Colt Python

[stix213]

Colt consistently makes all the wrong decisions whenever possible. They have had the hit TV show The Walking Dead showing off a Colt Python for years giving them incredible free advertising. They can see used prices through the roof.

So you can be absolutely sure they will not make any more of them.

[stix213]

As I understand it the machinery for Colt's revolvers are worn out.

Manufacturing machinery wears out and gets replaced in any industry all the time. S&W has figured out how to deal with it, why can't Colt?

[Killer Bee]

I have both.....how much ya got?

oh you tease

Manufacturing machinery wears out and gets replaced in any industry all the time. S&W has figured out how to deal with it, why can't Colt?

actually, this is the fundamental reason Colt won't be renewing all but two of their 1911 models on the roster..
No More Colt 1911s In California?

more notable in this situation was amidst the Remington takeover of Marlin..
Marlin 1894 Rifle Review

[KHF1222]

Colt moved Python production to the Colt Custom Shop in 1997. Thereafter the Python had the designation 'Python Elite' roll marked on
the barrel to be known as the Colt Python Elite. The Colt Python Elite was the same exact revolver as the standard Python with the
exception of only the roll mark on the barrel being different.

It appears the Colt Python referred to on the California Roster is identified as Model Number I3060CS which is actually a Colt Python
Elite Revolver in stainless steel in 357 magnum with a 6" barrel.

I do not think Colt is going to re-introduce the Python revolver anytime in the foreseeable future. That does not mean that Colt
Manufacturing as we speak is not at least exploring the costs for investment in tooling and machining, evaluating the core competency
of the technical skills available in assemblers and gunsmiths to support a production line building Pythons, and performing product
marketing analysis which would be necessary to go forward with any attempt to reintroduce the Python double action revolver as a
cataloged item off the production floor or as a Custom Shop offering that would be available to California gun buyers at an
acceptable price point.

Without the requirement for a loaded chamber indicator, magazine disconnect feature, and micro-stamping, there no insurmountable
headwinds that Colt would need to face to be certified on the California Roster other than the basic safety requirements the
California Roster imposes on testing revolvers, nor would they be limited to a particular model they may attempt to introduce to the
California market. Whether Colt does bring back a Python model or not is completely unknown.

Why would Colt Manufacturing pay the fee to list a revolver on the California Roster that is no longer in current production?
Colt would do so to maintain visibility, preserve customer goodwill, and promote continued brand recognition of Colt in the
California market. The $200 renewal fee in that instance would be a just good business practice at a relatively low cost.

So for now by Colt Manufacturing maintaining the I3060CS Python on the California Roster it allows for importation and resale of
I3060CS Pythons from other states to California residents, and supports the ability for California residents to ship their I3060CS
Pythons to a distant California resident where a face-to-face PPT would not be required by the receiving FFL. In order to be eligible
for shipping the I3060CS Python model must be on the roster, and the I3060CS Python handgun must be in its exact original
configuration as tested and accepted by the CA DOJ for listing on the roster.

[Gryff]

Colt consistently makes all the wrong decisions whenever possible. They have had the hit TV show The Walking Dead showing off a Colt Python for years giving them incredible free advertising. They can see used prices through the roof.

So you can be absolutely sure they will not make any more of them.

Should Ford reissue the GT40 but with a Mustang's six-cylinder engine? That's what Colt would have to do with the Python if they were going to keep at an affordable price point. The hand finishing that went into the original Python (which is what made it iconic), would force a re-issue at the same quality level to be priced over $2K.

[Sunday]

Actually slicked up S@W revolvers are nicer to shoot than a Colt Python. I have shot both extensively years ago. The Python is a beautiful Revolver though.

[Dvrjon]

Actually slicked up S@W revolvers are nicer to shoot than a Colt Python. I have shot both extensively years ago. The Python is a beautiful Revolver though.

The difference is the Python didn't need to be "slicked up".

[Gryff]

The difference is the Python didn't need to be "slicked up".

No, but the Python could never take the beating that an S&W will eat up without batting an eye (one of the reasons that so few LEAs adopted the model, or how they were rarely the platform used for custom PPC guns). But the Python is a dream straight out of the box.

[norcal77]

The people who produced the pythons were craftsmen and they are a dying breed, the people of now will never be able to replicate that quality...

I've had guns sent to colt for repair or refinish and the end result does not come close to what an original finish looked like...they started goin down hill in the 80's when it comes to quality, probably because the people who mattered died


If you ever send something to colt ask that 'lil John' do the work, if he's still around...I notice on my invoices that whenever he did the work, it was perfect...didn't usually get him until sending the pistol back for the 3rd time

[soulbyte]

Manufacturing machinery wears out and gets replaced in any industry all the time. S&W has figured out how to deal with it, why can't Colt?

Colt is moving to CNC, hence the reason why their 1911's are falling off roster.

[gsparesa]

Anyone ever have a chance to compare the Python to a S&W 627 PC or 686 SSR?

[Walky Talky]

Anyone ever have a chance to compare the Python to a S&W 627 PC or 686 SSR?

I'm still hoping to do my own side-by-side comparison


I believe the 6 inch Python has always been on the roster. From what I've read they wouldn't be able to remanufacture the Python because of the craftsmanship required, also the machinery they used is no longer available, I personally don't subscribe to this theory and believe it's simply the result of people romanticizing something that is no longer here

[sigstroker]

Should Ford reissue the GT40 but with a Mustang's six-cylinder engine? That's what Colt would have to do with the Python if they were going to keep at an affordable price point. The hand finishing that went into the original Python (which is what made it iconic), would force a re-issue at the same quality level to be priced over $2K.

Doubt it. Pythons didn't used to be much more expensive than K-frames.

As for how wonderful and smooth they were right out of the box, when I bought my first revolver, it was a Dan Wesson. I did the Pepsi challenge with a Python, K-frame, and Dan Wesson. The Python came in second best.

[Gryff]

Anyone ever have a chance to compare the Python to a S&W 627 PC or 686 SSR?

What do you want to know? I have a 4" Python and a 4" 686 SSR. I've also spent time shooting a 5" 627PC.

[Gryff]

Doubt it. Pythons didn't used to be much more expensive than K-frames.

Hand finishing used to be a LOT less expensive. And I believe that even back in the day, the Python was 80-100% more expensive than a K-frame.