Perhaps we should call it the "Boathon", since it's basically a Boa with its frame reshaped to mimic an I frame. I'm fine with this though. An affordable, and stronger Python sounds pretty good to me, even it isn't built on the old V spring action.
I dug up a couple more pics. Have a poor shot of a pre-production 4", but y'all can still get the point. Also an interesting "Elite" 6". I blacked out the cut-away and sadly have no clue as to what makes this "elite" vs not so. I'll find out though and advise.
The Elite barrel in the cutaway pic, judging by it's rollmark was probably a left over from 2005 (2005 is the last year for the Python Elite), so it got stuck on to the prototype for convenience sake. I doubt they'll reuse that rollmark, unless they have some sort of special edition planned.
I like it. Thanks for the information. Sounds like a reasonable scenario to me.
Thankfully, I suspect I can get an early serial number 4". I'll carry it too. Three sizes of 1911's in 45acp have been a part of my life and learning for a more than 35 years. Changing from pistol to revolver will be a real deal in my daily life. But really, if I'm in for a penny I need to be in for a pound.
The whole double action trigger press from concealment is a thing. I was never really good at it for the year or so when I carried a snub SW66. I tried to learn to round skills out a bit, but when I was carrying the revolver I didn't take carrying concealed as seriously as I have these past few years.
Truthfully, you'd want me to chase you with the 66-2 vs a 1911. Chances of me connecting with the 66-2 product are a lot less likely. Still, a blued 4" Python with a few years of holster wear is definitely something I'd like to gift to my nephew when I check out. Might be time to really learn something new. I hope I don't forget how to drive.
I'm ready to jump. I needed some new 1791 Gun Leather anyway... Y'all should do the same (no affiliation except being a very satisfied customer).
My hope is that if Colt has the cajones to reuse the Python name they have seriously tried to produce an exceptional revolver. Otherwise my interest will wane.
The only thing I don't care for is the fact that the hammer profile is slightly different. That sexy, big long hammer spur was a Python characteristic. I also noticed the screw down near the trigger is in a more forward location, so it looks like there are some internal changes as well. Other than that I'm pleased that it at least still looks like a Python. Now's to see if it has the same feel as one as well.
If the new action is more robust than the originals I think the complaints will soon fade. Those who just have to have one of the old ones will probably have a better shot at it (no pun intended) as the prices on those should drop. With Walking Dead mania fading and the ability to buy a new one finally at hand only the die-hards will still be buying the originals.
It's a moot point, really. You're talking about the same kind of people that think a Series 80 isn't a real 1911. An exact recreation of the classic V spring design would likely be more expensive to produce than the SAA, which retails around $1800. There would be too many used Pythons around the $2000 mark for Colt to build a new one at the same price. If the old design could be made cheaply, the Python Elite wouldn't have been discontinued.
They can call it a "Python" all they want. It's not a "Python". It's just a poor facsimile with a marketable name and they're going to run that name into the ground and laugh all the way to da bank.......
The same can be said about all S&Ws with their numerous design changes. No current mass produced revolver perfectly mimics it's source material. Colt is following S&W's methods by updating their old lineup, but without a nasty lock. I may give one of these new Colts a chance, unless they get stupid with the pricing.
So because "everybody else is doing it we may as well too". I've seen this all my life....... And FWIW Colt has never "followed" anybody. Ever. Colt has made so many bad descisions it's a miracle they didn't go under 40 years ago (or get bought by some offshore group)
I don't necessarily condone cheapening, but the reality is that $2000+ revolvers are hard sellers when decent used examples of a known quality are selling at the same price or lower.
drail------- I applaud Colt for doing this. Because what were their options?
Option 1. Do nothing. Just keep doin' what they do.....
Option 2. Get the few still living craftsmen from Florida rest-homes to school a buncha kids for 10+ years to build a dead-nuts real Python nobody can afford?
C'mon, Man. They are making as good a Python as feasible, that's still affordable by mortals.
I, for one, think that's a brilliant move. For us & for the company. May they keep their doors open forever.
As was already said, those who want to whine and say this ain't a real Python need to remember that Colt no longer makes "real" 1911s either. Nobody makes a 1911 completely out of machined steel parts with absolutely NO cast, plastic or MIM anywhere, except maybe Cabot who sell theirs for $5000.
Colt stopped making the Python 20 years ago for a reason. They simply couldn't do it and remain price-competitive anymore. That fact has doomed many classic designs that are no longer made and that people still lust over today (like pre-'64 Winchesters). Just be glad you'll finally be able to buy a new facsimile and that it'll also take the pressure off the demand for originals.
I think demand for originals will stay high. Once the new ones are out in the wild they will be compared heavily to the original and knowing they are not the same will maybe even generate more desire for old pythons.
The new Python will be much better regarding performance and durability of the action than the original ones, further more it will be affordable for thos of us who are not rich.
We sell and distribute Colts here in South Europe, here unlike in the States, revolvers still rule, almost 99% of handgun owners are dedicated sport shooters following ISSF rules where .38/.357 DA revolvers are used for competitive bullseye shooting: Central Fire Competitions. Most people compete with S&Ws model 14 K38, Model 27-28s and of course th Model 586/686 as well as Pythons, plenty of them along old shooters.. Ruger and other brands like Rossi or Taurus are scarce over here.
We receive calls on a daily basis from Python owners asking for spare parts, and the answer is always the same, the factory no longer stock any Python Spare part, not even V springs . ..the need for a new more robust Python with available spare parts is obvious.
Think of a python with modern springs and computer designed lock work, the action could be much better.
My ppc gun was a S&W 686 with a python barrel, the S&W action was just soo much easier to get that staged trigger and it held up to thousands of rounds of fast D/A shooting.
My stainless python kept having to have the small parts fitted and replaced.
The barrel on the Pythons was amazing it would group my HBWC loads about half the size at 50 yards than the smiths I had at the time ,hence my "Smython" I'm in on this new version.
Future value of the original Pythons is interesting to think about. I think the new Python will sell well if it really is $1400. So much pent up demand, many people would not spend $2500 and up for an original one. Here is their chance.
I suspect it will shine a light once again on the originals, they will remain sought after collectibles.
Great news, but in typical Colt fashion they appear to be bungling the release.
They made us Colt Stocking dealers jump through hoops to get and carry their products, yet appear to be turning their backs when it comes to a high profile release like this.
I've spoken to 3 other Colt Stocking dealers here in Ohio and no one knows anything about it.
There's a guy who posted on a Colt Facebook thread today that they will only be making 500 Pythons for 2020. In order to get one, you have to be on a list from Colt. Allegedly, this came straight from Colt.
I hope this info is wrong. An early release of information from Colt is better than misinformation that's being spread around.
We should all pay attention to the post by swatbwana concerning increased reliability of MIM Vs. forged parts.
I've long thought that a lot of MIM dislike is more emotion / nostalgia driven than fact based.
So it's nice to see an opinion by someone in the business. As for the the new Python having MIM parts, That does not concern me in the least.
My wife was the CFO of two aerospace companies for a total of about 20 years. That put me in the social circle (Christmas parties, company picnics, retirement parties, awards banquets, etc) of countless engineers and production people.
When I've asked these people about MIM they have all concurred that done with good material and in well-made molds there is nothing wrong with MIM parts.
Keep in mind that aerospace products are tested to extremes of functionality, longevity, and temperature ranges FAR beyond anything a revolver will experience.
So yeah, If MIM results in a cool gun being more attainable, bring it on.
Dks, is right, do not believe everything you read online. Colt is closed for holidays until January 2nd and no official announcement from the commercial dept has just been released, in fact our international colt representative has no information about the new Python nor about availability or even MSRP not about SKUs. We have to wait until mid January for further information. I will try to get a new catalog asap like I did last year.
So why is the Python action considered too frail , fragile and delicate for .357 , yet the original Colt .357 and Trooper , which use the same action as the Python (and ultra-reliable Official Police) , have no such reputation?
Because such claims are based on internet, and gun shop lore, rather than actual usage reports. My 93 year old Official Police still locks up tight. Colt said this gun could handle the heavy 38/44 loads of the time period. The V spring guns were not fragile. Colt designed the E/I frame with durability in mind. If durability wasn't a concern, they would'nt have bothered designing the the E/I frame and just kept selling the D frame Police Positive Specials that were designed before the E/I frame.
I've always thought it came from too many people who dry-fired Pythons as fast as they could , and some Bubba-gunsmiths trying to do a kitchen table trigger job trying to improve it.
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