Blue Python

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

January 23, 2024, 04:12 PM

Oaklane

The 4.25 “ one I saw had the vent rib with 3 spaces in it, like the 6”, the stainless only has the 2 and looks much better in my opinion, if it was the 2 spaces it would look much more like the original

January 23, 2024, 04:40 PM

dozerd8

Claims of the 4.25" vent rib 3 spaces photos are pre - production. Saw another pic with 2 space vent rib floating around. Sure there will be plenty more photo's and info shortly.

January 23, 2024, 04:43 PM

Black92LX

6” for me please!

January 23, 2024, 09:53 PM

I wonder if this will persuade S&W to finally get rid of the lock. They had four years under Trump to do it knowing they’d get no pushback from them.

January 23, 2024, 10:36 PM

ridewv

It sure looks to have a beautiful deep and shiny finish, at least in the photos, thank you Colt and CZ!

I'm curious just how or what process they are bluing it? I've been hearing in recent years how the process or chemicals used to traditionally blue guns like they did in the past just can't be done anymore due to EPA, OSHA, or whatever. So are they bluing similar to how they did in the past or is there a new process that gives similar results?

January 23, 2024, 10:59 PM

Ogie

quote:
Originally posted by dozerd8:
Claims of the 4.25" vent rib 3 spaces photos are pre - production. Saw another pic with 2 space vent rib floating around. Sure there will be plenty more photo's and info shortly.

I also saw a picture of the 4.25 inch Python with the two space vent rib. I am seriously interested in this revolver. I do prefer the looks of the two space vent rib.

January 24, 2024, 11:34 AM

VictimNoMore

How I have waited for this day.
This one goes toward the top of the list of 2024 acquisitions, for me.
Happy.

January 24, 2024, 11:55 AM

sigarmsp226

January 24, 2024, 12:50 PM

David Lee

Me take a blue 6" and a satin stainless to match. A big Anaconda in 45 Colt too...dreaming..

January 24, 2024, 01:05 PM

kingfish007

Can't wait for them to be available...

January 25, 2024, 12:37 AM

Why are Pythons 4.25” and not 4”? Better balance versus Smiths being 4” in a similar configuration.

January 25, 2024, 12:49 AM

220CDAK

quote:
Originally posted by SS:
Why are Pythons 4.25” and not 4”? Better balance versus Smiths being 4” in a similar configuration.

I've wondered the same myself. A new model 19 is now 4.25" also.

January 25, 2024, 02:58 AM

sprg03-A3

quote:
Originally posted by SS:
Why are Pythons 4.25” and not 4”? Better balance versus Smiths being 4” in a similar configuration.

They are made with barrels 4.25" long to be able to sell them in Canada.

January 25, 2024, 04:26 AM

Mars_Attacks

I want a 2" in blue with the scant grips!

January 25, 2024, 04:45 AM

bryanZ06

One of these in 3" with a set of service grips may very well be the next gun I buy. I'm glad they're finally offering up a blued finish.

January 25, 2024, 05:37 AM

TikritTourist

quote:
Originally posted by ridewv:
It sure looks to have a beautiful deep and shiny finish, at least in the photos, thank you Colt and CZ!

I'm curious just how or what process they are bluing it? I've been hearing in recent years how the process or chemicals used to traditionally blue guns like they did in the past just can't be done anymore due to EPA, OSHA, or whatever. So are they bluing similar to how they did in the past or is there a new process that gives similar results?

You can still get a deep blued finish from manufacturers like Standard Manufacturing and Turnbull.. and Colt still have a deep bluing on the SAA models, so I would think that these new Pythons get the same ol' bluing treatment as old school.

January 25, 2024, 06:58 AM

Lt CHEG

quote:
Originally posted by ridewv:
I'm curious just how or what process they are bluing it? I've been hearing in recent years how the process or chemicals used to traditionally blue guns like they did in the past just can't be done anymore due to EPA, OSHA, or whatever. So are they bluing similar to how they did in the past or is there a new process that gives similar results?

I’ve been to Colt’s factory in CT. The real secret to Colt’s beautiful royal bluing isn’t much of a secret, it’s the amazing polishing that gets done on the firearms. Unlike other operations, you don’t just start out polishing final product at Colt, it’s very much an apprentice working their way up to journeyman over years of building skill kind of process. The chemicals aren’t that bad. Yes the chemicals will need to be disposed of as hazardous waste, but they aren’t any worse than lots of typical chemical processes. In fact, I’d argue that the chemicals in a lot of more modern treatments such as Nitro Carburizing, Melonite, etc. or even PVD are far nastier, and more costly to dispose of. I think the biggest reason that bluing has generally fallen out of favor is that it takes more labor to obtain a good finished result, and people generally want a more durable finish. Bluing might look beautiful but it’s not terribly durable and definitely requires maintenance, and most people don’t want to invest the time to keep a blued gun pretty. So more effort (and cost) coupled with less durability is the real reason why bluing has fallen out of favor. The chemicals really aren’t the problem.