The new Colt Python

The Colt Python was the king of the handgun world back in the ’60s and ’70s.  It was the Rolls Royce of revolvers.  I owned two of them at different times in the mid-’70s.  I bought one while I was deployed overseas in Korea (we could actually order guns through the base exchange) and it was delivered to me in Korea.  I paid something like $150 for it back then, and it was sleek…deep bluing (Colt called it Royal Blue), a 6-inch barrel, and then I had to worry about bringing it back to the US.   I was told I would need a certificate signed by the Director of the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Bureau and I could only imagine how long that would take, but it didn’t take long at all.  I submitted the request and three weeks later I had a hard copy (this was the 1970s) signed in ink by the actual top guy at the ATF.   That gun came back to America with me in a duffel bag.  I remember that 10 grains of Unique behind a 110-grain jacketed hollowpoint Hornady tore one ragged hole at 25 yards.  It was phenomenally accurate.

I traded that Python for a new Ruger No. 1 in .30 06 and a couple of boxes of .30 06 ammo, and I still have that rifle.   But back at Fort Bliss I missed the Python.   Good buddy Roy told me I could order one through the Fort Bliss Rifle and Pistol Club, so I did (this time in nickel, but still a 6-incher).   It was stunning, with flawless nickel plating and a absolutely jewel-like, luxurious look.  The I sold that one when I moved to Fort Worth.  It was not my brightest move ever.  I’ve done a lot of dumb things in my life.  This was definitely one of them.

Colt quit making the Python several years ago, and prices went through the roof.  An original Python goes for something around $3k, give or take a K or two (almost always to the north).  Big bucks, and way more than I want to spend.

I sort of got the Python fever again a few months ago when good buddy Python Pete let me take a few shots with his vintage 8-inch barreled Python.   It was the accuracy that got me excited.   These were great revolvers.  I wrote about that day here.

And then suddenly, just a few weeks ago, Colt announced that they were reintroducing the Python, and it would retail at $1500.   That was a good thing, I thought.  It’s still pricey, but a new Python would be great.   Maybe when the supply exceeds the demand prices might drop, I thought.

I want the new Python to succeed.  A frontline company like Colt (an iconic name if ever there was one) deserves nothing less.

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