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

US Palm STORM CAT4 01
US Palm STORM CAT4 01

Storm on the Horizon: US Palm's Storm Cat4 Rifles & Pistols

Known primarily for its line of AK-platform accessories, this year, US Palm branched out with a full line of AR-style rifles and pistols, all of which have a unique feature set.

Review: Axil XCor Pro Hearing Protection

These do-it-all earbuds from Axil actually do it all.

Federal's New 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak: The Peak Alloy Case Goes Mainstream

Federal introduced its high-pressure Peak Alloy case design with the 7 mm Backcountry in 2025. Now, the company is incorporating it into high-pressure 6.5 Creedmoor loads with the +Peak design.

I Carry: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC in a JM Custom Kydex Holster

In our latest "I Carry" video, a Springfield Echelon 4.0FC is outfitted with Aimpoint's new COA enclosed-emitter red-dot optic, and to carry this optic-equipped handgun, we've selected a JM Custom Kydex holster.

The Armed Citizen® June 5, 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.

Multi-Caliber MK24 to Replace SCAR-H For SOCOM

U.S. Special Forces will soon be replacing their 7.62-NATO-chambered SCAR-Hs with a new, barrel-swapping MK24 Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault (MRGGA) gun capable of running either 7.62 NATO or 6.5 Creedmoor.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.