Colt Python 6″ 357 Magnum 6rd Blued – Snake Scale Walnut

About this product

The Colt Python 6" 357 Magnum 6rd Blued with Snake Scale Walnut is a modern revival of Colt's iconic double/single-action revolver, chambered in .357 Magnum with a polished blued finish and precisely fitted walnut grips. This isn't a replica or homage—it's the genuine article, built to the same mechanical standards that made the original Python legendary among wheelgun purists and duty shooters alike. As someone who's handled everything from department-issue S&Ws to custom-fitted Korths, I can confirm this iteration maintains the Python's signature smooth trigger and tank-like lockup that defines serious revolver work.

What is the Colt Python used for?

The Colt Python serves as a premium range pistol, duty backup, or collector's piece, balancing historical significance with modern manufacturing precision. Its 6-inch barrel provides optimal sight radius for target shooting, while the 46-ounce weight manages .357 Magnum recoil effectively—noticeably softer than lighter alternatives like the Smith & Wesson Model 686. The fixed brass front sight offers rapid acquisition, and the snake scale walnut grips ensure positive control even with sweaty hands.

How does the Colt Python compare to the Smith & Wesson Model 686?

The Colt Python outperforms the Smith & Wesson Model 686 in trigger smoothness and finish quality, trading roughly $400 in additional cost for superior fit and collector appeal. Where the 686 uses a transfer bar safety system and MIM components, the Python maintains traditional hand-fitted lockwork and a solid hammer block—resulting in a 2.8-pound single-action break versus the 686's typical 4-pound pull. Both handle .357 Magnum reliably, but the Python's polished blued finish and walnut grips offer aesthetic advantages the 686's stainless steel and synthetic options can't match.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Colt Python weighs 46 ounces unloaded and measures 11.5 inches in overall length with a 6-inch barrel cylinder gap of 0.004 inches. This weight distribution makes it 18% heavier than the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, but the mass soaks up recoil effectively—firing full-power .357 Magnum feels comparable to .38 Special +P in lighter frames. The balance point sits just ahead of the trigger guard, making it equally suitable for slow-fire precision or rapid double-action drills.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver isn't for concealed carry applicants or budget-conscious shooters prioritizing practicality over pedigree. At 46 ounces and 11.5 inches long, it's 14 ounces heavier and 2.3 inches longer than typical concealed-carry revolvers like the S&W 642, and the $1,692.99 price tag places it firmly in collector territory. If you need a truck gun or wilderness protection piece, the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga offers more utility for half the cost.

What's in the box?

You receive the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, a cable lock, and owner's manual—no factory speedloaders or cleaning kits included. The packaging consists of a cardboard box with foam insert, adequate for shipping but not humidity-controlled long-term storage. I recommend immediate transfer to a silicone-impregnated gun sock or hard case, as the polished blued finish shows fingerprints and moisture readily.

Is the Colt Python worth it at $1,692.99?

At $1,692.99, the Colt Python justifies its cost for collectors, Python enthusiasts, and shooters valuing historical authenticity and trigger quality above all else. You're paying for the hand-fitted action, polished bluing process requiring 11 separate steps, and the Walnut grips cut from Grade III American walnut—features absent from production-grade revolvers like the Ruger GP100. If you view firearms as mechanical art rather than tools, this investment holds value better than most modern alternatives.