Completely different action, externally completely different parts. They are just different. Handle both and see which one you prefer. Personally, I like both but the Python's are the one's I own. Both revolvers are going to be capable of better accuracy than most shooter's are capable of. Until you get into the full custom revolvers made with match rifle rifle barrels etc. these revolvers with the right ammunition which is always important are tough to beat.

Just my .02....

 

The new King Cobra is a fine revolver...equal to pretty much any contemporary revolver. That's not to say it's perfect...no handgun is. The Python is excellent...whether it's worth the monetary difference is up to the individual.

They both have essentially a similar action though I don't know if any parts are interchangeable as the Python frame is larger so parts, while similar won't be the same. The King Cobra is built with a number of MIM parts...hammer, trigger and who knows what else. The Python is nearly all forgings...more costly. The Python's trademark ventilated rib barrel...more costly. Still...quality of materials is still the same (the Python does have a proprietary grade of steel specified I understand)...changes are due to manufacturing techniques.

Accuracy also depends on the shooter. I would think either is more accurate than most shooters can hold. Rare is the person who can get the absolute maximum bit of accuracy out of any handgun. When it comes to practical accuracy, it's probably a wash plus there's always the unavoidable mechanical differences between two otherwise identical pieces of machinery. There's always plus and minuses in machined tolerances that cannot be eliminated by any manufacture unless cost is no object and then interchangeability of parts is lost.

You can't go wrong with either. The King Cobra is excellent...the Python being on a larger frame will tame recoil some. There's a pride in ownership of a Python that other revolvers can replicate outside of a very few...a S&W Registered Magnum for example.

 

The most important difference is that the new King Cobra is a small frame revolver built on a frame and cylinder the same general size as the old Colt "D" frames like the Detective Special.

The new 2020 Python uses the same size frame and cylinder as the original Python which was the Colt "I" frame.
This is a much larger frame then the new King Cobra.

There is no parts interchangeability between the new KC and the new Python.
Both have modern transfer bar safety-ignition actions first used on the Mark III series of 1969, although the new models use "vee" type springs.
The new KC "Vee" spring powers only the hammer, the 2020 Python "Vee" spring powers the hammer and the trigger, much like the original Python did.

The 2020 Python is a more refined revolver built to a higher standard of fit and finish, and is intended to be a holster, hunting, and target pistol.
The new KC is intended to be a concealed defense revolver.

 

Agree.
dfariswheel has done a very good job of making that comparison
Vic

 

DFaris has hit it precisely. The KC is smaller and lighter, and best suited for concealed carry. I own two of them and that's what they're both used for. The Python is larger and heavier, and at least in my view, is therefore poorly suited for concealed carry, even the 4.25" model. However, because of its added weight, the Python handles magnum loads far better than my King Cobra's. In fact, typical .38 Special +P loads rock my two KC's, but they're like butter with the Python. Just my 2-cents.

 

Perhaps a better comparison would be between the 2020 Python and the New King Cobra Target. The added weight of the 4.25" full underlug barrel and the addition of the excellent target sights brings this fine revolver up a notch IMHO. Still not a Python of course, but for those on a budget I don't think it can be beat for the price.

 

I am new to the forum. I realize this is an older thread but would like to respond. I was seeking information on the difference and was unable to find it. I could not find any dealers who had them both in stock to compare. I purchased a new 2020 Python first as this is a gun I have wanted since the late seventies when I was in high school after shooting a friends. As some have stated I ended up buying a 2019 King Cobra Target anyway.
First the Python, I think Colt has hit it out of the park on this one. The fit and finish is flawless. The only thing I would like to see on it is a wider non serrated trigger.
Now the King Cobra Target, l think the Target model closely responsible‘s the original KC but is on a smaller frame. Fit and finish is excellent but not quite the same as the Python. I did change the grips to Pachmayr presentation grips from a “D” frame which closer resemble the original KC.
So what do you get for the extra $500 MSRP? The Python has a wide hammer spur where the KC is narrow. The controls, (trigger, hammer and cylinder release) are finished nicer on the Python. The frame sizes compare to SW K frame for the KC, and L frame for the Python. The sights are identical. The weight comes in at 34oz and 41oz.
The other thing I want to change is the front sight on the KC as soon as I can find one from a Python. Both guns will remain in our family for years and I plan on shooting both regularly. Some people don’t like that they re-used the snake names on the new models and I am going to have to disagree with that. But then I drive a new Mustang too LOL.

 

Some people don’t like that they re-used the snake names on the new models and I am going to have to disagree with that. But then I drive a new Mustang too LOL.

Please tell us it's not the electric monstrosity.

 

Two words. Trigger


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Two words. Trigger


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Trigger trigger

 

Both triggers are excellent. Triggers are more about feel than actual numbers. Both guns use the same mechanism/design although the KC is scaled down.

 

 

Side by side comparison you can see the difference in cylinder and frame sizes. You can also see my KC is dying for a Python red ramp.

 

 

The King Cobra is a much newer design, it is very S&Wish on the inside. The feel of the trigger is quite different. If you want a Colt, to shoot, there is nothing wrong with the King Cobra. IF you want a Collectors Item to look at and maybe shoot now and again, it's hard to be the Python.

 

Segante, I can only assume you are referring to the original designs here? Having the advantage of owning both a 2019 King Cobra Target and a 2020 Python I can verify the design of the internals are the same. In fact I would not be surprised if some parts interchange. A typical day at the range is taking these two revolvers to the range and alternate shooting between the two. That is one of the reasons I purchased these two revolvers was to shoot them regularly so I don’t have to shoot my originals which could be an issue if something breaks. IMHO the trigger on these two revolvers ”feel” very similar and I think both are superior in design and more durable than their originals.

 

My KC 2” is my current carry of choice. My 6” python is slated to be on me for whitetail season this year. Currently, the KC has a better out of the box trigger. (Both 2021 models). As my python and anaconda both have the dreaded Cali drop safety notch ruining the otherwise amazing Python trigger. Both of which will get rectified as well…. Once the rail becomes available, the anaconda will take over for whitetail duties

 

Yes, I’m reviving an old thread…I just ordered a New King Cobra with the 4.25 in barrel. I do have a Python that I purchased from a friend back in the 1980s…it’s a dream to shoot. He had mounted a Leupold Scope on it. While I’m not enamored with the scope it does make my shooting more accurate but does add a bit of weight. Not sure why he did it because he wasn’t a hunter. Wish he hadn’t done it but at least I have a very nice Python. So looking forward to the new King Cobra, a pistol I’ve been wanting for many years, old version or new.

 

Scope looks cool on the blue gun.
I like it.

 

It is…but now the Cobra should be a good substitute for non-scoped .357 Colt.

 

May as well jump in, since I have both. Simply stated, I think they fill different niches.

The 3-inch King Cobra is my current daily carry. At just 28 oz it's comfortable and it hides well under a light jacket or loose shirt. With a little practice, practical accuracy is good. It handles anything from light in town loads to heavier woods loads well. For me, it fits my hands and points well. I've changed nothing on it, out of the box it runs.

My Python is perhaps my favorite range gun. With 148gr HBWC it's scary accurate. The fit and finish is superb as is the trigger. At 42 oz, I don't carry it much though. The KC handles that role just fine, so simply put there's no compelling reason to carry the extra size and weight. At the range, people can actually see it and yes, it does tend to draw a few gawkers sometimes.

The 4-inch King Cobra Target, I can't speak to. No real reason for me to get one, the two above have things covered. That is until the 22 LR version is on the shelves, I'll want one of those for range practice and plinking. The 357 version, I guess would make a perfectly fine and less expensive target revolver for those not able or willing to justify the extra $ for a Python.

 

I’ve been shooting my King Cobra Target 4-inch lately…I’ve fired 350rds of .357 and .38spl. I must say I’m impressed. It‘s accurate and a pleasure to shoot. Not quite as smooth as my Python but darn close. It is smaller, lighter, and much easier to handle. I may start looking for the 6-inch!

 

Have the second run of the KC bought new great gun.👍I can't say anything about the new ones or the Python.