Here is a better pic of the new Python.

I gotta be honest, that still looks pretty rough compared to my 45 year old example that my mother carried in a leather holster on duty for many years. In fact, the more I look at it, the more I think it looks like monkey-hammered shit and it’s little wonder such low res pics of this thing are coming out. Literally every other picture of a vintage Colt Python in this thread is higher resolution, and I’m betting most of them were taken with cell phones. Colt debuts the “new” Python and it looks like nine miles of nasty ass that they’re trying to hide with low-res pics. If THAT’S a fine, picture-worthy example of what they’re producing, then I’m at a loss for words.

It’s a Python MKII. That’s not a Colt Python. And yes, I’m being snobby when I say that, and no, I don’t care. OP scored a real one. What’s in that picture looks like a used movie prop in comparison.

lbaker45, I've seen photos of your impressive extensive collection of handguns, are you going to come clean and admit that you've acquired one and just keeping from disclosing it because it was acquired thru back channels and hasn't officially been released?? Cmon now...

If the 2020 Python is offered in .22lr, I'm jumping on it.

Did someone yell snake? My one and only. It was a must have after I sold the one I bought in 1983 but had to sell when bills required it. This one isn't going anywhere.

I’m biased. But the new one just does not that that finish. I believe it was outlawed because of an EPA issue? That could be internet law but makes for a good story.

quote:

Originally posted by lbaker45:
Here is a better pic of the new Python.

Much better, thanks.

I'm not sure how that new grip is going to work out under recoil. I'm just guessing, of course, but somehow it seems like a little less bulk from side to side and a smooth rather than stepped surface where the top of the grip plate meets the side of the frame would be a bit more comfortable to hang on to.

Oh, and, may I be the first on this forum to say...".41 Special"? Since it's not exactly a classic Python anyway.

quote:

I believe it was outlawed because of an EPA issue?

Not really. You can still get a good reproduction of the Royal Clot Blue but the processes needed and manhours required is so extensive the costs are prohibitive.

A friend worked for Colt back in the days of production of their revolver line. Those people who had the skills to tune and produce the quality expected in the Python were far and few between even back in those days. Sadly the skills are long gone as are the people involved. Sad that they were never passed on to a future generation.

While the name may eventually resurface the same quality won't.

quote:

Originally posted by just1tym:
lbaker45, I've seen photos of your impressive extensive collection of handguns, are you going to come clean and admit that you've acquired one and just keeping from disclosing it because it was acquired thru back channels and hasn't officially been released?? Cmon now...

No, I won't be buying the new Python when I own this second month of production 1955 Python with a low 3-digit serial number. As new condition, factory fired only. I keep it wet with oil so it looks a bit spotty in this pic. The royal blue finish is still 100%, very rare!

Your collection never ceases to amaze..Beautiful example. I've always had an affinity for the Python, always seem to manage to have one. Had my share of a great many S&W's too. I just like the way a Python seems to fit my grip, the balance and feel. I'd imagine that others would say the same about their Smith's also.

For those who may ever need a refinish job with the old Colt blue flavor, when I was still posting many years back on the Colt forum, many favored and had great experiences with Ford's in Florida. Here's a link for those who may like to browse. The linked page is where they have a special section on their "Python Project"

LINK>>>>> Ford's Colt Refinishing and their Python Project

Just an aside. On their Python Project photo's page, if you just click on the photo, to see the many other images associated just click on the right hand side in the middle of the page at the very edge and you can scroll thru the many images of that particular refinishing job. I'm adding this because in my screen after clicking on the image to be enlarged, you cannot see clearly a page scroll mark to click.

quote:

Originally posted by leonidas211:
I’m biased. But the new one just does not that that finish. I believe it was outlawed because of an EPA issue? That could be internet law but makes for a good story.

You're thinking of the Glock Tennifer process, which they had to stop using because of EPA regulations.

The polishing process that Colt Pythons got back in the heyday was nothing short of absolute master work. Sometime in the last year or so, I saw some scans of a magazine article about the process, showing the barn-sized wall covered with dozens of different grade buffing wheels that they worked through to get to an absolute mirror-smooth polish before they gave them their final finish. I forget the number of years the "apprentice" had under his belt, but it was many, and he wasn't considered a "master polisher" yet. I wanna say the article was from the very early 60's.

That's what makes the Python finishes so wonderful, especially the deep blue: the polishing. And it's extremely labor intensive and dependent on a handful of master craftsmen, as with all other steps of their manufacturing. That's one of the things that made them less profitable to produce, and led to their lessening "quality" in later years and eventual discontinuation.

leonidas211, please update when you've had the chance to get out to the range, and feedback on the ammo and accuracy. I really enjoyed pushing .38+ down the tube as well as the .357mags. Most of all it was also a joy to shoot it!

New youtube video of Ken Hackathorn shooting the new Python. He likes it better than the original. At 13:57, there is a decent close up of the pistol.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrLYZruNw_g

In reading my newest issue of American Handgunner, I saw the full page ad for the new Python. It was about eight or nine pages in. It looked pretty good.

I like how people are bashing it when they haven’t even seen one yet other that a few crappy photo’s .

As the OP of this thread. I want to say I am so happy with the announcement of the new python.

I will get a 4 inch soon enough. The more classics that come out like this. The more we all get to enjoy them.

Thanks for starting the thread. It gets my enthusiasm up. ( Leonidas)
It has been 3.5 years since I heard something in wind... A rumor that Uberti was entertaining the idea of resurecting the Python with their Italian made clone.(no agreement with Colt?)
I wonder if any Italian parts are in the new Colt "snake gun".
Regardless, it got me to lightly oiling my 8" nickled Python , and puting some 20 mild handloads thru it.
Guessing now a few years later , I'll shoot it some again, at the indoor range club I have joined.

Well, if they've modified the revolver to have a second locking point, it might be worth the cash. Then again, if they've modified the internals, it's not really a Python, is it?

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
Well, if they've modified the revolver to have a second locking point, it might be worth the cash. Then again, if they've modified the internals, it's not really a Python, is it?

Kind of like those Ferrari Kit Cars with a Ford Engine in them. Not A Ferrari........

quote:

Originally posted by swage:

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
Well, if they've modified the revolver to have a second locking point, it might be worth the cash. Then again, if they've modified the internals, it's not really a Python, is it?

Kind of like those Ferrari Kit Cars with a Ford Engine in them. Not A Ferrari........

A new Ferrari doesn't have 6 carberators anymore like the old ones do they???? It's still a python, just with newer technology...….and yeah, they need a second locking point as original pythons are known to get out of time.

If you want an original, buy an original. If you want a nice one to shoot, with air conditioning......buy a new one!