Buddy of mine had a new Python. The cylinder would just decide on its own to swing-out when shooting regular .38 Special. He sent it back to Colt. The gun then would lock up. He sent it back to Colt. The gun went back to randomly opening up on him. He sold it for a loss and couldn't care less.

I had a new production King Cobra Target. The gun locked-up. Colt outright replaced with a new one. The frame wasn't machined to spec.

Hnnnggggggg

ETA, looks like Diamondback is gonna get a big brother soon.

Diamondback Left by FredMan, on Flickr

Agreed. Top '79 2.5", bottom '24 3":

I was weak....



The trigger on this one is heavy, but smooth.  Double action is pretty good.  Single has got to be in the 5lb range.  I'm just going to dry fire and shoot it for a while.

I picked up a 4" for a smokin' deal all, of all places, Bass Pro. It was used but in mint condition. This it from 2020 I think.
Trigger edges are sharp compared to the Smiths. Pull seems decent.
Can spring kits be added to these like Smiths or best to not mess with it?

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As of yet there are no replacement springs or other parts for the new Colt revolvers except for sights.
Wilson Combat and Kensight sell the best replacement sights for the New Python.

So far, the only option for a better trigger is to send the gun to Frank Glenn or Heffron Precision.
Either can do a trigger job that gives a BETTER trigger then the original factory Python.

Frank Glenn is a real Master Pistolsmith, who offers vey fast turnaround,. excellent pricing, and absolute top of the line Colt factory level workmanship.....

http://glenncustom.com/

Heffron was one of the first to offer trigger work for the new Colt's, but they're a year behind.....

https://www.heffronprecision.com/

Frank Glenn is local to me. never used him. have use Nelson Ford for a Smith.
Is it really a $360 better trigger?

Can’t speak to Mr. Glenn’s Python work, but he worked on a pre-27 Smith for me and his work was excellent.  I’m going to dry fire my new Python a bit but if I don’t get the trigger to where I like, it’ll be going to Frank.

Observations after three days of “2020+” Python ownership:

The trigger has gotten better with a decent amount of dry fire.  I’m using snap caps just in case.  Mostly single action as IMHO that was WAY too heavy.  I’m planning in dry firing it a lot more.

The rear sight SUCKS in comparison to every other adjustable sight revolver I’ve ever owned.  A set screw?  Seriously?  On a $1500 gun?  Mine was not tight and my windage screw backed out.  The freaking sight fell apart.  Thankfully I found the pieces and put it back together.  I had an Allen wrench that fit the set screw so it’s tightened down now.  I’ve got some purple lock tight coming per the recommendation of a Colt forum.  We’ll see how that does.  If it still won’t stay tight I guess I’ll have to spring for the Wilson unit.

The cylinder is short, like my MkIII Trooper.  Hand loads at 1.59” are fine, anything longer is no-go.  I’ve “adjusted” my loading recipes to accommodate that, but I’ve still got some 1.61” ammo I’ll need to shoot up.  It’s honestly sad that my Henry lever actions can handle longer OAL that this revolver.

I won’t get a chance to get to the range for a week due to other obligations so no info there.

This is technically my fifth Python.  I’ve owned four “originals” and they’ve all been sold.  I’m warming up to this one as it does have some charm.  The machining and fit is excellent.  The DA trigger is pretty good.  The single action is not even close to my better Smiths, but I know that is due to the drop testing requirements.  It is getting better though with cycles.  We’ll see where it is in a week or so.  I have had Frank Glenn work on a Smith for me before and he does excellent work.  I just hate to void the warranty on a brand new gun.

Also, I know I had basically stated I was going to pass on a new Python.  Well, I got a trade offer I’d be stupid not to take,  I traded off two guns I had very little in and didn’t shoot for a new Python that I will shoot.  Both of us were happy so I’m good with that.

Did you measure trigger pull or it 'feels' better?
Going to try mine this weekend.

Should have measured, but need a good gauge.

My new Python came with me to New Orleans.

Didn't they beef up the top strap? Maybe more rib posts are part of the beefing up.

Shot mine today. It's actually very nice from a Smith fan.
Not a fan of the set screw on the rear site.

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I can’t believe how cheap the rear sight is.

ETA - I’ve been on vacation in New Orleans all week.  I brought the new Python with me just so I could dry fire it a bunch.  I will say the trigger is much better to me.  Still gotta be low 4 lbs single action but much better than it was.  Double action is lighter and smoother as well.  I’m sure I’ve annoyed my wife in the evenings, but I brought snap caps and usually have my thumb on the hammer so it doesn’t “slam” down.

I’ve got some purple locktite (for the lock screw) waiting for me at home, and if the rain holds off, I’ll be zeroing it on Monday.  Going to be quite a change from mid 80’s to mid 50’s……. I’ve been in shorts and Hawaiian shirts all week.

Ok, so I got home and my trigger pull gauge came in today.  Here’s the average as it is right now:

Single action:  5.5lbs
Double action:  11.4lbs

For reference, this is my Smith 625-8 JM with a factory hammer spring and a Wolff 14lb rebound spring:

Single Action:  2.95lbs
Double action:  11.2lbs

I’ll update later with comparisons to my Mk3 Trooper and Diamondback.

Shot mine again today. Still impressed with the trigger.

Single action leaves a lot to be desired.  I’m still going to dry fire mine a ton more in the hope that it’ll get to sub 5lbs single action.  I’m pretty happy with the double action.  It’s as good as some of my better Smiths that have spring kits.

Looks like the weather is clearing up for tomorrow.  I’ve taken the day off as a “recovery from vacation” day, so I’ll be sighting in the Python.

ETA - just ordered a Simply Rugged holster for the new Python.  I’ve got several of Rob’s holsters.  I’m a fan.

ETA 2 - I added some Hoppes gun oil to the action (just a couple drops) and a bunch more dry firing tonight.  Now I’m at:

Single Action:  4.9lbs
Double Action:  9.8lbs

Just adding a little oil made a surprising difference.  The old factory specs from Colt for a Python were below 12lbs for the double action and 4.5lbs max, 2.5lbs minimum single action.  Double action on the new one does feel pretty darn good.  Single action isn’t spectacular, but it is getting better.  Originally I was considering sending it off for some trigger work, but I think I’m going to leave it alone.

ETA 3 - Took some comparison readings from some other guns.

Smith & Wesson 67-ND:

SA. 2.8 lbs
DA. 9.8 lbs

Diamondback

SA.  2.75 lbs
DA. 7 lbs

Trooper Mk3 (13lb Wolff hammer spring)

SA. 3.4 lbs
DA. 12.8 lbs

Colt Series 80 stainless Gold Cup

SA.  4.7 lbs

I guess in the grand scheme of things, the Python single action is about the same as my most used Gold Cup.  I’d prefer that it was lighter, but seeing as it’s a 3 inch gun it’s not a huge deal.  If it was a six inch “target gun” I’d be more inclined to get it worked on.

ETA 4 - Just got back from the range.  Shot a mix of my reloads.  No issues with  Fiocchi, Remington, or Winchester primers.  Got it zeroed nicely at 15 yards.  Honestly, it shot much better than I expected from a 3 inch revolver.  38’s were very pleasant and my “light” 357’s (1050fps 158gr SWC’s) were more than comfortable.  In this short outing it liked 158gr SWC’s just a little better than 148gr DEWC’s accuracy wise.  After getting back, I’ve cleaned it up and applied some purple lock tite to the set screw.  It did not loosen up after I finished adjusting the sights, but I only shot about 75 rounds.  I am starting to like this thing quite a bit.  Balances well, shoots well, looks good.  Now I’m “impatient” for my new holster to get made……

I really like the lines of pythons. I love reading the new reviews. I will probably get one eventually.

The build quality on my example is excellent.  Honestly way better than current Smiths, and you know I’m a die hard Smith guy.  So far the only downsides have been the sub-par single action and the poorly designed rear sight.  The single action has gotten better with a bazillion dry fires and the purple lock tite seems to have resolved the set screw on the rear sight backing out.  I’ll put some more rounds through it this weekend and Rob (Simply Rugged) is making me a holster for it.

I don't mind a cruddy sa because I shoot like sa twice a year with a revolver  

I do really like 686 too. When I get closer I'll think about it more but the new blued pythons are really nice