When people throw around the term “best revolver ever made,” the Colt Python’s name always comes up. And it’s not hype—it’s history, engineering, and execution all stacked into one .357 Magnum that’s been turning heads since the ’50s. The original Pythons built a reputation on hand-fit craftsmanship and an action so smooth it became the measuring stick for every double-action revolver that followed. Then Colt pulled the plug in 2005, and prices shot through the roof.
Fast forward to the reboot in 2020. Some folks were skeptical, thinking Colt couldn’t recreate the magic. But they weren’t messing around. The new Python isn’t a cheap throwback—it’s a modern revolver that respects its roots. If you’ve held one, you know what I mean. If you’ve shot one, you really know. It’s not perfect, but it gets damn close.
And whether you’re in it for the nostalgia or you just want a .357 that actually shoots like it should, the Python still earns its name.
The trigger action is still one of the smoothest in the game
The Python has always been known for its buttery double-action trigger, and that hasn’t changed. Out of the box, you’ll notice how consistent and fluid the pull feels, with very little stacking. That kind of smoothness makes a real difference when you’re trying to keep shots on target during double-action work. There’s a reason folks still compare other revolvers to the Python when it comes to triggers.
Single-action breaks clean and crisp with a solid wall—no sponginess or creep. Colt put serious effort into refining the geometry and contact points in the action to maintain that reputation. It’s not hand-fit like the originals, but it’s incredibly well executed and doesn’t feel mass-produced. Whether you’re target shooting or working defensive drills, this trigger won’t fight you. It’ll actually make you shoot better if you let it.
Fit and finish are what you’d expect from a premium wheelgun
Pick up a Python and the first thing you’ll notice is the finish—whether it’s stainless or the newer semi-gloss versions, it’s smooth, clean, and consistent. There are no rough spots, machine marks, or sloppy edges. The frame feels solid in hand, and the way everything lines up—barrel, cylinder, crane—tells you this thing was built with care.
The lockup is tight. Really tight. That’s not just for looks. It means less slop in the cylinder, better timing, and more consistent ignition and accuracy. You’ll pay a little more for a Python, but you can see and feel where that money went. This isn’t a rushed production gun—it’s built with the kind of attention most manufacturers save for custom-shop models. That’s part of what’s kept the legend alive for so long.
Accuracy is more than nostalgia—it’s engineered into the barrel
A lot of people associate the Python with accuracy, and that’s not nostalgia talking. The modern versions use a one-piece barrel with a recessed target crown and a ventilated rib to cut down on glare. The rifling is consistent, and the barrel-to-cylinder gap is tight, which helps keep velocity and accuracy where they should be.
You’ll notice the difference when you shoot off a rest or stretch it out past 25 yards. Even with full-power .357 loads, the groups stay tight. And if you feed it .38 Special, it’ll almost feel like cheating. It’s a revolver that encourages you to shoot better because it responds so well to proper fundamentals. If you’ve got the skill, the Python will reward it. If you don’t, it won’t cover your mistakes—but it won’t cause them either.
The weight actually works in your favor when shooting magnums
At around 46 ounces for the 6-inch model, the Python is no lightweight. But that weight soaks up recoil like a sponge, especially with full-house .357 Magnum loads. It’s not punishing to shoot, which makes it easier to stay on target and get back on the sights quickly.
Some folks complain about weight in a carry gun, but the Python was never meant to ride inside your waistband. This is a range gun, a woods gun, maybe even a nightstand gun. And in those roles, the weight is your friend. It balances out the muzzle rise, and it keeps the frame planted during double-action strings. You feel the power of the round without the sting. That’s a rare combo, and it’s part of what makes the Python so satisfying to shoot.
It’s built to run thousands of rounds without shaking loose
Revolvers take a beating when you shoot hot magnum loads, and not every frame handles it well over time. But the new Python was designed with durability in mind. Colt strengthened the top strap, added material in key stress areas, and improved the internal parts to hold up under repeated firing.
This thing isn’t a safe queen. It’s meant to be shot, and shot often. And it stays tight, even after hundreds of rounds. Timing doesn’t drift, the cylinder stays in line, and the action doesn’t get gritty. That’s more than you can say for some revolvers that start loosening up after a couple boxes of .357. If you’re looking for a gun that’ll still feel solid ten years down the road, the Python checks that box with confidence.
The sights are fully adjustable and easy to track
Colt outfitted the Python with a blacked-out rear and a red ramp front sight that’s pinned in place. It’s not fancy, but it works. You get a clear sight picture in good light, and you can swap the front post for something more modern if you want night sights or fiber optics. The rear is fully adjustable for windage and elevation, and it actually holds zero after being dialed in.
It’s easy to miss how important good sights are on a magnum revolver—until you try shooting one that doesn’t have them. The Python’s setup makes it faster to get on target and more forgiving if your grip or stance shifts a little during recoil. It’s a practical upgrade that shows Colt wasn’t trying to rebuild the legend on looks alone. They gave it the tools to shoot like it means business.
There’s nothing else that feels quite like it in the hand
Ergonomics matter more than most people admit. And the Python, with its full-size grip and excellent balance, feels like it was designed by someone who knew what a revolver should be. It points naturally. The trigger reach works for most hands. And the factory grips give you control without needing aftermarket panels right away.
There’s something to be said for how the whole package comes together. It doesn’t feel awkward. It doesn’t fight you. Whether you’re running .357 or .38, single-action or double, the Python handles like an extension of your arm. That’s not something you can say about every revolver, even some expensive ones. It’s the kind of fit that makes you want to keep shooting—and reminds you why the Python became a legend in the first place.
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*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
