The Colt Python 6 inch is a double-action, .357 Magnum revolver with a 6-inch barrel, made by Colt’s Manufacturing Company in Hartford, Connecticut. It holds 6 rounds and can fire both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition.
The 6-inch barrel makes it the best Python model for:
Target shooting at the range
Competitive shooting
Handgun hunting
Collecting — it is the original Python barrel length
Getting the most velocity and accuracy out of .357 Magnum ammo
It is not the most compact Python, but it is the most accurate one — and that is exactly why so many serious shooters and collectors choose it.
Colt Python 6 Inch: Full Specs
Here are the complete specifications for the current Colt Python 6-inch models:
Spec
Details
Manufacturer
Colt’s Manufacturing Company
Made In
Hartford, Connecticut, USA
Model Numbers
SP6WTS (Stainless) / BP6WTS (Blued)
Caliber
.357 Magnum / .38 Special
Capacity
6 rounds
Barrel Length
6 inches (152.4 mm)
Action
Double-Action / Single-Action (DA/SA)
Overall Length
11.5 inches (292.1 mm)
Overall Height
5.5 inches (139.7 mm)
Overall Width
1.55 inches (39.37 mm)
Weight (Unloaded)
46 oz (2.875 lbs / 1,304 g)
Frame Material
Forged Stainless Steel
Finish Options
Bead Blasted Stainless / Deep Blue
Grips
Walnut with Colt Medallion (standard) / Hogue Rubber (some configs)
Front Sight
Red Ramp — User Interchangeable
Rear Sight
Fully Adjustable (windage and elevation)
Trigger Pull (DA)
7 – 9.5 lbs
Trigger Pull (SA)
~4 lbs
Barrel-to-Cylinder Gap
~0.006 inches
MSRP (2025)
$1,499 – $1,699
Why the 6-Inch Barrel? The Key Advantages
A lot of people ask: why should I choose the 6-inch over the 4.25-inch Python? Here are the real reasons the 6-inch model stands out:
1. Better Accuracy
A longer barrel gives you a longer sight radius — meaning the distance between your front and rear sight is greater. The farther apart the sights are, the easier it is to aim precisely. For target shooting, competition, or hunting, this makes a real difference at 25, 50, and even 100 yards.
2. Higher Bullet Velocity
The longer barrel gives the expanding gas from a fired round more time to push the bullet before it exits the muzzle. This means the 6-inch Python gets more velocity out of every round compared to shorter barrel models. More velocity means more energy on target, flatter trajectory, and better terminal performance — especially important with .357 Magnum.
3. Reduced Felt Recoil
The extra weight of the 6-inch barrel (46 oz total) helps absorb and spread out recoil. Many shooters find the 6-inch Python noticeably more comfortable to shoot in rapid fire compared to shorter, lighter revolvers. The full underlug beneath the barrel adds to this forward-weight balance.
4. Smoother Follow-Up Shots
Because the gun returns to target more easily after each shot, follow-up shots are faster and more accurate. Competitive shooters especially notice this advantage.
5. The Original Python Barrel Length
The 6-inch barrel is historically significant. It was the very first barrel length Colt offered on the Python back in 1955. Owning the 6-inch model means owning the truest expression of the original design.
Colt Python 6 Inch Performance Review
Trigger Feel
The Python’s trigger is widely regarded as the best in any production revolver. In double-action mode, the pull is smooth and consistent from start to finish — no stacking, no gritty feel, no surprises. In single-action mode, the break is crisp at around 4 pounds with almost no overtravel. Shooters who have tested both the vintage and modern Python consistently say the new Python’s trigger is actually smoother than many original 1960s models.
Accuracy at the Range
The Colt Python 6 inch is one of the most accurate revolvers you can buy right out of the box. The combination of a tight 0.006-inch barrel-to-cylinder gap, the recessed target crown protecting the muzzle, and the long 6-inch barrel all work together to deliver tight groups at extended ranges. It handles both 125-grain, 148-grain, and 158-grain .357 Magnum and .38 Special loads with excellent consistency.
Recoil
At 46 ounces, the 6-inch Python is a substantial firearm. That weight is your friend. Heavy .357 Magnum loads are noticeably tame in this gun compared to lighter revolvers. Shooting full-power magnum loads for an extended range session is enjoyable rather than punishing.
Build Quality
The modern Python uses forged stainless steel and is machined with CNC equipment to maintain extremely tight tolerances. The frame is thicker at the top strap compared to the original for added strength. Every chamber, barrel throat, and cylinder is precisely cut for consistent performance. The finish — whether stainless or blued — is polished to a near-mirror quality that sets the Python apart from every competitor in its price range.
Stainless vs. Blued: Which Colt Python 6 Inch Should You Choose?
This is the biggest decision most buyers face. Both models shoot identically. The difference is entirely in looks, maintenance, and purpose.
Stainless Steel (Model: SP6WTS)
The stainless Python was the first version brought back when Colt relaunched the revolver in 2020. It has a bead-blasted stainless finish with a bright, clean appearance.
Choose Stainless If:
You live in a humid climate (coastal areas, the South, the Pacific Northwest)
You shoot it frequently and want low-maintenance care
You want a modern, practical look
You are buying it primarily as a shooter
Blued (Model: BP6WTS)
The blued Python was reintroduced in 2024 after years of customer demand. It has a deep, rich blue-black finish with walnut grips and the signature gold rampant Colt medallion. One buyer who owns both models described the blued finish as “deep blue finish is beautiful — Colt hit a home run.”
Choose Blued If:
You want the classic, traditional Python look
You are buying it as a collector’s piece or display firearm
You want to match the appearance of the original 1955 Python
You don’t mind applying a light coat of oil after handling
Colt Python 6 Inch vs. 4.25 Inch
This is the most common comparison people search for. Here is a simple breakdown:
Feature
6 Inch Python
4.25 Inch Python
Best Use
Target shooting, hunting, collecting
Home defense, range use, versatility
Accuracy
Slightly better (longer sight radius)
Very good
Bullet Velocity
Higher (longer barrel)
Slightly lower
Weight
46 oz
42 oz
Overall Length
11.5 inches
9.75 inches
Recoil
Easier to manage
Manageable
Carry / Conceal
Not practical
Limited but possible
Portability
Less portable
More portable
MSRP
$1,499 – $1,699
$1,499 – $1,699
Bottom Line: If you want the absolute best accuracy and plan to use it primarily at the range, in competition, or for hunting, choose the 6-inch. If you want a more versatile gun that works for range, home defense, and occasional carry, choose the 4.25-inch.
Colt Python 6 Inch Price
New Production (2025 Prices)
Model
Finish
MSRP
SP6WTS
Stainless Steel
~$1,499 – $1,599
BP6WTS
Blued Steel
~$1,699
Prices at local dealers vary slightly. Online retailers and auction sites may list slightly above or below MSRP based on demand.
Used / Pre-Owned (2020–2024 Production)
Modern Pythons hold their value extremely well. Expect to pay:
Excellent condition: 85–95% of original MSRP
Very good condition: 75–85% of original MSRP
Good condition: 65–75% of original MSRP
Vintage Colt Python 6 Inch (Pre-1999)
Vintage 6-inch Pythons are highly collectible. Values depend heavily on finish, year, and condition:
Type
Estimated Value
Standard vintage 6-inch, good condition
$2,500 – $6,000+
Nickel or rare finish
$5,000 – $12,000+
First-year production (1955)
$15,000 – $35,000+
A documented first-year 1955 production Python (serial number 69) sold for $34,500 at Rock Island Auction in December 2021. Values have continued to climb since then.
Who Should Buy the Colt Python 6 Inch?
Competitive Shooters: The 6-inch barrel, smooth trigger, and easy recoil management make this the best Python for accuracy competitions and precision shooting events.
Hunters: The longer barrel delivers more velocity from .357 Magnum rounds, making it a capable small-to-medium game handgun at reasonable distances. The adjustable sights and long sight radius help with field accuracy.
Collectors: The 6-inch barrel is the original Python barrel length, making it the most historically important version to have in any Python collection. Both stainless and blued versions are widely collected.
Range Enthusiasts: If you love going to the range and want the most enjoyable, accurate, and comfortable .357 Magnum revolver you can own, the 6-inch Python is the answer.
Investors: Colt Python values — both vintage and modern — have shown consistent growth. A Python 6-inch purchased today is very likely to be worth more in five or ten years.
Colt Python 6 Inch vs. Competitors
Feature
Colt Python 6″
S&W 686 6″
Ruger GP100 6″
Caliber
.357 Mag
.357 Mag
.357 Mag
Capacity
6 rounds
6 rounds
6 rounds
Trigger Quality
Best in class
Very good
Good
Barrel-Cylinder Gap
0.006″ (very tight)
Slightly larger
0.007″
Weight
46 oz
~44 oz
~45 oz
Build
Forged Stainless
Stainless
Stainless
Finish Options
Stainless + Blued
Stainless only
Stainless only
Price (New)
$1,499 – $1,699
$900 – $1,100
$750 – $950
Collector Value
Very High
Moderate
Very Low
The Python costs more, but the trigger quality, tighter tolerances, premium finish, and collector value make it the clear choice for serious buyers. The S&W 686 and Ruger GP100 are good alternatives at lower price points, but neither matches the Python on overall quality or long-term value.
Where to Buy a Colt Python 6 Inch in the USA
You can purchase the Colt Python 6 inch through:
Colt’s official website — colt.com — find an authorized dealer near you
Local FFL (licensed) gun dealers — the most reliable option for handling before you buy
GunBroker.com — large online marketplace; requires transfer through a local FFL dealer
Guns.com — ships to your local FFL for transfer
Rock Island Auction — best source for vintage and rare Python models
Gun shows — occasionally available; prices vary
Always complete your purchase through a federally license firearms dealer and ensure all legal requirements in your state are met.
Frequently Asked Questions: Colt Python 6 Inch
How much does the Colt Python 6 inch cost in 2025? New stainless models typically retail between $1,499 and $1,599. The blued model retails at $1,699. Street prices at dealers may vary slightly.
What is the weight of the Colt Python 6 inch? The 6-inch Python weighs 46 ounces (2.875 lbs) unload. That weight helps absorb recoil and keeps the gun stable during shooting.
What caliber is the Colt Python 6 inch? It is chambered in .357 Magnum and can also safely fire .38 Special ammunition for lighter recoil and more affordable practice.
Is the Colt Python 6 inch accurate? Yes — it is one of the most accurate production revolvers ever make. The tight 0.006-inch barrel-to-cylinder gap, long sight radius, fully adjustable sights, and smooth trigger all combine to deliver excellent accuracy at extended ranges.
the Colt Python 6 inch good for hunting? Yes. The 6-inch barrel delivers higher bullet velocity than shorter models, making it a capable handgun for small to medium game at reasonable distances.
Is the Colt Python 6 inch good for beginners? It is heavier and longer than entry-level revolvers, but the smooth trigger and manageable recoil actually make it quite approachable for new shooters at the range. Many beginners who shoot a Python 6-inch for the first time are surprise by how easy it is to shoot accurately.
Stainless or blued — which Colt Python 6 inch is better? Both shoot identically. Choose stainless for lower maintenance and corrosion resistance. Choose blued for the classic, traditional look and collector appeal.
Does the Colt Python 6 inch hold its value? Yes — very well. Modern Pythons in excellent condition resell for 85–95% of their original price, and vintage 6-inch models have consistently appreciated in value over the past 20 years.
What is the overall length of the Colt Python 6 inch? The overall length is 11.5 inches (292.1 mm).
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