Colt Python

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The Colt Python was first introduced in 1955 as Colt's top-of-the-line model, originally intended to be a large-frame .38 Special target revolver. It features precision adjustable sights, a smooth trigger, solid construction, and extra metal. Pythons have a distinct appearance due to a full barrel underlug, ventilated rib and adjustable sights. Colt revolver cylinders rotate clockwise compared to counter-clockwise of other revolvers (like Smith & Wesson or Ruger). When the revolver is at full cock, just as the trigger is pressed, the cylinder locks up for the duration of the hammer strike. The gap between the cylinder and forcing cone is very tight, further aiding accuracy and velocity. The Python has been extremely popular with both target shooters and law enforcement. It immediately made inroads into the law enforcement market when introduced, with the 6-inch barrel being popular with uniformed officers and the 4-inch barrel considered optimal for plainclothes use. The Colorado State Patrol issued 4-inch blue Pythons until their switch to the S&W .40 caliber autoloader. Georgia State Patrol issued Pythons in the 1980s until their transition to Glock semiautomatic pistols in the 1990s. Florida Highway Patrol issued Pythons to their officers in the 1980s until their transition to the Beretta 92FS in the late 1980s.

In Their Own Story

The air hung thick with wet rot and the metallic tang of old blood. Rick's fingers found the cold checkering of the Python's grip, the weight familiar against his palm like an extension of his own arm. Around him, the horde shuffled forward, a dry rustle of decayed leaves on pavement. There was no need to rush; he had six chances, and that was more than enough. One click of the cylinder, one deliberate pull, one head snapping back into silence. The metal spun with a satisfying, oily hum before locking into place. In this broken world, the only thing louder than the dead was the absolute certainty of the shot.

Reader's Guide

The Colt Python operates as a double action/single action revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. It offers two firing modes: a long, heavy double-action trigger pull that cocks and releases the hammer in one motion, or a manual cocking of the hammer for a crisp, short single-action trigger pull. The Python is powered by a V-spring versus the Smith & Wesson's leaf spring. Since the 2020-update, the V-spring has been redesigned into a 'U' shape, in addition to simplifying and subtracting parts from the lockwork, to prevent 'stacking', a phenomenon where the weight of pull sharply increases at the end of the trigger's travel. The Python features a fully adjustable white-outline Accro rear sight and a 1/8-inch (3 mm) front ramp with red inset. It has a wide spur, checkered hammer and grooved, curved trigger. Initially only a blued finish was offered, soon after a nickel finish was added. The Python has been featured in numerous films, television series, video games, and literature, including The Walking Dead, Resident Evil, Half-Life, Dirty Harry (1971), Magnum Force (1973), Fight Club (1999), American Gangster (2007), John Wick (2014), and television series such as Starsky and Hutch, The X-Files, Hawaii Five-O, and Burn Notice.

Did You Know?

• The Colt Python was first introduced in 1955 as Colt's top-of-the-line model and was originally intended to be a large-frame .38 Special target revolver.
• Colt revolver cylinders rotate clockwise compared to counter-clockwise of other revolvers like Smith & Wesson or Ruger.
• Only one Python was built in 1955, a little over 300 Pythons were built by the end of 1956, and more than 100,000 Pythons were built by 1969.
• From the 1970s each Python revolver was boresighted at the factory with a laser; the first mass-produced revolver for which this was done.
• The Python was the first time Colt used the Royal Blue finish, coming from a very high polish on the gun and then bluing.