The Colt Python is a .357 Magnum caliber revolver manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut. The Colt Python is considered to be a premium American revolver. Along with the Colt Peacemaker it is considered to be one of the finest revolvers ever made by Colt.
Colt Manufacturing Co. announced the termination of its production of Python revolvers in October 1999 [1].
Description
The Colt Python is a double action, large I-frame handgun chambered for the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge originally developed by Smith & Wesson. Pythons have a reputation for superior fit & finish, accuracy, smooth trigger pull and a tight cylinder lock-up. If there is a downside to all this precision, it is the Python's tendency to go "out of time" with continued heavy shooting. This is a condition in which the cylinder is no longer turning into exact alignment with the forcing cone, so a shooter may be sprayed with tiny bits of shaved projectile when the gun is fired. When this happens, the lockwork needs to be re-timed.
The Colt Python was first introduced in 1955 as Colt's top-of-the-line model, and was originally intended to be a large-frame .38 Special target revolver. As a result, it features precision adjustable sights, a smooth trigger, solid construction, and extra metal. Routine production ceased in 1998, and individual manufacture by the Colt Custom Shop stopped altogether in 2005.
Pythons have a distinct appearance. A full barrel underlug, ventilated rib and adjustable sights combine to give the gun its unique look. Originally, Colt manufactured Pythons with hollow underlugs but quickly left them solid to add stabilizing barrel weight.
Variants
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, but the stainless steel and Royal Blue finishes are still offered by Colt on the Python "Elite" model.
Pythons are available with 2.5 inch, 4 inch, 6 inch, and 8 inch barrels. 6 inch model is the most popular generally and the 8 inch model is intended for hunting. The now-discontinued 3 inch barrel version is very collectible. The revolver today is made exclusively by Colt's Custom Shop as the Python Elite model with a 4 or 6 inch barrel, and is still considered to be the Rolls Royce of handguns for its accuracy, jeweler-quality fit and finish, and aesthetic appeal. Retail prices start at $1000 USD. Recently, Colt has discontinued all production of double action revolvers, like the Python due to lack of sales and rising production costs.
Usage
The Python immediately made inroads into the law enforcement market when introduced, with the 6" barrel being popular with uniformed officers and the 3" and 4" barrels considered optimum for plainclothes use. However, it has since fallen out of favor (along with all other revolvers) due to changing law enforcement needs that favor semi-automatic pistols, combined with agency policies banning "special" ammunition, including Magnum loads. Ironically, when law-enforcement agencies realized that the 9mm semi-automatic pistols fire a round with similar characteristics to the .38 Special, they began a still-continuing migration to more-powerful cartridges, not willing to accept that the rejected .357 Magnum is a ready solution. New or used, these revolvers are still popular and command high prices.
Colt Python Serial Numbers
- 1955 — 1
- 1956 — 300
- 1957 — 1650
- 1958 — 5550
- 1959 — 7050
- 1960 — 9100
- 1961 — 13100
- 1962 — 18800
- 1963 — 24800
- 1964 — 30800
- 1965 — 41400
- 1966 — 50500
- 1967 — 61000
- 1968 — 73800
- 1969 — 90000-99999
- 1969 — E1001
- 1970 — E6301
- 1971 — E21201
- 1972 — E38001
- 1973 — E53501
- 1974 — E61001
- 1975 — E83701-E99999
- 1975 — 01001E-15000E
- 1976 — 15001E-48300E
- 1977 — 48301E-86200E
- 1978 — 86201E-99999E
- 1978 — 01001N
- 1978 — V01001