Colt Addresses Python Issues in New Video

by
posted on February 21, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Following the launch of the Colt Python at the beginning of 2020, some issues emerged that were highlighted by certain YouTube personalities and also shared across social media. In particular, these issues included light primer strikes, cylinders that wouldn't rotate with each trigger pull and damage to the muzzle crown of the guns. Colt has addressed these issues with an all-new video, which you can watch above.

Light Primer Strikes

In the video above, Colt highlighted the fact that company employees have heard of consumers experiencing light primer strikes with their guns. Colt has been able to replicate this occurrence when using imported ammunition that features heavier primers, so first and foremost, the company strongly recommends using only high-quality, SAAMI-certified, brass-cased ammunition in the Python.

Colt, however, will be making a slight change to the mainspring used in the Python in order to accommodate a greater variety of ammunition. This will lessen the chance for a light primer strike, and the modified mainspring will affect the trigger pull slightly, but it still provides a double-action pull between 7-9 lbs. as specified.

Cylinder Rotation

Baldini also highlights the fact that Colt employees have seen a small number of Pythons with loose sideplate screws. How does that factor into cylinder rotation? In the video above, a Python revolver is shown with its sideplate removed in order to highlight how the cylinder hand functions to advance the cylinder.

In short, the sideplate supports the hand and ensures it remains in position in order to advance the cylinder. If the sideplate is loose, then the hand can miss the ratchet that advances the cylinder, due to the tight tolerances inside the gun. To prevent this issue from occurring, Colt will now use thread-locking compound on the screws that hold the sideplate in place.

The company encourages owners of Colt Python revolvers to send their gun back to Colt if they're experiencing cylinder-rotation issues. The company will inspect the hand for damage and then properly torque and lock the sideplate screws into place.

Damaged Muzzle Crowns

Some Colt Python owners have noticed damage around the muzzle crown on their gun, which is an issue that Colt found during initial manufacturing and thought it had solved, but it's clear that some guns escaped from the factory with muzzle-crown issues. Owners of guns with this damage can receive a pre-paid label from Colt to get the damage addressed.

For more details on Colt's response to the Python, check out the video above.

Related Reading
SHOT Show 2020: Is There a Problem With the Colt Python?
SHOT Show 2020: Colt Python
5 New Revolvers Seen at SHOT Show 2020

Latest

45 ACP M1911
45 ACP M1911

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Heir Apparent: The CZ 600+ Carbine

CZ's 527 action was long a popular option scaled around compact cartridges like the .223 Remington and the 7.62x39 mm. Now, the new CZ 600+ Carbine brings that same concept to the company's new CZ 600 series.

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

NRA Announces Nominating Committee & Petition Nominees for the 2027 NRA Board of Directors Election

The National Rifle Association has announced the official list of all 33 candidates nominated for the 2027 mail ballot election of directors, whether by the Nominating Committee, by petition of the members or both.

Saltstone Integrator Rifle Carry System & Modular Hunting Vest: The Cure for The Common Sling

Among a hunter’s most basic equipment is their sling. The Saltstone Integrator Rifle Carry System and Modular Hunting Vest seeks to revolutionize this.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.