Colt Python .357 Mag
Some have called it the greatest revolver of all time, but how does the new Colt Python .357 Mag stand up to the test – and to previous models? If you have been itching to get your hands on one of these, read one. In this post, we will look at everything you need to know about this firearm and what you can expect from it. Whether or not it does turn out to be the greatest revolver around, there is no doubt that it’s a fantastic gun that is well worth looking into – so let’s take a look.
New Colt Python Details
Let’s first take a look at some of the major and important details of the new Colt Python, to get an understanding of what you can expect. There is no doubt that it is one of the most iconic weapons around, but what specifically sets it out from other guns, and from previous iterations of the Python in the past?
The original debut for this double-action revolver came back in 1955, and since then it has come leaps and bounds. The new model comes in stainless steel and you also have the choice of either 4.25- or 6-inch barrel lengths. A major benefit here is that they have started using much stronger alloys with the stainless steel, meaning that you have a sturdier feeling gun in your hand when firing.
On top of that, with this new Python you also get a completely redesigned rear sight which allows for a greater increase in the cross-sectional area of the top strap. Essentially, you have a lot more steel than previously beneath the rear adjustable target sight, which is always going to help make for a stronger revolver – and not to mention a completely different, upgraded, experience when shooting too.
But what about the trigger? You always need to know whether there have been any improvements in this area too, as it is clearly one of the most important parts of the weapon. For this brand new updated Colt Python, the trigger has indeed undergone some significant changes. Whilst the trigger was integral for the original Python, in the new version Colt has greatly reduced the number of parts that are taking place in the trigger action. This simplified mechanism makes it a more reliable gun, and vastly improves the general maintenance of the gun too.
In the 40,000 trigger pulls that Colt carried out in testing this new Python, the pull scans showed lighter trigger pull weights, less friction, and increased consistency for an all-round stronger and better revolver. On top of that, there is another brand new feature which many people are getting excited about: a recessed target crown and an interchangeable front sight. Finally, you also have a beautiful updated grip – now in Walnut, which not only improves the grip and handling of this revolver, but also makes for a much more beautiful firearm to hold.
The Return Of The Python
It’s no secret that firearm enthusiasts everywhere are getting excited about the return of this favored revolver, but what exactly is it that makes it unique? We have already looked at many of the features that you can expect to find in the new Colt Python, but there are some other factors which need considering too. Let’s turn our attention to some more technical details, to help you really set this apart from its older counterparts, and from a range of other revolvers which are around today.
First of all, the old revolver was built on more or less the same frame as the Officer’s Model, an E-Frame, except that this also has a floating, frame-mounted firing pin – so it has been designated as being the I-Frame instead. One of the main reasons that this revolver has such remarkable trigger pulls comes down to the use of the double-action/single-action (DA/SA) mechanism, which is something not many people expected to see from this new iteration of the classic Python.
The older Python also had a six-shot cylinder which was chambered for .357 Magnum cartridges, as is this new model. It was only in 2003 that the final (or so it then seemed) Python rolled out, so it was a surprise to many that this new one should appear right now. However, with the Cobra release in 2017, it looked as though Colt was back in the revolver game in a strong way – and this new Python does seem to be a vindication of that idea.
The Major Differences
So what are the major differences between that 45 year old model and the brand new Python remake? As it stands, on the whole they look quite similar – and you would expect nothing less. But there are some differences that your average aficionado should be able to spot straight away, and these are telling regarding what kind of thought went into the process of making this revolver.
Most of all, the action on the new gun is a lot simpler, something that is definitely going to draw a lot of people to this particular firearm. On the outside, the hammer spur is perhaps slightly shorter than the one on the original, with serrations instead of checkering. As for the trigger, it has undergone an overhaul as we have already discussed, but the face still has three deep serrations. While the frame of the two guns are almost identical, some of the screws and pins have been repositioned – likely a result of the simplification of the trigger on the newer model.
The Classic
As you can see, there are some major similarities and some major differences between the new Colt Python and the older model, but one this is for sure: it is an exciting moment in Colt’s history, and one that many of us have been waiting for for a very long time. There is no doubt that this firearm is likely going to be one of the most popular of recent years, so watch this space.