If you ask a gun person, “What are the top three iconic Colt handguns?” I’, pretty sure one of them would be the Python. This .357 Magnum double action (DA) sixgun debuted in 1955, and in various configurations, was produced for 50 years. It went away in 2005, but due to popular demand, came back in 2020. The Second-Generation Python was a beefed-up version of the original, with a stronger frame, a different action, and used modern production methods thatdidn’t require all the hand fitting of the Gen 1 Python. Today, the Colt website lists 25 different versions in 6 barrel lengths, and in blue or stainless-steel with several finish options.
Meet The Matte Blued Colt 2.5″ Python
One of the newest Python versions has a no-frills, matte blued finish. It comes in 2.5, 3.0, 5.0 and 8.0-inch barrel lengths. I was interested in a no nonsense .357 Magnum DA revolver for EDC use. It had to be a gun robust enough to handle full-bore Magnum loads and still be manageable on the concealment end. It looked like the 2.5″ Python would fill the bill and I contacted Colt for a test sample.
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It arrived in a lockable Colt Blue plastic carrying case with a foam rubber lining inside. Besides the 2.5″ Python, there was an owner’s manual and a security padlock. Taking it out of the case, I was confident that this short-barrel sixgun was all business. Some have opined that the finish is just plain ugly; I’d define it as utilitarian. It’s kind of grayish-black, almost military Parkerized looking. It’s certainly non-reflective, unlike other Pythons with their Colt Blued or polished stainless exteriors. Metal to metal fit was blameless, but I was disappointed that there was a pronounced gap between wood and metal, at the top of the grip where it abuts with the frame.
Features & Details
There are all the typical Python features; the famous vent-rib, full underlug barrel. The muzzle has a recessed crown and the red-ramp front sight is affixed with a hex screw at the front of the rib that makes it easily interchangeable. No matter the barrel length, the Pythons have a full-length ejector rod.
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Atop the frame is a fully adjustable rear sight. Below that sight the frame has 30% more steel and there’s plenty of metal up by the forcing cone; this six-shooter is a tank. Like all Colt revolvers, the cylinder rotates clockwise and locks at the rear. The cylinders bolt-cuts are offset and closer to the flutes for added strength.
Another Colt feature is the cylinder release latch, which is pulled backward to unlock the cylinder to swing out for loading. The hammer spur is of generous proportions; spoon-shaped and checked for easy cocking, if you choose to shoot single action (SA).
A safety feature is the transfer bar in the action that prevents accidental discharge if the revolver is dropped. The trigger has three wide serrations that don’t abrade the trigger finger. This Gen 2 Python has a leaf-spring action that provides a non-stacking DA trigger pull. Per my Lyman Electronic Trigger Pull Gauge the SA pull weight was 6 lbs 3.5oz. Somewhat heavy, but crisp with no take-up or overtravel. The DA pull averaged 10.0 lbs and was smooth. This Python version comes with checkered walnut service-type grips that have a gold Colt medallion.
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Readying For Live Fire
Since the left side of the barrel says .357 Magnum, that’s the cartridges I used. Checking my ammo locker, I had a good choice of bullet weights and configurations. The lightest bullet load was from Liberty Ammunition and was their Overwatch brand. It has a silver colored 70-grain “Lead Free” HP bullet, and the cartridge cases look black chrome plated. The factory listed velocity was 1830 FPS. Next up was Remington Golden Saber with a 125-grain brass JHP and nickel-plated case. A little heavier was Black Hills Honey Badger, with a 127-grain Lehigh-type solid copper bullet that has an X-shaped nose and fluted sides. A 140-grain load came from Doubletap; this solid copper bullet has a cavernous hollow nose. The heaviest bullet was Federal’s Premium HST with a 154-grain expansion optimized HP bullet, and nickel case.
It’s early December and in my neck of the woods we already have 4 inches of snow on the ground. I was looking for a OWB belt holster that I could conceal under a winter-weight jacket. Some folks who are making some great leather-gear these days is Kirkpatrick Custom Holsters. I ordered one of their 2020 PY2 Concealed Carry Revolver Holsters. It’s made of 9.5 oz. American vegetable-tanned leather, double stitched with heavy-duty thread, dyed by hand finish, and is hand burnished with dyed edges. My holster was dark brown, and contoured to the hip for concealment, plus has a slight FBI tilt. It an open top, high-ride and perfectly molded to my Python. It accommodates belts up to 1.75 inches.
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On The Belt
Speaking of belts, this is the key; for a handgun like this Python, with an empty weight of 39 oz., you need a thick belt, constructed especially for toting a sixgun. It has to be able to support the holster and gun so it doesn’t flop or slide around. It will also be more comfortableand aid in concealment. My choice came from Galco and is their SB2 Casual Holster Belt. It’s made from a double thickness of premium steerhide, has 7 holes for a wide adjustment range, is 1.5 inches wide and has a casual brass buckle. My belt is tan colored with white stitching on the edges. For extra ammunition, I used an HKS speedloader that I just dropped into my right-side jacket pocket. Note, if you pocket carry like this, dedicate that pocket to the speedloader, withnothing else to impede you while trying to remove it.
2.5″ Python’s Accuracy & Performance
On range day, I set up on my lane and sent a round Shoot-N-C bullseye target down to the 10-yard line. Then I set up my Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph and got my bullet velocity measurements and sighted the Python in at the same time. That done, I sent a 5-target sheet down to 12 yards for an accuracy potential evaluation. I fired three 5-shot groups with each brand of .357 Magnum test cartridges from a Ransom Steady Rest, in the SA mode.
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I’ll mention at this point that I had fitted the Python with a grip adaptor I’d taken off an old Colt Official Police .38 sixgun. I also put a shooting glove on my right hand. After 75 shots from the bench, my mitt was a bit sore. My best group measured 1.02 inches using the Doubletap cartridges. The Liberty Overwatch came in a close second a 1.06-inch cluster. With the differing bullet weights, I had to adjust my hold on the target. The overall group average came to 2.02 inches. All the performance data can be seen in the table.
Speedloaders & More
To do some double action shooting, drawing from concealment, and using the speedloader for fast reloads, I devised a simple course. I loaded up the Python and the HKS speedloader with different .357 Magnum cartridges and sent an FBI Q silhouette target to the 5-yard line. I was wearing my winter jacket so when I went to draw from the Kirkpatrick holster, I used my right hand to sweep back the unzipped jacket at the same time my support hand was coming up.
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Shooting strong-hand only, I fired six shots, dumped the empties, transitioned to my support hand, and shot 6 more rounds. The target was moved to 7 yards, and I drew and fired a series of 3 double-taps, reloaded and did the same drill. The target was then moved to 10 yards, where I did a series of triple-taps, with a reload. All my bullet impacts stayed in the upperthoracic and neck area of the target. A total of 36 rounds were fired. All told, I fired 101 rounds of .357 Magnums that day.
The Final Tally
Number one, the fun diminishes somewhat when firing 101 Magnums in a 39-oz revolver with wood grips and an exposed backstrap. For extended practice, I’d go with .38 Special cartridges. There were no malfunctions or issues during the test shoot. The ejector rod consistently kicked the empty cases out with ease, and there was no case sticking or pressure signs. The red ramp front sight was easy to pick up in rapid-fire shooting, and did well with the more deliberate bullseye shooting. The factory grips didn’t interfere with speedloader use, which is a plus for less bulky grips.
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My only complaint would be that the matte finish is easy to scuff up. The scuffs can usually be wiped away with a rag and some gun oil. The Kirkpatrick 2020 holster fit the contours of my hip well and combined with the excellent Galco belt, made for a very concealable combo. If you want a concealable .357 Magnum revolver that is accurate, all business, and can handle the pounding of full loads, then the Matte Blued Colt Python might be what you’re looking for.
Colt 2.5″ Python Specifications
- MECHANISM: Traditional DA revolver
- CALIBER: .357 Magnum, .38 Special
- CAPACITY: 6 cartridges
- BARREL: 2.5 inches
- OA LENGTH: 8.0 inches
- EMPTY WEIGHT: 39 oz.
- SIGHTS: Serrated red ramp front, fully adjustable rear
- FINISH: Matte blued
- GRIPS: Checkered walnut classic service style with gold medallion
- MSRP: $1,499.00
Colt 2.5” Python .357 Mag Performance
| Black Hills Honey Badger 127 gr. Solid Copper X-Point | |
| Average Velocity | 1,166 FPS |
| Best Accuracy | 1.56 inches |
| Average Group Size | 2.23 inches |
| Foot-Pounds Muzzle Energy | 383 FPE |
| Doubletap 140 gr. Solid Copper HP | |
| Average Velocity | 1,170 FPS |
| Best Accuracy | 1.02 inches |
| Average Group Size | 1.83 inches |
| Foot-Pounds Muzzle Energy | 425 FPE |
| Federal HST 154 gr. JHP | |
| Average Velocity | 1,116 FPS |
| Best Accuracy | 2.17 inches |
| Average Group Size | 2.41 inches |
| Foot-Pounds Muzzle Energy | 426 FPE |
| Liberty Overwatch 70 gr. Lead Free JHP | |
| Average Velocity | 1,624 FPS |
| Best Accuracy | 1.06 inches |
| Average Group Size | 1.42 inches |
| Foot-Pounds Muzzle Energy | 410 FPE |
| Remington Golden Saber 125 gr. Brass-JHP | |
| Average Velocity | 1,200 FPS |
| Best Accuracy | 1.81 inches |
| Average Group Size | 2.19 inches |
| Foot-Pounds Muzzle Energy | 400 FPE |
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NOTE: Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in feet per second, 15” from the muzzle by a Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph, and accuracy in inches for three 5-shot groups at 12 yards.
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