Czechnologist
Concerned Citizen
- Mar 9, 2016
- 6,531
OK, I'll admit it: I’m a Python fanboy. I previously owned a blue one with a six-inch barrel, which was made in the late 1960's. I fell in love with these guns the first time I shot one, back in the late 1970s. That’s my bias.
I'm sure that many on MDS wonder who in their right mind would pay so much for a used production revolver? Lots of people. There’s a reason for that. The Python may be a production revolver, but it is arguably one of the finest revolvers ever made and has more than a little hand-fitting from craftsmen at the height of their skill in the Colt Custom Shop.
What is exceptional about the Python? A number of different factors.
Offered originally in what Colt called Royal Blue and nickel plating (later replaced by a polished stainless steel), the finish is amazing. The bluing still holds a deep luster on guns 40-50 years-old.
The vent rib on top of the barrel, as well as the full underlug, gives the Python a distinctive look (as well as contributing to the stability of shooting the gun). It has excellent target sights, pinned in front (but adjustable) and fully adjustable in the rear.
A Python's legendary accuracy is due to a number of factors. The barrel is bored with a very slight taper towards the muzzle, which helps add to accuracy. The way the cylinder locks up on a (properly functioning) Python means that there is no ‘play’ in the relationship between the chamber and the barrel. The additional weight of the Python (it was built on a .41 Long Colt frame) helps tame recoil. And the trigger is phenomenally smooth in either double or single action. Seriously, the trigger is like butter, with no staging or roughness whatsoever. It's so good that this is frequently the one thing that people remember most about shooting a Python.
The original grips were checkered walnut. Later models (like this one from 1979) came with Pachmayr rubber grips. The wood grips pictured are reproductions that the previous owner included as part of the deal. The original Pachmayr's (which I prefer to shoot with) were also included.
If you have never had a chance to handle or shoot a Python and the opportunity ever presents itself, jump on it. Seriously. There are very few guns that I think measure-up, including most of the custom guns I've had the pleasure of shooting. The Python is a gun from a different era: the result of what's possible when craftsmanship and quality are given highest priority. That's why I have no problem understanding why they hold their value to a seemingly irrational degree.
Many thanks to MDS member Brownl345 and to 2A Sales & Supplies for their parts in helping me replace a revolver I considered impossible to replace up until very recently. I'll post a couple new pics tomorrow but in the meantime, enjoy the Python porn!
I'm sure that many on MDS wonder who in their right mind would pay so much for a used production revolver? Lots of people. There’s a reason for that. The Python may be a production revolver, but it is arguably one of the finest revolvers ever made and has more than a little hand-fitting from craftsmen at the height of their skill in the Colt Custom Shop.
What is exceptional about the Python? A number of different factors.
Offered originally in what Colt called Royal Blue and nickel plating (later replaced by a polished stainless steel), the finish is amazing. The bluing still holds a deep luster on guns 40-50 years-old.
The vent rib on top of the barrel, as well as the full underlug, gives the Python a distinctive look (as well as contributing to the stability of shooting the gun). It has excellent target sights, pinned in front (but adjustable) and fully adjustable in the rear.
A Python's legendary accuracy is due to a number of factors. The barrel is bored with a very slight taper towards the muzzle, which helps add to accuracy. The way the cylinder locks up on a (properly functioning) Python means that there is no ‘play’ in the relationship between the chamber and the barrel. The additional weight of the Python (it was built on a .41 Long Colt frame) helps tame recoil. And the trigger is phenomenally smooth in either double or single action. Seriously, the trigger is like butter, with no staging or roughness whatsoever. It's so good that this is frequently the one thing that people remember most about shooting a Python.
The original grips were checkered walnut. Later models (like this one from 1979) came with Pachmayr rubber grips. The wood grips pictured are reproductions that the previous owner included as part of the deal. The original Pachmayr's (which I prefer to shoot with) were also included.
If you have never had a chance to handle or shoot a Python and the opportunity ever presents itself, jump on it. Seriously. There are very few guns that I think measure-up, including most of the custom guns I've had the pleasure of shooting. The Python is a gun from a different era: the result of what's possible when craftsmanship and quality are given highest priority. That's why I have no problem understanding why they hold their value to a seemingly irrational degree.
Many thanks to MDS member Brownl345 and to 2A Sales & Supplies for their parts in helping me replace a revolver I considered impossible to replace up until very recently. I'll post a couple new pics tomorrow but in the meantime, enjoy the Python porn!
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I guess he thought it was a good idea at the time, he's dead now but in retrospect Id try and talk him out of it.
