New For 2022: Colt 3" Python

by
posted on January 5, 2022
** 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. **
Colt Python

Colt turned heads and was met with applause when the company revived its legendary .357 Mag. chambered Python revolver line in 2020. The new Python was only offered in two barrel length however, 4.25" and 6", leading to customer requests for Colt to reintroduce the shorter 3" barreled model as well. Now more than a year down the line, Colt has announced the re-release of the 3" barreled Python for 2022, after a two decade long production hiatus.

Like the two other versions with longer barrels, the 3" barrled version of the Colt Python is chambered for .357 Mag., with a 6-round cylinder. Its 3" barrel has six grooves with a twist rate of 1:14" left hand. The shorter barrel also gives this Python a smaller overall length of 8.5", while it otherwise remains similar to the others with a width of 1.55" and height of 5.5". The barrel, frame and cylinder are made of stainless steel, with extra steel added to the frame design in order to better handle more powerful .357 Mag. loads, resulting in an overall weight of 40 ozs., unloaded.

Aesthetically stylized off of the original Colt Pythons, the new 3" version has a double- and single-action trigger with an exposed spurred hammer, as well as a classically shaped cylinder release tap on the left side of the frame. The trigger pull has a double-action pull weight ranging between 7 to 9.5 lbs. The majority of the metal components, including the barrel, frame and cylinder, are finished with a semi bright polish. This is in contrast with the walnut stocks, which are also stylized after the original Pythons with deep checkering and embedded Colt logo medallions.

On top of the frame and barrel, the 3" Python also comes with black iron sights. The front sight is interchangeable and has a Red-Ramp face on the visible side, which allows the revolver to be zeroed with both full power .357 Mag. loads or softer .38 Spl. loads. The rear sight is match grade and can be fully adjusted for windage and elevation. For more information on the revived Colt 3" Python as well as the other revived Colt wheelguns, visit colt.com.

Latest

Nighthawk Custom New Guns 2026 1
Nighthawk Custom New Guns 2026 1

Nighthawk Custom Releases Trio Of New Pistols For 2026

Ahead of SHOT Show 2026, Nighthawk Custom announced it would be releasing three new handguns, all built with the company's "One Gun, One Gunsmith" approach.

I Have This Old Gun: Remington Nylon 66

When Remington Arms wanted an inexpensive, mass-market .22 rifle, the company's designers departed from traditional manufacturing materials. The resulting Remington Nylon 66 emerged as an incredibly innovative, durable design that went on to be produced in great numbers.

Nevada, Missouri Law Enforcement Agencies Adopt Springfield Echelon

Police departments in Nevada and Missouri became the latest law-enforcement agencies to adopt the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.5F as their official duty pistol.

New For 2026: FN 309 MRD

For 2026, FN is seeking to bring its handguns to a wider market with the FN 309 MRD, a no-frills affordable pistol that the company says is “easy to shoot, easy to use and easy to own.”

Handloads: A Cheap .38 Special Target Load

These times of sparsely available handloading components require scrimping here and there in order to continue shooting, and the .38 Special provides a lot of bang for the buck.

Jack O'Connor Guns, Books & Art Up For Auction

A number of books and firearms, along with some art pieces, that have a direct connection to famed outdoor writer Jack O'Connor are up for auction at GunBroker.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.