By R.K. Campbell | Contributing Editor
Colt has taken a step to make one of their iconic handguns available to more shooters.
There is nothing more businesslike and staying on the centerline of sweet than a 3.0 inch barrel Colt Python.
Colt has brought many good firearms to the market but to many of us the Python is the finest revolver ever made. The 1911, of course, is a legend in itself and many feel that Colt is the authentic 1911. I cannot argue that point. The Python is the authentic American revolver then.
There was a great deal of work done on double action revolvers by custom shops from 1930 to 1950, including King’s Gun Works, Kings Gun Sight Company, and others. Heavy barrels and barrel ribs were fabricated and smooth actions honed. When Colt introduced the Python in 1955 we had a factory ready revolver with an underlugged barrel, superbly smooth hand honed action, and adjustable sights. Balance, smoothness, and accuracy are excellent.
The original Python was in production until 2005. Demand was low and ever increasing production costs made the Python a hard sell. Overnight the Python became terribly (more) expensive. Collectors and speculators ruined the chances of a working man obtaining the best shooting revolver in the world.
In 2017 Colt introduced the new Python. This is a stronger more durable revolver offering a smooth action and good finish. Available in 3-, 4-, and 6-inch versions up until now, the new Python is a great shooter. Recently Colt introduced an 8-inch model and a personal favorite the 3.0 inch version with matte stainless finish. The short barrel makes for clearing leather quickly. Without the brilliantly polished finish of other Colt revolvers the company is able to offer this revolver for $1,222 versus $1,435 for the stainless and blue finish guns. It seems a bargain. There is also a bright stainless revolver with small stocks, an ideal carry revolver. As it turns out the 3-inch barrel gun is my favorite.
The Python features a heavy underlugged barrel. The rear sight is elevation and windage adjustable and may be locked in place for zero with a set screw. The front sight features an orange insert. The usual upswept Python hammer is present and a serrated trigger. In contrast to the wood grips found on modern Python revolvers the matte stainless Python features a Hogue MonoGrip which is the best choice for controlling Magnum loads. There is really nothing that makes for good control like these hand filling grips.
The action is absolutely smooth, and the trigger glides to the rear without a hitch or roughness. The Python is different from any other revolver in the action and it is possible to tie the action up if you do not properly release the trigger allowing reset. Press the trigger smoothly to the rear in one motion and allow a full reset.
This is a revolver born from the need for a competition handgun but well suited to personal protection and hunting. I chose the shorter barrel over the 4-inch version because this is a fast handling revolver that clears leather quickly and gets on target fast. The short sight radius allows a good fast flash sight picture. Get on target, roll the trigger to the rear, and you have a hit.
I chose a good mix of ammunition for the test program. The .357 Magnum Python, like all .357 Magnum revolvers, accepts .38 Special ammunition. This makes for inexpensive practice. The .38 recoils very little in a medium frame revolver like the Python. At 38 ounces the Python is well balanced and just doesn’t kick much at all with .38 Special ammunition.
I began with Black Hills 148-grain target wadcutters, a powder puff load breaking just under 800 fps. This is a great target load and also a fine choice for small game. With man sized targets set up at 7 yards I simply blew the X ring out in rapid double action fire. The Python is easy to control in this type of shooting.
Moving up to a powerful defense loading I tried the Black Hills .38 Special 125-grain JHP +P. I noticed this 950 fps load was developing more energy but control was virtually the same. I moved the targets to 10 yards with practically the same results. I also fired a cylinder of Black Hills 100-grain Honey Badger rounds. This is a formidable defense load, shooting slightly lower than the 125-grain load. Recoil isn’t much and control remained excellent. To date I have fired just under 300 .38 Special cartridges with excellent results.
I also fired a number of .357 Magnum loads. The blast and concussion are there and some feel a short barrel Magnum wastes a lot of powder. The Black Hills 125-grain JHP breaks 1,440 fps in my 4-inch Python and 1,290 fps in the 3-inch gun.
This is a formidable loading at its best in a 4-inch barrel. I fired the Magnum and controlled it well, taking my time, firing double action and allowing the sights to get back on target before I fired the trigger again. This is a powerful load with good wound potential but one that demands a lot of practice.
I also fired a handload using the Hornady 125-grain XTP over enough Titegroup Powder for 1,340 fps in the 4-inch barrel revolver. In the 3-inch barrel Python this handload developed 1240 fps. Using fast burning powder in a short barrel makes for an excellent combination. For most of us a heavy .38 Special loading is best for all around self-defense. A 160-grain hollow point cast soft at 1,000 fps is a good goal if you handload.
Accuracy testing
I settled into a comfortable seated firing position and used the MTM Case Guard K Zone firing rest for stability. I fired in the single action mode. The single action trigger breaks at a nice 3.6 pounds sharp and crisp. I normally use double action fire in every off hand firing chore but the single action firing mode certainly allows excellent accuracy. I fired five loads for accuracy, three .38 Special and two .357 Magnum. Range is a long 25 yards. Results were good, even excellent.
Load 5 shot group
Black Hills .38 Special 148-grain WC 1.4 inch
Black Hills 125-grain JHP +P 1.25 inch.
Black Hills 100-grain Honey Badger 1.65 inch
Black Hills .357 Magnum 125-grain JHP 1.2 inch
Handload 125-grain XTP/Titegroup Powder 1.25 inch
For concealed carry I chose the Bullard Leather semi pancake holster. This holster rides high on the belt and close to the body offering excellent concealment. I ordered this holster in sharkskin because after all you cannot carry a Python in something ordinary! The draw is sharp and the balance between retention and speed is good.
The 3-inch Python is a great working handgun and an excellent personal defense piece.
Specifications:
Action: Double action and single action
Barrel Length: 3.0 “
OAL: 8 inches
Weight: 38 ounces
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Capacity: 6 Rounds
Finish: Matte Stainless
Grips: Hogue Monogrip
Sights: Blade Front/Adjustable Rear
Bullard Leather.com
Black-Hills.com
Colt.com
