The Colt Python is a revolver that carries a legacy of precision and reliability, qualities that resonate deeply with Tennessee shooters who demand performance from the Smoky Mountains to the firing ranges outside Nashville. Whether you are sighting in at a local range in Knoxville or keeping a dependable sidearm for property protection in rural Williamson County, this blued .357 Magnum with a 6-inch barrel and walnut target grips offers a balance of power and control. It is a tool built for the shooter who values craftsmanship over hype, and it earns its place in any serious collection.
What This Product Is and Who It Is For
This Colt Python is a double-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, featuring a 6-inch barrel, a blued finish, and walnut target-style grips. It holds six rounds and is designed for shooters who need a firearm that performs consistently under varied conditions. This revolver is suited for target shooters who appreciate a smooth trigger pull and precise sights, home defense users who want a robust and reliable handgun, hunters who require a sidearm capable of taking medium game at reasonable distances, and collectors who seek a model with a storied manufacturing history. It is not a tactical accessory; it is a functional firearm that has earned its reputation through decades of use.
Key Specifications Breakdown
- Caliber: .357 Magnum (also accepts .38 Special ammunition)
- Capacity: 6 rounds (cylinder)
- Barrel Length: 6 inches
- Finish: Blued carbon steel
- Grips: Walnut target-style stocks with full checkering
- Overall Length: Approximately 11.5 inches
- Weight: Approximately 44 ounces (unloaded)
- Front Sight: Red ramp insert on a serrated blade
- Rear Sight: Fully adjustable (white outline notch)
- Action: Double-action / single-action with a vented rib barrel
- Safety: Hammer block and transfer bar system
Feature Deep-Dive
The Colt Python’s barrel is one of its most distinctive features. The 6-inch barrel is paired with a full-length underlug and a vented rib, which adds weight to the front of the revolver to reduce muzzle rise during rapid follow-up shots. This design also dissipates heat more effectively during extended range sessions, keeping the shooter on target longer without discomfort. The barrel is cold-forged from ordnance-grade steel, a process that ensures consistent rifling and long-term accuracy that many shooters rely on for competition or precision work.
The trigger system on this Python is a point of focus for many owners. The double-action pull is smooth and even, with a stacking feel that allows the shooter to stage the trigger before breaking the shot. In single-action mode, the trigger breaks cleanly with minimal overtravel, which is beneficial for target shooting where shot placement matters. Colt’s hand-fitting of the internal components contributes to this consistency, though it also means that routine maintenance by a qualified gunsmith is recommended to preserve the action over time.
The blued finish on this revolver is deep and even, providing a level of corrosion resistance that is adequate for indoor storage and regular cleaning. While not as durable as modern coatings like Cerakote, the blued finish is traditional and can be touched up if wear occurs. The walnut target grips are cut with a full checkering pattern that provides a secure hold without being abrasive against the hand. They fill the palm well, which helps manage recoil from .357 Magnum loads while still allowing a natural point of aim for most shooters.
Sighting on this model is handled by a red ramp front sight paired with a fully adjustable rear sight. The red ramp provides a high-contrast aiming point in varied lighting, from indoor ranges to shaded woods. The rear sight is click-adjustable for windage and elevation, allowing the shooter to zero the revolver for specific ammunition loads. This adjustability is a practical feature for those who shoot multiple types of .357 or .38 Special rounds and need to compensate for point-of-impact shifts.
The cylinder lockup on the Python is tight, with minimal play when the revolver is in battery. This is a result of Colt’s precision machining and the use of a spring-loaded cylinder bolt that engages recesses in the cylinder. This tight lockup contributes to the revolver’s accuracy potential, as the cylinder aligns consistently with the barrel throat. The cylinder release is located on the left side of the frame and operates with a positive push, making reloads straightforward with practice.
Durability is a consideration for any revolver used in training or field conditions. The Python’s frame is made from forged steel, and the cylinder is machined from a solid billet. The revolver is rated for continuous use with standard .357 Magnum loads, though shooters should be aware that heavy use of high-pressure loads can accelerate wear on the forcing cone and cylinder face. Regular inspection and cleaning after each range session will help maintain the revolver’s mechanical integrity over the long term.
Ideal Use Cases
This Colt Python is best suited for target shooting and range use, where its adjustable sights and smooth trigger can be fully utilized. The 6-inch barrel provides a longer sight radius, which aids accuracy at distances beyond typical defensive engagements. It is also a viable option for hunting small to medium game, as the .357 Magnum cartridge offers sufficient energy for deer-sized animals at moderate ranges with proper bullet selection. Home defense is a secondary role, as the revolver’s weight and barrel length make it less convenient for quick retrieval from a nightstand, but its reliability and stopping power are not in question. It is not ideal for concealed carry due to its size and weight. Competition shooters in disciplines like Steel Challenge or ICORE will find the Python competitive, particularly in single-action mode.
Compatibility Notes
The Colt Python is chambered for .357 Magnum and will also fire .38 Special and .38 Special +P ammunition without issue. This allows shooters to practice with lower-recoil .38 loads while using .357 Magnum for full-power applications. Holsters for this revolver should be specific to the 6-inch barrel Python model, as the underlug dimensions differ from other revolver brands. Many manufacturers produce leather and kydex holsters for this configuration. Speedloaders from companies like HKS and Safariland are available for the Python’s six-round cylinder, and moon clips are not required for this revolver. Accessories such as replacement grips, fiber optic front sights, and trigger springs are available from aftermarket suppliers, though Colt factory parts are recommended for internal components to maintain reliability.
FAQ Section
1. Does TN Guns ship this revolver to a Tennessee address?
Yes, we can ship this Colt Python to any licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in Tennessee. You will need to select a receiving FFL dealer during checkout. We do not ship directly to residential addresses for handguns. All shipments are processed through UPS or FedEx with adult signature required.
2. How does the FFL transfer process work for Tennessee buyers?
After your purchase, we will need your chosen FFL dealer to send us a copy of their license. You can provide their contact information during checkout. Once we verify the license, we ship the revolver. The dealer will then conduct the required background check (TBI or NICS) before releasing the firearm to you. This process typically takes 3-7 business days from order to delivery at the dealer.
3. Can I use .38 Special ammunition in this revolver?
Yes, the Colt Python is designed to safely fire .38 Special, .38 Special +P, and .357 Magnum cartridges. Using .38 Special is a common practice for reduced recoil training and plinking. Always ensure you are using factory-loaded ammunition from reputable manufacturers. Do not use .38 Super or any other cartridge not listed in the owner’s manual.
4. What warranty coverage does this Colt Python have?
This revolver is covered by Colt’s limited lifetime warranty for the original purchaser. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover damage from misuse, improper maintenance, or use of reloaded ammunition. For warranty service, you would contact Colt directly. TN Guns can assist with initial warranty claims if the issue is identified within 30 days of purchase.
5. What is your return policy for firearms?
We accept returns on new, unfired firearms within 30 days of delivery. The revolver must be in its original packaging with all paperwork and accessories. A restocking fee of 15% applies to all returns. Firearms that have been fired, modified, or show signs of use cannot be returned. All returns must be shipped to our Nashville-area facility via a carrier that accepts firearms, and we will provide the return label. Contact our customer service team to initiate a return.
Closing Call to Action
This Colt Python Blued .357 Magnum with a 6-inch barrel and walnut target grips is available for purchase and can ship directly to your chosen FFL dealer in Tennessee. We are a licensed retailer based in the state, and we handle all federal and state compliance requirements for your transfer. If you have questions about availability or the ordering process, contact our team through the TN Guns website. Secure your order today to add this revolver to your collection or range bag.
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