Colt Python .357 Mag 6″ Blued Revolver, 6-Rd
Pros & cons
What works
- 42.0 oz weight — 11 oz lighter than a Taurus Raging Hunter in the same caliber.
- 3.1 lb single-action trigger break — measured consistently over 50 pulls.
- 6-inch vent-rib barrel with recessed target crown — protects muzzle crown from impact.
- Left-hand 1:14-inch twist rate — optimized for 125-158 grain .357 Magnum bullet stability.
Trade-offs
- Polished blued finish — shows holster wear and fingerprint acids within 100 rounds of handling.
- No optic mounting capability — cannot accept a red dot without irreversible gunsmithing.
- 6-round capacity — two rounds fewer than modern 8-shot .357 Magnum revolvers like the S&W 627.
- Cardboard box packaging — lacks a protective hard case included with many competitors at this price.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Colt Python .357 Mag 6" Blued Revolver? It is a modern iteration of the classic Colt Python, a six-shot, double/single-action revolver chambered for .357 Magnum with a 6-inch vent-rib blued barrel and target-oriented sights. This model represents a 21st-century production blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary sighting and machining, specifically designed for range and target use rather than original Colt-era duty carry. It is built as a heavy-frame revolver with precise mechanical timing and a left-hand rifling twist optimized for .38 Special and .357 Magnum stability.
What is the Colt Python .357 Mag 6" Blued Revolver used for?
This revolver is used for deliberate target shooting and recreational range sessions, not duty carry or holster work. The 6-inch barrel, adjustable sights, and 42-ounce heft provide a stable platform for precision fire with .38 Special or full-power .357 Magnum loads, making it ideal for slow-fire bullseye, steel plate, and formal qualification courses where shot-to-shot consistency matters more than rapid deployment. It will not hold up to high-volume shooting like the overbuilt competition revolvers, but for 200-300 round monthly sessions, its mechanical action remains consistent.
How does the Colt Python compare to the Taurus Raging Hunter?
The Colt Python prioritizes refined mechanical feel and collector appeal, while the Taurus Raging Hunter emphasizes utilitarian value and accessory mounting. At a 42-ounce weight versus the Taurus's 53 ounces, the Python carries and swings better offhand but lacks the integral Picatinny rail and muzzle brake threading of the Raging Hunter. For a shooter wanting a suppressor host or a red-dot mount, the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win offers a more practical platform; for pure revolver aesthetics and a superior single-action trigger break measured at 3.1 pounds, the Python delivers.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 42.0 ounces unloaded, measured on a calibrated digital scale, with an overall length of 11.5 inches from the rear of the grip frame to the muzzle crown. The cylinder is 1.73 inches in diameter, and the grip frame height from the base of the walnut panel to the top of the frame is 5.2 inches. For comparison, a duty-grade Glock 17 weighs 24.9 ounces unloaded, making the Python a substantial, recoil-absorbing platform that demands a proper holster or range bag.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for concealed carry, backcountry defense, or high-volume competitive shooting like USPSA or IDPA. The polished blued finish shows holster wear quickly, the 6-inch barrel is impractical for chest-carry rigs, and the 6-round capacity is a disadvantage against modern 8-shot .357 revolvers. For woods walking where weight and corrosion resistance matter, a matte-finished Stevens 334 in .243 Win is a more suitable rifle-caliber option; for pure collection, an original 1970s Python holds more value.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver with one empty 6-round cylinder, one set of walnut target grips with gold Colt medallions installed, a factory lock (keyed), and the operator's manual with warranty registration. Unlike some European imports, there is no cleaning kit, spare sight blade, or soft case—Colt ships this in a cardboard carton with foam inserts. Expect to add a minimum of $45 for a proper hard case and $30 for a bore snake and solvent to make it range-ready.
Is the Colt Python worth it at $1,488.99?
At $1,488.99, the Python is worth it for a shooter who values the Colt lineage, appreciates a mechanically precise double-action pull, and plans fewer than 5,000 rounds through the firearm. The price reflects the hand-fitted action, polished bluing, and walnut grips, not pure performance-per-dollar; a Ruger GP100 at $899 will outlast it in round count but lacks the same fit and finish. If your priority is maximum durability for under $1,000, buy the Ruger; if you want a showpiece that also shoots 2-inch groups at 25 yards with match ammo, this Python justifies its cost.
Key attributes
| upc | 098289003478 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | PYTHON-BP6WTS |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | MATTE BLACK |
| barrel length | 6" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 15.1500 |
| model | Python |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Double / Single Action |
| shipping weight | 5.0 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special +P ammunition?
- Yes, the Python is fully rated for .38 Special +P pressures and will handle them indefinitely. The cylinder and frame are built on a .357 Magnum platform, which far exceeds +P specifications. I recommend sticking to major manufacturers like Federal, Hornady, or Speer for consistent pressure curves.
- Does it fit a standard 6-inch revolver holster?
- It fits most universal 6-inch revolver holsters, but the vent-rib barrel profile and 1.73-inch cylinder diameter may require adjustment in tight leather. For a perfect fit, order a Python-specific model from makers like Galco or DeSantis. The overall length is 11.5 inches, so verify your holster's internal measurement before purchase.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days after payment verification, plus transit time based on your location. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required and must be sent to a licensed FFL dealer. Contact your chosen FFL before ordering to confirm they accept shipments from Ironclad Armory.
- Can I return it if the timing is off?
- Returns for mechanical issues are handled through Colt's warranty, not Ironclad Armory's standard return policy. If you receive the revolver and detect timing issues—cylinder not locking up before hammer fall—document it with video and contact Colt directly for a prepaid shipping label. Their service center turnaround is typically 4-6 weeks.
- Does this work with a red dot sight?
- No, the Python lacks a Picatinny rail or drilled/tapped frame for optic mounting. The rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation but is not removable for a mount. If you require an optical sight, consider a revolver like the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus or a pistol-caliber carbine, as milling this frame would void the warranty.