Well, I received my new 4.25" blued Python the other day. It's my first Colt anything, and it's beautiful. I have discovered an issue, and that is a very sticky cylinder release.

I think it has a burr, or some other actual hard-edged problem rather than being stiff with grease, or dirt from the manufacturing process. It moves slightly and stops hard, and I have to really wiggle it to get it to pull back fully and release the cylinder.

I was reading some other forums and posts from around 2020 were mentioning this very problem. Some took it apart, and literally found parts with burred edges, which they filed off, and fixed the function, and I believe others found some dirt fouling, and of course some just sent it back to Colt.

Has anyone had experience with this? What do you think you'd do under the circumstances?

First I would disassemble and clean it, then inspect for burrs.  Minor burrs I would deal with.  Major burrs would result in a call to Colt and request a return shipping label that Colt would pay for and have them fix it.   I would send a very polite nice "golly gee whiz I love Colt" type letter along with the pistol in hopes I might get a trigger job.

Pics?

Well, there's nothing really to see in regards to the release catch. Otherwise, it's a nice looking blued Python.

Take the cylinder release off inspect the sliding contact areas.
The side plate pops off, just like others with the exception it’s on the left side.

Disassembly is a risk that if it's a real problem you may have voided the warranty.
Probable best option is to return it to Colt and have them fix it on their dime.

If you do want to attempt a fix, be certain to use real gunsmith's driver bits that perfectly fit the screws.
Note that at least on the stainless Pythons they use a thread locker on the screws.  They use a new type of stainless and the screws won't hole just tightened.

To do the job, first remove the cylinder and grips.
The cylinder retention is the large screw on the right side.  Under it is a tiny spring and cone shaped plunger.
Rotate the cylinder until a flute lines up with the lower-left side of the frame and pull the cylinder and crane off.

Remove both side plate screws.
Hold the revolver with a thumb over the side plate.
Give the grip frame a few sharp raps with a plastic screwdriver handle to vibrate the side plate loose.
Don't let it come off, that may chatter mark the frame and plate.
Keep a finger in front of the cylinder latch to prevent loss.
When the plate is loose enough, lift it off  DON'T PRY IT.
Under the latch is a "Zee" spring don't lose it.

When reassembling it, position the "Zee" spring on the side plate under the latch and insert the top of the plate into the frame.
Be sure the latch interlocks with the cylinder lock pin inside the frame., then press the plate down.
Install the screws to snug the plate down.