New Pythons

charleslee · January 26, 2024, 02:29 PM

FYI: Colt has come out w/ blued ones! Already at distributors & shops. Look good.

wild cat mccane · January 26, 2024, 04:33 PM

Thanks for the post.

I'm the lone person of the opinion that stainless is just better in every way if you shoot a revolver. I can't even find beauty in them because of how fragile the coating is in use.

**JohnKSa** · January 26, 2024, 05:32 PM

Nope, not the lone person. There are at least two of us.

Armybrat · January 26, 2024, 06:01 PM

Am a stainless convert in recent decades, but ain’t dumping the blued guns I do have.

(Caveat: I can’t afford a Python anyway, blued or stainless)

44caliberkid · January 26, 2024, 06:15 PM

I will give them a look. But I understand your feelings about the fragility of the finish. I dinged the royal blue on my new Python back in 1976. I did it to another S&W revolver later on. Also the bad feeling of pulling a blued gun out of storage and finding surface rust on it. But I still love blued steel and fine walnut.

rclark · January 26, 2024, 10:10 PM

Quote:

I'm the lone person of the opinion that stainless is just better in every way if you shoot a revolver.

Only advantage I can see is you might be able to use it as a reflector (if sunny) to get a search plane's attention when your lost. Other than that.... Dings, wear just add character to a revolver over time. Use but don't abuse. Blued will last a lifetime just like an unfinished, err I mean, stainless revolver will.

CajunBass · January 27, 2024, 08:26 AM

I'm surprise I'm not all excited about a blue Python. When the "new" SS ones came out that's the one thing I wanted. A blue one. Now, three? Four years later, with two of the SS ones in the safe, I find I'm not all that excited about the idea of spending the money to get another one, just in blue. Not worried about the blue, the only place it would get fired (if it did) would be at the range. The rest of the time it would be in the safe, wrapped in a gun sock.

Don't get me wrong. I really LIKE the SS ones, I guess I've just got what I wanted, A Python, so that itch is scratched.

I might see about getting one down the road somewhere, but no rush.

**Mike Irwin** · January 27, 2024, 10:56 AM

I've never been excited by the Python. I just can't get around a ventilated rib on a revolver.

CajunBass · January 27, 2024, 01:12 PM

The Python is the only one I like it on. My LGS has a Ruger Single-Six, 45 acp/45 Colt that I wouldn't mind having, but someone has put a vent rib on it and it just looks "weird."

Skans · January 29, 2024, 11:53 AM

MSRP $1,600. I wonder what a slightly used one will eventually sell for. I have a '57 Python and a '60 Python that are safe queens. Would like to get a used blued for under $1K so I could shoot it.

wild cat mccane · January 29, 2024, 12:34 PM

haha, that's funny how we're all different.

I think stepped vented ribs are the only reason the python looks good. Wish S&W would do it. The PC models I think are weight saving...but looks...eee.

Stepped ribs on a shotgun just look so much better in my book. So much more visually pleasing.

If S&W ever felt the Python were taking any market share, do a good stepped vent rib. Done.

thump_rrr · February 9, 2024, 06:15 PM

I have a 77 6" Python in royal blue which is rarely shot because it doesn't have a turn ring on the cylinder. It's my only gun that is a safe queen.
I put 6-12 rounds through it and put it away till the next time I get the urge.
All the rest of my revolvers are stainless and get shot quite a bit more.
Besides I prefer shooting 44, 460, and 45-70.

stuckinthe60s · February 9, 2024, 06:26 PM

the rib does what its suppose to do. besides looks dont matter. the only thing youre looking at is the front sight anyway.

wild cat mccane · February 9, 2024, 09:22 PM

Hey now!

Looks are part of it. If S&W put out a Charter Arms look a like but with a triple lock, I'd bag on that too

Nathan · February 10, 2024, 08:58 AM

I love it. I will own one some day. I struggle with the triggers. Frankly, I struggle with Co.t triggers since I’m a long time S&W user.

Webleymkv · February 12, 2024, 12:51 PM

I'm glad to see Colt bring out a blued Python as, while I'm sure the stainless ones are very nice guns, a big part of the appeal of the Python has always been Colt's beautiful Royal Blue. That being said, I'd like to see one of the new blue Pythons in person to see how it compares in both quality and color to the old bluing. I've noticed that the color of the bluing on newer S&W's is different than the older ones in that it's more black in color. I've read that this is because S&W can no longer use the same bluing chemicals that they did on their vintage ones and I'm curious if the same condition might apply to Colt.

Dfariswheel · February 12, 2024, 03:58 PM

Around 1969 Colt changed bluing formula and after that Colt's had a more gloss Black color.

Compare a later Colt like a Mark III to an old original Trooper or 3-5-7 made in the mid-60's and you can see the difference in color.

Webleymkv · February 12, 2024, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by [BDfariswheel ][/B]
Around 1969 Colt changed bluing formula and after that Colt's had a more gloss Black color.

Compare a later Colt like a Mark III to an old original Trooper or 3-5-7 made in the mid-60's and you can see the difference in color.

It's interesting that Colt changed their formula so long ago (my 1970's vintage S&W's have the same color bluing as my 1950's example). I was not aware of the change as my experience with Colt revolvers is limited to my 1950's vintage Cobra and my 1920's vintage Pocket Positive both of which would have predated the change. If the bluing on the new Pythons is comparable to that of the 1970's and 1980's models I've seen, then it should still be very attractive.

44caliberkid · February 13, 2024, 10:02 AM

I looked at and handled a blued New Python at the Colt booth, Great American Outdoor Show. I owned a 1970’s Python for many years. The new Python was pretty, the blue was glossy. It seemed more transparent than the old Python. The old one looked shiny black, the new one it seems like you’re looking through the blue at the polished steel. And the new one looks more blue/black than just black. Doing my best to describe something that is very subtle. Of course it was also covered with finger prints and stuff from all the people handling it. If I could get one for around $1399, same as the stainless, I would consider it.

Hanshi · February 13, 2024, 03:40 PM

I have 3 ss revolvers and love them but no more so than my few blued ones.

Drm50 · February 13, 2024, 04:50 PM

Back in the day I went the whole route with Pythons & Diamondbacks. They were nice revolvers but for shooting purposes, which is what I bought them for, the S&W m27 beat out the Python. The Diamondback in 38 was tie with S&W m15 and maybe a little edge for S&W for durability. In 22 the S&W K frames were superior to Diamondback. On the other hand Diamondback better than J frame S&Ws.
Almost any knowledgeable gunsmith will tell you running gears of S&W are superior to Colts. I’ve owned most of Colts match grade revolvers and kept with S&W. There is no doubt the old Pythons and Diamond backs were beautiful revolvers. The new ones don’t hold a candle to them. I’m strictly a blues man. When I get stainless or nickel on trades I off them quick as possible to the first passing piano player.

603Country · February 13, 2024, 08:11 PM

I have one nickel 4” Python, bought in the 80’s and one nickel 4” Diamondback, also bought in the 80’s. Neither get shot much these days, but the Python was shot a bunch over the decades. And, it’s up valued so much that I worried I’d damage it, so I bought a S&W 686 for the grandkids and visitors to shoot. Honestly, the 686 seems rather crude compared to the Python, and the single action trigger pull wasn’t great. A trip to a good gunsmith and the 686 now has a great trigger pull. Bottom line, the Python is prettier, but they shoot equally well now. Better sights on the 686, and I like the grip better. If I had to sell one, it would be the 686.

January 26, 2024, 02:29 PM	#1
charleslee Member Join Date: October 19, 2008 Location: Northeast Posts: 70	New Pythons FYI: Colt has come out w/ blued ones! Already at distributors & shops. Look good.

January 26, 2024, 04:33 PM	#2
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,629	Thanks for the post. I'm the lone person of the opinion that stainless is just better in every way if you shoot a revolver. I can't even find beauty in them because of how fragile the coating is in use. __________________ My wife is a pulmonologist (respiratory Dr) and epidemiologist. If you have any questions on COVID, please reach out to me in PM.

January 26, 2024, 05:32 PM	#3
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 25,002	Nope, not the lone person. There are at least two of us. __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

January 27, 2024, 08:26 AM	#7
CajunBass Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2005 Location: North Chesterfield, Virginia Posts: 4,768	I'm surprise I'm not all excited about a blue Python. When the "new" SS ones came out that's the one thing I wanted. A blue one. Now, three? Four years later, with two of the SS ones in the safe, I find I'm not all that excited about the idea of spending the money to get another one, just in blue. Not worried about the blue, the only place it would get fired (if it did) would be at the range. The rest of the time it would be in the safe, wrapped in a gun sock. Don't get me wrong. I really LIKE the SS ones, I guess I've just got what I wanted, A Python, so that itch is scratched. I might see about getting one down the road somewhere, but no rush. __________________ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

January 27, 2024, 10:56 AM	#8
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	I've never been excited by the Python. I just can't get around a ventilated rib on a revolver. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

January 26, 2024, 06:01 PM	#4
Armybrat Senior Member Join Date: May 10, 2009 Location: Round Rock, Texas Posts: 976	Am a stainless convert in recent decades, but ain’t dumping the blued guns I do have. (Caveat: I can’t afford a Python anyway, blued or stainless)

January 26, 2024, 06:15 PM	#5
44caliberkid Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2017 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,104	I will give them a look. But I understand your feelings about the fragility of the finish. I dinged the royal blue on my new Python back in 1976. I did it to another S&W revolver later on. Also the bad feeling of pulling a blued gun out of storage and finding surface rust on it. But I still love blued steel and fine walnut.

January 27, 2024, 01:12 PM	#9
CajunBass Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2005 Location: North Chesterfield, Virginia Posts: 4,768	The Python is the only one I like it on. My LGS has a Ruger Single-Six, 45 acp/45 Colt that I wouldn't mind having, but someone has put a vent rib on it and it just looks "weird." __________________ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

January 29, 2024, 11:53 AM	#10
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	MSRP $1,600. I wonder what a slightly used one will eventually sell for. I have a '57 Python and a '60 Python that are safe queens. Would like to get a used blued for under $1K so I could shoot it.

January 29, 2024, 12:34 PM	#11
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,629	haha, that's funny how we're all different. I think stepped vented ribs are the only reason the python looks good. Wish S&W would do it. The PC models I think are weight saving...but looks...eee. Stepped ribs on a shotgun just look so much better in my book. So much more visually pleasing. If S&W ever felt the Python were taking any market share, do a good stepped vent rib. Done. __________________ My wife is a pulmonologist (respiratory Dr) and epidemiologist. If you have any questions on COVID, please reach out to me in PM.

February 9, 2024, 06:15 PM	#12
thump_rrr Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2010 Posts: 403	I have a 77 6" Python in royal blue which is rarely shot because it doesn't have a turn ring on the cylinder. It's my only gun that is a safe queen. I put 6-12 rounds through it and put it away till the next time I get the urge. All the rest of my revolvers are stainless and get shot quite a bit more. Besides I prefer shooting 44, 460, and 45-70.

February 9, 2024, 06:26 PM	#13
stuckinthe60s Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2017 Location: Va., Ct., Mo.. Posts: 878	the rib does what its suppose to do. besides looks dont matter. the only thing youre looking at is the front sight anyway. __________________ Retired Military Aviation Former Member Navy Shooting Team Distinguished Pistol Shot,NRA Shotgun/Pistol Instructor NSSA All American, Skeet/Trap Range Owner

February 9, 2024, 09:22 PM	#14
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,629	Hey now! Looks are part of it. If S&W put out a Charter Arms look a like but with a triple lock, I'd bag on that too __________________ My wife is a pulmonologist (respiratory Dr) and epidemiologist. If you have any questions on COVID, please reach out to me in PM.

February 10, 2024, 08:58 AM	#15
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,334	I love it. I will own one some day. I struggle with the triggers. Frankly, I struggle with Co.t triggers since I’m a long time S&W user.

February 12, 2024, 12:51 PM	#16
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	I'm glad to see Colt bring out a blued Python as, while I'm sure the stainless ones are very nice guns, a big part of the appeal of the Python has always been Colt's beautiful Royal Blue. That being said, I'd like to see one of the new blue Pythons in person to see how it compares in both quality and color to the old bluing. I've noticed that the color of the bluing on newer S&W's is different than the older ones in that it's more black in color. I've read that this is because S&W can no longer use the same bluing chemicals that they did on their vintage ones and I'm curious if the same condition might apply to Colt.

February 12, 2024, 03:58 PM	#17
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	Around 1969 Colt changed bluing formula and after that Colt's had a more gloss Black color. Compare a later Colt like a Mark III to an old original Trooper or 3-5-7 made in the mid-60's and you can see the difference in color.

February 13, 2024, 10:02 AM	#19
44caliberkid Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2017 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,104	I looked at and handled a blued New Python at the Colt booth, Great American Outdoor Show. I owned a 1970’s Python for many years. The new Python was pretty, the blue was glossy. It seemed more transparent than the old Python. The old one looked shiny black, the new one it seems like you’re looking through the blue at the polished steel. And the new one looks more blue/black than just black. Doing my best to describe something that is very subtle. Of course it was also covered with finger prints and stuff from all the people handling it. If I could get one for around $1399, same as the stainless, I would consider it.

February 13, 2024, 03:40 PM	#20
Hanshi Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2017 Posts: 239	I have 3 ss revolvers and love them but no more so than my few blued ones. __________________ Young guys should hang out with old guys; old guys know stuff.

February 13, 2024, 04:50 PM	#21
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,382	Back in the day I went the whole route with Pythons & Diamondbacks. They were nice revolvers but for shooting purposes, which is what I bought them for, the S&W m27 beat out the Python. The Diamondback in 38 was tie with S&W m15 and maybe a little edge for S&W for durability. In 22 the S&W K frames were superior to Diamondback. On the other hand Diamondback better than J frame S&Ws. Almost any knowledgeable gunsmith will tell you running gears of S&W are superior to Colts. I’ve owned most of Colts match grade revolvers and kept with S&W. There is no doubt the old Pythons and Diamond backs were beautiful revolvers. The new ones don’t hold a candle to them. I’m strictly a blues man. When I get stainless or nickel on trades I off them quick as possible to the first passing piano player.

February 13, 2024, 08:11 PM	#22
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	I have one nickel 4” Python, bought in the 80’s and one nickel 4” Diamondback, also bought in the 80’s. Neither get shot much these days, but the Python was shot a bunch over the decades. And, it’s up valued so much that I worried I’d damage it, so I bought a S&W 686 for the grandkids and visitors to shoot. Honestly, the 686 seems rather crude compared to the Python, and the single action trigger pull wasn’t great. A trip to a good gunsmith and the 686 now has a great trigger pull. Bottom line, the Python is prettier, but they shoot equally well now. Better sights on the 686, and I like the grip better. If I had to sell one, it would be the 686.