I have wanted a Python revolver since the Seventies (I was a kid at that time). I was too young and as I moved into the Eighties I (like so many of my generation) turned my back on revolvers and went over to semi-auto pistols. By the time I rediscovered six shooters (approximately 20 years ago) the Python was a specialty shop handgun and way out of my price range. As we all know once Colt discontinued the Python Elite in 2005 the price went even higher. I turned to S&W and Ruger and discovered that I could purchase examples of Colt's Official Police, Officer Model and Detective Special for a whole lot less money. I stopped wanting a Python.
When the Python was brought back in 2020 I was intrigued, but I figured there would be teething problems. There were. I watched the Hitchcock45 YouTube video, and I watched a couple of the YouTube videos by that young man who seemed to have some type of personal vendetta going on against Colt. I read the articles and the interviews and over the last couple of years I concluded that the issues were fixed. I was okay with the fact that the internal design isn't the same and actually appears to be stronger if less intricate. I like the fact that Colt had made the frame stronger as well.
A few weeks ago, I decided it was time. I sold a couple guns, pulled a little bit extra out of my savings account and purchased a 3" Python. I'm impressed. No scratches or blemishes, the side plate screws are tight, and it shoots just fine. It's a very well put together revolver and it appears that sometimes you do get what you pay for.
This has nothing to do with Colt vs S&W (though it is fun to read the articles in the back issues of various gun periodicals from the Sixties and fifties) and I am aware of the barrel length and magnum performance issue. I had a scratch that I waited decades to scratch, and I have always liked the 3"-barrel configuration. It isn't for the field. It's for fun. I have working handguns. This isn't one of them and what's wrong with that? There is a YouTuber who describes those of us who purchase handguns just to own them as "idiots" so there is that then.
I already own an original Colt "357" revolver with 6" barrel so I can get "true" magnum performance with a magnum revolver. I switched the Altamont grips from the Python to the 357 in case you're wondering.
When the Python was brought back in 2020 I was intrigued, but I figured there would be teething problems. There were. I watched the Hitchcock45 YouTube video, and I watched a couple of the YouTube videos by that young man who seemed to have some type of personal vendetta going on against Colt. I read the articles and the interviews and over the last couple of years I concluded that the issues were fixed. I was okay with the fact that the internal design isn't the same and actually appears to be stronger if less intricate. I like the fact that Colt had made the frame stronger as well.
A few weeks ago, I decided it was time. I sold a couple guns, pulled a little bit extra out of my savings account and purchased a 3" Python. I'm impressed. No scratches or blemishes, the side plate screws are tight, and it shoots just fine. It's a very well put together revolver and it appears that sometimes you do get what you pay for.
This has nothing to do with Colt vs S&W (though it is fun to read the articles in the back issues of various gun periodicals from the Sixties and fifties) and I am aware of the barrel length and magnum performance issue. I had a scratch that I waited decades to scratch, and I have always liked the 3"-barrel configuration. It isn't for the field. It's for fun. I have working handguns. This isn't one of them and what's wrong with that? There is a YouTuber who describes those of us who purchase handguns just to own them as "idiots" so there is that then.
I already own an original Colt "357" revolver with 6" barrel so I can get "true" magnum performance with a magnum revolver. I switched the Altamont grips from the Python to the 357 in case you're wondering.
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