I too prefer the original design. Don’t like the trigger or hammer shape on the new ones. And don’t even get me started on the extra slot in the barrel rib. What I do like about the new ones are the 3 and 5 inch barrel lengths.

 

Well, in fairness, didn't the extra vent just begin with the introduction of the new blued models and new barrel lengths?

 

Well, according to Wiki, the original Python was manufactured from 1955 to 2005. Reintroduced in 2020.

 

Most say that the original Pythons had much more hands on custom polishing and fitting of internal parts up through the 70s. After that, more work was machine done. Still good Pythons but the older ones are better. The big Colt strike in the 80s saw quality decrease and more issues with manufacturing problems. I have some early Pythons and they are just smooth and wonderful. Never have abused any of my Pythons enough to cause timing issues.

 

More on point, when did the original quality of the Python go down and lose the mystique of the “real” Pythons?

There is no specific year. Colt's financial woes came to a head in 1986 when their workforce went on strike for four years. In 1993 they declared bankruptcy. During this era the quality of their firearms took a noticeable nosedive, but it's important to understand that most of their guns were just fine. There were simply a lot more turds being made during this period.

Smith & Wesson is a lot similar, even if they didn't suffer the same woes Colt did. My 1960s-1970s Smiths have much better polishing and bluing than the 1980-90s guns, but the newer models were still fine. If simply getting the best example of a Python means a lot to you then simply try to find the earliest example in excellent condition.

 

So it is save to say that the 'real pythons' run ended during the early 1980's?

 

Love hearing y'all completely "dis" the new Pythons here on the Colt Forum.

Are the new ones the same as the old? No! Far different animal. Not the meticulous hand fitting and polishing of days of old.

Are the lines the same as the earlier versions? No. Hammer and trigger are substantially different. The rest of the visual differences are more subtle. But there are some.

If they looked just like the originals, people would be accusing them of copying or masquerading as the originals.

But lets not forget some of the other differences. Stronger frame. Smoother double action. Less finicky innards that can stand up to more hard use.

Hey, I don't knock the beautiful old school Pythons. Don’t have any. But the new ones are selling in huge numbers. Tons of variants with no doubt more to come. I've got 10 of them and can say they are a very fine revolver. We're lucky to have Colt making them again.

 

I have a 1996 made stainless Python and to my knowlegde (I would have to take a look to my collection of printed catalogs) the Python was out of catalog by 1997-1998, by that time remaining pieces were used to build (mainly by the Custom Shop) complete guns renamed Python Elites until year 2003 or so.

I remenber Brent Turchi told me when visiting the Colt factory (by that time, around year 2017 I was a Colt International Distributor), about 600 Python frames were discovered at the factory but lacked barrels, cylinders and other small parts to complete guns.

I personally like much the new Pythons, as well as the new Anacondas.

 

The original run on pythons ended in 04. I was a rookie cop and wanted one, but money for my young bride and I was too tight. Spent many a year wishing I had bought one because of the prices they go for now.

But I guess I won alright. This July makes 21 years married to my young bride and I snagged an early 2020 python to scratch the itch.

 

The original run ended around 1997. By mid 1997 the production line of Pythons was closed and as I said using remaining parts the Python Elite was offered between 1998 to end of 2000 but always on a limited basis and most guns were brushed stainless with 4 and 6 inches.

I remember ordering an 8 inches barrel stainless steel Python Elite in 2003 BUT it was a special Custom Shop order. In other words, after year 2000 the Python was available only by custom order at high cost, no new parts were made, the custom shop was using remaining parts available at factory, some situation is happening now with the SAA...

 

A few Pythons were built by custom order well below year 2005...in fact the last one was made in year 2014. Almost all of them were stainless steel.

 

I once saw a stainless Python from the 1990s in a LGS for a pretty decent price. It looked fine but the action was rough and the DA pull stacked like leaf springs on a 4x4. If I had the money for an original "1st gen" Python I'd try to get one made no later than the 1970s. If later than that I'd want to be able to inspect it before calling it mine.

 

And to everyone bashing the new Pythons... c'mon now. We all know, and we were told ad infinitum by Colt that they simply could not make the original hand-fit and polished 1st gen Pythons anymore. The old skilled workers were gone as well as the tooling to make those guns. The new guns are the best they can do to replace them, and for all the wailing and gnashing of teeth they're good revolvers and evoke the look and feel of the originals. Are they a "real" Python? Well, is a 2024 Mustang a "real" Mustang? A lot of car enthusiasts say Hell No. But Ford cannot make 1965 convertibles or 1967 Fastbacks anymore. Time has moved on (and yes I know there are Mustang replica builders out there).

Just be glad that Colt still makes a Python, even if it's not the same gun as the originals. Smith & Wesson's current Model 29 Classic isn't the same as the originals either. The days of making guns with hand-fit and polished machined steel parts are over unless you're a custom builder or have a clientele okay with paying $3000+ for a new firearm.

 

I am glad that Colt re-introduced the Python and Anaconda family of revolvers. But, I think some people are not happy that Colt is manufacturing such firearms. I agree whole heartedly with DSK about a lot of points that he made. I am on the market for a Python and cannot afford a 'real python.' So the newly redesigned revolvers more than fit the bill.

 

As usual DSK is right, the new Pythons are great guns, the best production revolvers right now, well ahead of current production Smith&Wessons, Rugers and Taurus.

The old Pythons, are wonderful revolvers BUT not better in terms of accuracy or reliability of the new ones.

By the way, I remember a couple of Python Elite revolvers in Bright Stainless Steel or Mirror Brite finish, used by Colt as advertisement products in Colt booths before the introduction of the Cobra. Year 2012? I do not remember it.

Javichin_colt

 

I really like my friend’s new Python but I haven’t shot it yet. I wonder if my 1980 4” E-nickel Python has lost some of its charm since it looks so much like the new ones.

 

A vinyl record collector will tell you that the original presses are always worth more than the re-release, even though they still look and sound the same.

 

Your E-nickel Python is a beauty of past and better times and will never lost its charm, never..