The Colt Python is a .357 Magnum caliber revolver manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut. Python is considered to be a premium American pistol. It is a classic model and along with the Colt Peacemaker, is considered to be one of the finest revolvers ever made by Colt.
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 well-deserved 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, an exceptionally smooth trigger, solid construction, and plenty of extra metal.
Pythons have a very "muscular" and businesslike 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 a very useful barrel weight. Finishes on these guns have always been outstanding. 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 considered to be 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.
While the Python immediately made inroads into the law enforcement market when introduced, it has since fallen out of favor along with all other revolvers because of changing law enforcement needs that favor semi-automatic pistols today. Colt Pythons command high prices - new or used, and have found a place in the collection of many serious handgunners.
In Fiction
The Python has appeared in countless comic books (and mangas), films, TV series and video games.
Comic Books and Manga
- Ryo Saeba from the City Hunter series also uses the gun.
Films
TV
Games
- It is featured in the Half-Life series of games and in several of the Grand Theft Auto games.
- It is the most powerful gun in the first Resident Evil game. It decapitated its target with a single shot. The character Barry Burton uses it as his main weapon.
- The "Cougar Magnum" in the video game Goldeneye 007 is modeled after it.
- Dan's Revolver in Killer7 is a Colt Python.
- It is Jack Dark's gun in Perfect Dark Zero.