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Colt Python
The Colt Python is the most famous American revolver ever made.
Chambered in .357 Magnum, built in West Hartford, Connecticut, and first introduced in 1955, the Python has spent 70 years earning its reputation as the finest production revolver in the world. Nothing beats its trigger. Few things match its looks. And no American revolver has a stronger collector market.
Whether you are buying your very first revolver, adding to a serious collection, or looking for the best .357 Magnum available in America today
Why the Colt Python Is Still the #1 Revolver in America
Here is what separates the Colt Python from every other revolver on the market:
1. The Trigger — The Python’s double-action trigger is widely described as the smoothest factory trigger on any production revolver available in the United States. does not stack. It does not feel heavy. It breaks cleanly, smoothly, and consistently every single time. Competitors like the S&W 686 and Ruger GP100 — both excellent guns — need aftermarket trigger work to get anywhere close to what a Python delivers straight out of the box.
2. The Accuracy — The Python was designed to be a precision target revolver from day one. Colt’s famous choked barrel design (slightly tighter at the muzzle than the breech) contributes to consistent, tight groups. At 25 yards from a bench, the Python regularly produces sub-inch groups in single-action mode.
3. The Craftsmanship — Every Python is machined to tight tolerances. The barrel-to-frame fit is nearly seamless. The cylinder lockup is tight. The finish — whether stainless, blued, or matte — is applied with care. You can feel the difference the moment you pick one up.
4. The Value — Vintage Pythons have appreciated dramatically at US auction houses over the past decade. New production Pythons hold their value better than virtually any comparable firearm. Owning a Python is not just owning a gun — it is owning a piece of American history that holds and grows in value.
5. The Legacy — The Colt Python was the official sidearm of the Georgia State Patrol and Florida Highway Patrol. It has appeared in more movies, TV shows, and video games than any other revolver. It is Rick Grimes’ signature weapon on The Walking Dead. has appeared in Resident Evil, Fallout, and dozens of other games. No other revolver in America has this kind of cultural footprint.
Colt Python History: 70 Years of American Excellence
1955 – The Python Is Born
The Colt Python was created in 1955 — not through a formal engineering program, but through the dedication of skilled craftsmen on Colt’s factory floor. Gunsmiths Al De John and Al Gunther set out to build the finest .357 Magnum revolver possible using existing Colt parts and frames. What they produced was immediately recognized as exceptional.
The original Python retailed for $125 in 1955 — the same price as a reintroduced Colt Single Action Army, and the equivalent of roughly $1,471 in 2025 dollars. It was the most expensive production revolver Colt had ever made, and buyers knew exactly what they were getting.
Only one Python was built in 1955. Just over 300 were completed by the end of 1956. By 1969, production had surpassed 100,000 revolvers.
1970s – The Gold Standard of American Revolvers
By the 1970s, the Python had cemented its reputation. American law enforcement agencies — including the Georgia State Patrol — issued it as a duty weapon. Competitive target shooters favored it over all other revolvers. Gun writers consistently called it the finest production revolver in the world.
In the 1970s, Colt also made the Python the first mass-produced revolver in history to be laser-boresighted at the factory — a process that guaranteed each gun left the factory precisely aligned.
1980s and 1990s – Collector Status Begins
As manufacturing costs rose and the market shifted toward semi-automatic pistols, Colt faced pressure to reduce its handmade production processes. In 1997, Python production moved from the main assembly line to Colt’s Custom Gun Shop, where it was renamed the Colt Python Elite. Only a limited number were produced each year.
In October 1999, Colt officially announced the end of Python production. The Custom Gun Shop continued small special-order production until 2005, when even those final runs ended.
The moment production stopped, the collector market exploded. Pythons that had sold for a few hundred dollars in the 1990s were suddenly worth thousands.
2020 – The Python Returns
On January 16, 2020, Colt officially reintroduced the Python. The new second-generation Python was rebuilt using modern CNC machining technology, stronger stainless steel alloys, a redesigned trigger mechanism (eliminating stacking), and 30% more steel in the top strap for greater durability with modern .357 Magnum ammunition.
It was initially offered in 4.25-inch and 6-inch stainless configurations. Demand was overwhelming — dealers sold out on the first day, and wait lists formed across the country.
2022–2025 – The Python Family Expands
Colt has continued adding to the Python lineup year by year since 2020:
- 2022 — 3-inch stainless Python introduced
- 2023 — Python Combat Elite (3-inch, stainless, G10 grips, night sight, unfluted cylinder)
- 2024 — Blued Python introduced (4.25″ and 6″), 5-inch stainless Python added
- 2025 — Blued Python expanded to 2.5″, 3″, 5″, and 8″ barrel lengths; matte Python expanded across all barrel lengths; Samuel Sapphire limited edition Python (1 of 500, engraved 3″)
As of 2025, the Python is available in more configurations than at any point in its 70-year history.
-year history.
Complete Colt Python Specifications — All Current Models (2025)
Stainless Python — Full Spec Table
| Barrel | Overall Length | Weight | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 inch | 8.5 in | 36 oz | $1,499 |
| 4.25 inch | 9.75 in | 42 oz | $1,499 |
| 5 inch | 10.5 in | 43 oz | $1,499 |
| 6 inch | 11.5 in | 46 oz | $1,499 |
| 8 inch | 13.5 in | 52 oz | $1,499 |
All stainless models share:
- Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
- Action: Double-Action / Single-Action
- Cylinder: 6 rounds, polished, fluted
- Frame: Stainless steel
- Finish: High-polish stainless
- Grips: Altamont walnut target stocks with gold Colt medallion
- Front Sight: User-interchangeable, red ramp insert
- Rear Sight: Adjustable target sight
- Rifling: 6-groove, 1:14″ left-hand twist
- Height: 5.5 in
- Width: 1.54 in (at cylinder)
Blued Python — Full Spec Table (2024–2025)
| Barrel | Grip Style | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 inch | Classic panel grips | $1,699 |
| 3 inch | Walnut with gold medallion | $1,699 |
| 4.25 inch | Walnut with gold medallion | $1,699 |
| 5 inch | Walnut with gold medallion | $1,699 |
| 6 inch | Walnut with gold medallion | $1,699 |
| 8 inch | Walnut with gold medallion | $1,699 |
All blued models share:
- Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
- Action: Double-Action / Single-Action
- Cylinder: 6 rounds, polished, high-polish blue fluted
- Frame: Carbon steel, blued
- Finish: Deep high-polish blue
- Trigger (DA): ~9 lbs, 9 oz
- Trigger (SA): ~5 lbs, 6 oz
Python Combat Elite — Full Specs
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 3 inch, polished stainless with recessed target crown |
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Action | DA / SA |
| Cylinder | 6 rounds, polished, unfluted |
| Frame | Stainless steel |
| Grips | Combat-style G10 (two-finger) |
| Front Sight | Night sight (tritium) |
| Rear Sight | Adjustable target |
| Overall Length | 8.5 in |
| Weight | ~2.5 lbs |
| MSRP | ~$1,499–$1,599 |
The Combat Elite stands apart from other Pythons with its unfluted cylinder, G10 tactical grips, tritium night sight, and compact 3-inch barrel. It is designed for duty and defensive carry use.
Matte Python (Budget-Friendly Option)
The matte Python features a brushed stainless finish at a lower price point:
- Available barrel lengths: 3″, 4.25″, 5″, 6″, 8″
- Grips: Hogue overmolded rubber with orange-insert front sight
- MSRP: $1,299
It is the most affordable Python in the current lineup and the best choice for shooters who want to use their Python regularly without worrying about finish wear.
The Colt Python Trigger: Why It Beats Everything
The Python’s trigger is the single most talked-about feature in the revolver world, and the praise is completely deserved.
In double-action mode, the pull travels through a long, smooth arc with virtually no stacking — no sudden spike in resistance near the end of the stroke. The NRA’s American Rifleman measured the blued Python’s double-action pull at 9 lbs, 9 oz — a number that sounds heavy until you actually pull it, because the smoothness makes it feel far lighter than it measures.
In single-action mode, the pull averages 3–5.5 lbs with a crisp, clean break that competitive shooters love.
This trigger quality is the result of Colt’s leaf spring lockwork design — a system inherited from Colt’s pre-war double-action revolvers and refined over decades. The V/U-shaped mainspring creates the smooth, consistent feel that shooters describe as “rolling glass.”
For comparison:
| Revolver | DA Trigger | SA Trigger | Out-of-Box Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colt Python | ~9.5 lbs, ultra-smooth | ~3–5.5 lbs | Best in class |
| S&W 686 | ~10 lbs | ~4 lbs | Very good |
| Ruger GP100 | ~11–12 lbs | ~4.5 lbs | Heavy, needs tuning |
Independent US reviewers who have tested all three consistently reach the same conclusion: out of the box, no production revolver in America has a better trigger than the Colt Python.
Colt Python Barrel Lengths: The Complete Guide
2.5 Inch (Blued Only, 2025)
The rarest and most collectible current configuration. Classic panel grips, compact profile, and the iconic deep blue finish. Inspired by original short-barrel first-generation Pythons that are among the most valuable vintage examples. Best for: collectors and display.
3 Inch
Introduced in 2022, the 3-inch Python was an instant hit. At 36 ounces and 8.5 inches overall, it is the lightest and most compact standard Python. Great for woods carry, home defense, or anyone who wants the full Python experience in a shorter package. Also available as the Combat Elite with night sights and G10 grips. Best for: carry, home defense, collectors.
4.25 Inch
The best-selling Python in America. At 42 ounces and 9.75 inches, it balances perfectly in the hand. Equally at home on a range table or in a nightstand. This is the barrel length most Python owners choose first, and most would choose again. Best for: general use, home defense, range shooting.
5 Inch
The hidden gem of the Python lineup. The NRA’s American Rifleman described the 5-inch Python as having an almost perfect balance — “graceful, attractive lines in an overall size and weight perfectly matched for the handgun’s purpose.” More accurate than the 4.25″ due to a longer sight radius, easier to handle than the 6″. Best for: experienced shooters who want the sweet spot.
6 Inch
The classic configuration. This is the Python Rick Grimes carries on The Walking Dead. It is the barrel length in the famous 1970s promotional photos. This is what most people picture when they think of a Colt Python. It adds meaningful velocity to .357 Magnum loads and provides excellent precision at long range. Best for: target shooting, collecting, hunting, display.
8 Inch
The most powerful Python configuration. Produces maximum .357 Magnum velocity and offers the longest sight radius for the best long-range accuracy. Heavy at 52 ounces but extremely steady on target. Best for: hunting, handgun competition, serious collectors.
Colt Python Finishes: Which Should You Choose?
High-Polish Stainless (Standard)
The go-to choice for shooters who plan to use their Python regularly. Corrosion-resistant, extremely durable, and easy to maintain. The high-polish finish reflects light beautifully and still looks stunning. Pairs with walnut grips and the gold rampant Colt medallion. MSRP: $1,499.
Deep Blue (Carbon Steel)
The most visually stunning Python available today. The deep, rich blue finish on carbon steel is what original Pythons were known for — the finish that made gun writers in the 1950s and 60s call the Python “the most beautiful double-action revolver ever made.” Paired with walnut grips and gold medallions, the blued Python is a masterpiece. Harder to maintain than stainless (requires more care to prevent surface rust), but beloved by collectors and enthusiasts. MSRP: $1,699.
Matte Stainless
The practical choice. A brushed finish reduces glare and shows fewer handling marks. Comes with Hogue rubber grips and an orange-insert front sight for better visibility. The lowest-cost Python available. MSRP: $1,299.
Special Editions
Colt has released a growing number of special and limited-edition Pythons:
- Samuel Sapphire Edition — Engraved 3-inch Python, 1 of 500, with Sapphire blue accents
- Combat Elite — Tactical variant with night sights, G10 grips, unfluted cylinder
- Custom Shop Variants — Occasionally available with engraving, gold inlays, and special grips
Colt Python Price Guide USA (2025–2026)
New Production Pythons — Current MSRP
| Model | Barrel | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Python | 3″, 4.25″, 5″, 6″, 8″ | $1,499 |
| Blued Python | 2.5″, 3″, 4.25″, 5″, 6″, 8″ | $1,699 |
| Matte Python | 3″, 4.25″, 5″, 6″, 8″ | $1,299 |
| Combat Elite | 3″ | ~$1,499–$1,599 |
Street Prices: US dealers typically sell new Pythons for $1,075–$1,600 depending on model, barrel length, and local demand. Deals on the 8-inch model have been seen as low as $1,075 at major retailers.
Used Second-Generation Pythons (2020+)
| Condition | Typical US Price |
|---|---|
| Excellent (unfired or near-unfired) | $1,100–$1,400 |
| Very good (lightly fired) | $950–$1,150 |
| Good (regular use, no issues) | $900–$1,100 |
The 2020-series Python values range between $900–$1,200 on the secondary market.
Vintage First-Generation Pythons (1955–2005)
Vintage Pythons are a dedicated collector market with consistently rising values:
| Year / Type | Typical US Auction / Market Value |
|---|---|
| Standard vintage (good condition) | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Excellent condition 4″ or 6″ | $4,000–$8,000 |
| First-year 1955 production | $25,000–$50,000+ |
| Nickel finish, mint condition | $30,000+ |
| Royal Blue 1955, mint condition | $51,000+ |
| California Combat Python (est. 200 made) | $70,500+ at auction (2022) |
| Elvis Presley’s Personal Python | $172,500 at auction (2017) |
The original Python retailed for $125 in 1955 — equivalent to $1,471 today. The rarest examples have multiplied in value hundreds of times over.
Investment Outlook
Vintage Python values have nearly doubled at major US auction houses since 2016. Demand from new US gun buyers and collectors continues to outpace supply of quality vintage examples. According to market data, demand for both new and used Colt Pythons has risen over 120 units year-over-year, with no sign of slowing.
Key value factors for any Python:
- Condition — Mint, unfired examples command the largest premiums
- Year of manufacture — Earlier is better; 1955–1969 is the most prized era
- Finish — Royal Blue and nickel finishes are rarest and most valuable
- Barrel length — 2.5″ and 3″ are harder to find and more collectible
- Originality — All-original parts, matching serial numbers, unmodified condition
- Box and paperwork — Original factory box and manual add meaningful value
- Provenance — Famous ownership (like Elvis’s Python) can multiply value exponentially
Colt Python vs. Smith & Wesson 686
The S&W 686 is America’s most popular alternative to the Python. Here is the honest comparison:
| Feature | Colt Python | S&W 686 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl |
| Cylinder Capacity | 6 rounds | 7 rounds |
| Frame Construction | Stainless or blued steel | Stainless steel |
| Trigger (out of box) | Best in class | Very good |
| Price (new) | $1,299–$1,699 | $850–$1,100 |
| Aftermarket Support | Limited | Extensive |
| Collector Value | Very high | Moderate |
| Made In | USA (West Hartford, CT) | USA (Springfield, MA) |
| Best For | Shooting excellence, collecting | Duty, everyday use |
The Verdict: The Python wins on trigger feel, aesthetics, and collector prestige. The 686 Plus wins on price and ammo capacity (7 rounds vs 6). Both are outstanding American revolvers, but they attract different buyers.
Colt Python vs. Ruger GP100
| Feature | Colt Python | Ruger GP100 |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl |
| Cylinder Capacity | 6 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Frame | Steel (forged) | Steel (cast) |
| Trigger (out of box) | Best in class | Heavy, improves with tuning |
| Price (new) | $1,299–$1,699 | $700–$900 |
| Durability | High | Very high |
| Aftermarket Support | Limited | Extensive |
| Collector Value | Very high | Low |
| Best For | Precision shooting, collecting | Heavy use, budget buyers |
The Verdict: The Ruger GP100 is an extremely durable, affordable workhorse. It handles unlimited rounds of hot .357 Magnum without complaint. The Python delivers a superior out-of-box shooting experience and far greater long-term value. Experienced reviewers consistently note: buy a GP100 if you want to pound it, buy a Python if you want to treasure it.
Colt Python Performance Review
Reliability
The second-generation Python (2020+) is highly reliable. Extended tests firing 400–1,200+ rounds through production Pythons with both .38 Special and .357 Magnum loads report zero malfunctions. Early 2020 production models had some timing issues that Colt corrected. Current production is dependable and consistent.
Accuracy
At 25 yards, single-action, the Python delivers groups under one inch with quality ammunition. The choked barrel, tight lockup, and excellent trigger combine for precision that outperforms most production revolvers at any price point. The adjustable rear sight and interchangeable front sight allow precise zeroing for different loads.
Recoil Management
The Python’s weight — 42 oz for the 4.25″ model — naturally dampens recoil. With .38 Special loads, the walnut grips are comfortable for long range sessions. With full-power .357 Magnum hunting loads, many owners switch to rubber grips. The Python grip frame is unchanged from vintage models, so all legacy aftermarket grips still fit.
One Thing Every New Python Owner Should Know
The Python’s ejector rod is too short to fully clear .38 Special casings from the cylinder. You need to tilt the gun muzzle-up and give the rod a firm push. This is not a defect — it has been part of every Python since 1955. Every Python owner learns this immediately and it quickly becomes second nature.
Colt Python and American Pop Culture
The Colt Python is the most recognizable revolver in American pop culture — and that recognition has fueled its collector market for decades.
Television: Rick Grimes carries a 6-inch Colt Python throughout The Walking Dead as his signature weapon, chosen specifically for its stopping power and accuracy. A new generation of American gun owners discovered the Python through the show. The gun’s profile — the vent rib barrel, full underlug, and gleaming stainless cylinder — is instantly recognizable to millions of viewers.
Video Games: The Python appears as a named weapon in Resident Evil, the Call of Duty franchise, Fallout 4, Red Dead Redemption, and dozens of other major titles. In Resident Evil, it was literally called “the Python.”
Movies: The Python has appeared in numerous American films and television shows since the 1970s, reinforcing its status as the revolver of heroes, lawmen, and skilled marksmen.
Law Enforcement Legacy: The Colt Python was the issued duty sidearm for the Georgia State Patrol and Florida Highway Patrol — a mark of distinction no other revolver in America can claim in the same way.
This pop culture footprint is not just trivia. It directly drives demand among new buyers and contributes to the Python’s rising collector value year after year.
Who Is the Colt Python For?
First-Time Revolver Buyers: If your budget allows, starting with the best means starting with a Python. The trigger will teach you what a great revolver feels like — and you will be spoiled for everything else.
Experienced Shooters: If you have owned other revolvers and want to understand what the world’s best factory trigger feels like, the Python is the answer. No modifications needed.
Collectors: The Python is a cornerstone of any serious American revolver collection. Vintage models appreciate in value. New production Pythons are expanding into new configurations every year. The Python family — paired with the Anaconda, King Cobra, and Cobra — forms one of the most desirable collecting categories in American firearms.
Home Defense Owners: The 4.25-inch or 3-inch Python with .357 Magnum or .38 Special loads is a serious home defense option. Revolvers do not jam. The Python’s reliability is proven through decades of use. The .357 Magnum is a capable defensive cartridge.
Hunters: The 6-inch and 8-inch Pythons deliver full .357 Magnum velocity and outstanding accuracy for handgun hunting of deer, hog, and similar game.
Investors: The Python has a proven track record of holding and growing in value. It is one of the few production firearms that can be legitimately discussed as a long-term collectible investment.
Colt Python Maintenance: Keeping Your Python in Perfect Condition
After Every Range Session:
- Unload completely and verify the gun is empty
- Run a bronze brush through each cylinder chamber and the barrel
- Wipe down all metal surfaces with a lightly oiled cloth
- Clean the forcing cone area (between barrel and cylinder) — this takes the most impact from .357 Magnum loads
- Apply a thin coat of gun oil to all metal surfaces before storage
Long-Term Care Tips:
- Use .38 Special for practice to reduce wear and cost — save .357 Magnum loads for when you need them
- Store in a cool, dry location; humidity is the enemy of the blued finish in particular
- For blued Pythons: apply Renaissance Wax or a light oil coat periodically to protect the finish
- Do not use snap caps excessively — the Python was not designed for unlimited dry-fire
- If the trigger ever feels different or the cylinder times incorrectly, take it to a qualified gunsmith immediately
Colt Python FAQ
What is the Colt Python? The Colt Python is a double-action/single-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, made by Colt’s Manufacturing Company in West Hartford, Connecticut. It was first introduced in 1955 and is widely regarded as the finest production revolver ever made in America.
How much does a Colt Python cost? New Colt Pythons range from $1,299 (matte finish) to $1,699 (blued finish). Street prices at US dealers typically run $1,075–$1,600. Used second-generation (2020+) Pythons sell for $900–$1,400. Vintage first-generation Pythons can range from $2,000 to over $170,000 for rare or celebrity-owned examples.
Is the Colt Python still being made? Yes. Colt reintroduced the Python in January 2020 and continues to expand the lineup. In 2025, the Python family includes stainless, blued, matte, and Combat Elite variants across six barrel lengths (2.5″ through 8″).
What caliber is the Colt Python? The Colt Python is chambered in .357 Magnum. It also accepts .38 Special ammunition, which is cheaper and lighter on recoil — making it ideal for practice.
What barrel lengths does the Colt Python come in? The current Python lineup includes 2.5″, 3″, 4.25″, 5″, 6″, and 8″ barrel lengths, varying by finish.
What is the best Colt Python barrel length? The 4.25-inch is the most popular all-around choice. The 5-inch is described by many experienced shooters as the sweet spot. The 6-inch is best for target shooting and collecting. The 3-inch is best for carry and compact use.
Is the new Colt Python as good as the original? The second-generation Python (2020+) uses stronger steel and more consistent machining. Its trigger is equal to or better than most original Pythons. It is more durable for regular shooting with modern .357 Magnum loads. Vintage Pythons have greater collector value, but for shooting purposes, the new Python is arguably superior.
What is the difference between the blued and stainless Colt Python? The stainless Python has a high-polish stainless steel frame — durable, corrosion-resistant, low maintenance. The blued Python has a carbon steel frame with a deep blue finish that matches original first-generation Pythons. Blued models feature walnut grips with gold Colt medallions and cost $200 more than stainless models.
Is the Colt Python a good investment? Yes, particularly vintage models. First-generation Python values have nearly doubled at major US auction houses since 2016. Rare examples have sold for $70,500+ at auction. Even modest vintage Pythons in good condition routinely sell for $2,000–$5,000. New production Pythons also hold their value better than most comparable firearms.
Why is the Colt Python so expensive? The Python’s price reflects its precision engineering, premium materials, hand-fitted action, and 70-year legacy of being the finest production revolver in America. It is the most labor-intensive revolver Colt makes, and demand consistently exceeds supply.
What is the Colt Python Combat Elite? The Combat Elite is a tactical variant of the 3-inch Python featuring a tritium night front sight, G10 two-finger combat grips, and an unfluted cylinder. It is designed for duty carry and defensive use.
Does the Colt Python appear in The Walking Dead? Yes. The Colt Python is Rick Grimes’ signature weapon throughout The Walking Dead TV series, specifically the 6-inch model. It also appears in Resident Evil, Call of Duty, Fallout 4, and many other games and films.
What is the rarest Colt Python? The California Combat Python — with an estimated 200 manufactured — is one of the rarest. One sold for $70,500 at auction in 2022. First-year 1955 production Pythons and those with special provenance (such as Elvis Presley’s Python, which sold for $172,500) are among the most valuable.
Conclusion: Should You Buy a Colt Python?
If you want the best double-action revolver made in America today, the answer is yes.
The Colt Python’s trigger has no equal on any production revolver available in the United States. The accuracy is outstanding. Its craftsmanship is visible in every detail. Its 70-year history is unmatched in the American revolver market.
For the shooter, the 4.25-inch stainless Python at $1,499 is the most versatile starting point. For the collector, the blued Python at $1,699 is the most visually faithful tribute to the original. The hunter or long-range shooter, the 6-inch or 8-inch model delivers the full power of the .357 Magnum cartridge.
And if you find a clean vintage Python at a fair price — you are holding one of the finest firearms ever produced on American soil, and one of the most reliable long-term collectibles in the entire firearms market.
The Colt Python earns its legend every time someone picks it up. Seventy years in, it is still the standard by which all other American revolvers are judged.