Blued Python?

[Joezamboni]

What?s the deal with this? I need to know!

https://www.colt.com/detail-page/blued-python/?attribute_pa_variant=blued-python-4

[splithoof]

At minimum, you will need to replace the sights, as the factory sights drift under recoil.
If you wish to do any amount of double-action shooting, you will need to remove the sharp edges from the face of the trigger.
If you wish to have a good single-action trigger, you will need a skilled gunsmith to correct the sear engagement.
If you wish to use speed loaders, you will need to re-shape the left side stock to allow the loaders to properly align with the cylinder.

I have examined two new blued examples, and found them to be basically the same as my own two stainless (2020) examples, and what was necessary to (IMO) set them up correctly for lots of serious shooting.

On a positive note, so far they have proven accurate and reliable, and from what I learned at school, are very robust compared to the old style Pythons. This seems to be true, as my much older Python had to be repaired for timing issues.

[stormvet]

Now that?s a great looking wheelgun, I?m not a stainless fan.

Agree about the older colts and timing issues, had an early 90?s King Cobra and it developed timing issue at less then a 1000 rounds. With most of the rounds being 38 special.

[splithoof]

Agree about the older colts and timing issues, had an early 90?s King Cobra and it developed timing issue at less then a 1000 rounds. With most of the rounds being 38 special.

For the life of me I do not comprehend why there is such a cult-like following around the older Colt Python. Sure I see that the Royal Blue finish was amazing, and that the double-action pull was buttery smooth. But beyond that, they held no real, practical advantage over a good S&W. If anything, the problems with the weak lockwork and timing issues negated anything else.
That is not to say that the S&Ws were perfect by any means, it is just my own perspective after owning an older version, and speaking with those that used to do a LOT of competitive revolver shooting.
Watching the astronomical prices shoot up (no pun intended) for the nice condition used models suggests that as in investment over time they have done very well, but if you want something to actually shoot more than an occasional afternoon at the range, most would be better served by finding something else.

I believe that the 2020 models have addressed the durability issue, and are plenty accurate. I wish they would have addressed some of the other issues I described previously.

[sigstroker]

Supposedly the barrels were better, maybe the twist. There were gunsmiths that put Python barrels on Smiths. Cost? If you have to ask...

[divingin]

Supposedly the barrels were better, maybe the twist. There were gunsmiths that put Python barrels on Smiths. Cost? If you have to ask...

All the rage for PPC (Police Practical Competition?) back in the day. The DA on the Smiths was far smoother (and I think easier to tune) than the Python (despite Split's comment.) I personally think money would have been better spent on a custom slab-sided barrel, but to each his own (I never got around to doing that.)

Of course, the barrel swap was much easier to justify when you could walk into any gun shop and buy a Smith revolver for about $250-400, and a Python for much less than $600.

[splithoof]

^^^Those were called Smolts. Folks liked them because of the vent ribs. Actual accuracy was varied, often depending on loads used. More of a Kool factor from what I have been told.

[Elgatodeacero]

We are still waiting for the new blued Colt Pythons (and the bead blasted stainless) to show up on the DOJ Roster.

I expect they will be added around the end of the year or in early 2025.

Overall, the reports and reviews of the new Python are very favorable. I will be picking up a stainless 3” new Python in a week….. looking forward to some range time.

[DrewN]

Why did they change the rib? It looks like *** now.

[stormvet]

For the life of me I do not comprehend why there is such a cult-like following around the older Colt Python. Sure I see that the Royal Blue finish was amazing, and that the double-action pull was buttery smooth. But beyond that, they held no real, practical advantage over a good S&W. If anything, the problems with the weak lockwork and timing issues negated anything else.
That is not to say that the S&Ws were perfect by any means, it is just my own perspective after owning an older version, and speaking with those that used to do a LOT of competitive revolver shooting.
Watching the astronomical prices shoot up (no pun intended) for the nice condition used models suggests that as in investment over time they have done very well, but if you want something to actually shoot more than an occasional afternoon at the range, most would be better served by finding something else.

I believe that the 2020 models have addressed the durability issue, and are plenty accurate. I wish they would have addressed some of the other issues I described previously.

Number one reason I believe is that they looked so badazz, really cool looking wheelguns. That said besides the KC I?ve always been a Smith guy, today I own 4 Smiths and zero Colt wheelguns and honestly won?t be buying a Colt.

Interesting enough though Smith has greatly improved their lock up with the new guns. While we all hate the Hillary hole/lock and 2 piece barrels in some models. I believe Smith has also increased the durability of their wheel guns too.

[dfletcher]

All the rage for PPC (Police Practical Competition?) back in the day. The DA on the Smiths was far smoother (and I think easier to tune) than the Python (despite Split's comment.) I personally think money would have been better spent on a custom slab-sided barrel, but to each his own (I never got around to doing that.)

Of course, the barrel swap was much easier to justify when you could walk into any gun shop and buy a Smith revolver for about $250-400, and a Python for much less than $600.

I don't think it (was) a matter of smoother so much as faster. Figure anyone that into shooting has things smoothed out.


The action of older Colts (OM Python, Trooper, D frames, etc) functions as the lone "lifter" of the hammer via DA sear and SA sear. On Smiths that duty is shared between two "lifters" on the trigger - transfers partway through the DA cycle. Smiths also use a strong coil spring acting pretty much directly to reset the trigger. On Colt that's accomplished by the lower leg of a V spring actuating a long rebound lever which rides on a boss on the trigger. Just doesn't have the same "oomph" during reset.

So far as the Python being the neatest looking Colt DA type- not so sure about that ...

IMG_0923.jpg

[splithoof]

^^^^THAT looks really nice, another classic.

[beerman]

977D1B8E-259F-47C0-B6F3-4DC858A953A7.jpgI?ve had a long time love affair with the Troopers. But that 4.5? Blued Python is attractive.

[AdiosKali]

Why did they change the rib? It looks like *** now.

Indeed.

[jayhuh]

Supposedly the barrels were better, maybe the twist. There were gunsmiths that put Python barrels on Smiths. Cost? If you have to ask...