Colt Python

Colt Python
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.

[Dougherty,_Martin_2005,_page_48-1] 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

[hawks-2] The Colt Python .357 Magnum Revolver by Chuck Hawks at chuckhawks.com accessed April 27, 2009

[Tarr2013-3] 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]}

[Wilson1-4] Wilson, R.L., The Colt Heritage, New York City: Simon & Schuster, 1987, P. 272.

[Hogg94-5] Hogg, Ian V. (1994). Military Small Arms: 300 Years of Soldiers' Firearms, Salamander Publishing

[Thompson-6] 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.

[Wilson2-7] Wilson, R.L., Colt: An American Legend, New York City: Abbeville Press, 1985, p. 272.

[Cooper-8] Cooper, Jeff, Cooper on Handguns, Los Angeles, Petersen Publishing Co., 1974, p. 189.

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