| Colt Python | |
|---|---|
 Colt Pythons with 6-inch (15 cm) and 4-inch (10 cm) barrels and nickel finish | |
| Type | Revolver |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Colt's Manufacturing Company |
| Produced | 1955–2005 (Generation 1) 2020–present (Generation 2) |
| Variants | 2.5-inch (6.4 cm), 3-inch (7.6 cm), 4-inch (10 cm), 4.25-inch (10.8 cm), 6-inch (15 cm) and 8-inch (20 cm) barrel |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 38 ounces (1.1 kg) to 48 ounces (1.4 kg) |
| Cartridge | .357 Magnum |
| Action | Double action and single action |
| Maximum firing range | 200 yd (180 m) |
| Feed system | Six-round cylinder |
| Sights | Rear adj.; front ramp |
The Colt Python is a double action/single action revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. It was first introduced in 1955 by the Colt's Manufacturing Company. [1]
Pythons have a reputation for accuracy, smooth trigger pull, and a tight cylinder lock-up.[2] Pythons, built on Colt's large I-frame, are similar in size and function to the Colt Trooper and Colt Lawman revolvers.[3]
The Colt Python is intended for the premium revolver market segment. Produced from 1955 to 2005, and again since 2020, it was described by historian R.L. Wilson as "the Rolls-Royce of Colt revolvers",[4] and firearms historian Ian V. Hogg referred to it as the "best revolver in the world."[5] Some firearm collectors and writers such as Jeff Cooper and Ian V. Hogg have described the Python as "the finest production revolver ever made".[1][2][6][4][7][8][5]
- ^ a b Dougherty, Martin Small Arms: From the Civil War to the Present Day, New York City: Fall River Press, 2005, page 48. ISBN 978-0-7607-6329-2
- ^ a b The Colt Python .357 Magnum Revolver by Chuck Hawks at chuckhawks.com accessed April 27, 2009
- ^ Tarr, James (November 18, 2013). Standard Catalog of Colt Firearms. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. pp. 120–121. ISBN 978-1-4402-3747-8.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b Wilson, R.L., The Colt Heritage, New York City: Simon & Schuster, 1987, P. 272.
- ^ a b Hogg, Ian V. (1994). Military Small Arms: 300 Years of Soldiers' Firearms, Salamander Publishing
- ^ Thompson, Leroy; Rene Smeets (October 1, 1993). Great Combat Handguns: A Guide to Using, Collecting and Training With Handguns. London: Arms & Armour Publication. p. 256. ISBN 978-1-85409-168-0.
- ^ Wilson, R.L., Colt: An American Legend, New York City: Abbeville Press, 1985, p. 272.
- ^ Cooper, Jeff, Cooper on Handguns, Los Angeles, Petersen Publishing Co., 1974, p. 189.