Return of Colt Python .357 Magnum

[Ramjet]

Small percentage of guns were effected. Not excusable but they are looking into the fix.

Larger more robust top strap.
Less moving parts comprise the trigger so it is supposed to be smoother and simpler.
Removed the thumb shelf on the grips.
Finish is really nice and the barrel is one forged and machined part with a recessed crown.

Yet I am not really drawn to it...

Lots of cool things coming out of shot show 2020

[Graybeard]

https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2020/1/21/shot-show-2020-is-there-a-problem-with-the-colt-python/
Interview from ShotShow with Colt SeniorVP. States that only 5 out of 2000 new Pythons shipped have been returned for issues. He also says they couldn't duplicate problems. No mention of a recall. Now I'm not sure what I believe.

[Trapper6L]

Not sure what to believe anymore. I looked at the vid of the Colt Rep talking about the Pythons. He never really said one way or the other if there was a recall just that they had taken in a few guns, some for cosmetic reasons and 2 for other reasons. Conversely, here's a vid that the folks claim and say it's been "confirmed" that one of the large distributors has returned all of the guns at Colts request. You have to respect Colt for not wanting to make their "new" Pythons look defective. I'm sure they probably tested the heck of them before releasing them but then, this ain't yer grandfathers Colt Company anymore. Even if they did a recall, at least their not like some of the auto makers that turn a blind eye to an issue. So for me, it just means that I now have more time to save my lunch money for a new 4" Python.....and maybe a 6"......or maybe an 8" if they're going to make one. My brother has an 8" Trooper that is scary accurate. I'd like to hand him my Python 8", if they ever make one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxWNDiTY6Xs

[Rojo27]

I'd love to have one but the $1,500 price tag is pretty hard to swallow.  Even as an investment collectible, hard for me to complete the synaptic jump to pull the trigger.
3 times what a comparable Ruger and 2 times comparable S&W would run......
I've never been shy about paying extra for real quality but this kinda multiple strikes me as potentially well into nonsense territory.

Oh how naive & unsuspecting the guy that wrote those words was.  Incredible how the world has changed in the 22 months since I wrote that.....In many ways that short period of time feels like a lifetime ago.  Since this topic was discussed here: pandemic, lockdowns, exploding inflation, supply chain breakdown, unrest & riots, couple of impeachment attempts, elections, yada, yada, yada to name just a few of things we've seen. 
Now a new Smith & Wesson 686 (one you could actually get today) will run you $875 to $950 bucks.
An original Colt Python can be had for between $3k to $15k now as a collector item.

And last week, I came across a NIB 2021 (manufacture date) 4.25" Colt Python for sale at the actual MSRP of $1,499...  They have been in such high demand, routinely see them going for $1,599 to $2,200 (well over MSRP from reputable merchants).  On a lark and because it's the first one I've seen with my own eyes inside the last 22 months at actual MSRP, so I snatched it up. 

Took it to the range today and ran 50 rounds of 38sp & 50 rounds of legitimate 357 magnum ammo through it. 
Brought it home afterward and carefully cleaned it and put it in the safe.  Never owned an original Python myself.  My dad had one when I was a kid and I have fond memories of going to the range and farm with him and on occasion getting to shot it.  Unfortunately, it was stolen when his house was broken into in the early 80's. 

Initial reflections on new 2020 Colt Python:
Looks are off the chart cool to me.  It may not be blued and polished using walrus hide, but the stainless looks great to me & is very practical for inclemently weather.  The finish is much nicer than than my late model S&W 686 plus.   
The smoothest action I've ever personally felt on a revolver (I own a number of them: Ruger(s), S&W, SAA clone).
Double action trigger pull is super smooth (no creep or grit) but relatively heavy..... Didn't measure but probably in the 9lbs to 10lbs range.  Overall excellent double action.
Single action trigger pull is heavier than S&W 686; likely in 5lbs range but no stacking and super clean break.  Maybe it lightens up a little with use.  Very likely to leave trigger stock & not mess with it. 
Incredible accurate & super tight groups (for me) at 7.5 & 15 yard targets.   
0 issues or problems.
So far couldn't be happier with it. 

     

[cphills]

I recently picked up a new 6" Python. I'd say thumbs up. I had an 8" Python back in the day. Trigger is smooth and the fit/finish is incredible with ~25 rounds sent downrange. I won't mess with the trigger.

[Rojo27]

Well, even though I initially decided not to, I ended up sending mine to Heffron Precision in Iowa for action and trigger job.  They did an incredible job and new Python came back with 2.75lb SA and even more smooth and slick (which I didn't think would be possible) 8lb DA trigger.  I've sent other revolvers to Heffron over the years and he's amazing with Colt, S&W & DW revolvers.  Very reasonable prices too. 

The new Python and the infatuation with it that quickly followed lead me down the rabbit hole with Colt revolvers and I went off the edge.  Picked up a couple more contemporary Colt revolvers and vintage one to round out the collection.  Course, had to sell off several safe queens to fund the new infatuation but in the end, they became expendable.

I've been super pleased with these new & vintage Colts and at this point have about 1,200 rounds though them.  I'd give them a strong buy recommendation for anyone who may even have been remotely interested in the Python, Anaconda, King Cobra.  I don't think you'll regret it, I certainly don't. 

[Intercooler]

I'm hoping to find one locally to see what it's like.