Colt Addresses Python Issues in New Video

by
posted on February 21, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Following the launch of the Colt Python at the beginning of 2020, some issues emerged that were highlighted by certain YouTube personalities and also shared across social media. In particular, these issues included light primer strikes, cylinders that wouldn't rotate with each trigger pull and damage to the muzzle crown of the guns. Colt has addressed these issues with an all-new video, which you can watch above.

Light Primer Strikes

In the video above, Colt highlighted the fact that company employees have heard of consumers experiencing light primer strikes with their guns. Colt has been able to replicate this occurrence when using imported ammunition that features heavier primers, so first and foremost, the company strongly recommends using only high-quality, SAAMI-certified, brass-cased ammunition in the Python.

Colt, however, will be making a slight change to the mainspring used in the Python in order to accommodate a greater variety of ammunition. This will lessen the chance for a light primer strike, and the modified mainspring will affect the trigger pull slightly, but it still provides a double-action pull between 7-9 lbs. as specified.

Cylinder Rotation

Baldini also highlights the fact that Colt employees have seen a small number of Pythons with loose sideplate screws. How does that factor into cylinder rotation? In the video above, a Python revolver is shown with its sideplate removed in order to highlight how the cylinder hand functions to advance the cylinder.

In short, the sideplate supports the hand and ensures it remains in position in order to advance the cylinder. If the sideplate is loose, then the hand can miss the ratchet that advances the cylinder, due to the tight tolerances inside the gun. To prevent this issue from occurring, Colt will now use thread-locking compound on the screws that hold the sideplate in place.

The company encourages owners of Colt Python revolvers to send their gun back to Colt if they're experiencing cylinder-rotation issues. The company will inspect the hand for damage and then properly torque and lock the sideplate screws into place.

Damaged Muzzle Crowns

Some Colt Python owners have noticed damage around the muzzle crown on their gun, which is an issue that Colt found during initial manufacturing and thought it had solved, but it's clear that some guns escaped from the factory with muzzle-crown issues. Owners of guns with this damage can receive a pre-paid label from Colt to get the damage addressed.

For more details on Colt's response to the Python, check out the video above.

Related Reading
SHOT Show 2020: Is There a Problem With the Colt Python?
SHOT Show 2020: Colt Python
5 New Revolvers Seen at SHOT Show 2020

Latest

Henrylasr 01
Henrylasr 01

The Lever Action Supreme Rifle: Henry's 21st Century Lever Gun

The Henry Lever Action Supreme Rifle (LASR) is a step away from the company’s traditional-styled lever-actions, providing a number of features that carry the lever gun into the 21st century.

The Seekins Precision SIC: A Modular Rifle for Special Operations Use

Originally designed for a SOCOM military contract, the Seekins Precision SIC is designed for anyone who wants extreme long-range accuracy.

I Carry: Taurus TX9 Compact in a Galco Holster

In our latest "I Carry" segment, we pair the new Taurus TX9 Compact with a leather Stow-N-Go holster from Galco, Inc. This compact, concealed-carry kit is rounded out with an Xolotl automatic knife produced by CRKT.

The Armed Citizen® March 13, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: Canik USA MC9 Prime

Canik USA built out its concealed-carry handgun lineup with the MC9 Prime, which is a larger, yet still slim, CCW gun that sits in the same category as other upsized micro-compacts.

U.S. Army Awards Mossberg Contract for Additional 590A1 Pump-Action Shotguns

The U.S. Army has awarded O.F. Mossberg & Sons a contract for approximately $11.6 million dollars to supply the U.S. Army with additional Mossberg 590A1 pump-action shotguns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.