8" Colt Python

[tentcamper]

Several days ago I got to handle the 8" Python and I was quite surprised at how well balanced this felt. The sights just laid on the targets, naturally and easily. The sights didn't seem to move at all when held 2 handed on target. The wood grips complimented the looks and the feel of the long barrel gun so well it did not feel like an 8 inch barrel revolver. I'm generally not a .357 guy as I only own one revolver in that caliber but this one has me pretty motivated to get into .357 magnum. The whole time I was playing with this (in store) all I could imagine were 100+ yard steel and coyotes. Notmally I prefer shorter barrel revolvers but this one is fantastic.

Anyone here have any shooting experience with this?

[bradshaw]

Jun 12, 2024 8:43:17 GMT -5 tentcamper said:

Several days ago I got to handle the 8" Python and I was quite surprised at how well balanced this felt. The sights just laid on the targets, naturally and easily. The sights didn't seem to move at all when held 2 handed on target. The wood grips complimented the looks and the feel of the long barrel gun so well it did not feel like an 8 inch barrel revolver. I'm generally not a .357 guy as I only own one revolver in that caliber but this one has me pretty motivated to get into .357 magnum. The whole time I was playing with this (in store) all I could imagine were 100+ yard steel and coyotes. Notmally I prefer shorter barrel revolvers but this one is fantastic.

Anyone here have any shooting experience with this?

*****

tentcamper.... probably saw more 6” than 8" Pythons in IHMSA silhouette. Python maestro Jerry Morgan used on of his 6” Pythons much more than his 8”. Note these were the “old model” Pythons. Having both, I generally preferred the 6”, although, were I to pursue the steel game with a Python, the 8-inch might have won preferred status. As for distance, big bore steel competition starts with the chicken at 50 meters (55 yards), pigs @ 100m (110 yds), turkeys @ 150m (164 yds), and wraps up on rams @ 200m (220 yds). Critical dimension on the ram is 12”, back-to-belly. There is nothing casual about handgun silhouette, nor should there be anything casual about marksmanship on game, whatever its species. Silhouette is a great test for hunting marksmanship. I would consider the lung/shoulder target on a coyote about 6-inches, ethically a small target at your chosen distance, the length of a football field.

As for LOCK TIME, the Colt Python is an exceptionally friendly revolver to shoot. This does not mean you can get away without FOLLOW-THROUGH (the critical second half of SQUEEZE). Pythons as a rule were silhouette-accurate and far outclassed Colt’s Mark series .357’s, which were developed specifically to practically eliminate hand fitting and compete price-wise with Ruger and S&W.

Having only handled, not shot, the CZ Python, my familiarity is limited to the “old model” Python. The old Python has a stronger bolt, yet the new Python with S&W-style bolt may be fully serviceable. IHMSA All-American Jerry Moran and Singleaction’s Lee Martin are impressed with CZ’s quality.
David Bradshaw

[hombre]

Have they fixed the rear sights on the new CZ...I have read about a looseness problem. I understand Wilson Combat makes a replacement sight, but what the Heck?

[sixshot]

Don't under estimate a 357 with good loads & a good shooter behind the "wheel". It's easy to look past the 357 & go to something bigger that some can't manage as well as a good 357. I don't own a Python anymore but do own & shoot 357's & they hold up their end of the bargain quite well. The late Dick Metcalf used one of the special Python's with the factory 8" barrel & scope that was set up for hunting & he used 180 gr loads, Federal I believe to take a number of whitetails with a single round, again proving that bullet placement many times trumps a bigger caliber. I believe the factory setup was called the "Whitetailer". If you have one consider yourself lucky.

Dick

[tentcamper]

Yeah... the more I read and research about .357 mag the fewer doubts I have and the more impressed I am with it's ability. I'm a .44 guy and only have one .357 mag, a short barrel 8 shot Redhawk so all I do with that is make lots of noise, muzzle flash and close range stuff. The 8 inch .357 is looking more and more like I could have a great time with it.

Not sure it would really differ much from my .41 mags however and I have those bases covered but oh that Python... keeps calling me...

[crazyhorse]

I have an 8" Python just like that from the 80's. Love it.

[awp101]

Jun 20, 2024 11:45:17 GMT -5 sixshot said:

Don't under estimate a 357 with good loads & a good shooter behind the "wheel". It's easy to look past the 357 & go to something bigger that some can't manage as well as a good 357. I don't own a Python anymore but do own & shoot 357's & they hold up their end of the bargain quite well. The late Dick Metcalf used one of the special Python's with the factory 8" barrel & scope that was set up for hunting & he used 180 gr loads, Federal I believe to take a number of whitetails with a single round, again proving that bullet placement many times trumps a bigger caliber. I believe the factory setup was called the "Whitetailer". If you have one consider yourself lucky.

Dick

I've seen exactly 1 Whitetailer in the wild and the price was...eye-watering. To be fair it came with the factory case, scope, etc but wow was it a chunk of change!