the wings of a fly. Period. Oh and a proper Python is always blued. Stay away from E models. Here is mine from 1970 http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/DSCN0791.jpg http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/DSCN0793.jpg Not a bad group from a factory worker. http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/DSCN0794.jpg Actally the 'E' series started late 1969 w/E1001. They ran up to 99,999 in mid-late '69 than switched over to what was the start of the letter series. The 'E' pre-fix was still pretty good, they started to turn down a bit with the 'E' suffix. There are still lots of pre-letters around (also called pre-Nixon era) shop around and take your time. |