I need to sell more books!!!
Yes, the blued Colt Python is back!
- Type: Double-action revolver
- Chambering: .357 Mag./.38 Spl.
- Barrel Length: 4.25 or 6 inches
- Rifling: 1:14-inch LH twist
- Capacity: Six Rounds
- Frame: Carbon Steel
- Finish: Polished Blued
- Overall Length: 9.75 or 11.5 inches
- Sights: Red Ramp front, fully adjustable rear
- Grips: Walnut Target Stocks
- Weight: 42 or 46 oz.
Sigh… I ‘was’ being a good boi and not spending money on one of the new ones…
I’d be more inclined to spend the money on an older one. Not an abused and used one, but.. I have more faith in older metallurgy and machinist than I have in today’s manufacturing capability, even from a company like Colt (or Ruger, or Smith – I own a few S&W wheelguns). The steel is likely to be sourced from China (and if not, it’s probably chink steel that was re-melted), the work-ethic among people today is just garbage, and despite technology making leaps and bounds, everything today is inferior. By design… And that ultimately is the problem. Squeezing a few more shekels out of the product is the American Way! Nobody will notice if we changed that part to plastic, said every engineer (trying to get a promotion) ever….
People don’t create anymore. Nothing is original. They only ever re-do something already done, claiming they’ve done it better. Look at the media, look at manufacturing (don’t make a new revolver, re-release a classic from 50 years ago!), everywhere everything is a do-over.
I’m not sure how much more improvement can be brought to the revolver. I find no need to replace my Security Six.
I used to have a security six. I’d lot rather have a python.
I saw it. I read the review article. Siiiiiiigh.
Maybe if I’m very good (and get a third job and work really hard) Santa will leave one under the Christmas tree.
In other news, the Paris Olympic committee is having a meltdown because they decided that the whole opening ceremony should be a tribute to wokeness, including a tranny mockery of the last supper and people noticed. The IOC is apparently issuing copyright strikes against people who share clips of the ceremony on Twitter (X) and frantically taking down most of the most offensive ones from their own feed. The schadenfreude is delicious. 😁
Mixed feelings, I love my old school Python, but it’s too damn valuable to be much more than a safe queen. Can’t afford a new one.
By most accounts the new one is actually better from a functional point than the older ones. For example, the DA trigger is smoother and doesn’t stack like the original, and the front sight is user replaceable. I have not seen or handled one of the new blued models, but the stainless ones I’ve handled are very nice with a great DA trigger. I’m not sure I’ll get a blued one, but if I do, I’ll wait until they come out with the 3″ model.
For the price they’re charging they better quality.
For that price I’d think about getting a good condition used Manhurin. They were designed for heavy use and have special features like bearings for rotating parts
What barrel length would you choose?
I bought a gently used (one owner & friend) blued Python with 4-inch barrel and custom wooden grips back in 1964 for the princely price of $189
Ooooh.
Sadly, I don’t think that’ll drop the prices on the older ones…
All- Thanks, I have a couple of old ones already, and a ‘new’ Cobra carry. It’s good quality, and I haven’t had any problems, plus good trigger. Jon- Point, but I’m a long time Colt guy. Bog- I didn’t pay more than $200 for any of mine either. And yes, the stocks are now worth more than I paid for the guns originally… sigh
Saw the new American Rifleman and immediately thought of Old_NFO!
What I am hearing at the range and from a friend of mine who had two new of the new “snake” guns, is that the actions tend to bind up after the first 25 or so rounds. I know of two revolvers that were sent back for rework from our shooting group. But I can’t attest to all the details and I don’t know what kind of loads people were shooting, But the story has cropped up more than once.
If you do backslide, then choose the 6″ barrel.
OldNFO, you have good taste! I’ve bought several of your books, but I could buy more! I think a new Python would make a great BBQ gun for you! Yes, I’m an enabler. 😉
Love the look of the Pythons of any generation, but the old ones had such an amazing blue finish! If I had one, I’d shoot it. An honest, somewhat worn blue finish looks better to me than anything else.
I do EDC a .357, but it’s a Ruger LCR. Great trigger, weighs just over a pound, and conceals easily. It doesn’t look anywhere near as classy as a Python, but it works for me, an the finish and the polymer “lower” hold up well to sweat when carrying in summer. No, I don’t carry it with magnums. Arthritis is a real thing. I generally shoot .38 and .38+P, but I like that it’s a little heavier than the .38 version. Great little revolver!
I bought a New In The Box S&W 4″ 19-4 (pinned and recessed) .357 mag back in the day and while I have bought and wanted other handguns, I’ve never actually needed any other handgun. I also have a pre-everything Marlin 1894 microgroove .357 mag with a scout scope and medium loop lever that goes with it. Having said all that I do like the new Pythons. .357 mag seems like it has been pushed aside as a caliber here lately but I remain faithful.
Local store (Knoxville Tactical) has several Pythons on display … in all barrel lengths. Alas, my annual gun budget went bye-bye at last gun show for a S&W … don’t look at me like that Jim! I do have several Colts in my collection.