(Photo by Michael Anschuetz)
November 15, 2024
By Eric R. Poole
Author Gurney Brown wrote three well-illustrated and documented books on Colt revolvers including “Colt Double Action Revolvers: The Post-War Era,” “Seven Serpents: The History of Colt’s Snake Guns,” and “Colt’s Python: King of the Seven Serpents.” No longer in print, I recommend acquiring these to any collector building a firearm library. The tale seemed complete when the Colt Custom Shop ceased production of the first generation in 2005. As nostalgia peaked, values of these guns surged, particularly low-production models such as the Viper and blued Pythons in unusual barrel lengths or configurations.
For 2024, Colt expanded the snake gun line to include Target models for the Python(Top, Right), Anaconda, and King Cobra, as well as introduced the Python Combat Elite (left) and Viper (Bottom, Right). (Photo by Michael Anschuetz) As Brown’s “Seven Serpents” title indicates, there were seven varieties of snake guns made on different frames in various calibers. The Cobra was the start in 1950, the first lightweight aluminum-frame revolver. The Python was introduced in 1955, first intended to be a target revolver that evolved into a defensive one. Then, the Diamondback in .22 LR and .38 Special in 1966. The Viper appeared in 1977 for only a year. Similar to the Cobra with a 4-inch barrel in .38 Special, the Viper is a rare model still sought after by collectors and always commanding a premium. The Boa was released as a special Lew Horton Distributor model in 1985, featuring a .357 chambering on a Mark V action with a Python barrel. Like the Viper, the Boa was a limited production model and is extremely desired among collectors. In 1986, the King Cobra arrived as an affordable .357 Magnum to rival contemporaries from Ruger and Smith & Wesson. The Anaconda became the seventh snake in 1990, which was Colt’s only .44 Magnum.
Unlike other brands of revolvers, the spring on a Colt Python powers both the hammer and trigger return. First-gen Pythons have a “V” spring while second-gen models have a “U” spring. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz) To turn back time, Colt revealed the second generation of snake gun with the reintroduction of the Cobra in Guns & Ammo’s April 2017 issue. Almost annually since, we’ve seen one or more of the storied serpents return including the Cobra (May 2019 issue), Python (April 2020 issue), Anaconda (July 2021 issue), and King Cobra Target .22 (December 2023 issue). Colt has continued to add more snakes to the pit with models of different barrel lengths and finishes. For 2024, Colt added Blued and Target models, the Python Combat Elite , and Pythons in 2½-, 3-, 4.25-, 5-, 6-, and 8-inch barrel lengths. Also, the Kodiak (.44 Magnum) and Grizzly (.357 Magnum) were introduced with ported Python barrels for the backcountry.
What changed between the first and second generations was staffing, vision, machines and tooling. Though Colt still employs several legendary workers who still know how to tune a revolver, Colt’s engineering team updated its manufacturing technology and processes that allowed Colt to develop second-generation revolvers. Though sharing similar dimensions and profiles with the first-gen snake guns, each model was strengthened and made from stainless steel. In 2024, that changed to create Blued Pythons, initially offered in 4¼- and 6-inch barrel lengths.
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Original Python grips featured a gold Colt medallion on a set of checkered American walnut grips. Current Pythons feature laminate wood grips with the medallion made by Altamont Company. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz) The King of Snakes Python Serial Number 1 was handbuilt by Colt Master Gunsmith Alfred DeJohn. The first four Pythons left the factory on June 2, 1955. More than 753,000 first-generation Pythons were built. The Python is a double-action revolver chambered primarily for .357 Magnum/.38 Special. Initially, it was available only with a 6-inch barrel, but Pythons were produced with barrels spanning 2½ and 8 inches. The barrel featured a ventilated rib and full underlug design, which made them visually distinctive. Internally, the bore was given a 1-in-14-inch twist rate. The rear sight has always been adjustable for windage and elevation, while the front sight was a pinned ramp. The hammer featured a wide, checkered spur, and the trigger was curved and serrated. Grips were checkered American walnut with a gold Rampant Colt medallion and shaped with a thumb rest. Variations of this description, including prototypes and special editions, exist, which have aided in the Python’s collectability and mystique.
Since the 2017 introduction of the Cobra, there have been petitions for Colt to make snake guns with a blued finish. Colt’s reputation for quality was partially built on the Python’s Royal Blue finish. It accentuated the feel of the action and contrasted with the warmth of the checkered walnut grips. I own two vintage Pythons, and have secured Colt Archive Letters for each. The 4.24-inch model was shipped to West Germany in 1969, complete with German proofhouse and inspection marks on the barrel and frame. My 6-inch Python was made in 1978 and shipped to Ohio. I used these guns while considering the second-generation versions reviewed for this article. Given that Guns & Ammo has reviewed the new Pythons as recently as the May 2022 issue, I focused this effort in comparing the differences that would lead one to consider purchasing a pair of newer compliments.
(Photo by Michael Anschuetz) Black & Blue The second-generation Blued-model Pythons have a black-oxide finish over carbon steel, commonly referred to as “gun bluing,” like the originals. According to Colt, it is the same black-oxide formula used on first-generation blued guns. What differentiates the deep black appearance of second-generation Pythons and the Royal Blue, or “Carbonia Blue,” finish names is, primarily, the level of polish given to the metal before the bluing process. To obtain a Royal Blue finish, the metal must be polished like a mirror. Certain elements in different carbon-steel alloys may tint the hue of the finish, but generally the bluing formula is the same. The steel alloy and black-oxide finish used to make second-gen Blued Pythons are consistent and dark in color.
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Target Sights The front sight on early Pythons was a black, pinned, serrated ramp. Subsequent Python sights were ramps with either red or orange inserts. The second-generation Pythons feature a pinned red ramp sight. (Colt suggests that the red ramp is standard, but G&A’s samples appeared “orange” to my eyes.) The front sight is replaceable. Optional sight configurations are available on the aftermarket, including tritium night sights, brass beads and fiber optics. To change the front sight, insert a .05-inch Allen wrench into the hole above the muzzle of the barrel. Turn it counter-clockwise to loosen the #4-40 set screw and pull up on the front sight to remove it. Insert your preferred sight and retighten the screw. Colt recommends a medium threadlocker be applied to the set screw to prevent it from loosening while shooting.
The pinned front ramped sight is replaceable and features a colored insert. The rear sight notch is adjustable for windage and elevation, maintaining the Python’s target shooting heritage. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz) A continuation of the original Python’s target-shooting function, the rear sight has always been adjustable for windage and elevation. To adjust elevation, turn the top screw clockwise to lower the point of impact, or counter-clockwise to raise it. To adjust windage, use a .05-inch Allen wrench to loosen the windage lock screw and then turn the windage screw clockwise to move the point of impact left or counter-clockwise to move the point of impact right. After adjustments are made, don’t forget to secure the windage lock screw. The sights have changed through the years ranging from Colt Accro to Colt Elliason rear sights. Early Accro rear sights had a flat top, while later rear sights were slightly arched. The second-gen Pythons incorporate a flat top with slightly angled corners.
Touchpoints Controls of the second-gen Python are faithful to the first-gen Pythons, except for a few details. Internally, there are fewer parts in the lockwork of the new Python than first-gen models, which helped Colt demand less of its assembly staff in producing more revolvers. With the grips and sideplate removed, these efficiencies are noticeable. When the revolver is together, only a comparison of the action screw locations calls attention to the differences. Thumb-cocking the wide, serrated hammer feels the same, the six-shot cylinder rotates clockwise, and you still have to forfeit your grip to draw back the cylinder release latch. With the cylinder open, it is easy to individually load each chamber or use a speedloader. (The second-generation Pythons use the same speedloaders as previous models.) To quickly extract and eject unfired cartridges or spent cases, pressing the knurled ejector rod gets the job done. The profile of the ejector rod is the same between both generations of Python.
The Python features a transfer bar safety that prevents the hammer from transferring energy to the firing pin until the trigger is pressed. The wide hammer is serrated for single-action work. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz) The triggers are different in appearance and function. The first-generation Pythons feature a trigger with a rounded, curved, serrated face. The new Pythons have a flat, curved serrated. The double-action trigger pulls on both of my personal guns average 11 pounds, 6 ounces. The single-action trigger is why Python enthusiasts compare the lockwork of first-gen Pythons to jewelry. My 41/4-inch-barreled Python has a 3-pound, 3-ounce trigger and my 6-incher has a 3-pound, 131/2-ounce trigger. The newer Pythons present a heavier single-action experience near 6 pounds but a lighter double-aciton trigger averaging 101/2 pounds.
Part of the reasoning for the trigger differences goes back to the reduced parts and hammer spring. With the grips removed, it’s easy to see that the hammer springs of the older Pythons are “V” shaped, whereas new Python springs have a “U” shape. Colt said that the older trigger assemblies and springs wear quicker and require gunsmithing to replace and tune. Again, the reason for the changes were manufacturing efficiency and long-term reliability.
The new Colt snake guns feature a forged, one-piece barrel that is screwed into the frame. The Python’s reputation for accuracy is maintained with a 1-in-14-inch twist barrel with recessed crown. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz) Get A Grip Two remaining differences between the first- and second-generation Pythons concern the backstrap of the frame and grips. Since the beginning, Python revolvers have featured vertically grooved backstraps. The backstrap of the second-gen Pythons is smooth. It’s a subtle difference that most won’t notice unless they own an older Python, but it seems as though the new Pythons should have continued this feature. However, if it saved production costs I can respect the decision to omit them. When shooting the Python, I didn’t notice the absence of backstrap grooves when switching between sets of Pythons.
The grips are, perhaps the most visible difference between a blued first-gen Python and the new one. Colt continues to partner with Altamont Company for its grips, and if you visit Altamont’s website or another brand of aftermarket grip, you’ll find numerous options to personalize the Python for yourself or give it retro styling. The second-gen Pythons were designed to accept first-gen grips, so if you’d rather feel checkered American Walnut checkering, G10, or a rubberized grip, a set of classic handles are easy to come by. The same compatibility between generations is also shared among holsters that accommodate the same barrel length. In fact, the engineers at Colt set out to design the Python for this cross compatibility while including enhancements for manufacturing and performance.
The knurled head of the ejector rod is identical to the first-generation Pythons. When the cylinder is closed, it is secured in the full-length barrel underlug. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz) Shoot One for Yourself The second-gen Colt Pythons are made from better, corrosion-resistant steel, reinforced at the back of the topstrap, under the rear sight and along the backstrap. Colt has advertised there is 30 percent more steel beneath the rear sight, which was necessary to support more powerful magnum loads of the modern era. Additionally, with fewer parts in the lockwork, the Python is easier for Colt to make and service, and there is less stacking in the trigger’s travel.
I discerned little difference in shooting the same modern ammunition between the two sets of Pythons. In fact, I’ve never found a Python that couldn’t group five shots within 11/2 inches at 25 yards. I’ve even seen a target model cluster a half-inch at 50 in the hands of a bullseye shooter!
Though some aftermarket grips may interfere, loaders for the original Python revolvers should work with new Python models. HKS PYA speedloaders were used during G&A’s testing. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz) Yes, there are differences between generations that serious Python collectors will point out, but I have no reservations in recommending the new Pythons. I am grateful that Colt’s snake gun lineage is growing. Most first-gen models are beyond affordable, unlike these.
Colt Blued Python Type : RevolverCartridge : .357 Magnum/.38 SpecialCapacity : 6 rds.Barrel : 4.25 in. or 6 in., vent rib, carbon steel, 1:14-in. twistOverall Length : 9.75 in. or 11.56 in.Width : 1.55 in.Height: 5.82 in.Weight : 2 lbs., 10 oz. or 2 lbs., 14 oz.Grip : Altamont, laminate walnutFinish : Black oxide (steel)Sights : Ramp, pinned orange (front); target notch, elev. and windage adj. (rear)Trigger : 10 lbs., 2.5 oz. (DA); 5 lbs., 15 oz. (SA) (tested)MSRP : $1,599Manufacturer : Colt’s Manufacturing Co., 800-962-2658, colt.com
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