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

Daniel Defense H9
Daniel Defense H9

Review: Daniel Defense H9

Is the third time the charm? Daniel Defense has introduced a third version of the Hudson H9 pistol. Smaller, lighter and less radical, it could be “the one.”

Supreme Plus: Ranger Point Precision & Line49 Rifle Henry LASR Conversions

A new collaboration between modern lever-action specialists Ranger Point Precision and Line49 Rifle transforms Henry’s groundbreaking Lever Action Supreme Rifle.

The Armed Citizen® June 15, 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.

NRA Launches "ARC Across America" National Challenge

The National Rifle Association is inviting Americans, coast-to-coast, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States—and the freedom for which it stands—by exercising their rights by participating in the "ARC Across America" National Challenge.

New for 2026: Sightmark Strikon Prism Optics

Sightmark now offers two different prismatic optics for carbines and shotguns.

Q&A: Getting the Lead Out of Revolver Cylinders & Barrels

One American Rifleman reader wrote in, asking how to clean lead build-up out of his Colt revolver and also prevent lead from building up with his cast bullets.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.