Colt Python: Colt police officer chambered for the powerful Magnum 357 cartridge

History of the revolver

Its history dates back to the Second World War, when the task was set to create cheap, mass-produced weapons. At that time, there was an acute shortage of cheap and, at the same time, powerful weapons on the market (pistols were very often used at that time).

A company called Colt's Manufacturing Company solved this problem by producing a new pistol. The ammunition used was the .357 Magnum cartridge. The first version of Colt was introduced in 1955. Then, almost simultaneously, the .44 Magnum from Smith & Wesson came out. These two revolvers were direct competitors. But if the .44 Magnum was more powerful, then the Colt fully deserved the title of the most beautiful pistol in the world (and it was slightly inferior in power to its rival).

The revolver was made according to the first type of frame (this is the part to which all other parts and components are attached. This is the basis of any revolver). The revolver had the ability to install a precise, adjustable sight. The trigger mechanism was quite reliable for that time. The revolvers differed both in design and in barrel size and construction.

At the very beginning, the Colt Python was produced with a hollow pencil case. Then they began to fill it and it played the role of a stabilizer when using the pistol. If you press the trigger (descent), the drum is locked. To reduce the leakage of powder gases, a special chamber was put on the barrel. The part was put on quite tightly.

It was produced until 1999. Although it continued to be sold in some stores until 2005. However, after a long break, its production was resumed (the suspension of production was due to the company’s temporary withdrawal from the revolver market).

This model began a separate family of Colt revolvers. His successors were Colt Anaconda and Colt Stalker. Colt Anaconda is the same Python, but using a larger caliber cartridge (.44 Magnum). The Colt Stalker was produced as a budget version of the Python. It was the poor man's Python.

The table will describe the chronology of the release of models, starting with the very first.

Model release chronology

Colt description

The Colt Python is a six-shot revolver that was originally manufactured in Hartford, Connecticut in the United States.

Initially, there were two finishing design options: Royal Blue (“brown-blue”) and Bright Nickel (“light nickel”). The latest model ceased production in 2003, due to the fact that the Python began to be made from more modern materials.

The Python was available in several barrel options:

1. 2.5 inch;
2. 3 inch;
3. 4 inch;
4. 6 and 8 inch barrels.

One of the best-selling models was a revolver with a 6-inch barrel.

Around 1980, the company began producing the Python Hunter model, with an 8-inch barrel. The pistol was equipped with a 2x scope straight from the factory. It was one of the first mass-produced pistols designed for precision shooting. Python Target continued to be released for ten years.

Many collectors believed that the Colt Python was the best revolver in the world. Among them were such famous personalities as Joseph Cooper, Yang W. Wong and others.

There are also cases where the Colt Python was made to special order. For example, King Hussein of Jordan ordered several copies with four and six inch barrels. He gave it to his friends. The copies bore the coat of arms of his country.

The Colt Python was used by police and other law enforcement agencies, primarily by uniformed officers. This pistol is even named after an entire movie (Police Colt “Python 357”). The python, with a 4-inch barrel, was used primarily for concealed carry. Later it was supplanted by more advanced pistols. But despite this, the Colt Python still remained popular. Due to the fact that its production has now been resumed, its popularity continues to grow.

At the moment, the new Colt Python line also includes air pistols. An air pistol, of course, does not have the same characteristics as a combat pistol. Its caliber is 4.50 mm. Currently removed from sale.

Using a revolver

Despite belonging to elite types of weapons, after the pistol was released, law enforcement agencies immediately became interested in it. The power of the Python, coupled with its impressive appearance, which often produced the desired psychological effect, was quickly appreciated by American police.

The model with a 6-inch barrel was used by uniformed officers. For employees who prefer to carry concealed weapons, models with 4- or 3-inch barrels were purchased.

The Python, like other revolvers, was replaced by 9-gauge semi-automatic pistols. But some special forces still happily use this revolver.

Long-barreled models are widely used by hunters and professional athletes (including pneumatic ones). The former actively use optical sights, the manufacture of which today is carried out by specialized workshops.

Considering that today no one is engaged in the production of Python, the price of these revolvers on the market is growing.

This is especially noticeable at auctions, where collectors very quickly buy up the lots that appear.

Moreover, for some reason, models with a barrel length of 3 inches, as well as pistols produced in the 50-60s, are especially popular.

The revolver and cinematography were not ignored. Python is a frequent guest in the urban action genre. This is especially true in films of the 70s and 80s.

Tactical and technical characteristics of Colt Python (TTX):

From the characteristics it is clear that the Colt Python has a very large mass for a pistol. This is one of its disadvantages. It is also too large in size, which sometimes caused inconvenience.

Colt Python Elite revolvers did not differ in characteristics from their predecessors. Unless they had a beautifully designed design (until 2003).

New items - pneumatic "Colt Python" from "Cybergun" and "Umarex"

One of the legendary models of revolvers is the “ Colt Python ” (another name is Combat Magnum), which was produced from 1955 to 1999 (its production continued in small batches until 2005).

In the world of pneumatics, airgun has had better luck with its competitor, whose pneumatic copies of revolvers are produced under the brands “ASG”, Gletcher”, “Umarex”, etc.

Until recently, the Crosman line of pneumatics included the 357 model, the shape of which (but not the loading system) was reminiscent of Colt’s famous Python.

However, the situation may change in the near future.

, all-metal samples of the “Colt Python” with a barrel length of 4 ( Swiss Arms 357-4 ) and 6 inches ( Swiss Arms 357-6 ) Swiss Arms trademark

Both Pythons from Cybergun/Swiss Arms were supposed to be made of a metal alloy and were close in shape and size to the combat prototype (length 24 and 29 cm, weight 1.04 and 1.1 kg, respectively).

I was somewhat confused by the energy indicated by the manufacturer - up to 1.5 J and the speed of the ball's departure - up to 90 m/s.

However, for unknown reasons, the release of the Swiss Arms 357 is delayed - to date, these models have not appeared on the Cybergun website.

At the same time, the German company is joining the work on creating an airgun copy of the famous Colt revolver. In January of this year, at the Shot Show 2014 Colt Python airgun was demonstrated at the company’s stand .

The appearance of an all-metal pneumatic copy of the Python aroused great interest among visitors to this exhibition-fair.

In February, the company uploads an advertising video for a new revolver online -

In this video clip, with the exception of appearance, one can glean only scant information about the characteristics of this pneumatic revolver - the speed of the balls is about 400 feet per second (122 m/s), the frame of the revolver is made of a metal alloy, the drum capacity is 6 false cartridges (the design is similar to false cartridges for ASG and Gletcher revolvers), the trigger allows firing both by self-cocking and with pre-cocking of the hammer, the presence of an extractor of false cartridges.

In March of this year, a new revolver appears on the Umarex website.

Despite the fact that a six-inch model appears at the “ Shot Show 2014 ” and in the advertising video, only the 2.5-inch version “Colt Python Black” (cat. no. 5.8193) appears in the catalog.

At the same time, the description provides only meager data - caliber .177 (4.5 mm BB balls), total length 20.4 cm, weight 904 grams, double-action trigger.

Similar models of airgun revolvers - copies of “Colt Python” are also present on the website of the American (SMG), whose airguns are sold under the “Gletcher” brand. The site presents 2.5 , 4 and 6 inch versions of the pneumatic revolver.

The following characteristics of these revolvers, made of a metal alloy, are stated:

• caliber - .177 (BB 4.5 mm)
• ram capacity – 6 false cartridges;
• power – no more than 3 dJ;
• ball release speed: – 100 m/s (CLT B2.5), 110 m/s (CLT B4) and 120 m/s (CLT B6);
• full length – 20 cm (CLT B2.5), 23.5 cm (CLT B4) and 28.6 cm (CLT B6);
• weight – 450 grams (CLT B2.5), 989 grams (CLT B4) and 1.1 kg (CLT B6).

However, it was not possible to find any additional information about Gletcher CLT other than what is provided on the SMG website. It is also missing from the Russian website GLETCHER.RU.

The appearance on the Russian market of these pneumatic versions of the famous Colt revolver will undoubtedly be a significant event, and they will find their buyers. We can only hope that this event will not take long to happen.

Modifications

The pistols differed only in the length of the barrels and the ammunition used (Python Target used the .38 Special cartridge). Pneumatic, cooled and mmg pistols were also produced, created in the image and likeness of the original.

The 2022 version of the Colt Python features an improved design due to the use of new alloys that have replaced its predecessors. The upper part of the frame was also improved (a new rear sight was added to it). In the new version of Colt, the barrel design was simplified. This was achieved by reducing the number of parts. They also added a muzzle chamfer, a replaceable front sight and improved pistol grip grips made of walnut wood. The design of the new Python has not changed.

Advantages and disadvantages of Colt Python

pros

The revolver had the ability to fire armor-piercing ammunition

The Python had the ability to install modules in the form of a sight, which not all pistols had

The revolver had good accuracy (it was achieved through the use of the .357 Magnum cartridge)

Minuses

The tendency of the revolver to malfunction during prolonged shooting, which is very dangerous for the health of the shooter. This was due to the fact that when the mechanism malfunctions, the drum does not completely adhere to the barrel and the shooter receives burns from powder gases that break through the gap between the drum and the barrel

The weapon had a very large mass and barrel size, which made it uncomfortable for long-term use

Repairing a revolver takes a very long time.

The revolver had too much recoil

Below are images of revolvers.

Image of two revolvers (six and four inch). In a classic style.

Image of a revolver with a 2x scope.

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This shows the behavior of the weapon at the training ground. They showed him shooting, loading and recoil. The video shows that the Colt Python passed several tests.

Over the long history of its existence, Colt has proven itself well in the market. Even today, it has not lost popularity and continues to be bought (though already in 2020). After all, few can compare with him.

Typically, the rise of the trigger will take up the slack when firing so that the lock remains secure. However, all revolvers need synchronization and the Python needs them no more than any other pistols.

But despite all the advantages, it also has disadvantages, which is why not everyone will like the revolver. It is suitable only for fans of heavy weapons, because not everyone can hold it in their hands due to the high recoil.

Characteristics of the pneumatic pistol Stalker STR (4.5 mm, Colt Python)

Air pistol Stalker STR (Colt Python 2.5) buy in the Popadiv10 online store. Air pistol Stalker STR (Colt Python 2.5) at a low price of RUB 8,990. You can pay for your order by mail upon receipt in any part of the Russian Federation. Before placing an order, be sure to check the price and contents of the product by phone (during business hours) or by e-mail and feedback system (at any time convenient for you).

Information on the product “Pneumatic pistol Stalker STR (Colt Python 2.5)” is for informational purposes only and is not a public offer as defined by the provisions of Article 437 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation; characteristics, appearance, color and equipment may be changed by the manufacturer without notice.