Colt Pythons - A peek at Bill Wilson's collection with Massad Ayoob - Critical Mas Ep 32
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 มิ.ย. 2024
- Bill Wilson and Massad Ayoob love Colt Pythons. Bill grew up shooting his Colt Python and it was his first competition gun. Now Bill has quite the collection of rare pythons and he shares some of his collection with Massad. Between the 1/14" rifling twist, and the crisp trigger action, it doesn't get much better than a Colt Python.
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ABOUT BILL WILSON Bill Wilson has always been infatuated with guns. Originally trained as a watchmaker, he has been in the firearms industry since 1974, starting out with a retail store called Sportsman's Headquarters in Berryville, Arkansas. Since that humble beginning, he has built Wilson Combat into the largest and most successful custom firearms company in America. Since 1977 Wilson Combat has been the leading innovator in high-performance, custom 1911 handguns, tactical long guns and accessories. A Wilson Combat product’s unmatched level of exceptional reliability and peerless craftsmanship is only equaled by our legendary customer service. Wilson Combat is proud to service all levels of local and State law enforcement including The Department of Homeland Security, US Border Patrol, HQ SOCOM, US Marshal's Service, US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Diplomatic Security Service, Texas Rangers and many more elite law enforcement and military units worldwide. We are also pleased to support the needs of thousands of law-abiding private citizens in the United States and in many other countries abroad.
ABOUT MASSAD AYOOB:
Massad Ayoob has been handgun editor of GUNS magazine and law enforcement columnist for AMERICAN HANDGUNNER since the 1970s, and has published thousands of articles in gun magazines, martial arts publications, and law enforcement journals. He is the author of some twenty books on firearms, self-defense, and related topics, including “In the Gravest Extreme” and “Deadly Force,” widely considered to be authoritative texts on the topic of the use of lethal force.
The winner of the Outstanding American Handgunner of the Year Award in 1998, Mas has won several state and regional handgun shooting championships. Ayoob was the first person to earn the title of Five Gun Master in the International Defensive Pistol Association. He is the current President of the Second Amendment Foundation. He served 19 years as chair of the Firearms Committee of the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers, and several years as a member of the Advisory Board of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association. In addition to teaching for those groups, he has also taught
for the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors and the International Homicide Investigators seminars.
Mas has received judicial recognition as an expert witness for the courts in weapons and shooting cases since 1979, and served as a fully sworn and empowered, part time police officer for 43 years, mostly at supervisor rank. Ayoob founded the Lethal Force Institute in 1981 and served as its director until 2009, and now trains through Massad Ayoob Group. He has
appeared on CLE-TV delivering continuing legal education for attorneys, through the American Law Institute and American Bar Association, and has been retained to train attorneys to handle deadly force cases through the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network. Ayoob served for two
years as co-vice chair of the Forensic Evidence Committee of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He also appeared in each episode of Personal Defense TV (Sportsman’s Channel).
0:00 - The Colt Python .357 Magnum
0:50 - Why Bill removes his finger from the trigger
2:00 - The Finest Shooter Revolver
3:10 - Jerry Moran Python
4:30 - Bill's original shooter
6:40 - Keeping a Python in time
7:40 - How to reload
8:20 - Bank-Vault Lockup
9:40 - Snake Eye's Set
10:00 - 8" .38 Special
10:40 - 3" California Special
11:20 - The New Colt Python
12:00 - Sights
13:20 - Massad's Collection
14:35 - The Finish
15:05 - They perform
15:30 - Engraving
16:10 - Colt vs S&W
#MassadAyoob #BillWilson #ColtPython - กีฬา
When Mas is holding some of these he's smiling like a kid in a candy shop.
Sure is. Good to see a proud, gay man like this in his environment.
I've long been a S&W revolver fan, but those Pythons are beautifully crafted handguns.
Colt is no longer an American Company
@@SoccerVJ2011 Unfortunately true. Sad after 175 years !
I agree, the Smith can be made as smooth, but that colt finish is unmatched.
Plus the Colt cylinder spins "backwards" and the Smith cylinder release is superior.
@@SoccerVJ2011 They are owned by CZ. So what? They are still made in Connecticut!
@@thefrogking481 yggtthr
Now this edition between you two was absolutely wonderful to listen to. So much knowledge so much background to the guns it was as though we were sitting in a living room just listening to you folks talk.
I’ve wanted a Python since as long as I can remember. Finally picked up a new one earlier this year. My appreciation for the gun only increases with time.
My wife and I bought a “2020” Python earlier this year, and it’s extremely nice. I don’t have any problems with the rear sight, but we waited 2 years to buy one. Google an internal view of the new Python, and you’ll see it’s extremely robust, with many fewer parts than older Pythons. That’s not to say older Pythons are bad, but hand fitted means repairs could be very difficult. We shoot our guns. 💥💥💥💥
I will always treasure my grandfather's Colt Python 357mag!!! 🤠👍
Your collection left me in awww, beautiful works of craftsmanship, both your detailed breakdown of how these beauties work and perform is amazing... thank you for all your time and work to educate us all...
Glad you enjoyed it
When I turned 21, I went looking for a handgun. My local store had a consignment on a 4" blue Python with 3 grips, a basket weave holster, two speed loaders, and two boxes of ammo for $500. I didn't hesitate to go over my budget and buy it. I was told that the former police officer that sold it was given an ultimatum by his soon to be wife. Give up the guns and badge, or her. The gun was too good for him anyway. Still shoots like a dream.
Agreed. If he was willing to give up his guns first an foremost, he's a chump! And if they're ever the victims of great bodily harm and or death, she'll give him one of his balls back, one at a time, if they survive (in a baby food jar), and tell him, "Keep a couple of rocks on your nightstand. But not too big or heavy! We don't wanna hurt anyone who's trying to kill us!!! Now, go buy me some Bon Bons!"
"The gun was to good for him" Why? Have a problem with police officers? People who publicly disparage another usually suffer with personal problems..
@@dukeman7595 You never give up your guns. We've all got problems....
@Dalton You're projecting on the internet again. What made you even think that line was against police officers. The Gun was too good for him just because he let a very nice firearm (almost a piece of art) go. I dont even know the fella and without even thinking that hard I was able to connect the dots.
Get some help so that way you don't end up barking at other strangers, get rid of all that hate inside and you'll go through life's trails a little bit lighter.
😊😊
Thank you Bill for sharing a truly beautiful collection of Colt's and a great program, Keep the content coming and we always enjoy the company of Ken and Massad.
Will do
I really like the colt python I have a 4 inch made in early 70s Best shooting revolver I’ve ever owned
Something very alluring about the Python...might be the horse , or the rib, or the grips or the accuracy.
I much appreciate the explanation given for the "Bank Vault" lock up. It has to be the one most misunderstood feature of the Python. Gun shows, gun stores, shooters in general always point out out how loose Pythons are. Being a Python owner and shooter, when I tell them how the lock up works, virtually none knew about it or understood it. Odd to say the least. No other revolver I have ever shot locks up as solidly as a Python. Love-Em!
the small amount of looseness before lock up contributes to the silky action of the Python. Genius!
KnifeMaker
I'm in the process of buying a 2021 Anaconda. I hate knowing as soon as I complete the process, I'm going to have to correct the rear sight problem. I can't believe Colt continues to ignore this. Thanks Mr. Wilson for providing the solution. Amazing collection on that table!
Great show. In my stint in the Army MPs in the 1970s, we all had .45s, (many called "automatics" way back then.) But when I stated in the Texas, many agencies had outlawed those "Buck Rogers" guns and mandated revolvers. For years I carried the Colt. Loved the gun. Have a special place in my brain and heart for it. One morning we were chasing two armed robbers and in a car chase one of our guys was almost killed because he couldn't reload fast enough. The admin RELUCTANTLY allowed the science fiction, semi-auto carry for our department.
Carried both S&W and Colt revolvers. A 4" model 15 S&W for three years and a 4" Blue Colt Python for 5 years as a Lawman in the eighties. Still have it today. I own several Colts sidearms.
I have a 2020 Python. THANK YOU for pointing out that the 2020 Python's rear sights is total garbage. Neither Colt nor any of the after marker sight companies have been listening to 2020 Python owners for the last almost 3 years. Maybe they'll listen to you two fine gentleman and do something about it. Whoever at Colt approved the junk 2020 rear sight should be fired. SUBSCRIBED
Picked up my 2021 4" Python and marveled at how beautiful it was. First gun I ever owned that felt as if it were made especially for my own hands. Super comfortable. Everything I ever wanted. Just a great experience.
I love to listen to you two discuss these firearms....thank you so much.!!
I don’t think I’ve seen a video of Massad cracking a smile so often. I could tell they were enjoying reminiscing about their younger years and the joy they had with the revolvers.
Great video guys.
Really enjoyed this very interesting video on the Python and was glad the new 2020 model was mentioned.
Always thought the Colt Python was and is the most beautiful revolver ever made.
Thanks, guys! 👍🏼
Could listen to these two forever.
Great job on the videos guys! Love to see the personal collections and nostalgia. Keep it going, bring out more of the old-school personal collections, old custom guns, and stuff from the past.
Its so cool listening to two icons in the gun world tell us about different guns. I remember Massad Ayoob articles in Guns and Ammo magazine before the Internet existed.
I really enjoy the content provided here thank you very much Bill and Mass and everyone at the Wilson Combat channel!
Our pleasure!
I loved the video, I have a 6 inch Python made in 1978 and a 4 inch Diamondback also made in 1978, such a joy to shoot and they both loved to shoot the 110 grain bullets. Last year bought the 2021 new Python in 6 inch and the new 6 inch Anacondon, I'm big Colt fan along with their 1911's that I have.... thanks for the information and knowledge that you brought to the table, super job!
Lots of fun to watch. I see the admiration on both your faces for these beautiful pieces. Like kids in a candy store 😉. Thanks Fellas.
Our pleasure!
Mr.Ayoob, I purchased a Python a couple year's ago and really enjoy it. I've primarily got it as an investment. What a work of mechanical art and engineering. I really appreciate this last episode with some historical background and your personal appreciation for the platform. Really an eye opener. Thanks also for Mr. Wilson's input. Regards, Vince
That collection sure got my old heart racing.
Top Rate show Gentlemen 👍 Colt's Python I believe has a place in every old revolver shooters heart & mind. Even the ones that don't say so, very much 😅
Thanks Guys. You are both a treasure to me. May God bless and keep you safe and healthy.
In 1977, the Marine Corps Exchange at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, CA, had Colt Pythons and Trooper MKIII's on sale. The Trooper was $177.00. I put one on layaway, and put $20.00 on it. I got orders shortly thereafter, and never went back. I still kick myself for that!!
thats a tough one ...thanks for your service brother
@@russelder9743 It was my pleasure. Thank you.
I was on camp pendleton when they flew the last CH-46 down from El Toro...1999.
The Colt Python was my dream Colt revolver. I carried the Colt Trooper for about 6-years but always wanted to upgrade to the premium Colt. Then in 1976 before coming back from Germany I bought one while stationed there. Carried it up until I made a career change several years later. Awesome weapon.
An excellent description of the Colt Python from two people that truly understand this fine revolver.
So Good to see and Hear from two of the best Gun guys ever!!!!
Great episode gentlemen. Thank you.
Great video guys. I've been shooting Python's for the last 40 years and absolutely find them one of the finest double action revolvers ever made. Couldn't agree more with your comments/tips.
I love my Colt Python "wheel gun".
What a great presentation! Thank for the time and effort, as well as sharing experience, you both provide.
Our pleasure!
Just lovely, what an outstanding collection and wonderful post
Bought one recently. One of Bill's gold bead front sights, a Kensight Elliason rear, and Deer Hollow Gen 2 grips later = the perfect revolver.
What a great collection of very very fine Colts,,,,,,Pythons are unbelievable to shoot. Thanks for this video.
Great conversation! Love the history and back stories of your shooting experiences!
Incredible collection Bill!
I have a 2020 Python and as soon as I saw the Wilson Combat video showing that they are making sights for the 2020 Python I ordered a set. I'm glad I did because they were sold out by the next morning.
Great video - thank you gentlemen 🙏
Awesome video, thanks guys!
Fascinating. Thanks guys!
Magnificent revolvers and thank you for sharing your knowledge of those beauty’s.
What fun to see some examples of the pinnacle of American craftsmanship, with two guys who know how to get the most out of them, and did so.
I probably wouldn’t have been able to convince myself to buy an original Python but have always admired them. When the Python was reintroduced in 2020 I purchased the 4.25” version. I have been very happy with it so far, I love the double action trigger on it. I also purchased a 2021 Anaconda with a 6” barrel and I think the trigger on it is even better, at least between these two examples. Great video with great info! Thanks!
This is pure gold video in the gun world.
Mr.Wilson is what I would call a Colt Python "Wizard" of the Highest Order! It is a real Colt guy's treat to listen to Mr. Wilson and Mr. Ayoob discuss the history and mechanics of the Python. Ayoob would, and should, be considered Wilson's equal in Python technology. I first read a Ayoob written magazine article on the Python in Handgunner Magazine about 17 or 18-years back. Copied it, saved it, as I have any well written articles on Colt Revolvers by learned gun-pros like Ayoob and others. Thanks for the posting of this great video that contains invaluable lesson study on the Python from two real pros! Both have shot and competed with the Python in many revolver matches of the past. I carried the poor man's version of the Python as my on-duty sidearm, the father of the Python, the Official Police .38. I finally, years after starting in LE, worked enough part-time security jobs to buy my one and only, the Holy Grail of .357's, the Colt Python.Thanks again for this great video!
I love my Pythons one 6” and 4” model !
Right after that I found a Colt Diamondback 4” in the factory box !
I’ve never owned a finer revolver in .22 LR!
WOW, Great One Guys! Thank You!
Thank you. A classic video and I just saved it. I poured a little bit of cask strength Kentucky into a glass and thoroughly enjoyed that discussion and those gorgeous Pythons! I have only one; a 1964 wearing a 6 inch barrel. I shoot it regularly, but I do the majority of the shooting with 38 special. Please consider making a video of the two of you on the range shooting Pythons. Two masters shooting masterclass revolvers.
Awesome revolvers! A friend pulled out one of those 8 inch barreled pythons chambered in 38 special. I was impressed to say the least.
Truly fantastic history, thanks for for this!
Our pleasure!
Great video.
Now on to that Beretta 92 collection.
Very interesting Ive been fan of Python’s since the 1970’s The blued guns looked so beautiful
Wow! Thanks you guys. Really enjoyed this one.
Glad you enjoyed it!
big colt fan and collector. those are some beautiful Pythons. thank you for sharing.
You bet
I always learn alot from you guys , a wealth of knowledge.thanks
Gorgeous collection of snakes you have there, thank you for sharing
Love ❤️ them all, but I’m in love with the 2 1/2 barrel , nicely balanced, great job SIR’s
The best revolver I ever shot and owned. It was obtained in the 1970s, a 6" Nickel acquired buy my brother. Obtained short time later by me. Years passed and it served me well and was my big shinny pistol. It served as my carry gun for years on desert trips. Not long ago, gave it back to my brother.
Those nickel ones are worth quite a bit nowadays
Great informative video guys, as always. Love your collection Bill ! You guys Have A Blessed Day
Thanks so much
I have serious revolver envy gents. Pythons are rare here in S&W dominated Australia. I only have one, a 6 inch, Royal Blue 1979 build. I've used it for 25 years in Bullseye, IPSC, Colt Cup and Metallic silhouette. It will never sell whilst I am alive.
BTW, I always figured that the rearward latch release made it less likely to unlatch when drawn from a snug holster.
Fascinating Big history buff , thank you much … what a beautiful collection… thanks again 🇺🇸
Our pleasure!
Damn fine weaponry gentleman. I always enjoy watching videos with the knowledge that you guys bring.
Beautiful Collection Bill!
Let see when it possible a video with Bill, Massad, and Ken together.
Thank you.
GREAT VIDEO Massad & Bill, I bought My COLT PYTON new in 1977, I still have it after 6000 RDS fired through it and it is in mint condition ....
My father has a 6-inch blued from the sixties that he also carried in law enforcement, hopefully I get it 🤞.
i went out and bought an beautiful old 69 python that was carried by a leo... i just wish i had a dad that was around
Fantastic......I still have my Python from 1973....
That's a mighty impressive collection. Never knew they made a .38 Spl-only version. Thanks for the show-and-tell video.
What a beautiful revolvers!!!
Those wood furniture revolvers are beautiful. I have a SW, but don’t have qualms about brand. Quality is quality.
For long guns I’m generally a synthetic stock guy, but I love the wood grips on these too.
@15:31 Massad Ayoob's face when Bill Wilson flags him with the gun. 😬 Awesome video.
😆 I was surprised to see Bill muzzle him but didn’t notice the face Mas made lol
I look forward to your videos gentlemen. Thank you
Our pleasure!
Those are all pieces of art!
The best gun that I ever shot was a S&W 686 using .357 ammo. I was amazed by how effortless it felt when pulling the trigger, and the seemingly lack of felt recoil. I later purchased a modern .40 semi auto but only because of ammo capacity. I was fairly new to the gun world, so I probably would have gotten a revolver instead of my first purchase. I'm still considering either a 686 or Python some day. The Python appeals to me mostly because of its value and beautiful design. A gun's design and its facade are one of the most important features for me. I haven't committed only because I always feel the need to stock up on 1000s of rounds of ammo for each caliber that I own.
I didn’t know that about the trigger stop. Great info!
KewL collection of snakes !!
Back stories to each firearm was interesting too!
Good times right there!
Thanks and Blessings!
This whole video is full of icons. The men first!
Wow those blue ones are so nice!!!!!
Al DeJohn did build the very first preproduction Pythons with parts to streamline the assembly process as well as raise the level of hand assembly to custom execution. Later became the Custom Shop Superintendent. He was a great friend and encourager as you both were as well. TRJM 🦅🙏🍀😊
I was lucky enough to find a 4 1/2 " python circa 1965, probably paid too much but it's such a nice piece . Couldn't resist.
When revolvers were the only sidearm permitted
to be carried by police the
Colt Python was the
Swiss Watch of sidearms.
Truly a quality firearm!👍😊🇺🇸
Great Job Guys!
Great video thanks for the information 👍
Beautiful collection...
Thanks a lot
Love my 1976 4" royal blue Python. 😎
Thank you again
Thank you too!
I am partial to S&W. I sold off all my Colt revolvers years ago because I found the S&W actions were more durable and easily lent themselves to fine tuning. My only Python was a 6" beauty which I had tuned for the reason Bill and Massad mentioned. Unfortunately, this created the very timing issue Bill described, so I later sold it. A few years back I started rebuilding my Colt collection, but drew the line at paying the high prices now demanded for original Pythons. I was intrigued by the new Colt Python, but am not a fan of the stainless finish. I want that high polish and royal blue look. I suppose I could powder coat one to simulate the effect, but that new rear sight is such an abomination that I cannot ignore it. If an Elliason rear sight does become available, I may revisit the idea of buying one.
I have both and prefer a S&W for range use because I can smooth the action. The old Colt DA mechanism is intimidating relatively speaking - parts that perform 2 or 3 different functions should not be messed with. It’s not hard to find a gunsmith who can work on a Smith & Wesson but almost impossible to find one now who can service an older Colt.
Personally I’m not interested in a Colt revolver made after 1960. I wonder if Bill has a Model 3-5-7 in his collection as well. It came out shortly before the Python. Not as pretty but the same action and accuracy.
I made the mistake of buying a new King Cobra. The trigger reset is awful, so bad I sent Colt a video but they said “that’s just how it works.” The cylinder release is sharp and the MIM parts just look and feel cheap.
@@chipsterb4946 Thanks for the King Cobra advice. I was considering getting one, but I may reconsider now. Do you know if the action is the same as in the new Python?
@@Paladin1873 I think that they are the same. Something is wrong with my gun. I wanted one so much I bought it sight unseen… I really love my older Colt revolvers. Strongly recommend that you get a chance to dry fire one before buying it. Nothing is hand fitted and IIRC they “simplified” the old action. The worst part was the guy at Colt insisting “oh that’s how they work.” Had a conversation with Kimber “customer service” long ago that went the same way…
@@chipsterb4946 Kimber revolvers are something else I'm looking at. On TH-cam it appear the Colt action edges them out, but the price seems ridiculously high. What's your opinion of the revamped S&W 19?
@@Paladin1873 the Performance Center Model 19? I’d buy one in a heartbeat if I didn’t have more than one Model 66 before the canoe tipped over 🤓. IMHO a 3” S&W chambered in 357 Magnum is just about the perfect revolver.
I’ve looked at and handled a Kimber revolver and don’t “get” what the buzz is about. I’d rather have a Ruger … and I don’t own any Ruger revolvers. Not that Rugers are bad - just between S&W, Colt and Dan Wesson (older Monson,MA production only) all the bases are covered pretty well.
I’m obliged to add that I do not and will not own a S&W with that infernal lock. That’s the only reason I don’t have a new PC Model 19.
beautiful.
Thank you!
I wonder how the original Pythons compare the the French Manurhin MR 73. I've never handled either, but the reports on both are glowing.
When the new Python came out, one of the first videos on TH-cam featured Ken with a small time gun writer. It was an infomercial for the new 2020 Python. He and Ken said the old Python will tank in value!
They were so wrong on that review. The new Python was reviewed by Hickok45 and he went on the record about the revolver having an issue. At SHOT the Colt rep was asked about the Quality Control issues and he said of only one revolver had some minor issue out of thousands of revolvers delivered. At SHOT range day those issues happened and most kept a tight lip.
It’s a shame that the new Python lacks the quality and craftsmanship like the original. The QR code, cheap trigger and hammer along with the poor quality control really have helped the original Python command a premium.
One more detail, Colts turn clockwise, Smith and Ruger turn counterclockwise.
The older Smiths turn clockwise. And some older Colts turn counter clockwise!
Awesome collection and presentation.
Thanks for visiting