Hello, I'm from Germany and I have a Colt Python from 1966. It was my first gun what I've bought and i would NEVER, EVER sell this one. I have a really expensive manufactured gun in .44 Mag as well from the best german manufacturer, but the Colt is always my favourite. If you put it in your hand, you feel the knowlege, the love and the detailness what the "Gun-master-builder" did to this gun. Myself shoots around 8000 shots and its always brand new, cause I clean it after every shooting. I love it and it's always the best for all time. Thanks you Colt for this gun, i hope it's going on and thank you USA to make it possible. Greets from bavaria/munic to all python lovers in the world
My dad has an original python that he bought for "investment purposes" it absolutely kills me that he has a beautiful gun like that just sitting there as a paper weight (hypothetically)
The old that were made from 1955 through 20 years were works of art, smooth as silk extremely accurate for the pure joy of Bullseye shooting one day when your dad is gone, take the gun out with some good target loads and you’ll have a piece of your father with you
My 1976 called Paisan after firing it five times with jam and the cylinder wouldn’t turn I had it repaired two times and on the third time when it jammed again I put it away until about four years ago and had a chance to sell it and I got rid of that piece of crap GJM
Don't get me wrong I respect the new Pythons, but aesthetically I prefer the older and blued versions. I have yet to own either, but I've owned many other Colts. I just love that old blue and wood.
Excellent video on the history of the Colt Python. I have a 1986 Python I bought new back then and still have it. In the mid 80's to mid 90's, I used it for police bullseye competition. Shot mainly 38 special wadcutters through it and some 357 loads. Still shoots great and have not had any timing issues. With proper care it will last a lifetime.
If you think , that shooting a lot of Hot .357 loads through a path and will ruin it. Just shoot your hot 357 loads and a model 27 or 28 smith and Wesson.
If you think , that shooting a lot of Hot .357 loads through a path and will ruin it. Just shoot your hot 357 loads and a model 27 or 28 smith and Wesson.
My 1963 Python has the finest cylinder locking I have ever found on a revolver. I don’t shoot it much these days. It is made in a way like not other pistol I’ve owned.
Very few Pythons were in LEO holsters either b/c cops couldn’t afford them or the jurisdiction couldn’t afford them. City cops carried a .38 while most state & county cops carried magnums. My issued weapon was a S&W Model 15, but as a detective it was a Colt DS.
The supposed fragile nature of the Python is much more myth than reality. Everybody has heard about it, but when you start digging you will find very few that have ever seen it. I know that my own 1964 Python is still in perfect order. Fifty-nine years of service and still counting isn't exactly fragile. I doubt the plastic pistols of today will manage that.
Brian, Appreciate your wise reality check on Colt reliability as opposed to myth. I nominate you myth buster of this comment section. THE REAL JERRY MORAN
The plastic pistols of today will easily outlive a Python round count wise. The original Pythons did not live up well to continued diets of .357 magnum
I found the new trigger system to be pretty much identical to the original Python. I own a '70s Python that I purchased new. For most of my life that was my only handgun. A couple years ago I purchased one of the new King Cobra guns. If I understand correctly it has the same trigger system as the new Python. It required no adjustment to the way I pull the trigger. It "stages" like my Python. Of course my finger is trained to use it that way... pull, hold, and pull to fire. After some years it becomes instinctive. Not that huge of a gun. I have a S&W 629 and it is substantially bigger. The Python is still small enough to concealed carry if you need to. Really an "ideal" size to power ratio going for it. The workers of a previous generation had no special magic. The excuse that "skill" died and retired is a sign they had p-poor management.
I would agree with you regarding the old vs new trigger/action. I have 4 original Pythons and three new Pythons in each barrel length. I like the new Pythons as they're great shooters. I will always have a deep affection for the old models especially when I think about the hand work that went into producing them.
"Skill" dying was/is a real thing. They came out with the Python in '55. By the late '60s quality was already dropping. Partly due to company production management & partly due to skilled workmen labor. Both by-products of our "leaders" selling US manufacturing industry out to China. Thank Kissinger & associates. If you want a pride of manufacture Python, find one made in the '50s.
My only complaint about the new ones are the garbage rear sight they out on it, i replaced mine with a wilson combat sight and all is good. I believe colt is now putting the wilson sight on them because of all thw complaints
I found one at a gun show today that had a ‘v’ stamped where the plunger thing that ejects the brass when your done shooting rests. Honest outlaw said a ‘L’ is what to look for cause those are the updated models that got rid of the issues but what does the ‘v’ stamp mean and is it worth the $1,350 price tag?
In the mid 1960s, I started shooing pistols, and my best friend saved up enough to buy a python. At the time, it was said that the pythons came out of the custom shop, and after shooting my friends, I believed that. I was pretty poor, so I never got one.
The 3 Must have Colts to own are the Model P, or Single Action Army, the 1911 and the original Python in blue, nickel or even stainless. I might try one of the new ones but they can't be the same as the first ones. The Diamondback is a very close runner up.
Back when I was a young man in the late 70's the Python was a good bit more than say the Smith & Wesson mod 19. So being a young man of modest means I quite often bought the Smith & Wesson because of price. A few years later when I was making more money I started to buy Pythons. I do prefer the Python but Smith & Wesson especially considering it's price point at the time was a real contender and made a quality product. I have bought some of the new 2020 Pythons but only one new 686. The hole for the key or whatever just isn't cool to me so even though that 686 is a very nice revolver I do prefer the new Python even though I am paying maybe $600 more for the Python versus the 686!
OK. I understand the sensation of wanting something to be the best can get you carried away. And for the Phyton this seem to be truer than for any other gun. The Colt Python is a good-looking revolver; however, we cannot look away from the fact that for guns used a lot would go out of timing. S&W, RUGER and Dan Wesson has made and continue to make very reliable revolvers. They do not look too shabby either. Looks are in the eye of the beholder but seems like people really get carried away by the good looks and chose not to see the facts when written on the wall in regard to the old Colt Python. The new production guns I hope will be way more reliable having removed much of the human errors that every old colt would be subjected too since they were hand fitted. Everyone has good and bad days, also the best of best gun smiths. I have a new Production Anaconda, and several 1911's from Colt, and all these are very good and reliable guns. I probably have shot 1500 rounds in the Anaconda. No issues so fare.
Norse Man, Other than decades of misinformation by folks who were beaten by Colts and ignorance of non owners of timing of Colts since 1889, It seems only the Pythons carry the reputation of out of time by firing heavy loads. It was not the first .357 and timing issues did not seem to be a problem rampant with previous Colt .357 models. The relationship of your Anaconda with hand , ratchet, and bolt for lookup are in principle of operation the same. Single pull through of the trigger rotates the cylinder in locked position in alignment with barrel. The old design 1955 did likewise. Please refrain from writing dependability about old pythons. I know of Pythons firing thousands of metallic silhouette rounds that never rendered the gun out of time. Out of time human caused by installed trigger stops restricting trigger rotation. Mishandling of firearm. Tuning without knowledge of mechanical sequence. BTW # 1 out of time are S&W 44’s as the hand thickness is impacted from heavy recoil. Colt timing relies on length of hand. JERRY Moran
@@jerrymoran8323thank you for speaking the truth about the Colt Python😊I have been around them my entire life and never once heard about a python going out of time ! Maybe if you cannot afford one now you just bash it sour grapes. Yes they’ve gone up a quite a bit, but look at the inflation of our dollar as well!
I'm glad Phil Shreier called it "penultimate". That means he also has a S&W Model 27 - a far better gun. I own both, and for showing off, the Python is prettier, but the Model 27 is the shooter.
I have a Colt Mark 5 Trooper I bought in the 1980's. It looks similar to the python. I love it and will never sell it. What is the difference between the two ?
Internal lockworks and frame. I've owned both and have done a complete disassembly of both guns and parts between the two are not interchangeable. The MK5 lockworks are much more simplified and require a lot less hand-fitting.
It was built on old Bridgeport mill and laves, and hand fitting and deep blueing and polish work of the whole trigger and gun! People cared about the quality and they knew the tricks! So they could charge more for a quality production gun with quality! The old guys died and lost their skills because people left the company!
That’s not correct. I get it you (and I) prefer the originals, but the new ones are excellent quality. (I know, I know the key lock….I guess if someone doesn’t want that don’t buy it)
I see they are made to put together fast . The pre locks were more hand fitted which costs alot more to pay a gunsmith . Sleeved barrels are also on the new ones . I will not waste my money on these guns . I would buy a taurus revolver any day over S&W
My Colt Python is from the 90s. Suberb gun. However, the gap between cilinder and forcing come seems too excessive. To many burden powder goes through it. Is it some sort of caracteristic from other Pythons?
Simply NO. The Colt Shooting Master (pre-WWII) was the finest production revolver ever. Not the Python. And the Python was not “Colt’s first 357”. There were a few Shooting Masters chambered in .357 Magnum. The Model 357 was introduced at least a year before the Python came out. Get your facts straight before you start pretending to be an expert.
At the end of the day the 2020 python is better than the old version I had a 1962 python and my new python and anaconda beat the hands down the original python is great but there was a reason everyone carried a s&w in the day it was because it had less issues the original python was a target revolver not a beat down hammer use abuse duty gun that job was for the dirty old girl on the block the 686
When the first TH-cam videos came out with the 2020 Python. Ken Hackathorn and his sidekick were quick to bash the original Python saying the values will tank because the new Python is superior. I have to applaud Hickok45 for his honesty, the Python he used was terrible. The 2020 Shot Show revealed issues at Range Day. The original Python still commands a premium for their craftsmanship. The cheap Hammer, Trigger, adjustable rear sight and silly QR code on the fame ruined the legacy of the Python!
Yes, how to make less seem like more. The new Pythons should be called something else; they aren't really Pythons but the "New and improved" version that looks like a Python but shoots differently than the original namesake.
Hello, I'm from Germany and I have a Colt Python from 1966. It was my first gun what I've bought and i would NEVER, EVER sell this one. I have a really expensive manufactured gun in .44 Mag as well from the best german manufacturer, but the Colt is always my favourite. If you put it in your hand, you feel the knowlege, the love and the detailness what the "Gun-master-builder" did to this gun. Myself shoots around 8000 shots and its always brand new, cause I clean it after every shooting. I love it and it's always the best for all time.
Thanks you Colt for this gun, i hope it's going on and thank you USA to make it possible.
Greets from bavaria/munic to all python lovers in the world
Phil don't ever sell it. Is your 44magnum a Korth? Those are sweet but very expensive I have a Ruger super redhawk 44magnum.
I also have one from 1966, amazing gun, ours might’ve been in the line together who knows!
The Georgia State Patrol carried Pythons for a good number of years. Most troopers bought their Pythons when the State Patrol switched to semi-autos.
Going to be picking up a 1978 Python from a buddy of mine. Can't wait to get my hands on it.
The Python is absolutely one of the finest pistols that I have ever shot in my life !!
Thank God for CZ
So. Is todays new Python trigger action the same as Colt's other .357's. Like the new Viper. Is there any difference?
My dad has an original python that he bought for "investment purposes" it absolutely kills me that he has a beautiful gun like that just sitting there as a paper weight (hypothetically)
Yup, I could not own a gun that I would not shoot. Guns were made to be shot.
Roger, respect your dad, he appreciates fine workmanship more than bang, bang, someday U may understand. :)
The old that were made from 1955 through 20 years were works of art, smooth as silk extremely accurate for the pure joy of Bullseye shooting one day when your dad is gone, take the gun out with some good target loads and you’ll have a piece of your father with you
My 1976 called Paisan after firing it five times with jam and the cylinder wouldn’t turn I had it repaired two times and on the third time when it jammed again I put it away until about four years ago and had a chance to sell it and I got rid of that piece of crap GJM
If you shoot a 357 dont forget your earplugs if you do you wont need them the second time
Very true don't do it
Don't get me wrong I respect the new Pythons, but aesthetically I prefer the older and blued versions. I have yet to own either, but I've owned many other Colts. I just love that old blue and wood.
...I orefer the blued Pythons to the new polished SS...
Colt announced blued pythons at shot show.
The new ones top barrel is bulkier then the bottom and the old ones weren’t like that the barrels were the same size.
New ones are superior products. It is always the same “old ones are better”. Not in this case.
Excellent video on the history of the Colt Python. I have a 1986 Python I bought new back then and still have it. In the mid 80's to mid 90's, I used it for police bullseye competition. Shot mainly 38 special wadcutters through it and some 357 loads. Still shoots great and have not had any timing issues. With proper care it will last a lifetime.
Shooting .357 magnum a lot will ruin its timing.
I think so too
If you think , that shooting a lot of Hot .357 loads through a path and will ruin it. Just shoot your hot 357 loads and a model 27 or 28 smith and Wesson.
If you think , that shooting a lot of Hot .357 loads through a path and will ruin it. Just shoot your hot 357 loads and a model 27 or 28 smith and Wesson.
My 1963 Python has the finest cylinder locking I have ever found on a revolver. I don’t shoot it much these days. It is made in a way like not other pistol I’ve owned.
Very few Pythons were in LEO holsters either b/c cops couldn’t afford them or the jurisdiction couldn’t afford them. City cops carried a .38 while most state & county cops carried magnums. My issued weapon was a S&W Model 15, but as a detective it was a Colt DS.
Very very awesome gun. If I would live in us it would be my carry gun. Love it.
The supposed fragile nature of the Python is much more myth than reality. Everybody has heard about it, but when you start digging you will find very few that have ever seen it. I know that my own 1964 Python is still in perfect order. Fifty-nine years of service and still counting isn't exactly fragile. I doubt the plastic pistols of today will manage that.
Brian, Appreciate your wise reality check on Colt reliability as opposed to myth. I nominate you myth buster of this comment section. THE REAL JERRY MORAN
The plastic pistols of today will easily outlive a Python round count wise. The original Pythons did not live up well to continued diets of .357 magnum
love my new python, action is glass
I found the new trigger system to be pretty much identical to the original Python. I own a '70s Python that I purchased new. For most of my life that was my only handgun. A couple years ago I purchased one of the new King Cobra guns. If I understand correctly it has the same trigger system as the new Python. It required no adjustment to the way I pull the trigger. It "stages" like my Python. Of course my finger is trained to use it that way... pull, hold, and pull to fire. After some years it becomes instinctive. Not that huge of a gun. I have a S&W 629 and it is substantially bigger. The Python is still small enough to concealed carry if you need to. Really an "ideal" size to power ratio going for it. The workers of a previous generation had no special magic. The excuse that "skill" died and retired is a sign they had p-poor management.
I would agree with you regarding the old vs new trigger/action. I have 4 original Pythons and three new Pythons in each barrel length. I like the new Pythons as they're great shooters. I will always have a deep affection for the old models especially when I think about the hand work that went into producing them.
Your 629 is an N-Frame revolver in .44Mag/Special. How does the Python compare to an L-Frame S&W 686 in .357Mag/Special?
"Skill" dying was/is a real thing. They came out with the Python in '55. By the late '60s quality was already dropping. Partly due to company production management & partly due to skilled workmen labor. Both by-products of our "leaders" selling US manufacturing industry out to China. Thank Kissinger & associates. If you want a pride of manufacture Python, find one made in the '50s.
They not only went up in value the dollar has lost its buying power
It's called inflation, blame the federal reserve.
I'd sure like to see the blued version come out
Colt's Python / Great content. Thank you. cheers 🥂 🥂 BRPC Nevada
I’m waiting on Colt to reissue the blued Python
Done
Best colt python old handguns.
Penultimate = next to last
Now colt needs to make them more affordable.
They've never been an affordable gun you want affordable go the Taurus route they make great pieces too.
My only complaint about the new ones are the garbage rear sight they out on it, i replaced mine with a wilson combat sight and all is good. I believe colt is now putting the wilson sight on them because of all thw complaints
The old-type PYTHON is Gun-smith of hand-made Gun. (^^)
I found one at a gun show today that had a ‘v’ stamped where the plunger thing that ejects the brass when your done shooting rests. Honest outlaw said a ‘L’ is what to look for cause those are the updated models that got rid of the issues but what does the ‘v’ stamp mean and is it worth the $1,350 price tag?
1350 price tag means it's probably new production. New ones are fine and supposedly are more robust
Colt’s blue onion dome is the highlight of the Hartford skyline. It’s where all the magic takes place.
@@parallax3dI'm sure it will be turned into apartments
In the mid 1960s, I started shooing pistols, and my best friend saved up enough to buy a python. At the time, it was said that the pythons came out of the custom shop, and after shooting my friends, I believed that. I was pretty poor, so I never got one.
The 3 Must have Colts to own are the Model P, or Single Action Army, the 1911 and the original Python in blue, nickel or even stainless. I might try one of the new ones but they can't be the same as the first ones. The Diamondback is a very close runner up.
"It's the penultimate revolver . . . "
Penultimate means second to last.
Great video....but who shoots a revolver with their thumbs pointed forward ?
A guy who shoots a lot more and a lot better than you.
"Penultimate" means next to last, not the best.
I had one kills me that I sold it
Back when I was a young man in the late 70's the Python was a good bit more than say the Smith & Wesson mod 19. So being a young man of modest means I quite often bought the Smith & Wesson because of price. A few years later when I was making more money I started to buy Pythons. I do prefer the Python but Smith & Wesson especially considering it's price point at the time was a real contender and made a quality product. I have bought some of the new 2020 Pythons but only one new 686. The hole for the key or whatever just isn't cool to me so even though that 686 is a very nice revolver I do prefer the new Python even though I am paying maybe $600 more for the Python versus the 686!
1:16 "What does penultimate mean? Like better than ultimate? Yeah that sounds right, I'll say that."
Means next to last
Goober
OK. I understand the sensation of wanting something to be the best can get you carried away. And for the Phyton this seem to be truer than for any other gun. The Colt Python is a good-looking revolver; however, we cannot look away from the fact that for guns used a lot would go out of timing. S&W, RUGER and Dan Wesson has made and continue to make very reliable revolvers. They do not look too shabby either. Looks are in the eye of the beholder but seems like people really get carried away by the good looks and chose not to see the facts when written on the wall in regard to the old Colt Python. The new production guns I hope will be way more reliable having removed much of the human errors that every old colt would be subjected too since they were hand fitted. Everyone has good and bad days, also the best of best gun smiths. I have a new Production Anaconda, and several 1911's from Colt, and all these are very good and reliable guns. I probably have shot 1500 rounds in the Anaconda. No issues so fare.
Norse Man, Other than decades of misinformation by folks who were beaten by Colts and ignorance of non owners of timing of Colts since 1889, It seems only the Pythons carry the reputation of out of time by firing heavy loads. It was not the first .357 and timing issues did not seem to be a problem rampant with previous Colt .357 models. The relationship of your Anaconda with hand , ratchet, and bolt for lookup are in principle of operation the same. Single pull through of the trigger rotates the cylinder in locked position in alignment with barrel. The old design 1955 did likewise. Please refrain from writing dependability about old pythons. I know of Pythons firing thousands of metallic silhouette rounds that never rendered the gun out of time. Out of time human caused by installed trigger stops restricting trigger rotation. Mishandling of firearm. Tuning without knowledge of mechanical sequence. BTW # 1 out of time are S&W 44’s as the hand thickness is impacted from heavy recoil. Colt timing relies on length of hand. JERRY Moran
Owned mine since November 1970 with thousands of rounds and never once gone out of timing and it's still a shooter, doesn't just sit in a box.👌👌
@@jerrymoran8323thank you for speaking the truth about the Colt Python😊I have been around them my entire life and never once heard about a python going out of time ! Maybe if you cannot afford one now you just bash it sour grapes. Yes they’ve gone up a quite a bit, but look at the inflation of our dollar as well!
@@GbSfODAit is nice to know someone who appreciates a Colt Python made in 1970
Yep! Inflation. Sleepy Joe has kept the printing press for dollars at maximum speed.
I have a beauty paid 350 dollars for it in the eighties it’s from the seventies but not sure what year no box no letter from colt
I'm glad Phil Shreier called it "penultimate". That means he also has a S&W Model 27 - a far better gun. I own both, and for showing off, the Python is prettier, but the Model 27 is the shooter.
How is it the best revolver if it is notoriously weak and goes out of time?
I have a Colt Mark 5 Trooper I bought in the 1980's. It looks similar to the python. I love it and will never sell it. What is the difference between the two ?
Internal lockworks and frame. I've owned both and have done a complete disassembly of both guns and parts between the two are not interchangeable. The MK5 lockworks are much more simplified and require a lot less hand-fitting.
The turning hand is less beefy and awkwardly shaped
Please make a video showing what you are talking about. Awkwardly shaped? 🤔
It was built on old Bridgeport mill and laves, and hand fitting and deep blueing and polish work of the whole trigger and gun! People cared about the quality and they knew the tricks! So they could charge more for a quality production gun with quality! The old guys died and lost their skills because people left the company!
I have an "K" Electroless Nickle, six inch, that resides in the safety deposit box at the local bank.
New Smith & Wesson revolvers are cheaply made
That’s not correct. I get it you (and I) prefer the originals, but the new ones are excellent quality. (I know, I know the key lock….I guess if someone doesn’t want that don’t buy it)
I see they are made to put together fast . The pre locks were more hand fitted which costs alot more to pay a gunsmith . Sleeved barrels are also on the new ones . I will not waste my money on these guns . I would buy a taurus revolver any day over S&W
I wouldn't say cheaply made but there's definitely a lack of attention to detail going on in their QC department.
@@walterrichmond6251 I'll take my old school Smiths anyday and I ain't apologizing for it either !!!
Yawn. “Old ones are better”. Not true at all, almost all newer products are better, last longer, and are cheaper. Fudds.
My Colt Python is from the 90s. Suberb gun. However, the gap between cilinder and forcing come seems too excessive. To many burden powder goes through it. Is it some sort of caracteristic from other Pythons?
Why there always have to be snakes. I hate snakes.
Simply NO. The Colt Shooting Master (pre-WWII) was the finest production revolver ever. Not the Python.
And the Python was not “Colt’s first 357”. There were a few Shooting Masters chambered in .357 Magnum. The Model 357 was introduced at least a year before the Python came out.
Get your facts straight before you start pretending to be an expert.
You're not even right. Colt chambered their Official Police and Single Action Army in 357 Magnum well before WWII, in the 1930s.
Agreed. I have a 1956 Colt Officer's Model Match in .38 Special that blows away the first iteration Python in terms of build quality and accuracy.
Old colt pythons were all handbuilt
At the end of the day the 2020 python is better than the old version I had a 1962 python and my new python and anaconda beat the hands down the original python is great but there was a reason everyone carried a s&w in the day it was because it had less issues the original python was a target revolver not a beat down hammer use abuse duty gun that job was for the dirty old girl on the block the 686
I’m not paying 2700.00 to 3500.00 without a certificate of timing! From colt!
Oh boomer, where are you even seeing these listed that high?
When the first TH-cam videos came out with the 2020 Python. Ken Hackathorn and his sidekick were quick to bash the original Python saying the values will tank because the new Python is superior.
I have to applaud Hickok45 for his honesty, the Python he used was terrible. The 2020 Shot Show revealed issues at Range Day. The original Python still commands a premium for their craftsmanship. The cheap Hammer, Trigger, adjustable rear sight and silly QR code on the fame ruined the legacy of the Python!
Back when the engineers and toolmakers wore white shirts and black ties to work. We will never see their kind again
good
😕
Yes, how to make less seem like more. The new Pythons should be called something else; they aren't really Pythons but the "New and improved" version that looks like a Python but shoots differently than the original namesake.
Agreed. And the new King Cobra .22LR has the same frame size as the old Colt "D" frame so they should've named it "Diamondback II".
Only buy an old python - new 1s junk.
San of Sam loved his Python
Son of Sam used a Charter Arms .44 Bulldog