In 2022, Colt shocked the market by reintroducing the Python. The return of the Python not only pleased old Colt enthusiasts but also introduced a new generation to the king of revolvers. In appearance, the new Python 2.5 Inch is almost an identical copy of the original. It retains the same graceful lines and famous vent rib that have endeared the Python to its fans. 

Return of the Snake

The Python 2.5 has some very significant improvements. First, Colt has made extensive use of modern manufacturing technology to make individual parts to a higher tolerance. This eliminates most of the hand fitting that was so costly. Second, there are also subtle changes in design, specifically the frame, that make the new gun stronger than the original. This ensures that the new Python will withstand a steady diet of full house .357 Magnum loads.

One great feature is that the user can change the front sight using an Allen wrench. Finally, Colt redesigned the rear sight to be more durable. Last year I tested a 3” model and was so impressed that I purchased it.

The Newest Snake

The most recent Python is the 2.5” barrel model. This model was probably the rarest of the original guns and now brings premium prices if you can find one. When Colt introduced the new snub, I immediately ordered one. Having previously tested a 3” Python, I was excited to compare the two. I was not disappointed. 

The new model is as gorgeous as the previous four Pythons that I have evaluated. The brightly polished stainless finish is flawless. The double action, on the new gun, is like glass and the single action breaks nicely with no grit or excessive creep. Using a Lyman electronic trigger gauge, the double action measured 8.7 oz. and the single action broke cleanly at 5 lbs. The pistol is void of sharp and offending edges and there are absolutely no visible machine marks. 

I immediately saw why this barrel length is in such demand. The front sight is a pinned blade style with a red ramp while the rear sight is fully adjustable. As with all the new Colt revolvers, the front sight can be replaced by the user in less than a minute. The 2.5” model features service-style checkered wood stocks that follow the contour of the frame. These give the new Snake a real retro look that I appreciate.

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Python 2.5 Inch Range Impressions

Range time with the new Python was a lot of fun. Given that it weighs 35 oz., it soaked up the recoil of the .38 Special rounds with ease. Magnums were another story! Unlike the previous models, the new 2.5” Python comes with service stocks that follow the contour of the frame. These were too small for my hands, and when shooting, my middle finger knuckle took a beating against the back of the trigger guard. I reached out to my friend, John Harrison, who was kind enough to loan me an original Tyler T-Grip adaptor.

The Tyler-T filled the sinus behind the trigger guard and increased the overall diameter of the grip. It does this without increasing the overall size or bulk of the pistol. This addition enhanced the shootability of the Python.

As with the previous Pythons I have tested, I had difficulty with the red ramp front sight. However, part of this is due to my aging eyes. My other complaint is with the trigger. I am not a fan of serrations and, more importantly, the edges of the trigger are not really radiused. Other than that, I really liked the new gun. 

Testing Time

I fired Justin Dyal’s 5-Yard Roundup Drill with the new Python. This is a simple 10 round drill with all stages shot from 5 yards, with each stage having a 2.5 second par time. While not extremely difficult, it is a challenging test. 4 rounds in 2.5 seconds is rather spicy, and 3 rounds, strong hand only with the same par time, is very challenging. I let 3 rounds get outside the black, 2 on stage two and 1 on stage three. I managed a score of 91, which isn’t horrible. As with my other “tests”, I shoot them only once and I live with that score, be it good or bad!

Ammo For the Python 2.5

Recently, I have been providing ballistic gel results in my articles. This is extremely helpful and allows me to catalog how popular personal defense ammunitions perform. Granted, the gel is not the same as a living target. However, it provides a consistent medium to compare the loads tested, in a controlled environment.

While the new gun weighs 35.5 ounces, I found that full-house magnums resulted in significant recoil. While not painful, follow-up shots were more difficult. I tested two magnum loads, Hornady’s Critical Defense 125 gr. FTX and their Critical Defense 135 gr. Flex Lox. The Critical Defense averaged 1,356 fps, while the heavier Critical Duty averaged 1,224 fps. As the two below charts reflect, both did relatively well in bare gel, but when shot through four layers of denim, the nose of the Critical Defense load collapsed into itself. By comparison, the Critical Duty expanded almost as well as it did through the bare gel.

Probably the most practical personal defense load for the snub Python is a well-designed .38 Special load. I tested the Hornady Critical Defense 110 FTX load and Federal’s 120 gr. +P Punch JHP. In bare gel, both averaged about 12” of penetration and both loads expanded. The difference was that the bullet design of the Punch round resulted in a larger expanded diameter. When shot through denim, both loads did as expected.  The Punch expanded and deformed but performance was very inconsistent. As in other tests, the Hornady 110 FTX did not expand, but in some cases did invert. Both loads were controllable and would make a good self-defense load, especially in an armed citizen situation where barriers are generally not an issue.

Range Results

The below photos show the recovered projectiles from the four loads we tested. Again, this a limited test for comparison between loads.

A Classic Pistol Deserves Classic Leather

For my revolvers, I’m addicted to custom leather. I recently received an exceptional rig from Eric Humphries and the great folks at Palmetto Leather Works. The rig is reminiscent of a Rhodesian holster and is a straight drop with a flared belt loop. It is a rough-out, mid-ride holster that rides very nicely. The holster, shown in the photo, is for my 3” Python. It works fine but as I decide to purchase the snub, I will be ordering one specifically for a 2.5” model. One note as of this writing, this holster has not been added to their website. I would suggest you contact them directly if you wish to purchase one. 

READ MORE: Colt Python Review: 2.5 Inch Snub-Nose Classic

Python Final Thoughts

Having grown up on Smith & Wesson revolvers, I never thought I would fall in love with a Colt. The new Pythons have changed my mind. Colt continues to expand the line and now offers 17 Python models in a variety of barrel lengths and finishes. For more on the complete line of Pythons visit Colt Pythons here. 

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