GUN TESTS GRADE: A

$~2500

This original Python was manufactured in 1980, and the blue finish was in 85% condition. It did have aftermarket Hogue grips, which reduces the collector value, but increases shooter comfort. Regardless, the blue finish was beautifully executed. We liked having the chance to examine another original Python two decades newer than ’64 Python.

The rear sight was adjustable for windage and elevation with indicator arrows to show up/down and left/right. The notch had a white outline, which we liked since it contrasted with the plain black front sight. The front sight was serrated to reduce glare. We liked these sights, but we have become accustomed to modern guns with more contrasting front and rear sights. The front sight post is pinned in place.

The DA trigger had no stacking effect and was very smooth and consistent. Pull weight was an honest 10 pounds. The trigger was serrated, and we liked the curve of the trigger, which provided a nice feel and leverage. The hammer spur was wide and checkered. The hammer was easy to cock, with no slippage. The firing pin is captive in the frame. The internal safety is a hammer stop system, so the trigger needs to be fully rearward to allow the hammer to hit the firing pin.

The barrel and underlug is one piece machined from the steel with the barrel portion protruding at the muzzle. The full lug that adds weight helps with recoil. The front of the barrel and lug are sharp and dragged when reholstering.

The Colt’s cylinder locked only in the rear when cocked for SA. This gun was tight. We did note the cylinder gap was 0.006 inch — the most of the guns tested — but we did not experience any splash. We did note the recoil plate on all the Pythons allowed the user to see if a chamber was loaded or had an empty case. We like this feature, especially when you want to align a certain chamber with the bore.

We liked the look of the muzzle crown on the ‘80 model (top), but we liked the 2020 model (bottom) more for its practical benefits.

The aftermarket Hogue grip was a one-piece OverMolded model with finger grooves, a pebbled texture, palm swell, and a flat butt. This grip offered good grip adhesion and helped with 357 Magnum recoil. In our opinion, the Hogue grip and 4-pound SA trigger allowed us to shoot the ’80 accurately. Our best five-shot group measured 0.51 inches with Blazer 38 Special +P ammo topped with a 125-grain JHP. In 357 Magnum, the Armscor gave us a best five-shot group that measured 0.60 inches. The grip dispersed recoil into the palm of the hand. This was a fun revolver to shoot. Our average groups measured 1.0 to 1.4 inches, which is respectable accuracy. The Hornady Critical Defense 38 Special skewed the average since it blew out to 2.1 inches, though still accurate enough, in our opinion. Looking at the data, we noticed the ’80 had less velocity than the 2020 Python. In DA mode, we found the revolver was easy to control, even with a bit of flip and recoil with magnum loads. We had no issues ejecting empty brass. There is a cut out in the Hogue grip that allows use of speed loaders. We had no issue with any of the speedloaders.

The 6-inch ’80 took more effort to carry, though the Galco and Uncle Mike’s shoulder holster were comfortable.

Our Team Said: The ’80 Python lived up to its reputation. We liked the trigger and the aftermarket grip, which helped us shoot the Python well. The cost of this revolver ranges from $2200 to $2800, and that is steep. Again, if you have to have an original, this is a good model to have, even if you only shoot it on high holy days and it is a safe queen the rest of the year. 

Range Data