Favorite Firearms: Dreaming Of A Colt Python

by
posted on August 13, 2024
** 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. **
Eric Oberdorf
Eric Oberdorf

My son asked me if there was any firearm that I had always wanted but was never able to acquire. I told him it would be a Colt Python. He then asked why I didn’t buy one. I said that I once had the chance to buy one, but decided not to spend the extra money, and, over the years, the price kept one out of my reach. He then asked, “What was the chance you once had?” So I told him the story.

Back in 1971, I felt it was time to purchase my first centerfire handgun. Off I went to the local gun shop to see what was available. Looking over the handguns in the display case, I saw a pair of brand-new 4" Colt revolvers: a Colt Diamondback in .38 Spl. and a Colt Python. No sense in looking any further; that full-lug, ribbed-barrel design was outstanding, so I asked to look at them. The fit, finish and overall feel of the revolvers had me sold.

Now, how to choose which one? They were both similar in appearance, so I had to choose between .38 and .357. I really wanted the Python.

However, finances would make the choice for me. The cost difference was $20 more for the Python—­having a young family, $20 went a long way back then. I decided to save the $20 and purchase the Colt Diamondback.

Over the years, I’ve often thought about that day. What if I had spent that additional $20 for the Python?

Weeks after telling him the story, my son called and asked me if I would like a new Colt Python for my birthday. I laughed and said, “I’ve always wanted one, but they’re so expensive.”

He said, “Dad, I’ll buy you one for your birthday. You sacrificed for me all those years ago, and I want to return the favor.”

He sent me a check for the cost of a new Colt Python, and, after 52 years, off to the gun store I went. Thanks to my son, I can say dreams really do come true.

—Eric Oberdorf

Latest

Kimber 2K11
Kimber 2K11

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 6, 2025

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

FEMA Notes Decline In Disaster Preparedness

A recent report from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) noted a decline in local government preparedness for natural disasters, putting increased pressure on individuals to prepare themselves for emergencies.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.