Gun review by Jay Chambers of Minuteman Review
Colt recently released a new 2020 Colt Python, and after sixteen years of anticipation, the demand for this beast was quite high. It drove the market price up about $200 over the last Python they released, but maybe we can chalk that up to inflation. Maybe.
Despite the increase, it’s still a reasonable price for the new revolver, and definitely something good to own. After all, if you’ve been waiting for these to come back into production, it’s worth any price to get your hands on one, right?
As with anything, there are pros and cons. When anticipation builds for something you want, it’s either going to be as great as you had hoped, or it’s not. Here are some of the pros and cons of the 6-inch Colt Python.
Cons
We’re going to start with the cons, because it’s high time we get them out of the way, since there are plenty of pros to make up for them.
For starters, the price could be considered a con, especially if it’s not in your budget. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth the cost, but if you don’t have the money, you don’t have the money.
But that’s pretty subjective. And besides, you’ll pay much more for an older Pythons in mint condition. Other cons include:
Smaller frame
The .41 frame is smaller than the original Colt Python, which doesn’t do much for your intimidation factor. It doesn’t hold a candle to Colt’s original .357 Magnum, but then again, almost nothing does.
Small capacity
While a smaller frame may be more suited for concealed carry situations, its capacity isn’t. Of course it depends on the situation, but revolvers generally have only 5 or 6 shots in the cylinder. The Colt Python has six.
If you’re using it for self defense, it’s not the most ideal solution. You can get semi autos with 15 or more rounds in the magazine if you’re concerned about how much ammo you’re carrying.
Not for general use
Colt designed the Python to feel more like a hand-fitted personal gun. The cylinder rotates to the right, which is the opposite of a lot of other revolvers. These other revolvers are more suited for general issue, while the Colt Python isn’t something that just anyone can feel comfortable using without some experience.
Pros
If the Colt Python is in your price range, it’s a fantastic value, because of all of the benefits it comes with. In fact, it’s only about $200 more than the last Colt Python released, which isn’t too much, considering inflation and engineering superiority.
However, there are plenty of other great things about the Colt Python that make it well worth the investment.
Less recoil
A combination of heft and small stature work to produce much less recoil here than in larger frame revolvers, which make the new Colt Python even more of a joy to shoot.
While some may see the small stature of the Colt Python as a negative, the barrel still feels substantial. It’s fluted in such a way to help reduce the weight, thus making the impact of the recoil much less on the shooter.
The barrel also has a heavy underlug which helps to overcome any dampening of the recoil, making it feel as though you’re shooting something that should have much more recoil than it actually does.
Excellent balance
The result of the fluted barrel with a heavy underlug results in a revolver that is appropriately balanced and neither heavy in the handle nor in the muzzle. It features some of the best balance of any handgun ever made.
Smooth trigger
While the trigger pull is substantial, at about nine pounds, it’s so smooth you won’t notice. While in some cases, the shooter will suffer a jolt when firing a revolver, the Colt Python transfers the recoil energy so effectively with its tight luckup, that it won’t affect accuracy.
Versatility
Sure, it’s a smaller frame, but that makes it much more versatile. It’s still a sleek, attractive revolver with plenty of stopping power, and it won’t drag your pants down.
The .357 Magnum chambering makes it ideal for many uses like taking game, protection, or competition shooting. You can fire heavy hunting loads, increase your personal defense ballistics with medium-range Magnums, or enjoy accurate .38 Special loads.
The new 6-inch Colt Python is perhaps the best Python Colt has ever produced. In fact, it may be the best revolver ever. Nay, the best handgun ever. If you’ve been dying to get your hands on a new Colt Python, you certainly won’t be disappointed in your investment.
It was hard to come up with even three cons to this particular model, and as you can probably see, some of the cons listed are a bit of a stretch. There’s just too much about it that’s excellent.
