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I love my 2020 King Cobra 3 inch.
I've yet to handle a new model Python.
I've read the internals are the same configuration. The Python is a larger frame.
What does the Python really offer? More weight? A larger handle? Adjustable rear sight? Is it more durable?
And another thing...it seems like the Anaconda is pretty close to Python in size
I have all 3 except the King Cobra is the Target 4”. The Cobra by far feels the best in the hand. The triggers are closer between the python and anaconda than the python and cobra.
I received one of the first Pythons and it was a little dinged up, sent it back to Colt and they made it right. The only issue is they seemed to put the heavier spring in it because there were many complaints that it was having trouble lighting off hard primers in cheaper ammo. The trigger pull was very close between it and my early 90’s python, but it is noticeable different now that I got it back.
If you go to this thread, you can see all 3 next to each other. https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...em-around-here
That's the impression I'm getting. That the KC is the best value. Unless you want the .44 or want to mount an optic.
Perhaps the KC is the gun to carry for SD, the Anaconda for fun, to admire, and hunting, mounting an optic, and the Python for...people who loved seeing it in a movie / TV show? (Not that there's anything wrong with that)
These revolvers are so nice, I feel I need two of them. :cool:
ThanksQuote:
Originally Posted by 1_click_off
For models that have it, is the adjustable rear sight as problematic as some say?
I love the smooth face on my KC. Do both the Python & Anaconda have grooved triggers?
I'd be interested in a 3-inch Python or 4-inch Anaconda. But they don't yet make a 4-inch Anaconda.
I had a chance to handle a couple of new Pythons a week or two ago, and an Anaconda.
I own a 3” King Cobra with the fixed sight.
Anecdotal samples of 2 Pythons and 1 Anaconda:
1.) Double action triggers on the Pythons and Anaconda felt lighter to me than the King Cobra. Could just be the longer trigger stroke making the overall weight seem lighter. They’re so good I almost forgot to try the single action.
2.) Single action on all of them is crisp, but the weight is a bit heavier than I would like. No big deal since the DA is so good.
3.) The Anaconda is a big bastard. Noticeably larger than the Python.
4.) The ejector rods on both Python and Anaconda are considerably more robust than the small rod on the King Cobra.
5.) The adjustable sights that Colt has selected look sketchy as hell. Plus the front sight/rear sight notch ratio is trash. Way way to tight a sight picture.
6.) The Pythons were a 4.25” bbl and 3” bbl. I liked both, but the grip on the 3” bbl is the same as the 4.25” gun and needs to be something shorter/rounded.
On the plus side for the sights and grips, grips can be replaced, and the nice people at Wilson Combat have the rear and front sights covered!
https://shopwilsoncombat.com/Colt-Py...products/1544/
So now a Python or two, and an Anaconda are strait up on my list of gotta have.
Thanks for reviews!Quote:
Originally Posted by Coal Dragger
2. Sounds like my KC. I don't fire it SA except occasionally to check zero of a new load or something.
3. Hm. Only looks slight bigger / heavier in pics but I'll take your word for it.
4. That's good. I do smack an ejector rod. Although not with much resistance because I've had no issues with tight / stuck cases.
5. & 6. That's just what Hackathon said. Rear sight terrible, 3 inch needs rounded grip frame.
It's good to see those aftermarket rears available. Sold out for now.
My KC has the fixed rear (would be nice if a little deeper) and gold front. I like the front. Easy to change if I ever wanted to.
Wilson is offering both front and rear sights if you missed it or didn’t scroll down.
I will try if possible to pick up a 3” or 4.25” Python (maybe both) and replace the rear sight with a Wilson Combat U notch adjustable, and buy a red fiber optic front and gold bead front.
The Anaconda I will upgrade to the Wilson Combat adjustable square notch rear, and buy one each of the red fiber optic, and gold bead front.
I might just back order those WC sights to have on hand.
I would love to see someone who is a skilled machinist make a super low mount for an Aimpoint ACRO for the Anaconda. I wish Colt had provisions for optic mounting on the Python. Maybe the barrel ribs are wide enough to mill ACRO mounts into?
Yes, I did see the links. Great that those are available! (Once back in stock)
What about speed loaders? I use the Safariland loaders for a S&W K in my King Cobra and they fit perfectly.
Is there a Safariland model for the Python?
Not sure about speed loaders. Probably the same as an L frame.
Says here:Quote:
Originally Posted by Coal Dragger
https://safariland.com/products/spee...-comp-ii-11231
Model #3 is for a Python. #5 for an L frame S&W. #4 for a K frame.
I don't remember which ones I use that fit my KC perfectly. I'll have to check & see. Safariland doesn't list it, officially. Perhaps I'll drop them an email about that.
Are any rounded-butt grips available for the new Python?
A buddy of mine has a new 6 inch Python he bought about a year ago and has yet to fire it. I need to get him to the range so I can shoot that thing.
I don’t think so. In order to round but a Python you have to be willing to cut on the grip frame. That’s how Hackathorn round butted that 3” of his. He sourced a set of stocks for some old Colt sheriffs model, and had a gunsmith count out the frame to match them.
Ah. I misheard and thought just the grips could be modded.Quote:
Originally Posted by Coal Dragger
I'd be willing to have that done should I get one and like it enough.
My issue with the Python is what does the nearly 40 oz 3 inch Python do better than the 28 oz 3 inch King Cobra I already have?
Be more pleasant to fire and last longer using .357 mag ammo?
I'm not sure I'd take advantage of that. I have a nice .38 +p load (might be +p+ I dunno) that doesn't recoil much and doesn't feel like it's hard on me or the gun. Accuracy is good, easy ejection, etc.
What keeps me from loading magnums isn't the frame it's the 3 inch barrel. Not much to be gained between hot .38 and medium .357 mag from 3 inch tubes. And I don't think I want to carry anything longer.
How ridgged / sharp / deep / prominent are the grooves on the Python / Anaconda triggers?
I don't want them at all but if they are vague (like on some Berettas I have) I could live with it.
I didn’t even notice them to be honest. So not that sharp I guess.
That's good.Quote:
Originally Posted by Coal Dragger
Maybe the Python needs a "Python Carry" model? 3 inch, Wilson Combat rear sight, rounded butt, smooth-faced trigger, stubby or no hammer spur, optic ready.
Or, Colt might just tell those potential customers to buy a King Cobra carry and enjoy it being 10 oz + lighter.
That would be cool.
I think Colt might consider a 7 shot revolver on the Python frame as well, put an ACRO mount on the top of the frame, drift adjustable rear sight that takes up minimal space that is just tall enough to be useable in the bottom of the ACRO window. Then add a smooth face trigger, and a DLC finish. Round butt the frame and have VZ grips make a nice aggressive set of stocks. If they really wanted to be awesome they could also offer that same exact gun in a 6 shot 10mm cut for moon clips.
As a carry gun the King Cobra is more size efficient for sure for those wanting to carry a package that weighs that much and only has 6 rounds on board. In some jurisdictions that’s probably not a terrible option though, and at least the KC frame seems robust enough to feed a steady diet of stout loads to train with the gun.
I just feel really cramped on the King Cobra and K frame sized guns personally. Not something I enjoy shooting because of that.
I doubt I could resist buying the 7-shot Python you describe!Quote:
Originally Posted by Coal Dragger
I have medium hands and the KC feels perfectly sized for me.
It's another topic but I believe someone is missing sales not making an L frame sized revolver for the low-pressure cartridges like .44 Special and .45 ACP.
Only Charter Arms does and they're junk.
Speedloaders seem to be a no go on the new Python. I would have to pull my original out and the new to see where the issue is. The crane either doesn’t extend the cylinder far enough from the frame or the stocks are too high to insert the rounds without the speed loader from hanging up on them.
Think last time I tried it, I had to stop short of fully opening the cylinder and fight the loader around the grips.
Hm.Quote:
Originally Posted by 1_click_off
I'll research and see if I can find anyone else who has this issue and why.
I'm reading the HKS 586 works fine.
But very few others do.
Hackathorn said it’s the stocks are a no go with speed loaders.Quote:
Originally Posted by 1_click_off
a 7 shot 3" Python would be SOOO nice!
Well...how are speed loaders for the Anaconda? :cool:
Don’t have any for it to test. Besides, I am too much of a wimp to speed load that joker and press on.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron3
.44 Special & Russian, man!Quote:
Originally Posted by 1_click_off
200 gr bullet at 900 fps = fun!
If you own a .44 Magnum and you don’t roll your own ammo, you’re doing it wrong.Quote:
Originally Posted by 1_click_off
I load for .454 Casull and full house stuff is way way more violent than .44 Magnum, but you don’t have to push 240gr to 300gr bullets at max speed to make them flatten stuff. I find a 240gr at around 1000fps, 300gr at 900fps, and a 360gr doing 850fps are actually pretty shootable in a large revolver, and frankly there’s not much you will find in North America that will laugh off the 300gr and 360gr loads.
Now turn up the speed on those two heavier bullets, and things get interesting from the recoil management standpoint. I can tell you that those loads will blast apart head sized rocks though, which is really satisfying for some reason.
I’m a python guy. So Bias. But I’d be shocked if you didn’t absolutely love the Python. In any size.
I've handled a few of the latest Pythons to come out. You have to inspect them from top to bottom and inside to make sure you get your $ worth. Sad that Colt still can't get there quality control on these to a higher standard.
I'm late to the thread but I have a new Python, KC 3inch and the KC Target. I have ordered (on back order) the Wilson sights for the Python and KC Target. My favorite of the 3 is the KC 3 inch, as is it fits my hand perfectly. The grips on the target model are not comfortable for me and are hard to hold on to. The python is something I've always wanted and it was the first of the 3 I bought. It's a great pistol just not great for carrying concealed in my opinion. The triggers on all 3 are great, better than my S&W's and my Kimber K6s. I have put a spring kit the Kimber and that helped it out.
Interesting article, I linked below, on the 38, 38+p and 357 mag in short barreled revolvers.
https://www.shootingillustrated.com/...vs-357-magnum/
I’m really, really late to the party but want to post my experience.
This 3” 2020 Python is impossible not to love. I have small hands and these panel grips work very well for me. The grips are made by Arizona Custom Grips and it’s their ivory substitute called magna-tusk. Very dense and durable. Fit was perfect. The side benefit of service style grips is that I have no trouble with a speed loader now. My HKS M3 speed loader fits perfect. I don’t regularly shoot full power .357 so recoil is not a big factor. .38 +P is not at all hard to control with this setup. Only thing I don’t like is the ****ing wobble on the rear sight. Even though I’ve had NO accuracy issues I just hate it. Got a WC rear sight in route.
I bought a Colt King Cobra when it first hit the market. I liked it but didn’t love it. Ended up trading it off like you do with guns that you’re kinda indifferent to. But the Python is a keeper.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...30e362e3eb.jpg
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Nice!Quote:
Originally Posted by Heavyweight
I like my 3" King Cobra. I'd have a Python if there was a 7 shot.
Ron…..speaking of 7 shots do you have a 686 plus? Would love to know how you like it if you do.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron3
I was eyeballing those hard at my LGS. They had the 2.5” Performance Center model….unfluted cylinder. $1,300. Same price as the Python…..so you can see which one I took home. But I might be back. It was sweet.
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I do and I've been pleasantly surprised by it!Quote:
Originally Posted by Heavyweight
I refused the first one because the cylinder was sticky. The distributor sent out another and it was good.
Mine is a 3". Factory and my own .357 loads always have good ejection. No sticky extraction at all. The adjustable sight works well. Front sight is good, too. The trigger seemed heavy but smooth. Now after some use it feels a little lighter & smoother. 98% of my shooting is DA.
I was concerned the trigger would keep me from shooting it as well as the light, incredibly smooth trigger in the KC. To my surprise I was wrong. It's weird how well I shoot both of these guns. I clear a plate rack at 25 yds with good speed, sometimes not missing once, and think "That was me? With a DA 3" revolver? Sweet!"
That never gets old.
I forget exact measurements but my forcing cones are good and the gun shoots jacketed and .358" lead bullets well. The weight dampens recoil probably just like your Python.
I have the Hogue "Bantam" grip on mine. It is a tiny bit small for me but it conceals very well. The factory wood grip that looked great was terrible. Wrong shape, finger grooves completely off, very little texture.
I replaced the internal lock with the button. Didn't want to worry about it locking up ever.
I got an Adkin (?) Optic mount for a HS507K. I shoot that well, though haven't shot it much yet, because with optic adjusted to its extreme bullets land 10 in high at 15 yds. The guy/company advised me to shim it. (Gee, thanks) I did but incorrectly. So I did it again and I think it's going to work out fine but haven't tested this out yet.
I was almost hoping I wouldn't like the 686+ so I'd sell it and get the Python but, nope. My '23 686 is an excellent revolver.
Doesn't handle or draw quite as fast as the King Cobra but the 686 soaks up recoil better. That being said the KC handles .38 just fine and mild .357's tolerable for a few dozen rounds. (To my hand)
I'd like an Anaconda .44 4" that is made now, but, I have no practical application for it. I just enjoy loading and firing .44 Russian. (Enjoy firing .44 spl too, haven't loaded it)
Oh boy, that's what I feel and I don't even have one yet. I ended up selling an M1 today so now I have the $$$ for a Python, still struggling between the 3 & the 4.25 one. I love the look of the 3-inch but assume the 4.25 would feel/balance better but until ya handle both I guess it would be hard to judge. The LGS where I went had an NIB 686 come in for a guy and I got to look and feel it, nice gun and 7 rds is sweet but still not as intriguing to me as the Python, he also had a King Cobra 4incher, and yea its nice and less $$$ but not the same in my eyes. Is it worth it or not, in my mind, I've always wanted a Python and missed out on the older ones so I'm not gonna miss out on one now, LOL. It's just gonna be a blaster, range gun, maybe I would carry it if I did settle on the 3-inch one but will decide in the coming days. Plenty of good info above so I just need to look and decide,maybe go watch a few goobers on YouTube and see what theyy say,LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by Heavyweight
I need to update regarding my 686+.
The other day I was firing 187 gr bullets with double grease rings. Apparently it was too much gook for the tight gun and the residue caused problems in just 50-75 rounds. Cylinder didn't want to open, didn't want to close, didn't want to turn. It was difficult to pull the trigger. But I kept going.
The ejector rod was not loose. No light strikes.
I fired the same ammo through the King Cobra. No problems.
After cleaning the 686+ later I dry fired it a few times and something wrong. Then the mainspring popped loose. Removed the grip and found the loc-tited strain screw nice and tight. But I removed it so I could get the mainspring back in place. Removed the side plate. No loose screws, nothing inside looked damaged.
Put it all back together and everything seems fine.
I don't know what went wrong.
This isn't the first time I've had "Can always count on" guns fail. I'll probably start carrying a back up again because I can't trust anything 100% to work.
I'll probably sell this gun and buy a 2nd King Cobra. I'll use one to carry occasionally and the other to do most of the practice.
At least if it breaks (hammers sometimes break) I can send it back as-is. The S&W has a few mods (replaced internal lock with plug) that I'd have to swap out or S&W won't honor the warranty or charge me to reinstall the infernal lock.
It's a real let down. The King Cobra and the 686+ have been my favorite revolvers ever. Tied for 1st.
2nd place is the Ruger LCR line.