Posted: 1/13/2011 11:18:19 AM EDT
| I don't think it will be, but my first or second stop at the show this year is going to be the Colt booth just in case it is back. I wish that Colt would get back in the revolver market, just so I could have at least a third reputable option for a medium framed .357 Magnum. Right now, it's basically "Ruger" or "S&W" if you want a good wheelie. |
 That always sounds great, until you realize that one they either will have the same or better quailty but hte price will reflect the high labor costs and put it in a nitche market for sure. Or two, they lower costs but quality will suffer much like they did during their past productiion runs with the poor finish.
I doubt they will return the old high quaility Python. I certainly am not going to worry about mine losing value.
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| There is absolutely no way Colt could build the exact same Python as in the past for less than probably $2000-2500 retail...none at all. And that would be only assuming they had fitters who were capable of the job (they don't) They may come out with some sort of very nice DA revolver but an 'original' Python for under $2000 it won't be. |
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There is absolutely no way Colt could build the exact same Python as in the past for less than probably $2000-2500 retail...none at all. And that would be only assuming they had fitters who were capable of the job (they don't) They may come out with some sort of very nice DA revolver but an 'original' Python for under $2000 it won't be. I agree, It'll probably utilize alot of CNC work, as Colt has recently(2 years ago) has made a significant investment in that equipment. It won't be the same as an old Python, but not all of those were great either. I've seen examples from the UAW strike that were put together like shit, so... Either way, I'm excited about Colt getting back into the DA game if the rumor is true. I've had a "machine made" Anaconda was the best revolver I've ever owned, the only gun I regret selling. ETA-I have one of the "new, CNC'd" Colt Combat Elites, and even though it was an early one which had to have the dust cover issue fixed while at the factory for the thumb safety recall, it's one of the better fit and finished guns to come out of Hartford in a long time. No run out on the slidestop holes, the bushing is centered on the slide, etc. |
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There is absolutely no way Colt could build the exact same Python as in the past for less than probably $2000-2500 retail...none at all. And that would be only assuming they had fitters who were capable of the job (they don't) They may come out with some sort of very nice DA revolver but an 'original' Python for under $2000 it won't be. I agree, It'll probably utilize alot of CNC work, as Colt has recently(2 years ago) has made a significant investment in that equipment. It won't be the same as an old Python, but not all of those were great either. I've seen examples from the UAW strike that were put together like shit, so... Either way, I'm excited about Colt getting back into the DA game if the rumor is true. I've had a "machine made" Anaconda was the best revolver I've ever owned, the only gun I regret selling. ETA-I have one of the "new, CNC'd" Colt Combat Elites, and even though it was an early one which had to have the dust cover issue fixed while at the factory for the thumb safety recall, it's one of the better fit and finished guns to come out of Hartford in a long time. No run out on the slidestop holes, the bushing is centered on the slide, etc. Agree 110% The guys here who have not been around a long time seem to believe that ALL older Colt or Smith & Wesson revolvers were masterpieces. As you recognize, that is not necessarily so. The UAW strike Colts were probably their worst in my menory, but some later Series 70 1911s (before they started remaking them) could be pretty bad too. Under Bangor Punta you were lucky indeed to get a S&W that worked, much less was put together correctly to spec. I know of entire shipments to LE agencies sent back due to high failure rates right out of the box! I just bought a new Rail Gun and it is beautifully done. Obviously Colt is back in the 1911 business now, and if they come out with a nicely done machine made DA revoolver I will be among the first to place an order! |
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I absolutely don't see why a $1500 - 2000 new model Colt Python wouldn't sell. think about how many 1911's are sold that are in or above that price range ––- Nighthawk sells all they can make and business is pretty good for Wilson, Les Baer and Ed Brown too. But then again, one look at gunbroker will tell you there are a lot of Pythons on the used market still too ––- so does the world really need a "new Python"? ––––––- maybe. I have 2 of them myself and shudder to think of what will happen when the armorer's at Colt who work on these things die off or retire. A new CNC "Python" that is simpler to work on may be a boon ––- but then again, i'm not sure you could call it a Python then |
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I wish they would bring back the New Service. Talk about a $2,000 gun!! I want to see what they put out for awhile, I ordered an Anaconda when they first came out, and it was Finished OK, for stainless, but wouldn't put a group together for love or money. Sold it for what I paid for it, and was glad to be rid of it. Now I see people paying obcene prices for them. I hope some of you guys that bought Anacondas are happy with yours. I was hoping when I ordered mine I would get a modern New Service to go with the four originals I have, but it wasn't to be. Mike |
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Colt tried that, remember the Magnum Carry? Market for wheel guns is pretty limited. It didn't sell too well.
I would think the Det. Special would be more popular. There will be a FEW folks who want the old Python though. Nice guns, just a bit too heavy for a 357 to suit my tastes. At $1500, it would be a "No Sale" in my book. |
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I wish they would bring back the New Service. Talk about a $2,000 gun!! I want to see what they put out for awhile, I ordered an Anaconda when they first came out, and it was Finished OK, for stainless, but wouldn't put a group together for love or money. Sold it for what I paid for it, and was glad to be rid of it. Now I see people paying obcene prices for them. I hope some of you guys that bought Anacondas are happy with yours. I was hoping when I ordered mine I would get a modern New Service to go with the four originals I have, but it wasn't to be. Mike Four originals? Color me GREEN with jealousy.  I have a 60s vintage 4" Python and to be frank I am more passionate about the New Service than I am about the Python.
I have a .44 Special New Service Target that was made in 1914. I have an old catalog (reprint) and the New Service Target was the most expensive thing in the entire catalog- bar none. It was more than an SAA or a 1911. I might actually pay 2K for a new New Service as long as it could be ordered in the exact configuration I wanted. Perhaps Colt (and I recognize this would be blasphemous to them) should contract US Firearms to make small runs of custom level firearms for Colt. Their SAA copies are simply excellent. I bet they could (with some investment help) cost effectively make small runs of the Detective Special, Python, etc. |
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I might be able to justify $2,000 for a new dual designation, (.44 Sp.- .44 Russian) 71/2" flattop target New Service.
I think the big fellas could be reproduced with investment casting, but the expense would still be prohibitive. I have one that we suspect was done by the King gun shop, although not marked as such. It's in .45ACP, single action!?!, and scarey accurate. The only other revolver I have with an action as smooth as a New service is a late 50's Officer's Model Match in .38. It's like ball bearings. 
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I might be able to justify $2,000 for a new dual designation, (.44 Sp.- .44 Russian) 71/2" flattop target New Service. I think the big fellas could be reproduced with investment casting, but the expense would still be prohibitive. I have one that we suspect was done by the King gun shop, although not marked as such. It's in .45ACP, single action!?!, and scarey accurate. The only other revolver I have with an action as smooth as a New service is a late 50's Officer's Model Match in .38. It's like ball bearings. My Target New Service is smoother than my Python. They really are wonderful sixguns. Many of my "I wish I had bought that when I saw it" regrets feature New Services. That 4 1/2" .44 Special still haunts my dreams. 
Even if the New Service is lost to history I would enjoy seeing a new Colt revolver. As popular as a new Detective Special would be I would really welcome a brand new Colt big bore DA revolver. |
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Quoted: If they did (and I seriously doubt they will) figure a price tag north of $1,500. The market for high dollar 357 mag revolvers is limited, to say the least. Yet people continue to pay that, or even twice as much for a semi-custom 1911 as often as they change their oil..... And any python is much more hand crafted than mostly any custom 1911. IMO Colt would never do it. They are a CNC shop now. They can still work on and repair their old DA and SA revolvers. Heck, they do have all their old machinery so they probably could do it, but they just do not have enough manpower to do it. I could see them jumping into a small DA revolver market like the detective special, but it would be a whole new design. Even the Det Specials were hand fitted. I just traded my UAW-strike era Colt Agent in on my first Glock, so I'd be pretty happy to see the gun brought back. Last thought. There really isn't a shortage of used and LNIB pythons out there. While not common, they are far from rare. Every decent gun shop will typically always have one in the used case, or getting ready to go in. You can spend anywhere from $800 - $1,400 and get a tight shooter, $1,200 - $2,000 for a nice occasional range toy/conversation piece, or $3,000 and up for unique, rare, and interesting examples of safe queens. The market is pretty active actually. If you are a super picky collector, you'll always have a hard time finding what you want, but if your requirements are "geez I'd sure like to have a nice original 50's 4" python!" All you really need is a bit of an education of what to look for, some patience, and about $2,000 give or take. This is all less than what Colt would sell any new python worthy of the name. Couple that fact with the option of Colt still servicing the pythons, and there is very little risk in buying an older one. |
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I wish they would bring back the New Service. I'm sure that tooling long gone. Last New Service was 1940 as I recall. They pushed the tooling outside to make room for war production. The tooling just rusted away and was unusable after the war ended. The last few New Services were built from parts Colt had laying around. I love New Services, owning five currently (7.5 bbl .45LC, M1909, two M1917s, 5" bbl .357mag). I don't intend to stop there  . That said, if Colt were to bring back a large frame, it would be the much easier to produce Anaconda.
ETA: The New Service that "haunts" me was a LNIB 5.5 bbl .45LC, late production, for $350 in 1984. I've never seen a better one for sale. I just didn't have the money as a poor college student. New Serivces were more numerous and less expensive back then, but even then I knew that was a deal I'd have a hard time matching again. |
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I'd like to see them bring this out. http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3287/coltsurvivorprototype.jpg I would buy that. It looks like their new product is reintroducing the New Frontier (adjustable sight SAA) revolvers.
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I'd like to see them bring this out. http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3287/coltsurvivorprototype.jpg Alwys wanted a Magnum carry, that would be intresting for sure.
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If they did (and I seriously doubt they will) figure a price tag north of $1,500. The market for high dollar 357 mag revolvers is limited, to say the least. Yet people continue to pay that, or even twice as much for a semi-custom 1911 as often as they change their oil..... And any python is much more hand crafted than mostly any custom 1911. IMO Colt would never do it. They are a CNC shop now. They can still work on and repair their old DA and SA revolvers. Heck, they do have all their old machinery so they probably could do it, but they just do not have enough manpower to do it. I could see them jumping into a small DA revolver market like the detective special, but it would be a whole new design. Even the Det Specials were hand fitted. I just traded my UAW-strike era Colt Agent in on my first Glock, so I'd be pretty happy to see the gun brought back. Last thought. There really isn't a shortage of used and LNIB pythons out there. While not common, they are far from rare. Every decent gun shop will typically always have one in the used case, or getting ready to go in. You can spend anywhere from $800 - $1,400 and get a tight shooter, $1,200 - $2,000 for a nice occasional range toy/conversation piece, or $3,000 and up for unique, rare, and interesting examples of safe queens. The market is pretty active actually. If you are a super picky collector, you'll always have a hard time finding what you want, but if your requirements are "geez I'd sure like to have a nice original 50's 4" python!" All you really need is a bit of an education of what to look for, some patience, and about $2,000 give or take. This is all less than what Colt would sell any new python worthy of the name. Couple that fact with the option of Colt still servicing the pythons, and there is very little risk in buying an older one. I talked to Colt today about an old Police Positive and they referred me to Baron Technologies as they no longer work on them. Bill |
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Heard from the Custom Shop Supervisor at Colt on another forum that the Python is NOT coming back anytime soon, but Colt will be bringing back a DA revolver in the near future. No word on which model, caliber, or frame size. Well let's pray it's not a .410! Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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I've never been impressed with the timing issues weakness of the Colt DA revolvers, although they were built like a fine watch, generally look great and are very accurate.
I would imagine that a wise Colt company would engineer a better revolver the next time around that would not be as expensive to make or as difficult to work on. This would rule out an exact reincarnation of the classic old Colt DA revolvers we love. For these reasons, I don't see clones of the Python, DS, et al. ever coming back BUT . . . I'd love to see Colt get back into the DA revolver business. |
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Having long ago given up trying to predict what a gun company will bring out, I'm going to guess the new Colt DA revolver will be either a version of the Magnum Carry or the King Cobra.
If it's a King Cobra, I'd look for a more Python-like barrel like the very late King Cobra and the Colt Boa. With the CCW guns selling well, I'd put my money on a small frame DA revolver like the Magnum Carry. |
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Having long ago given up trying to predict what a gun company will bring out, I'm going to guess the new Colt DA revolver will be either a version of the Magnum Carry or the King Cobra. If it's a King Cobra, I'd look for a more Python-like barrel like the very late King Cobra and the Colt Boa. With the CCW guns selling well, I'd put my money on a small frame DA revolver like the Magnum Carry. I agree, probably the King Cobra, and maybe the Anaconda. I like to see the KC done exactly like the Anaconda with the vent rib barrel. The could offer a 2.5" barrel and satisfy the carry needs or do the smaller frame as well. With their investment in CNC equipment, it shouldn't be hard to offer a few different models without too much trouble. Time will tell if we see brush finishes in stainless and blue, but I'll hold out hope for at least a TALO run of Royal Blue DA's. |
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There is absolutely no way Colt could build the exact same Python as in the past for less than probably $2000-2500 retail...none at all. And that would be only assuming they had fitters who were capable of the job (they don't) They may come out with some sort of very nice DA revolver but an 'original' Python for under $2000 it won't be. I agree with any possible price for a new Python in decent quality, even with CNC machining, would be clearly north of $ 2,000. Qualified labor has become a lot more expensive in the last two decades. |
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I can't see them bringing back the old models, too much labor that just isn't available.
What I can, and hope to see is a new line of CNC revolvers that can be priced to compete with the current offerings from Smith. I would expect more of a high end, well finished line rather than compete with the more utilitarian models. Honestly, the CNC produced guns could be better than the old ones while cheaper. |
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According to the ARFCOM Colt expert Dfariswheel, I believe the Python and Diamondbacks won't be coming back anything soon, in it pre-cancellation state. He said that the Python & Diamondbacks required lots of skilled hand labor which was one of the reasons for it being discontinued is that there are no one with the skill to build them the traditional way.
Personally for me, I would estimate that the IF Colt brought back the Python it would in the ~$2,500. I bet in a few years there will be no one at Colt who can build you one. |
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According to the ARFCOM Colt expert Dfariswheel, I believe the Python and Diamondbacks won't be coming back anything soon, in it pre-cancellation state. He said that the Python & Diamondbacks required lots of skilled hand labor which was one of the reasons for it being discontinued is that there are no one with the skill to build them the traditional way. Personally for me, I would estimate that the IF Colt brought back the Python it would in the ~$2,500. I bet in a few years there will be no one at Colt who can build you one. There was no one at Colt who could build one back in 2003. The last one I saw had no rifling. They crowned the muzzle, finished the barrel and rib, installed the sight, and proofed it, but they never noticed that it was a smoothbore. $1800 handgun. No rifling. No thanks. |