The Colt Python was reviewed in the March 2020 issue of American Rifleman, an NRA member magazine. The review was written when the plant started producing civilian models in place of military M1911A1s. Since then, the Colt company has changed its manufacturing processes, and the plant is no longer primarily focused on military models. But that doesn’t mean that the Colt Python has been unworthy of praise.

1955

The Colt Python is an oversized, beefy I-frame revolver. Its long barrel and vented rib line made it look larger in hand than its actual dimensions. The Python was manufactured from 1955 to 1994 in 2.5-inch barrel lengths. The revolver’s snub-shaped barrel earned it a place in gun culture during the 1960s and 1970s, with snubs associated with James Carew and James Garner.

1982

The Colt Python was in regular production from 1955 until 1996. It came in a variety of model variations, including a stainless steel version. After that, it was available only by special order through the Colt Custom Shop. In 2005, it was discontinued, and collectors are no longer able to purchase it. As such, 1982 was arguably the best year for the Colt Python. Aside from being an iconic firearm, the Colt Python has been a staple of law enforcement departments for decades.

1983

The original Colt Python was a venerable gun that was largely popular among the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in the 1950s. Despite its reputation as being fragile, the Colt Python was able to hold up to the rigorous use of magnum loads. Despite this reputation, the Python was resurrected in 1983 with several changes, including a simpler internal design and the addition of new features such as a rear sight. Unlike the original, this version of the Colt Python retains its leaf mainspring.

1984

The Colt Python has been around for a long time. It was a popular revolver among plainclothes and uniformed law enforcement officers. Today, the Python has been phased out of common use as law enforcement preferences have shifted to semi-automatic pistols, such as the 9 mm. These guns have a similar round capacity to the venerable. However, many collectors still cherish this iconic revolver because of its heritage.

1985

The Colt Python is one of the classic revolvers made by Colt. It was first introduced in 1955 and was an excellent alternative to the Smith & Wesson Model 29. This revolver featured magnum fireability and was available in many different configurations. The production of this revolver ended in 1999, although it was still available for custom orders until 2005. However, the Colt Python has seen many changes over the years.

1986

The Colt Python is considered one of the most iconic revolvers in history. Although it is no longer manufactured, you can find one on the used market. These revolvers are top of the line and are a joy to shoot. This review will cover some of the changes made to the rifle in 1986. Let’s take a closer look at each change. First, the rear sight has been improved, with more steel beneath it. Second, the frame has stronger stainless steel. Then, the trigger has been adjusted to give it a more solid feel.

1987

The Colt Python first appeared in 1956 in the Gun Digest Annual, but it wasn’t until 1977 that it really came into its own. Described as the Cadillac of Colt revolvers, the Python was a model with an exquisite attention to detail. A hand-polished version is said to be one of the most beautiful revolvers ever made. The Colt Python’s popularity didn’t fade, and it’s back on the market today.

1988

The Colt Python has a reputation for being fragile, especially when loaded with magnum rounds. The 1950s saw them used for bullseye matches, while the 1960s saw them in law enforcement. As time passed, however, the popularity of the Python increased. Even photos of blown-out top straps are included in the shop manual for the 1968 model. In 1988, Colt engineers redesigned the Python’s top strap and rear sight.

1990

In the 1950s and 60s, Colt Pythons were notorious for being fragile when loaded with magnum loads. They were also widely used for law enforcement and bullseye matches. In the 1970s, Colt engineers were forced to rethink the design of the gun after photos of blown top straps showed that the firearm was unusable. This led the company to redesign the top strap and rear sight.

1991

The Colt Python was introduced in the early 1990s and was a popular choice for police officers. The revolver was used by police in the past but has fallen out of favor because the modern needs of law enforcement are better met by semi-automatic pistols, such as the 9 mm. These pistols are more powerful than the.38 Special and can be used in the field. Several law enforcement agencies still carry the Python in their arsenals, though.