Colt Python PYTHON-SM3RTS 357 Magnum

Some of us wish to have a revolver that is very smooth, easily controlled, and accurate beyond conversational distance, but we also want it to clear leather quickly. We studied the revolvers available and decided that a 3-inch-barrel 357 Magnum double-action revolver on a medium frame would be ideal for home defense, carry in the field, and concealed carry. 

Two that fit this description are the Ruger GP100 01753 357 Magnum, $1050, and the Colt Python Matte Stainless SM3RTS 357 Magnum, $1224. The Ruger is a limited-availability wheelgun listed as a Talo Distributor Exclusive, so if you want it, you’ll have to ask your dealer to order it from the distributor. 

To get started, let’s talk frame sizes. Both the Python and the GP100 are often referred to as .41-size frames. The Smith & Wesson L frame falls into this category. How did they get that nomenclature? At the turn of the previous century, Colt offered the Official Police in addition to the smaller-frame Colt Police Positive Special in 38 Special. Smith & Wesson’s Military & Police K-frame 38 Special was midway between the two Colt frame sizes. Colt offered the .41 Colt in the Official Police frame and a few other revolvers of the same frame size. They came to be referred to as the .41 frame. This is a sturdy frame size smaller than the N-frame Smith & Wesson but stouter than the K frame. When Ruger introduced the GP100, it was referred to as a .41 frame, and it fits. Colt’s Python is likewise a .41 frame, which for hard service and use with heavy loads, seems ideal. Both of our test guns are .41 frame pieces. Most raters agreed the heavier frame size handles well compared to small-frame K-frame revolvers by Smith & Wesson, or the Colt Cobra or Ruger SP101-type revolvers.

Colt Python PYTHON-SM3RTS 357 Magnum

$1224

Gun Tests grade: A-

This newer, relatively affordable Python is smoother than any other Colt we have fired. While it isn’t as showy as the bright-stainless guns, it has a businesslike appeal. Accurate.

In 2020, Colt reintroduced its Python revolvers. They are not clones of the older, now collectible guns, but is instead a revamp of the original. The originals’ smoothness and accuracy are there, and so is the vent-ribbed barrel and barrel crown. But few parts, if any save the grips, are interchangeable with the originals. Not to worry, though, because the new Python is stronger in critical areas and features a revised lockwork. The action redesigned by Colt operates in the same manner as the original, the basics of which were designed around 1900, but with fewer parts. The Python uses a leaf mainspring that does the work of the S&W-type mainspring and trigger-return spring. Colt doesn’t use MIM parts in the action.

Many folks who desire a new Python are shooters, not collectors. One of our South Carolina testers carries his Python in the wild, hiking the trail, and for personal defense. The new matte-stainless version doesn’t have the bling of the shiny pistols and the expensive checkered wooden grips are gone, replaced by Hogue Monogrips. The bead-blast finish is even and attractive in a businesslike way. The grooved trigger and checkered upswept hammer are the same as any other Python. So is the fully adjustable rear sight. The front sight features an orange sight insert. The rear sight isn’t our favorite type of adjustable rear sight because it features an extra screw that locks windage in. Just the same, it is precisely adjustable and seems robust.

The chamfered cylinder is the same as other Pythons, save for the matte finish. The Colt features a cylinder release that is actuated by pulling the release to the rear. The trigger action is smooth in double-action mode, breaking at 11.9 pounds on average. The single-action press feels lighter than the Ruger’s, and it is crisp, breaking at 3.8 pounds. The 3-inch barrel allowed an ejector rod long enough to consistently eject spent cartridges.

During the firing tests, our shooters fed the Colt the same ammunition as the Ruger. With the light target 38 Special loads, the front sight simply hung on the target, and the revolver piled the shots on top of one another. With the hotter Tula load, results remained good, practically identical. Moving to 15 yards and firing the Fiocchi 38 Special +P loading, we liked the results. In each case, the Python slightly edged the Ruger in combat fire. We feel that the Hogue Monogrips were an advantage. Had the matte-stainless revolver been supplied with typical wood Python grips, we don’t believe the results would have been as good. Firing full-power Magnums to assess combat control showed the Python has good characteristics for personal defense. However, in this firing stage, the results did not clearly favor the Python. Despite its heavier weight, the Python wasn’t as comfortable to fire with Magnum loads as the Ruger. 

In firing for accuracy from a bench, the Python was clearly the more accurate revolver. Groups were as small as 1.5 inches.

Our Team Said: The Python proved to be a capable revolver. While the finish isn’t as gorgeous as bright polished or deep-blue-finished Python revolvers, it is similar in function to the Ruger’s Hawkeye blue, designed for hard use. We rated the Python down a half grade because of the adjustable rear sight, which is okay, but we would prefer something else for home defense. In the end, the Colt makes a dream gun affordable to many shooters. 

We fired groups at 25 yards from a bench using an MTM Case-Gard K-Zone Pistol Rest. We measured velocities with a Competition Electronics Pro Chrony. The first screen of the chronograph was 10 feet from the muzzles. JHP = jacketed hollow point. FMJ = full metal jacket. XTP = eXtreme Terminal Performance jacketed hollow point.

Because the 3-inch barrels in the GP100 and the Colt are often thought of as compromises, we wondered what the actual differences in muzzle velocities were between pistols with the same nameplates but different barrel lengths. Here are the results we gleaned using the 38 Special +P Fiocchi 110-grain JHPs and Hornady Critical Defense 125-grain JHP 357 Magnums.

Written and photographed by Bob Campbell, using evaluations from Gun Tests Team members. GT