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

More Suppressors 2
More Suppressors 2

NFA Wait Times Continue to Drop

In early 2021, it took the ATF about 280 days to process a Form 4 NFA transfer. In August 2026, using the recently implemented eForms system, that wait time had dropped to only nine days.

Pelican Air Carry-on Case Review

An industry staple just made air travel more convenient.

The ROSE Program by SIG Sauer: Empowering Women in Shooting Sports Across the Nation

The ROSE Program is a shooting program created specifically for women. It aims to create a community of women in shooting that can learn about shooting and self-defense.

I Have This Old Gun: French MAS-49

Despite being early adopters of several semi-automatic rifles for military use, the French army took several decades to work out a standardized semi-automatic rifle for general service use. The rifle that finally came to being was the MAS-49.

Polite Society Industries Launches with Complete Suppressor Line

"An armed society is a polite society," goes the famous quote, which is also the inspiration behind Polite Society Industries, a new suppressor manufacturer that now has a complete line available to consumers.

NRA-ILA Names Smith & Wesson Official Partner of the 2026 NRA Gun Bus Battleground Tour

Iconic American firearms maker Smith & Wesson will join NRA-ILA on the road as nation's leading firearm group turns out voters ahead of the 2026 midterm.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.