Colt Python

History of Colt Python

The

Colt Python is considered by many gun purists and gun experts to be arguably the best double-action revolver ever made. Colt introduced its Python line to the civilian and law enforcement market in 1955, calling it the premium revolver. Notably, the Python represents Colt's first "all-new" revolver design since the turn of the century.

Official Python production ended in 1996, 41 years after the weapon was introduced, and the series officially ended in 1999. Regardless, Python remains a favorite among users and collectors of all levelseven royalty around the world.

python is traditional in both form and function. The receiver is well made, very durable, clean without too many details that would detract from its silhouette. The cylinder is located in the receiver and is designed to swing to the left for loading/extracting/reloading. The spent cartridges are ejected via a spring-loaded extraction arm located under the barrel and in front of the cylinder itself. The barrel itself is grooved in typical revolver fashion, producing a distinctive, popular "click" sound during rotation.

Cartridges were loaded into the six available chambers, and the cylinder was manually moved back into the receiver. The cocking is via a hammer thorn, which is located behind the cylinder and above the pistol grip and is manually operated with the thumb.

The pistol grip is ergonomically designed for a firm grip and access to the integrated trigger even in thin rings. Because the Anaconda is a "double-action" revolver, the trigger action takes over the trigger on the hammer. Thus, a degree of "repeated fire" can be achieved before reloading is required. The firing pin is mounted on the frame of the gun, and every time the trigger is pulled, the hammer hits it.

Aiming is via rear adjusters and a front ramp, although optional optics can be mounted on top of the frame for accurate shots. A distinguishing feature of the Python series is the vented rib design, which runs the length of the barrel, making the revolver look intimidating. Available barrels (bolted into the frame) include 2.5", 3", 4", 6" and 8" lengths. The 3" barrel was eventually discontinued and is very rare in today's collectible market, while the 6" barrel Shapes are the first choice for many buyers. All shapes fit in style.

357 Universal. Production finishes include bright nickel, royal blue and stainless steel.

In practice, Python showed excellent, smooth shooting action. It has proven to be a reliable and durable firearm that has commanded great respect for its accuracy in target shooting and its ability to stop people.

While the Python never officially entered military stockpiles, various U.S. law enforcement agencies issued revolvers at one point. If Python has any inherent downside, it's its weight, over 2 pounds. Its highly accurate qualities also require a certain level of regular maintenance to ensure proper firing and mechanical operation.

However, revolvers eventually became obsolete for this, and the law enforcement role shifted to semi-automatic pistols. Semi-automatic designs outperform revolvers in higher ammo counts, compact portability, and comparable manual stop performance.

Of course, revolvers have long been considered more reliable firearms than the more complex internal nature of semi-automatic designs.

The Python family includes Python Hunter, Target, Boa, and Grizzly. Hunter launched in 1980 with 2x Leupold optical sights. As the name suggests, this is designed for precision hunting. The 8" barrel mentioned above is also mostly reserved for hunting.

Target model for sport shooting and .38 special cartridges. Released in 1985 as a limited edition, the Boa had a Python barrel modified to fit the Colt "Trooper" revolver frame.

Likewise, the 1994 Grizzly became another limited edition product with a Python barrel modified to fit the Colt "King Cobra" revolver frame.

Colt Python Specification

ROLES

STRUCTURAL

PERFORMANCE

VARIANTS