Colt Blued Python Revolver: Homage For a Classic

Sitting around after an informal handgun shoot at the club where we were discussing different guns, one of the group said, “There’s nothing like a Python.” We all shook our heads in agreement.

The Colt Python made its debut in 1955, with production ending in 1999, although the company’s custom shop continued building them until 2005. Then in 2020 Colt brought the legend back—but at first only in stainless. Now there’s a blued version.

My custom-shop blued Python was built in 1977, so I was able to compare that first generation with the new second. With a few exceptions, the new one is a good clone of the original.

The target-style rear sight has been redesigned and the topstrap enlarged in thickness over the cylinder for strength. This sample was equipped with the shorter 4.25-inch barrel—there’s also a six inch—and it balances nicely in the hand.

New Generation

These guns still host that famous Colt blue finish, and while the company doesn’t use the term “royal blue” in the specs anymore, it does come very close to the original in brilliance. And credit must be given to the lack of tool, buffing or polishing marks anywhere on the gun.

Obviously, the ventilated rib is what makes this gun unique, and Colt spared no expense to make it right. Rather than use a sleeve, the company forged the barrel as one piece, machining the vents during production with stylized cuts at the rear of the vent rib as it mates with the frame.

The muzzle is crowned more so than the original, but the barrel still has the full underlug. The front sight is ramped with a red insert and is user-interchangeable via a set screw at its base.

The cylinder is fluted and chamfered on the forward edges. Timing of the cylinder notches to the bolt is nearly perfect. Drag marks on my Python are hardly noticeable despite years of shooting.

Reintroduction of a Legend

The hammer has a beavertail shape and is checkered. The trigger is service width and has a nonslip surface. The single-action pull was a bit disappointing at a full six pounds with a hint of creep; double action was a bit over 12 pounds.

The satin-finished wood grips have checkering that is flush instead of raised as on the original. The grips are complemented by a gold rampant-colt medallion.

For those who have waited patiently, Colt has taken a bold new step with the reintroduction of this legend, and the return of the blue finish is most welcome. What my friend at the club said was correct: There’s nothing like a Python.

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