Post by adr on Jan 17, 2021 13:06:29 GMT -7
I got lucky and acquired a new 2020 Python and for the past week I've given it a good going over and have some comments to share with members of the forum. I've owned several older Pythons --currently have a 1977 vintage six inch bbl tuned up by Sandy Garrett at No. Va. Gunworks that I have used with much success in NRA Action Pistol Competition (aka Bianchi Cup) in the Production Division. The Python was made between 1955 and 1995. It was mostly hand assembled and polished by experienced Colt craftsmen and it was known for smooth action and accuracy. However it had a very complicated "Rube Goldberg" design that was a real PITA to work on. Specialized tools were needed to disassemble the Cylinder. Eventually Colt had to give in and discontinue the gun due to low sales, high price, and all the skilled craftsmen retired from Colt and there were no replacements. The resurrected 2020 Python enjoys the benefits of a simpler more robust design and CNC machining without a degradation in fit, finish and accuracy of the older guns.
I really like the new 2020 Python and I consider it to be better than the older guns in many ways.
Fit and Finish: Excellent -- The new Python is well put together and finished as it should be based on the price. The stainless finish I like- and it really pops with a little flitz polish. And I like the fact that I can now use a Kydex holster and not be so hard on the old python blue finish. Holster I use is a Blade Tech for a S&W 686.
Grips: The new grips look real nice and they fit the frame nice and tight. However, they don't work for me when shooting NRA Action Pistol Courses. In rapid Double Action fire strings using the supplied grips the gun tends to ride up in my hand. The new Python grip frame is the same as the older guns so grips made by Hogue or Pachmayr can be easily installed.
Sights: The front sight is ramp type with red insert. I don't like red ramp sights so the new gun offers an easy change feature for the front sight. The rear sight and the blade edges are bevelled it offers a nice picture--BUT why there is a lock screw requiring a 5mm hex wrench is beyond me. So, to make windage adjustment on the rear sight requires two tools and not one. NOT very convenient and I don't like that feature. Elevation adjustments can be made without a hex wrench.
Trigger face: Still old Colt and not good--sharp edges on the side that dig into my finger when shooting Double Action which I do about 95% of the time. It would be better if it had a slight radius to the edges.
Trigger pull--DA and SA. It's difficult to give it a fair comparison versus my Sandy Garrett tuned Python which has a butter smooth DA that must be left to be believed (but goes BANG only with ammo loaded with Federal primers). The new gun has a "lawyers trigger" especially in SA. The SA pull on the new gun measures 6 pounds which IMO is unacceptable--but since I don't shoot much SA its not a deal breaker. The DA pull feels much better and my gauge measured it an average of 9 pounds but very smooth with a clean break. I like it because it will go BANG with ALL primers (to include CCI's which are probably the hardest) --not just Federals (all primers are hard to find now but Federals are especially non existent)
Internals: Compared to the old Python the internal parts of the new gun are simpler and better. The cylinder stop is identical to S&W. The hammer and trigger are well made and finished. Still uses a rebound lever but simpler. The main spring is a "U" shape versus the old 'V'shape. The hammer block is better and not the "Rube Goldberg" design like the old guns. The hand looks like the one in old guns and the new Python still has that "bank vault lockup" like the old models. MUCH Easier to work on if needed.
Barrel: The new gun barrel is nicely finished with a good looking counter bore at the muzzle and the crown looked good too. I cleaned and polished the forcing cone area and it too is well finished. The barrel is just as good if not better than the old models.
Cylinder: The cylinder is simpler and better that the old design. Its always recommended that disassembly of the old cylinders NOT be done unless its a well schooled gunsmith with the correct Colt specific tools. The new cylinder design doesn't require special tools. I disassembled mine so I could chamfer the charge holes to make it easier to use a speedloader with wadcutter ammunition. The cylinder disassembles similar to S&W. Outside -- the front edges are beveled so that feature makes the gun easier to holster. The cylinder throats are prefect fit for Chey-Cast bullets measured at .358
Accuracy: I loaded up some .38 Special ammo using mixed brand cases, CCI small pistol primers, 158 grain RN Bullets with Hi Tek coating diameter .358 from Chey Cast bullets here in Cheyenne, WY behind 3.7 grains of W231. I used an NRA Action Pistol reduced size AP2 target at 50 feet. I fired a three shot group in Double Action resting the gun on the front table in the shooting booth. 3 shots were touching each other an excellent group and an indicator of what the gun is capable of doing. I then proceeded to shoot the NRA Action Pistol "Practical Course" indoors which entails shooting at multiple targets at 10 yards, 15 yards, and then use the reduced size AP2 target at 25 feet and 50 feet which simulate outdoor shooting at 25 and 50 yards. 48 shots total and a maximum possible score of 480-48X. Each stage requires draws from holster, strings of fire are done under time pressure and one string of fire is done with weak hand only. There were no "clickers" the gun went bang each time even with CCI primers and I scored a 455-22X -- a high "expert" score and just short of Master territory which would be a 460 or higher. Not bad! --the new Python shoots great and it may perform better with wadcutter ammunition.
Summary: I was skeptical but I give Colt kudos for building a great gun worthy of the Python name. Highly recommended!!
I really like the new 2020 Python and I consider it to be better than the older guns in many ways.
Fit and Finish: Excellent -- The new Python is well put together and finished as it should be based on the price. The stainless finish I like- and it really pops with a little flitz polish. And I like the fact that I can now use a Kydex holster and not be so hard on the old python blue finish. Holster I use is a Blade Tech for a S&W 686.
Grips: The new grips look real nice and they fit the frame nice and tight. However, they don't work for me when shooting NRA Action Pistol Courses. In rapid Double Action fire strings using the supplied grips the gun tends to ride up in my hand. The new Python grip frame is the same as the older guns so grips made by Hogue or Pachmayr can be easily installed.
Sights: The front sight is ramp type with red insert. I don't like red ramp sights so the new gun offers an easy change feature for the front sight. The rear sight and the blade edges are bevelled it offers a nice picture--BUT why there is a lock screw requiring a 5mm hex wrench is beyond me. So, to make windage adjustment on the rear sight requires two tools and not one. NOT very convenient and I don't like that feature. Elevation adjustments can be made without a hex wrench.
Trigger face: Still old Colt and not good--sharp edges on the side that dig into my finger when shooting Double Action which I do about 95% of the time. It would be better if it had a slight radius to the edges.
Trigger pull--DA and SA. It's difficult to give it a fair comparison versus my Sandy Garrett tuned Python which has a butter smooth DA that must be left to be believed (but goes BANG only with ammo loaded with Federal primers). The new gun has a "lawyers trigger" especially in SA. The SA pull on the new gun measures 6 pounds which IMO is unacceptable--but since I don't shoot much SA its not a deal breaker. The DA pull feels much better and my gauge measured it an average of 9 pounds but very smooth with a clean break. I like it because it will go BANG with ALL primers (to include CCI's which are probably the hardest) --not just Federals (all primers are hard to find now but Federals are especially non existent)
Internals: Compared to the old Python the internal parts of the new gun are simpler and better. The cylinder stop is identical to S&W. The hammer and trigger are well made and finished. Still uses a rebound lever but simpler. The main spring is a "U" shape versus the old 'V'shape. The hammer block is better and not the "Rube Goldberg" design like the old guns. The hand looks like the one in old guns and the new Python still has that "bank vault lockup" like the old models. MUCH Easier to work on if needed.
Barrel: The new gun barrel is nicely finished with a good looking counter bore at the muzzle and the crown looked good too. I cleaned and polished the forcing cone area and it too is well finished. The barrel is just as good if not better than the old models.
Cylinder: The cylinder is simpler and better that the old design. Its always recommended that disassembly of the old cylinders NOT be done unless its a well schooled gunsmith with the correct Colt specific tools. The new cylinder design doesn't require special tools. I disassembled mine so I could chamfer the charge holes to make it easier to use a speedloader with wadcutter ammunition. The cylinder disassembles similar to S&W. Outside -- the front edges are beveled so that feature makes the gun easier to holster. The cylinder throats are prefect fit for Chey-Cast bullets measured at .358
Accuracy: I loaded up some .38 Special ammo using mixed brand cases, CCI small pistol primers, 158 grain RN Bullets with Hi Tek coating diameter .358 from Chey Cast bullets here in Cheyenne, WY behind 3.7 grains of W231. I used an NRA Action Pistol reduced size AP2 target at 50 feet. I fired a three shot group in Double Action resting the gun on the front table in the shooting booth. 3 shots were touching each other an excellent group and an indicator of what the gun is capable of doing. I then proceeded to shoot the NRA Action Pistol "Practical Course" indoors which entails shooting at multiple targets at 10 yards, 15 yards, and then use the reduced size AP2 target at 25 feet and 50 feet which simulate outdoor shooting at 25 and 50 yards. 48 shots total and a maximum possible score of 480-48X. Each stage requires draws from holster, strings of fire are done under time pressure and one string of fire is done with weak hand only. There were no "clickers" the gun went bang each time even with CCI primers and I scored a 455-22X -- a high "expert" score and just short of Master territory which would be a 460 or higher. Not bad! --the new Python shoots great and it may perform better with wadcutter ammunition.
Summary: I was skeptical but I give Colt kudos for building a great gun worthy of the Python name. Highly recommended!!