After all these years drooling over them, I finally broke down and bought a new one. Been following along since they came out last year, waiting for the little bumps to get ironed out. Figured it was time to jump. Needless to say, it suddenly really feels like Christmas.

I'm so used to S&W's. Funny to watch the cylinder turn the "wrong" way.

Pretty piece, how those grips feel?

That's awesome! Good looking gun!

Just the right size!

The grips feel pretty good. I'll have a better feel for them after I shoot it.

Thanks, Wade.

I think so, Joel!

That thing makes stainless steel look like pure solid silver.

Beautiful, well done. Bet she shoots as good as she looks

How does the action feel?

Manny

Pretty good. Trigger is a bit heavier than some of my nicer S&W's and of course doesn't stack like a S&W. It is crisp, and certainly not glass rods.

And thanks for reminding me. I'll check the trigger pull on my Wheeler trigger pull gauge tomorrow.

Can't wait.

Well done! Nice looking gun. I wish I could do the same over here.

And the Lord said: Go and swarm out until you find his older brother from the 70s, hold in captivity in a jail called gun store or pawn shop.and bring back the lost son of the past to have the family re-united.

Elmer, I would imagine it's probably tough getting them over there, as they are hard to come by here. Imagine you'd probably have to order it through a local shop or distributor at a premium. Sorry.

Good score!

My son bought one early this year, his is a great shooter, the double action is pretty sweet.

I’ve seen them at normal prices at Sportsman’s Warehouse here. They don’t last on the shelf very long.

My LGS gets em.
Last couple were 4".
Let two 6" pass by, they didn't last but a couple days on the shelf.

Dunno how many the shop has ordered for individuals.

Sold for full retail.

Been waiting until it was possible to get one for close to MSRP.......is now the time?

Sportsman’s Warehouse is showing both 4” and 6” in stock for 1499.99 (online order).

Nice score LD I just picked up an Anaconda in 8" a little while back and love it. I like it more and more after every time I shoot it, and I'm sure it will be the same with you.

Mine was just under $1500 ($1489 + minimal shipping). Came up in stock from a small Mom & Pop vendor I've bought other hardware from that doesn't charge sales tax on out of state transactions.

Thanks, crittrgittr. Nice score on the 8" Anaconda.

Very nice. It looks like the one!

looking forward to seeing it. I will bring my own drool rag.

Cool gun. I have had the 6” version for a little while and find it shoots very well. The factory grips fit my hand very well and look pretty good so I think I will resist the urge to change them. So far so good with mine

Ok. Lol. 😂

See you around Christmas..

Man you would have to buy one. I've been trying to resist for a year and this just makes me want one worse.

Great looking Colt!

I know I will get stoned for this, but that is almost too nice to shoot.
Congrats

Over here it's the law but the prices are relatively low. In gun shops the old ones are offered starting with 1,300 Euros in good condition, sometimes with box and papers for few hundred Euros more.


https://www.progun.de/marketplace/kurzwaffen/sf1fvf94_colt_mod_python.html

https://www.progun.de/haendlershop~waffen_adam_roland_adam_buechsenmachermeister/uebersicht/u95y1nbd_colt_6_zoll_python_blue_1984.html

beautiful!!

Very nice, that and a Anaconda are very tempting.

I like it!

I picked up a 6" Anaconda at a good price a few months ago from a great little LGS, so I'm set on the 2021 Colts.

That's pretty amazing, Elmer. You wouldn't find a 1982 Python going for that here.

Curious: Is the "Z" a German import mark?

I need 2 to complete this. Own a new King Cobra and dealer not so close just got in a Anaconda . He can't keep any of them in stock they go fast.

The guys at Heffron Precision say the New Python has the Korth beat from a ransom rest, and metallurgically the Python is just as tough.
https://www.heffronprecision.com/blog

Some very interesting information there.

Oldelkhunter, if you look on Gunbroker, they are selling at a premium to MSRP.

For comparison, I got my Anaconda for $1504 OTD.

My dealer got it in and it sold immediately. Thanks for the tip

I read that a few months ago, pretty interesting. Explains why the screws need thread locker. Choked bore from what I understand as well.

Hmmm, I have a Ransom rest.
Guess I gotta buy a new Python to justify dusting it off LOL

Since I have a 69 Python I've been trying to hold off for a new Anaconda.

Beautiful gun, LD. Congratulations on your get!

Thanks, lastround.

Nice buy, Dirt!

If you mean the letter next to the eagle, the stamp was not set correctly. The eagle is supposed to be turned by 90 degrees to the right. The "Z" is actually an "N" and together with the federal eagle its the proof mark for a gun intended to be used with nitro powder cartridges. The "IC" indigates the year when the gun was prooffired "I" is the 9th letter in the alphabet, "C" the 3rd. which means 1993. A few years ago they didtn't do that anymore because customers in gun shop were able to identify shelf warmers.
Next to the IC is an antler which means that that paricular gun survived the proof house in Ulm in southern Germany.

Thanks, Flavius!

Oldelkhunter, (and anyone else interested) here is my take on buying a new gun these days.

If are buying the gun LOCALLY from an LGS, you're going to pay sales tax. No way around it. I would recommend you negotiate with the seller to put your OTD price at or at least near the price you can get buying online.

If you are buying the gun ONLINE, I would suggest you hunt for a dealer who doesn't charge sales tax. They are still out there.

Like renegade50, I see a big problem with the online collection of sales tax.

Too funny...
Mike from Heffron and I were talking about precisely that just yesterday.

The "choke bore" is more of a collectors thing than an actual thing.

I have zero time under the hood of a new Python, but I can tell you about the old python’s “tapered bore”. Mike's contact at Colt tells him current barrels are made the same way old barrels were...that surprised me a LOT. I figured Colt would have gone to EDM to cut barrels, but they claim its still done with a broach.


When I took my Colt armorers course back in 1985, I’ll tell you what the instructor told me about how the Python barrels got their “taper”.

The instructor told me then that Python barrels were made from barstock extrusions. An extruded piece of barstock with most of the Python barrel profile made during the extrusion is center drilled, and then rifling is cut with the broach process.
Following any cut rifling, there has to be some lapping of the bore. Most revolver barrels would be lapped just enough to remove any machine marks in the bore. The Python and Officers Match both received a good bit more lapping than other barrels.

The lapping would often result in a tapered bore because the lapping compound is stripped away as you move the lap through the bore, and that more of it pools up at the breech end; resulting in a very slight taper. Or in other words, since there was more lapping compound at the breech end, more cutting and polishing was done at the breech, and less at the bore; which imparts a VERY slight taper… about .0001”-.0005”
So while technically that is a taper, it’s not enough taper that it actually means anything. The accuracy improvements come from the additional polishing of the bore, not from the almost non-existent “taper”.

But I'm sure the myth of the Python's tapered bore will continue. Especially if they're out-shooting Korth's...That kind of accuracy will sustain a lot of mystique, and perhaps create even a few more myths.

I need to find a nice Left Hand OWB holster worthy of this gun.

That’s good info thanks!

Well, I called Colt this morning to get more info on the Python.

First off, wanted to be sure of date of manufacture. October 2021. Cool. Less than 2 months old. That means all fixes for any previous problems with 2020 models were in this gun.

Second, I checked the trigger pull on my Wheeler Trigger Pull Gauge and it was just under 6 lbs. I was a bit surprised because the trigger is smooth, albeit a bit heavier than I expected. Colt rep said they did that for "safety because of how powerful this gun is". Hmmm. OK. (Didn't bring up .44 mag).

As I mentioned earlier, there is no stacking, like a S&W.

sidebar: Under "new management rules", Colt will not do trigger jobs to bring the trigger pull weight down. They referred me to Custom Shop Inc. in Hamilton, MT. customshopinc.com. I see on their website that they offer action jobs, as well as other custom work.

Third, no problem doing dry fire practice with transfer bar.

LD,

Rumor has it (and its just a speculative rumor) that the reason the SA trigger pulls are so heavy on the new Colt revolvers is drop testing. Makes sense, but I don't know if that's the reason, or if it has something to do with Pratt & Whitney's MIM process (P&W does MIM for Colt).

As for dry firing. I can't think of ANY post-1900 Colt DA revolver that will be hurt by dry firing. However, the Colt Python takes it a step further. Colt designed the "unbreakable firing pin" (thats' how they rather ironically marketed it) when they released the Python. And while its a legit tough firing pin, they're not "unbreakable"...but what they are is SUPER easy to swap out and replace. You don't have to push out, and then press in a bushing to replace the FP. Just remove the rear sight, depress the FP and pull up the FP stop. The FP will then just pop out. A bit like swapping the FP on a 1911. Super simple.

"Under "new management rules", Colt will not do trigger jobs to bring the trigger pull weight down. They referred me to Custom Shop Inc. in Hamilton, MT. customshopinc.com. I see on their website that they offer action jobs, as well as other custom work."

Oh my goodness, not the "Gunfather".

Mike Heffron is quickly standing out from the crowd where the new Python's are concerned. Him and I have compared notes on working on the old vs. working on the new. I haven't seen his work first hand, but after talking to him, I'm pretty comfortable that he's the real deal.

And the fact that there are a good dozen absolutely glowing reviews of his work on the Colt Forum. He's not cheap, but when was the last time you regretted buying the best?

BTW, Mike has two other gunsmiths who work in his shop, but Mike does all the revolver work himself.
https://www.heffronprecision.com/

GunGeek, thanks much for all the info you've shared here.

And I will be sure to check out Mike Heffron's website.

Now, the whole family would like one.

I bought one of these and put some faux ivory from Boone Trading Company on it. It’s pretty awesome.

Cool, jac3k. Grips look great. You've obviously been out enjoying yours. Sent mine out unfired to Mike Heffron for him to work his magic with a trigger and action job. Can't wait to get it back.

My son was telling me yesterday that the first 10 or so they got at the shop had much lighter single action pulls. Colt did state in a video some shooters were experiencing light primer strikes (using imported ammo).

Link https://youtu.be/vSBuhMC5JLA

Well, darn you anyway! I just ordered one to pick up here at our local SW

Glad to help anytime

If it's any consolation, I ordered one myself, due on the 10th

Which barrel length? They were showing only 4.25" as being in stock earlier today.

4.25”

My preference as well...

Every time I try to talk myself into a Python, I remember that old Trooper I had, and how it didn't fit my hands worth a crap. Then I go looking for another Smith K or L frame. Yeah, I like the smooth actions, etc. but the things just don't fit my hands.

Then again, I know where there's a Dan Wesson with both 4" and 6" barrels, in excellent condition, for less than $1000...................

Any luck finding one?

Nice gun dirt! I want one just like it but I spent over 6k on gums last month so it will have to wait.

I bought a new match champion GP100 in 10mm a few years ago because I wanted a mid sized 4" revolver. I've never shot the 10mm so I'm going to list it for sale and get a python like yours.

The first handgun I shot was ny dad's 6" python when I was 10 years old. I'm sure my stepbrother will get my dad's python along with the rest of his estate so I figure I better buy my own.

I have 2 original anacondas a 4" and 6" and I love how the 4" handles. The 4.25 stainless python will go well with them and I already load 357.anyways. I'm a huge 10mm fan in my autos and I should probably keep the gp100 too but wither way I'll have a python soon.

Bb

JB, honestly have only looked sporadically. Will probably take a look at what Sam Andrews and El Paso Saddlery have, as both have been stellar in my experience.

It will be OWB and more of a woods walking / BBQ holster. Not for SD carry.

A carved EPS would be pretty sweet.

I looked at several myself, but LH holsters are hard to find and the production ones fit several guns. Kinda tempted by a Diamond D Leather .

Thanks, I will take a look at that one too.

A carved EPS just might be the shizzle.

Lorda mercy Dirt! what a beauty, congrats man! that one's going to make some clean cool memories.

Thanks, gunner!

Burleyboy, I somehow missed your post. Hope you get your new 4.25 Python soon. Will fit right in with your Anacondas. Yeah keep the 10 mm, too. LOL

Just picked mine up. 12/20/21 date according to the QR code.

Picked mine up on Wednesday - now I need to get busy at the loading bench.

Congrats, fellas!

One quick observation on cylinder length is it appears the Lyman 170 gr Keith SWC will be too long in 357 brass and I'll have to use 38 Spl brass for that bullet.

Yep, like a Model 27/28 S&W.

Id like a new one, 6" stainless
Be more durable than my old beater.

69 E series w Colt Custom Shop trigger job
Swapped to Kensight front and rear recently.

Not a fan of that bullet. It's not all that great on game and it doesn't fit most .357's. But you have to keep in mind, it wasn't actually designed for the .357 mag, it was designed for the .38/44 High Speed cartridge. Elmer used it in a 6.5" S&W Outdoorsman given to him by Daniel Wesson.
I will say it is accurate though.

A lot of game has been taken the 170 grain Keith and it penetration is excellent

True enough. Perhaps I should have said, I wasn't all that happy with its performance on game.

LD, a friend showed up Friday with 2 sacks. Inside was 4 blue colt boxes.
Anaconda
Python 4 inch
King Cobra
SSA 45 colt in SS with gold trim.
Needless to say I was surprised. Handed my wife the Python and she easily cocked the hammer. She has had surgery on both thumbs. It’s really smooth. The single action was smooth also.
But for me to use and not sell I believe my favorite was the king Cobra. I like the size . Hasbeen

https://imgur.com/a/kYvGhFt

Very nice, hasbeen! The Anaconda and Python look like the new versions. Don't know enough about the other 2 to say..

Our LGS just recently got these in. Don’t know a thing about them. But they were all very nice. The gun shop has my friends phone number on speed dial. They will never be shot. Hasbeen

What a difference 40 years makes $$$ ! And yes I still own it

Local dirt: Good for you on the purchase of the nifty pistol!
I hope it shoots as wonderfully as it looks!
Enjoy.
And I think their barrel rifling "turns the wrong way" as well.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

That invoice is a very cool piece of history!

Thanks, VG. Mike Heffron should have started work on the trigger and action job on it already this week. Will give him a call toward the end of the week to see how things are going.

Thanks Greg, unfortunately the box got stolen along with a bunch of other stuff… still gave the manual though.

Geebus. That stinks.

That's pretty close to when I bought my first handgun. So let's look at the pricing difference between the S&W M19 and the Python. Now admittedly I got my M19 at distributor cost, so I ended up paying just under $260 out the door. But retail would be just about $100 more back then. I know this, because I worked for the distributor. So $360 for a fully loaded S&W M19, vs $647.88 for your Python. That's a pretty huge difference. Clearly the Python is a "better" revolver, but it sure the hell isn't twice as good.

The story is pretty close to the same today.

I agree it is not twice the handgun, but to be fair the total was including some extra items purchased at the same time...$550.00 was the Python.

S

It took me a while to warm up to the Python. My first, a 6” I never got used to and never liked. When I test drove a 4” the tuning fork went off for me, and its been a love affair ever since. Something I initially didn’t like, turned out to be a benefit. The grip shape, and trigger reach were uncomfortable to a guy who was used to a S&W K frame. I have always preferred smaller grips even though I have pretty large hands. As it turns out, I tend to shoot better when my grips have more girth…can’t explain that, and it’s not a radical difference; just a little bit. But it is noticeable. I shoot my Python better in both SA and DA than my K frames even though to me the S&W feels better in my hand.

When I first started down the handgun rabbit hole, Pythons were pretty reasonable....seems like under $200 (?).

In comparison, I paid $165 for a new Model 27 5" barrel around 1972 and IIRC about $98 for a Model 28.

It's so odd I never owned one until recently. I don't think Herrett's still makes custom stocks for them.

Yeah, I'm not cool with that. I would really love a set of Herrett's Ropers for mine.

I just shot my new colt Python for the first time today........have not read every post on this thread but not impressed with the trigger.
Anyone find a good fix ????????

Yeah. Mike Heffron at Heffron Precision.

FWIW, $550 in 1982 equates to $1,600 in 2022. The MSRP of the Python today is $1,500, so it actually cost more in real terms back in 1982 than it does today.

Here is a 2021 Python, yes, it could use a trigger job.
My 4" Ruger Security Six .357 RM has a hair trigger by comparison.



I bought a 4" Python high gloss stainless in the late '90s. Shot it and thought it was a sissy gun.
Traded it in on a rifle.
Snow on the roof has made me appreciate a Python with pleasant loads.
Hardcast 158-grainer handload at 1025 fps average for 6 shots (5-yard chrono at 50 degrees F)
from the 6" Python.
The discontinued Remington Golden Saber 125-gr JSP at a modest 1250 fps shoots to same POI at 25 yards.
Also a very pleasant load and I bought a case of that factory load once upon a time.
Those loads are pleasant in the snubby .357 too, a S&W 360PD, and are about like a .38 Spl +P there.

That's a beauty, Riflecrank. What did you put on the grips to make them look that nice?

Hi local dirt,
Nothing on them except sweat from hot little hands.
They look like a walnut laminate with veneers about 0.10" thick.
Factory finish. I like it.

Look way better than the grips on mine.

So I checked prices on these in S CA. Turners had them for $1,600, while another higher end store had them for $2,600. Lots of profiteering.

I wasn't given the option to try the trigger in my python in the store but I just got it out and tried it. The double action feels pretty smooth and consistent but I hate to say the single action pull sucks. In single action it has a bit of creep and the hammer actually moves back a tiny bit more like double action before it goes. It's too heavy to even measure with my 5# trigger scale. It feels significantly more than 5# single action.

All my other colt, S&W and even ruger revolvers are much better and lighter single action pulls. I'm reading here that others new pythons aren't great but mine is terrible. I wonder if something is wrong with my python? I'm not going to be happy with it as is. I need to find agood smith to work it over. I'll check into Hefferan.I'm

They probably made it suck on purpose to appease their lawyer but mines ridiculously bad. I can't imagine someone at the factory not noticing it. I noticed it immediately. Those that have a new python is yours this bad?

Bb

Bb, mine wasn't that bad. But, it was heavy. I'd have to look back through my notes for exactly how heavy it was on my Wheeler trigger gauge.

The new one I tried had a heavier single action than the older pythons, but it wasnt overly heavy. . The double action was also heavier than the older colts, but had a smooth even take up.

When I bought my current 1979 Python I will admit, I thought the DA and SA were very lackluster. My last Python was much smoother in both modes. I have cleaned all that up, and I have an 8lb DA and 3.75 SA...works for me.