Colt Python: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:30, 12 June 2011

Revision as of 16:21, 14 June 2011

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{{Infobox Weapon

|name=Colt Python

|image=[[File:Colt Python IMG 6783-4nickel.jpg|300px]]

|caption=Colt '''PythonPythons''' with {{convert|6|in|cm|adj=on}} barreland {{convert|4|in|cm|adj=on}} barrels and nickel finish

|origin={{flagcountry|United States}}

|type=[[Revolver]]

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|range=

|max_range=

|feed=[[Six-[[Cartridge (firearms)|round]] [[Cylinder (firearms)|cylinder]]

|sights= Rear adj.; front ramp

}}

The '''Colt Python''' is a [[.357 Magnum]] caliber [[revolver]] formerly manufactured by [[Colt's Manufacturing Company]] of [[Hartford, Connecticut|Hartford]], [[Connecticut]]. It is sometimes referred to as a "Combat Magnum".<ref name="Dougherty, Martin 2005, page 48">Dougherty, Martin ''Small Arms: From the Civil War to the Present Day'', New York City: Fall River Press, 2005, page 48. [[ISBN-13]]: 978-0-7607-6329-2</ref>. It was first introduced in 1955, the same year as [[S&W Model 29|Smith & Wesson's M29]] .44 Magnum. The now discontinued Colt Python targeted the premium [[revolver]] market segment.{{Citation needed|date=October 2010}} Some firearm collectors and writers such as [[Jeff Cooper (Marine)|Jeff Cooper]], [[Ian V. Hogg]], Chuck Hawks, Leroy Thompson, Renee Smeets and Martin Dougherty have described the Python as the finest production revolver ever made.<ref name="Dougherty, Martin 2005, page 48"/><ref name="hawks">[http://www.chuckhawks.com/colt_python_revolvers.htm The Colt Python .357 Magnum Revolver] by Chuck Hawks at www.chuckhawks.com accessed Apr 27, 2009</ref><ref name ="Thompson">{{cite book | last = Thompson| first = Leroy | authorlink = | coauthors = Rene Smeets| title = Great Combat Handguns: A Guide to Using, Collecting and Training With Handguns| publisher =Arms & Armour Publication | date = October 1, 1993| ___location = London| pages = 256| isbn =9781854091680 }}</ref><ref name = "Wilson1">Wilson, R.L., ''The Colt Heritage,'' New York City: Simon & Schuster, 1987, P. 272.</ref><ref name = "Wilson2">Wilson, R.L., ''Colt: An American Legend,'' New York City: Abbeville Press, 1985, P 272.</ref><ref name="Cooper">Cooper, Jeff, "Cooper on Handguns," Los Angeles, Petersen Publishing Co., 1974, P. 189.</ref><ref name="Hogg94">[[Ian V. Hogg|Hogg, Ian V.]] (1994)''Military Small Arms: 300 Years of Soldiers' Firearms'', Salamander Publishing</ref><ref name="Dougherty, Martin 2005, page 48"/>.

==Description==

The Colt Python is a [[Trigger (firearms)#DA/SA_Double-action_.28DA.29|DA/SAdouble action]] handgun chambered for the powerful [[.357 Magnum]] cartridge built on Colt's large I-frame. Pythons have a reputation for accuracy, smooth trigger pull and a tight cylinder lock-up.<ref name="hawks"/>

==History==

The Colt Python was first introduced in 1955 as Colt's top-of-the-line model it was designed by Matthew Ratcliffe and was originally intended to be a large-frame [[.38 Special|38 Special]] target revolver.<ref name ="Thompson"/> As a result, it features precision adjustable sights, a smooth trigger, solid construction, and extra metal. Pythons have a distinct appearance due to a full barrel underlug, ventilated rib and adjustable sights.<ref name ="Thompson"/> Originally, Colt manufactured Pythons with hollow underlugs but left them solid to work as a stabilizing barrel weight. When the revolver is at full cock, just as the trigger is pressed, the cylinder locks up for the duration of the hammer strike. Other revolvers have a hint of looseness even at full-cock. The gap between the cylinder and forcing cone is very tight, further aiding accuracy and velocity.<ref name="hawks"/>. Each Python revolver was boresighted at the factory with a laser and was the first mass-produced revolver to do so.<ref name ="Thompson"/> The creator of the Colt Python (Matthew Ratcliffe) was titled Grand Master in 1967 for exceptional skill with the weapon and gained World renown for being the 'Fastest Gun in the West'.

===End of Production===

In October 1999, Colt Manufacturing Co. announced the termination of its production of Python revolvers. In a 2000 follow-up letter to distributors, the company cited changing market conditions and the costs of defending lawsuits, as the reasons for the discontinuation of the Python line as well as a number of other models.<ref>[http://calnra.com/COLTupdate.shtml Update from Colt's Manufacturing Company, Inc.]</ref> The Colt Custom Gun Shop continued making a limited number of Pythons on special order until 2005, when even this limited production was terminated.<ref name="hawks"/>.

==Models and Variants==

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[[File:Flickr - ~Steve Z~ - Colt Target Python (1).jpg|thumb|Colt Python Target, 8 inch barrel .38 Special.]]

The Python was originally available in two finishes: [[Royal Blue]] and Bright [[Nickel]]. The Bright Nickel model was discontinued with the introduction of the more durable satin stainless and mirror-polished Ultimate Stainless models.<ref name="hawks"/>. The [[stainless steel]] and Royal Blue finishes were offered until 2003 by Colt on the Python "Elite" model.

Pythons were available with {{convert|2.5|in|cm|adj=on}}, {{convert|3|in|cm|adj=on}}, {{convert|4|in|cm|adj=on}}, {{convert|6|in|cm|adj=on}} and {{convert|8|in|cm|adj=on}} barrels.<ref name="hawks"/>. The six-inch model was the most popular generally, and the 8-inch model was intended for [[hunting]]. A 3-inch barrel version is very collectible, although not rare.<ref name ="Thompson"/>

The Python Hunter model, with 8-inch barrel and factory-installed 2X [[Leupold]] scope, was made in 1980.<ref name="Handgunning">{{cite journal | last = Metcalf| first = Dick | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Top 10 Hunt Guns| journal = HandGunning| volume = 8| issue = 5| pages = 52–58| publisher =PJS Publications | year =1994 | url = | doi = | id = | accessdate = }}</ref> The Python Hunter was the first field-ready handgun hunting package made by a major handgun manufacturer.<ref name="Handgunning"/> The scope was mounted on the barrel using Redfield mounts and the gun was packaged in a Haliburton case.<ref name="Handgunning"/> It was discontinued by 1990 and briefly offered as a "Custom Shop" model afterward.<ref name="Handgunning"/> A Python Target model was made for several years in [[.38 Special]] only, in blue and nickel finishes.

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The Python immediately made inroads into the law enforcement market when introduced, with the 6-inch barrel being popular with uniformed officers and the 4-inch barrel considered optimum for plainclothes use.<ref name ="Thompson"/> However, it has since fallen out of favor (along with all other revolvers) due to changing law enforcement needs that favor semi-automatic pistols. When law-enforcement agencies realized that the 9&nbsp;mm semi-automatic pistols fire a round with similar characteristics to the .38 Special with higher capacity, they began a migration to these, and other, semi-automatic pistol cartridges<ref>{{cite book |title= The Encyclopedia of Police Science |last= Bailey |first= William G |year=1995 |publisher= Taylor & Francis |isbn= 0815313314 |page=309 |pages=865 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1993/08/21/nyregion/new-york-city-police-to-replace-revolvers-with-semiautomatics.html New York City Police to Replace Revolvers With Semiautomatics] The New York Times, By CRAIG WOLFF, Saturday, August 21, 1993, Accessed April 27, 2009.</ref> Colt's Python revolvers are still popular on the used market and command high prices.

The [[Colorado State Patrol]] issued 4-inch blue Pythons until their switch to the S&W model.40 686caliber autoloader.<ref name="Ayoob"/> [[Georgia State Patrol]] and [[Florida Highway Patrol]] issued Pythons to their officers.<ref name="Ayoob">[[Massad Ayoob|Ayoob, Massad]](2003)''The Colt Python'', The Accurate Rifle Magazine, November 2003</ref>

==Criticisms==

Official Colt historian, RL Wilson described the Colt Python as "the Rolls-Royce of Colt revolvers"<ref name="Wilson1"/> and Firearms historian, [[Ian V. Hogg]] referred to it as the "best revolver in the world".<ref name = "Hogg94"/> However, the revolver is not without its detractors. The downside to the precision of the Colt Python is its tendency to go "out of time" with continued heavy shooting.<ref name="Grassi">[http://www.cylinder-slide.com/python.shtml C&S Python .357MAG] By Rich Grassi, Originally Published in Combat Handguns May 2005, accessed at Cylinder and Slide April 27, 2009</ref> This is a condition in which the cylinder does not turn in exact alignment with the forcing cone, so a shooter may be sprayed with burning propellant when the gun is fired or the gun may not fire when used as a double-action.<ref name="Grassi"/> When this happens, the lock work needs to be re-timed.<ref name="Grassi"/>

Author Martin Dougherty notes the weight of the Python as a drawback, as it is quite heavy for a handgunpistol, ranging from 2.34&nbsp;lbs to 32.6&nbsp;lbs, only slightly lighter than [[Smith & Wesson]]'s model [[S&W Model 29|M29]] .44 Magnum ("[[Dirty Harry]]'s" gun)."<ref name="Dougherty, Martin 2005, page 48"/>.

==See also==

*[[Colt Anaconda]]

*[[Colt Diamondback]]

*[[Armtech SMOLT]]

==References==

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*[http://proofhouse.com/colt/pyth.htm Colt Python Serial Numbers]

[[Category:.357 Magnum firearms]]

[[Category:Colt revolvers]]

[[Category:Revolvers| ]]