Making Modern Colt Revolvers
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ค. 2024
- With the disappearance of the last custom-shop-produced Pythons made in the early 2000s, Colt, a name nearly synonymous with revolvers, found itself out of the modern double-action revolver business. More than a decade passed, but Colt found a way to resurrect old names and designs, all while improving on legacy platforms and building them with modern machinery and techniques. Watch our American Rifleman Television feature segment above to learn how they did it.
"In the back of my mind, the grand idea was to bring back the heritage of revolvers that we had at Colt, and I remember distinctly, I was in a shop in Minnesota, I passed on a Python back in the mid-'90s and was kicking myself ever since," said Paul Spitale, executive vice president of commercial business at Colt. "When I came to Colt, part of it was, "How could we bring back the Colt revolver story?'"
Colt started by reviving the Cobra, a compact, double-action/single-action revolver chambered in .38 Spl. The design was an homage to the lightweight revolver of the same name produced by Colt in 1950, although this new design featured a stainless-steel frame instead of the aluminum frame of the original. However, the real changes were inside the gun, and much of it had to do with the new manufacturing processes used to build them.
"So part of the magic of the new Colt double-action revolvers is really where the design meets modern manufacturing," said Justin Baldini, production director at Colt. "What that means is certain parts of a revolver used to be multiple pieces, the ratchet assemblies is a good example of this, now that's a single piece because we've got things like multi-axis CNC equipment that can hold much tighter tolerances. Part of that modern technology has allowed us to build a revolver that, really, is closer to what Sam Colt envisioned, which is an assembled process to build these firearms."
From the launch of the first Cobra, though, enthusiasts began to wonder whether or not Colt would extend its double-action revolver revival to the famous Python.
"I can say, whether inside this building, outside, industry experts had said, 'Paul, it would be a huge mistake to come back with the Python,'" Spitale said. "There's such a huge amount of enthusiasm, excitement, the resale market was, you know, people were buying Pythons for $3,000 to $5,000, and my thoughts were, 'That's all true, but I really knew that there was a consumer that never got to experience that legendary trigger or a trigger like that with the balance and the shootability of the Python,' so I really knew we'd be commercially successful in bringing it back if we had the right feature set."
Colt's new Python was introduced in 2020, featuring a completely redesigned internal mechanism, beefier frame, enlarged trigger guard and more, and the design was intended to improve upon the Python's of old while also eliminating any reliance on the hand-fitting required in previous models.
"This is not your father's or your grandfather's Python. This is a better gun. It's stronger," said Mark Redl, Team Colt shooter. "It's made with modern machining capability. The action is smoother, there's less parts in the action. The reason we could do that is because we redesigned the action, so this gun, in testing, went to 25,000 double-action cycles on a machine without any wear or breakage. I did a lot of test-fire on this gun. We shot 15,000 rounds of .357 Mag. We measured everything on it, from the forcing cone to any stretch in the frame that might happen. There was none. We were able to make this frame about 35 percent stronger than the original one."
Other double-action revolvers have emerged as part of Colt's new lineup, including the King Cobra and the .44 Mag.-chambered Anaconda, which is one of the latest additions to the collection. The Anaconda, in particular, borrows many of the innovations introduced in the revamped Python and addresses the trigger issues that plagued the first-generation models of Colt's big-bore wheelgun.
To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.
For the latest firearms and shooting content, please visit www.americanrifleman.org/
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I've been shooting Colt revolvers for decades and the new revolvers are such a joy to handle and shoot. I've been very impressed with all models of the new releases.
I grew up shooting my uncle's and Dad's old colts. Police positive 38 special, woodsman's, New frontier .22s. my dad bought a SIngle action Army in 45 lc about 20 years ago. 2nd generation. It developed a bur and had to go back to colt once but it got fixed! Shoots great now. My dad's friend passed away a couple years ago bought a new production king cobra and when you went to shake it, you could hear some parts in there raddle. I shot it a few times and it was a nice gun but it ended up shitting the bed on him. Cylinder wouldn't turn or even open. I'm sure every now and then a guy gets a bad one but they don't put as much attention to detail into the new ones. I bought a 1979 Colt python blued for 2700 back in 2018. Came with the hang tags, box, everything. Guy barely shot it at all. Not even a ring in the cylinder. It is such a honey to shoot. I figure yeah I overpaid a little for it but when you look at what it would cost just to bring back that deep royal blue. That would be like $800 right there. So 2700 wasn't too bad. I'll enjoy this revolver until I push daisies. The people that fret about it going out of time are the ones that never cleaned their guns. Some people brag about their round counts without cleaning. You do you but I'm gonna baby all my old colts! If you want to rapid fire 357s in double action all day long, you do you.
Makers of some of the greatest REVOLVERS ever made!!!
I got my 6" Python several months ago. Awesome gun that totally delivers! THANK YOU COLT FOR BRINGING IT BACK!!
Thank CZ for beating quality control back into Colt and making long awaited models again.
The best revolvers I ever owned.
The Python is still my favorite revolver :)
Glad to see the king back on top
The new 2020 Colt Anaconda is heads and shoulders better than the original Colt Anaconda. The thicker top strap and longer and wider cylinder. The improved Colt Python 2020 action expanded to Anaconda dimensions.
Agreed. Unless you're buying to collect there's no compelling reason to spend money on an original Anaconda when the new ones are better, and widely available.
No it’s not but it is nice enough.
Just got a Python, 4.25 inch. Well made and a VERY nice revolver. Recommended.
Same for me!!👍👍💯
Very pleased with my new Python.
Congratulations
I have been looking for a new Anaconda with an 8" barrel for years, and never saw one for sale. (Didn't want to mail order one.) This month I found one behind the glass in a sporting goods store, and my wife (who was with me) approved the purchase for my birthday (her approval is important to me). It is my dream gun come true! (It has a totally black rear sight, which I don't like, but everything else exceeds my expectations.) Thank you Colt, for creating such a thing of beauty.
I own 7 of these new revolvers and I can tell you straight up that this is an amazing job that Colt has done. The quality and action is absolutely amazing along with the fit and finish. They stand out unlike any other. You guys are doing an awesome job. I waited so long for you guys to bring this stuff back and can't believe it's been over 6 years already. I own all 3 barrel length Pythons, 6" and 8" Anaconda, 2" King Cobra, 2" Cobra and a silver Government 1911 and the black one, and man, I love them all. No other guns look better when you pull them out the holster, ready for show! Keep it up you guys, can't wait to see what's next. I say eventually, make a 7 shot Python, a 454 Casulle Anaconda, and bring back the Trooper.
You mean, no other guns look better, except for the royal blued & nickel finished Pythons of old. There's a reason why everything is STS nowadays.
It wasn't that way when the python reintroduced in 2020 there were a lot of people that experienced real problem with these revolvers which has finally been resolved in 2024 which means that the blued python that was just introduced the shot show will be a much better python than the original 2020.
@@texassportsman5880 the issue with the first series production was corrected very quick. You are safe to buy any new colt production. I have some of these and have probably 2000 rounds in on of them and never a problem.
@@norseman5041 you say fixed then why the one i ordered months ago didn't even have enough headspace to fit cases and close the cylinder? LOL.. cases rubbed the frame and wouldn't rotate. terrible QC. triggers on few i tried were mediocre at best. double action stacks and vague. stock trigger is not good. everyone sends theirs to heffron to get it worked on. There was one that i looked at that had an overclocked barrel. the top of the vented rib barrel is squared off, so it was obvious that the barrel was torqued past being perfectly straight. which makes the front sight is technically crooked. ehh.. "close enough" and sent it out the door. all from past year and half. original issues may have been fixed.. but the QC is still a problem.
A blued python would be incredible. the public would lose their mind
Hey, Colt. Is it really necessary to stamp a QR code on the frame? Couldn’t find another spot?
Lol you barely even notice it. Beats a hillary hole. To be fair you can't actually scan the frame code, only the tag code so I don't see what the point is
@@onseki1774 it DEFINITELY beats the Smith and Wesson lock hole.
Pete, I'm with you on this. It's not like these are cheap revolvers where you may forgive a poor finish. I notice it, and I don't care what Smith & Wesson does for the purpose of this conversation.
@@sixdollarman1362 Colt and Smith are the best revolvers in the world.
For real, like what was that haha
Love my Colt Cobra and King Cobra revolvers. Great triggers and a solid value for the money. The new models definitely live up to their heritage. Thanks to Colt for bringing them back!
My 4.25" Python is a masterpiece, truly. There's hundreds of utterly perfect tolerances on it that blow my mind every time I pick up. Worth every penny. I'm looking at a Night Cobra as a pocket counterpart to it. I've seen several pictures of the Cobra internals and it seems like at some point Colt moved from a MIM hammer to a forged one, can anyone confirm this? Modern S&Ws have MIM triggers and hammers as well, perhaps it's nothing to worry about as long as Colt themselves are supervising the metalurgy
I have both the vintage (78 model Royal Blue) and a new Python. The new Python is for REAL!!! I did replace both the front and rear sights with Wilson Combat sights, and my accuracy doubled.
Very glad you are back❤
Got my King Cobra Target 2022
Love it!
Thanks Colt.
Need that Colt Royal Blue finish back too.
Only issue i have with mine is the sights, as much as the python costs i shouldnt have to dish out more to get functional sights
I came close to buying a vintage Python that I wanted to shoot I called my gunsmith and asked his opinion. He explained about how a lot of the parts are hand fitted in each python to make it fit properly and work.
He further explained me that should I buy one and regularly shoot Magnum loads that one of those parts could break and it might not likely be fixable.
And I don't want to spend $3,000 or more on the vintage gun that I can't shoot.
So I spent $600 on a used Smith & Wesson 586 4-in blued that I can shoot. Parts for those guns are readily available.
Now that Colt has released a contemporary version of the python in a blue finish I'm intrigued.
Alright now make blued python’s please I’ll pay up for it
I would too. I don’t want a chrome revolver
Stainless doesn't take blueing very well, they'd be adding a significant amount of weight by going carbon steel, look at the S&W 637 weight vs the Model 36 classic, 15.5oz vs 19.4oz for functionally the same gun
Colt is doing their high polish royal blue on Single Action Army and 1911's through special orders in their Custom Shop. The high polished blued finish will be offered at some point for all the 2017 - present snake gun models, especially the Python. But you can almost be certain it will be a special order through the Custom Shop only or a limited edition run. Either way, you better be ready to pay the big boy amounts if you want one. If a regular stainless is $1,500 MSRP......a high polished blued will easily be $2,000 to $2,500 each.
They are !
Love my Python engraved and my 44 Anaconda, also have the Delta elite 10mm and can't wait till your 4 inch Anaconda comes out
Holy Cow ! Where did you find a Delta Elite ?
New Python as good if not better than older version. My only dislikes are 1) Loose rear sight - easily remedied by purchasing an aftermarket sight; 2) Agressive grooves on the trigger. It makes it uncomfortable when shooting double action.
I esecially like the stainless finish, stronger frame and the ease of replacing the front sight blade to a fiber optic after market model.
Kudos to Colt for making them avaiable in the gun oppressed state of Massachsetts 👏👏👏
The new Python looks OK, but the trigger aesthetic looks off... Be nice to see this new Python with a trigger more closely matched to the original. Wish QR code marks were not on a firearm, and would be nice to see a royal blue option too. I know these and many currently made guns are full of MIM parts, and I hope they are finished and made to a high level. Good luck Colt.
Better then original
Python needs to be "Colt Royal Blue" Please! ?
How long does it take the factory to repair a new 2020 Python returned under warrantee? I bought one 1-4-23 and light strikes were experienced DA right out of the box. I returned it and am still waiting 6 weeks later. I heard all the bugs were worked out but apparently not. A nice smooth DA pull is worthless if it's not reliable. What's with the new warrantee? It's only for a year? Why aren't parts available for the new Python? A simple MS replacement may be all that's needed instead of waiting months. Disappointed.
Thanks for sharing that. I have some old Colts that still function and a 2004ish SSA that doesn't get fired enough to have problems. Basically. I've never had to deal with customer service at Colt. I have dealt with Ruger and have to say those people know how to treat a customer.
Have to get the blued one when it is available in the stores.
Bring back QC 😂 got a king cobra that had a gap between barrel and frame that you could literally stick you’re fingernail in! Traded it off
Had the same issue with a cobra and king cobra, the cylinder end shake was terrible on both of them and sent them both back to colt multiple times with no real fix so I traded them off. Colt needs to drastically improve QC
The problem with Colt they do not make enough handguns. Try finding a King Cobra in .22 lr with a 6 inch barrel.
They have NEVER produced one of those. They made the 4" for a few months and ceased production. They are making design changes before they start making them again.
I sent mine back for a broken trigger return spring like 4 months ago, they destroyed it and said they would send a new one when productions started back up in a few months. Still haven't heard back
I carried a cobra that i bought in the 70's i loved it, finally sold it still have a number of colts 22lr up to 357. They all have a great action. Even my 1911 series 70 govt. All super firearms.
Nothing beats a Colt
I’ve got a 1992 stainless python and a new one, fit and finish is much better on the new one!
Hopefully the quality control has improved from thrre past problems.
My only criticism is the terrible back sight they put on these things but everything else is just extraordinary, with the single best single action trigger I've ever felt on a factory gun.
We need the Blued version...
I love my Colts but wish I could have at least one of each of the snake family
Everybody’s complaining about the barcode doesn’t bother me
Was almost as mismanaged as the previous Remington firm, look how that ended.
Thank you Colt for not going to sleeved barrels
The last 3 new S&W revolvers I bought all had to go back to the factory due to trigger issues and other issues. I'll never buy a new S&W revolver again. I'm saving money to get one of these.
Thanks to CZ for bashing some heads to impose QC back into manufacturing and bringing back favored models.
Put the ramp front sight back on the cobra, and fix that "dent" in the trigger guard! That looks cheap!!
When testing the Python why did the test have a 1911 on his hip and what was the manufacturer of that 1911. You would have thought there would have been a revolver on his hip given the nature of this presentation
Ricky from IBM
I'm afraid of shooting my new 6" python, I don't want to be disappointed and pissed off! Maybe it will work.
Watching this, he talks about the proof rounds and the strength....as mine is sitting at colt now for repair on damage trigger chunks in the grip from dry firing with snap caps....I miss my snake. They need to hurry up. Lol
I hope when mine comes back the timing issue will be fixed. This timing issue I have makes me wish the warranty was lifetime and not for 1 year.
Today's cnc technology 10 fold better than hand fitted
How product barell on Colt Phython ?
Reintroduce the Royal Blue Python in 2.5"!!!
Even the Stainless in 2.5".
Bring back blued revolvers.
Can anyone guide me to a speed loader that they know for sure from experience that fits the King Cobra? I have tried all of the ones suggested so far, the latest being Pachmyr, and none really fit.
Try Speed Strips. Easier to carry in the pocket too, less bulky.
Hey colt my 1500 python stopped frigging working
Please release a 45 Colt Anaconda with 4.25” barrel.
Better sight structures? The rear sight on the 2020 Python is trash - other than that it's a nice revolver. Luckily Wilson Combat solved that issue.
I'm going to own me a nice wheel gun B4 I die.
Excelente video y explicación desde la Colt Cobra, hasta la Colt Anaconda..!! Muy buen documental,.me gustó mucho, y más si es de una excelente casa como lo es la Colt..!! Yo poseo varias armas de la Colt y una de mis favoritas es la Colt Match Target, esa arma me la heredó mi padre..!! Yo soy fanático de la casa Colt..!! Saludos
Own a new 3, 4.5 & 6 inch. All shoot like lasers.
I own the new Python in 6 inch and the new Anaconda 6 inch. Here's my take on them after a few years and a few 1000 rounds diwn the tubes. The new Pythons were not a hit when rushed out. Colt banked on the hype and it worked but QC took a hit on the reintroduction of thier flagship wheel gun. They had 20 years to get it right and fumbled. Complaints of muzzle crowns buttched, light stikes, wheel lock ups and rear sight set screws and blades flying off. All were addressed but the rear sight. The one who designed that rear sight, and gis buddie who approved if for production should go back to Arbys as a fries manager. My complaints on both are the sloppy fit of the rear sights, front sights; although better then pined on, they should of been tooless like Smith does; roll marks, why couldn't they be original?; heavy DA pull; positive angle on the hammer hook causing hammer to cam backwarks before falling, Python cylinder on the short side, cylinder gap could be tighter, .010 is a little big for me.
Other than those issues, the positives are many. Replace sights with Wilson, removed positive hammer hook angle. Thank Colt for getting the snake guns back to production so many can own one now. The fit and finish on a production is second to none. Smooth pull in DA or SA. Leaf spring design is a major Anaconda upgrade along with a nice long cylinder. Much fewer parts to break.
1. Why did they make the firing-pin PRESS FIT into the frame?? Which makes it FARRRR harder to replace??
2. Why did they add that HIDEOUS QR code right in your face on the frame, and not say inside the grips???
I'm waiting for the .45 Colt Anaconda.
Why? Shouldn't you want them to make a 454 Casull as heavy as it is? 454 Casull can fire 45 Colt as well.
Ever hear of the "bank vault lockup"? Well, that is one of MANY reasons why the old Pythons are still better. With the bank vault lockup, the cylinder is held tight during fire. If the cylinder is opened & closed properly, the precise timing will not create a "turn line". Of course you had THE Royal Blue & Nickel finishes of old.
Who cares the new ones are "30%" stronger, your normal poindexter will never get close to reaching it's lifespan. Yeah, the old ones needed some timing correction after heavy use, that's expected with something as intricate as the bank vault lockup.
Now, I'm not saying these new ones don't have a place at the table, they do. I'm happy Colt is making them. I'm sure they're great utility guns you can beat around & not feel that bad. They give the current poindexters the chance to buy a Python new because they're too dumb to buy a quality old example. I just wish people would quit with the "they're so much better" nonsense. They're really not, for reasons most poindexters will never understand.
COBRA FRAME 38SLP,...WITH 3 -4 INCH BARREL,....NEXT.,.....⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍🇵🇷
The QR code is just plain dumb. If I knew it was there I probably would have bought a GP100. I will get 586 when available.
now make a revolver in 9mm so I don't break the bank on ammo. The python HAS to be available in blued steel.
You mean CZ revolvers?
A rose is a rose...
No colt revolvers . They are still colt inc , and Cz bought them under two diffrent trade marks colts name stays it’s basically a bail out everyone keeps there jobs at colt and Cz advises them how to make money and reeps the profits
Except they aren't better. Reviews from people that bought a gun are showing it. Trigger pulls are heavier in both single and double action. No blued steel as an option. Fit and finish aren't there yet. I am a Colt fan. I want you to succeed, but you aren't there yet. Accuracy is not nearly the same. My 1965 Python will shoot X rings all day. Fix the Python hammer while you're at it. It looks like it belongs on a gun costing half as much.
I'm sorry, I'm a colt fan boy. My old Dimond Back and Python revolvers are way are way better than what you are producing today.
Define "way better"...? I've owned older ones, and function wise, I'll take the 2020 Pythons any day over the older ones. The Royal Blue finish, yes, I do miss that! But these new ones are FAR superior in design, strength and durability.
White Glover spotted
15 seconds of making and the rest of the time marketing. poor