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When CZ introduced it was going to buy Colt it appeared like sacrilege. Colt is synonymous with American handguns and rifles. It could be as if a European firm took over Anheuser-Busch, proper? Scratch that. Colt’s new homeowners definitely know the way to produce firearms. The additions to the Python line have reversed the dearth of Colt double-action revolvers which have lasted a long time. Since 2020, when Colt introduced the return of the brand new and improved Python, new variants have steadily come out of the Hartford, Connecticut, manufacturing facility.
One of many newest fashions is the Python Traditional with a 2.5-inch barrel. This revolver seems each bit iconic and retro as you’ll count on from a mid-Nineteen Fifties design, and that may simply be a well mannered manner of claiming the Colt Python Traditional is outdated. The actual fact is that Python is an outdated design, as are the 1911, Hello-Energy, and AR-15. They’re frequently being stretched between retro designs and revitalized codecs for as we speak’s shooters. So has the brand new Traditional Python.
New Colt Pythons
New Colt Pythons circa 2020 nonetheless characteristic the distinct aesthetics of the unique iconic snake, just like the vent-rib below lug barrel, however newer weapons have an up to date mechanism, completely different sights, and a beefier body. You probably have by no means fired an early model of a Python—make a remark in your taking pictures bucket checklist—count on a revolver with a easy set off and an correct revolver. The brand new Pythons have the identical easy set off pull and accuracy.
The mechanism within the new Pythons is much like the originals however completely different with noticeably fewer elements. The mainspring isn’t a coil spring like in most Smith & Wesson weapons and all Taurus and Ruger revolvers. It’s a flat U-shaped spring. New Pythons additionally use a Smith & Wesson-style cylinder cease. This new cylinder cease is situated above and ahead of the set off.
Some Modifications
Authentic Pythons had a status for tight cylinder lock-up with no play. The brand new Python Traditional is identical. There’s hardly a wiggle within the cylinder when it’s locked within the body. The barrel-to-cylinder hole measured .004 inches, which is on the tight finish of the spec and a very good factor since there may be much less play and wiggle within the cylinder.
About 30 % extra metal was added to the highest strap so a gentle weight-reduction plan of high-power 357 Magnum ammunition could possibly be used. The hammer and set off are machined from billet metal like different revolvers that use MIM course of that means the elements are injection molded from powdered steel. And the mechanism is polished giving the Python Traditional a easy set off. It measured an sincere 10 kilos, however felt much less. In single-action the set off was 5.9 kilos, which for my part is manner too heavy. I’d want nearer to 4 kilos or barely much less.
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New Pythons have a switch bar security system built-in with the firing pin housed within the body. You may dry hearth the Python with out damaging the revolver. Each the hammer and set off are serrated.
The entrance sight is replaceable through a hex screw. The Python Traditional is supplied with a purple insert ramp model sight circa the Nineteen Seventies. The rear sight is matte black and adjustable for windage and elevation. I want Colt serrated the shooter-facing facet to assist reduce solar glare.
Colt Python 1:14 Twist Charge
The two.5-inch barrel sports activities the traditional below lug and vent rib. The below lug makes the revolver heavier, which helps handle recoil. Colt stored the unique and quicker 1:14” LH rifling twist fee, which stabilizes most bullets higher than the 1:18.75” twist utilized in S&W revolvers. Ruger makes use of completely different twist charges in Ruger’s .357 Magnum revolvers is 1:16” RH twist for LCR, LCRx, SP101, Blackhawk, and Vaquero; the GP100 and Redhawk use a 1:18.75” RH twist. Taurus revolvers use a 1:16.5” RH twist fee.
The complete-size ejector rod is housed in a cutout within the backside lug. The top of the ejector rod is knurled for higher grip. The muzzle is topped.
The intense stainless end on the Traditional Python is sensible in each seems and upkeep. It makes cleansing the snake simpler. The Traditional Python retains the enduring “prancing pony” roll mark on the left facet of the body and a contemporary QR code on the precise facet.
Retro Cool Python: Simply The Information, Ma’am
The checkered wooden grips look straight out of a Nineteen Fifties detective TV present and are definitely as cool as Steve McQueen in Bullit. Sure, I do know he used a Colt Diamondback, however you get the concept. They’re skinny and inset with a nickel Colt medallion and really feel good in hand aside from that area behind the set off guard and the entrance of the grip strap. I anticipated my knuckles getting slammed when utilizing 357 Magnum ammo. Again within the day, a Tyler T-Grip was used to fill that area and make the grip bigger with out including bulk.
I ran the Traditional Python with each 357 Magnum and 38 Particular with a mixture of bullet weights and kinds. For 357 Magnum ammo, I used Federal Hydra-Shok with a 158-grain JHP and Winchester Defender with a 125-grain BJHP. Muzzle velocity and vitality measured 1200 fps/505 ft-lb. and 1128 fps/354 ft-lb, respectively. I additionally used Magtech 38 Particular with a 158 LRN by way of the two.5-incher which had 771 fps velocity and 209 ft-lb on the muzzle.
Operating the Colt Python Traditional
For accuracy, I examined at 25 yards, which is much for a snub nostril revolver, utilizing a relaxation and fired the Traditional Python 2.5” in single motion. My finest 5-shot group was with the 158-grain Federal 357 Magnum ammo: 1.92 inches. The very best group with the Winchester 125-grain 357 Magnum was 2.26 inches. The 38 Particular Magtech with the 158-grain bullet was 2.67 inches. Throughout all ammo I averaged about 2.5 inches. The compact Python Traditional has superb accuracy. The SA set off pull was a bit heavier than I want, however nonetheless had good accuracy.
My Ideas Taking pictures It
With an IDPA goal set at 10 yards, I ran the Python for velocity firing in double motion. I fired a Invoice Drill with the Traditional as quick as I might whereas nonetheless staying within the heart of mass. The sleek set off allowed me to focus on the entrance sight and higher management pictures. The load of the Python Traditional helps. With the 38 Particular cartridges, I used to be a lot quicker than with 357 Magnum rounds. Taking pictures the 38 Particular by way of the Traditional is enjoyable and has almost no recoil.
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I gripped excessive on the Traditional, a lot in order that the hammer spur almost touched the net of my hand when taking pictures double motion. Principally, a excessive maintain means much less muzzle flip. That’s why revolver shooters bob the hammer spur, for a better maintain with no hammer chunk. I staged the set off—squeezing it so the cylinder rotates. The chamber aligns with the bore. Then I adopted by way of with the set off pull to fireside the shot. This system is sweet to make use of when a extra exact shot must be taken, like on an A-Zone head shot which measures 3.9″ x 1.9”.
The Python Traditional provides actually good efficiency and might simply be used as an EDC. As for mine, I’m including a BK Grips adapter and sporting it to my subsequent BBQ.
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