New For 2022: Colt 3" Python

by
posted on January 5, 2022
** 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. **
Colt Python

Colt turned heads and was met with applause when the company revived its legendary .357 Mag. chambered Python revolver line in 2020. The new Python was only offered in two barrel length however, 4.25" and 6", leading to customer requests for Colt to reintroduce the shorter 3" barreled model as well. Now more than a year down the line, Colt has announced the re-release of the 3" barreled Python for 2022, after a two decade long production hiatus.

Like the two other versions with longer barrels, the 3" barrled version of the Colt Python is chambered for .357 Mag., with a 6-round cylinder. Its 3" barrel has six grooves with a twist rate of 1:14" left hand. The shorter barrel also gives this Python a smaller overall length of 8.5", while it otherwise remains similar to the others with a width of 1.55" and height of 5.5". The barrel, frame and cylinder are made of stainless steel, with extra steel added to the frame design in order to better handle more powerful .357 Mag. loads, resulting in an overall weight of 40 ozs., unloaded.

Aesthetically stylized off of the original Colt Pythons, the new 3" version has a double- and single-action trigger with an exposed spurred hammer, as well as a classically shaped cylinder release tap on the left side of the frame. The trigger pull has a double-action pull weight ranging between 7 to 9.5 lbs. The majority of the metal components, including the barrel, frame and cylinder, are finished with a semi bright polish. This is in contrast with the walnut stocks, which are also stylized after the original Pythons with deep checkering and embedded Colt logo medallions.

On top of the frame and barrel, the 3" Python also comes with black iron sights. The front sight is interchangeable and has a Red-Ramp face on the visible side, which allows the revolver to be zeroed with both full power .357 Mag. loads or softer .38 Spl. loads. The rear sight is match grade and can be fully adjusted for windage and elevation. For more information on the revived Colt 3" Python as well as the other revived Colt wheelguns, visit colt.com.

Latest

Icarry S&W 386 Night Guard 1
Icarry S&W 386 Night Guard 1

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.

Interview: ATF Director Cekada on Suppressors

ATF Director Cekada explains the ATF's guidance (and potential legal pitfalls) of buying suppressors.

Steyr Goes LTT: The Langdon Tactical ATD

Langdon Tactical Technology is in the business of fine-tuning a number of popular handguns on the market, and the company's latest offering is based on the recently introduced Steyr Arms ATD.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.