A Legend Retold

Long gone are the days when revolvers were king and auto-loading guns were considered a new experiment that many older shooters couldn’t trust. Through many years revolver wheels kept spinning and kept their owners grinning with their reliability accuracy and robust construction. In the 50’s and 60’s revolver shooters reveled in their fine fit, finish and depth of craftsmanship that many still regard as the best in history. Python owners lusted after the guns they already owned, eager to own even more! But is it really the case? Was the original Python "good"?

Before someone finds me and smothers me in my sleep - the original iteration of our beloved was, without question, a work of art. A revolver with excellent proportions, balance and an incredible feeling action.

These are facts about the original snake. But is that enough?

Fast forward to 2019 the covid pandemic is in full swing and MARK REDL is pounding away on Colt's test range with a brand new Python. Colt's supplied test numbers - 12,000 rounds of .357 without the need to be re-timed. They built the gun with more meat on the top strap and kept the trigger pull weight well within what would be considered competitive. Colt produced the gun in a stainless finish that was bright but not high-polish. Every detail, every move, meticulously planned to speak clearly that this gun was made to shoot. On top of all that, it was priced to sell.

Many times we hear shooters talk about how much things “used to cost”; how “they don’t make em’ like they used to...” blah blah blah. Let's take a look at that - The original Python in 1955 6” Royal Blue cost $125 to correct for inflation that number is equal to $1,668 in today's money. Hmmm, turns out it wasn't very "cheap" then either.

Now, before we talk too much about cash, features, fit and finish we should consider every side of the 2020 model. Something we need to remind ourselves of, every shooter has a different standard for what is acceptable for their desired use. When we take those elements and allocate a dollar value against it, feelings get - wacky. From there; add a heavy dose of nostalgia and sentimental attachment to “dads old wheelgun” and you’ve got a fist fight ready to happen over who’s got the fanciest shovel!

So where does the conversation go from there? Apply the new (2020) Python to the original frame work, factor in cost and pretend the Original Python was never made. You’d still find yourself talking about one of the best revolvers on the market for LESS money.

When the 2020 Python dropped, the world couldn’t compare them fast enough. Everyone needed to answer the question of “how this could stack up”?

Like any new release or brand new product, Colt’s project did find a couple teething issues. Those were quickly ironed out and the company stood by the guns they had built. In truth many were so focused at looking at the Python for what the original gun was that they couldn’t see it for what it is... a brand-new Revolver all together.

I can hear your cries now. “How will this effect older gun values?!” It won’t. Original Pythons are still being traded for incredible values and if anything, the 2020 Python has improved the fervor of that market.

You may want to ask me now, “So, why do you hate the old Python so much?”. I dislike it for what it is... its a race horse. Its expensive, temperamental and can only be serviced by an expert; and many buy them just to look at them. There are so many old snakes in dusty blue boxes tucked away in the top of a gun safe.

The original Pythons CAN shoot 357 Magnum but they tear themselves apart while they do. The blueing is so perfect you can’t actually touch it. The double action is amazing however it is delicate. For that reason we don’t train with it or carry it; so its really an SA with a DA “feature”... Hmmm.

As a result, most of the original Pythons sadly, sit in boxes. They sit and wait for their annual unboxing and semi-decade shooting. Anxious shooters loading it up with 6 rounds of 38 wadcutter to fire in Single-Action. Feverishly wiping it down after and getting it back into its cool, dry coffin.

? So the gun sits and is never tired, never worn and most importantly never REPAIRED.

That is the death-nell for our beloved Python. The culture surrounding the firearm can’t continue if they aren’t being used. That’s why Colt stopped producing them, because there was no demand for the temperamental old snake.

This new Python shares everything we love about the original, except... we can thrash it - and that my friends, makes this snake the king we need it to be.

I can’t praise Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC enough for stepping out to actually make something we all wanted. A Python we could actually buy and shoot.

What could the future hold? Time will tell but its certainly clear that the Python is a rousing success and that it’s here to stay. If I could get some wishes from the Colt Genie- I'd wish for spare parts and for Colt to really get crazy with their revolvers. Modernize them with new materials, new chamberings and a fresh look at what the old snake is capable of.

Its time for old school cool to shake hands with the new guy and share its secrets as we move into a new era of Wheelgun History. Some of us - are just. getting. started.

-Mitch Eckler

Firearms Instructor, Revolver Enthusiast

-To find out more about the new Python click here.

-Let me know what YOU think about the new Snake - discuss in the comment section below or send me a private message with your thoughts.

Mentions - Burris Company, Inc / Hogue Inc. / Evolution Gun Works Inc