SHOT Show 2020: Colt Python

by
posted on January 19, 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. **
When Colt's Manufacturing began re-introducing models from its legendary "snake-gun" lineup several years back, consumers began the long chant for the Python. Now, after the Cobra (reviewed here) and the King Cobra (covered in our Gun of the Week video here), Colt finally answered calls for the king of the snake guns with the new-for-2020 re-release of the Colt Python.

Like the classic Pythons of yesteryear, the 2020 models feature the full-underlug barrel and the ventilated top rib, providing that classic look that wheelgun fans love. However, Colt took the re-release of this revolver a step further. Early-model Pythons required a great deal of hand-fitting, and this often led to inconsistencies. There were even differences in trigger-pull weight experienced from cylinder to cylinder.

To avoid these issues and streamline production, Colt re-worked the internal mechanisms of the Python revolver, cutting out 17 unneeded components, which reduced the number of friction points within the revolver's frame. The gun also received Colt's next-generation trigger system, which provides a smooth, stack-free double-action trigger pull and a crisp single-action pull.

For all the details on the new Colt Python, watch American Rifleman's First Look video above. You can also read Editor-in-Chief Mark Keefe's thoughts on the new Python here.

Latest

W3645 AFF 8419+
W3645 AFF 8419+

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 7, 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.

Gun of the Week: Zev Technologies x Magpul FDP-C

One of the most anticipated firearm releases of 2026 was the Zev Technologies FDP, a folding pistol-caliber design that the company produced in conjunction with Magpul Industries.

Review: Taurus 22TUC

Taurus USA's 22TUC is a little, polymer-framed .22 pocket pistol with a tip-up barrel design that, unlike many of the company's guns, is made entirely in the United States.

Korea Coast Guard Increases KelTec KSG Tactical Shotgun Inventory

KelTec recently announced that the Korea Coast Guard has ordered more KSG shotguns to join those already in service aboard the branch's patrol vessel fleet.

Rifleman Review: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

In 2025, Mossberg added to the non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm category with its 990 Aftershock, which uses a semi-automatic operating mechanism while still maintaining a compact form factor.

Next-Gen Micro Red-Dot: The Steiner MPS 2.0

Steiner Optics has introduced the next-generation version of its Micro Pistol Sight, a red-dot optic that first hit the market in 2021.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.