Colt Python .357 Magnum 8″ Matte Blued, Walnut Grip, 6-Rd
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About this product
What is the Colt Python .357 Magnum 8" Matte Blued, Walnut Grip, 6-Rd? It is a premium long-barrel swing-out cylinder revolver chambered for .357 Magnum, built with a carbon steel frame, matte blued finish, and traditional walnut grips. This 8-inch barrel configuration prioritizes ballistic consistency and extended sight radius for deliberate range and target work, not concealed carry. The current iteration from Colt maintains the double/single action mechanism and 6-round capacity that defined the original Python lineage.
What is the Colt Python .357 Magnum 8" used for?
This variant is specialized for range precision, hunting with appropriate ammunition, and as a collector's/show piece, not for daily defensive carry. The 8-inch barrel provides a 13.5-inch sight radius that significantly aids in precise shot placement with .357 Magnum loads, while the 48-ounce overall weight (unloaded) dampens felt recoil. I consider it best suited for formal target shooting, wilderness pack carry where the barrel length isn't a hindrance, or for shooters who value the historical Python design in its most ballistically efficient form.
How does the Colt Python compare to a S&W 686 Plus 6"?
The Python commands an approximate $400 premium over the the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win and offers a more refined trigger out of the box, but the S&W 686 Plus offers a 7-round capacity and is generally regarded as having more durable internal lockwork for high-volume shooting. The Python's hand-fitted action provides a smoother double-action pull, often measured around 9-10 lbs versus the 686's more typical 11-12 lbs, but the Smith & Wesson's design is simpler to service. Choose the Python for collector value and superior trigger feel; choose the 686 Plus for a workhorse revolver you plan to shoot thousands of rounds through annually.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver has an unloaded weight of 48 ounces (3 lbs) and measures 13.5 inches in overall length with an 8-inch barrel. The cylinder width is 1.73 inches, and the grip frame from trigger guard to base is approximately 4.75 inches. The 1-in-14-inch twist rate in the barrel is optimized for stabilizing heavier .357 Magnum projectiles, commonly 158 grains and up. For comparison, a typical 4.25-inch barrel Python weighs about 38 ounces and is over 5 inches shorter, making this 8-inch model a substantially different handling proposition.
Who is this NOT for?
This Python is not for anyone seeking a concealed carry or duty-sidearm revolver. The 8-inch barrel makes it legally an "any other weapon" under the NFA if configured with a vertical foregrip, illustrating its impractical size for holster carry. It's also a poor choice for a new shooter's first handgun due to its weight, manual of arms, and the cost of .357 Magnum ammunition. Finally, if your primary use is competitive speed shooting, the double-action revolver format is outclassed by modern semi-automatics like those used in our Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun discipline.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, a factory-supplied cable lock, and the owner's manual with warranty card. Colt does not include a case, cleaning kit, or speedloaders with standard Pythons. The manual contains specific torque specifications for the rear sight adjustment screw (15 inch-pounds) and warnings against using .38 Special ammunition with a case length under 1.155 inches to prevent cylinder fouling. Expect to budget an additional $80-$150 for a suitable hard case and basic revolver maintenance tools.
Is the Colt Python worth it at $1290.99?
At this price, it's worth it for the collector, the vintage Python enthusiast seeking a modern reproduction, or the dedicated handgun hunter who will use its capabilities. You are paying for the Colt name, the labor-intensive hand fitting, and the iconic design rather than raw functional utility per dollar. For $800, you could get a Ruger GP100 that is arguably more durable, but it lacks the Python's prestige and trigger. If your goal is purely mechanical accuracy for range work, this Python justifies its cost; if you need a general-purpose .357, the money is better spent on a shorter-barreled model and several cases of ammunition.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 8-inch barrel provides a 13.5-inch sight radius for improved long-range accuracy
- Hand-fitted action yields a double-action pull weight typically between 9-10 lbs
- Carbon steel frame and 48-oz weight significantly dampen .357 Magnum recoil
- 1-in-14-inch barrel twist rate optimally stabilizes 158-grain and heavier projectiles
Trade-offs
- Matte blued finish shows holster wear and handling marks more readily than stainless steel or nitride coatings
- 8-inch barrel length makes it legally problematic for certain NFA configurations and impractical for standard holsters
- Factory walnut grips lack modern texturing; may require replacement for sustained control with heavy loads
- At $1290.99, it costs approximately 60% more than a functionally similar S&W 686 Plus 6
Key attributes
| upc | 098289003683 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | PYTHON-BM8WTS |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 8" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Black |
| length | 13.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 6-Round |
| model | Python |
| package height | 2.6 |
| package width | 8.2 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 5.25 |
| sights | Red Ramp Front/Adjustable Rear |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Python is fully compatible with all standard pressure .38 Special and .38 Special +P ammunition. Colt explicitly advises against using .38 Special wadcutter or other ammunition with an overall cartridge length shorter than 1.155 inches, as it can lead to excessive fouling at the cylinder throat. Always confirm chamber and bore are clear of leading after shooting more than 50 rounds of .38 Special.
- Does this work with a Galco SAW 489 holster?
- No, an 8-inch barrel Python will not fit in a holster designed for 4-inch or 6-inch service revolvers. You will need a specialty holster designed for long-barrel revolvers, such as those offered by Hunter Company or Diamond D Custom Leather, with a minimum length of 9 inches. Most off-the-shelf polymer holsters do not accommodate this barrel length.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearm shipments within 3-5 business days after FFL documentation is verified. Transit time via UPS or FedEx is typically 2-4 additional business days depending on destination. The total timeline from order to your FFL receiving the firearm is usually 7-12 business days, not including the mandatory NICS check waiting period at your dealer.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Ironclad Armory's policy is to facilitate warranty service directly through Colt's Customer Service department, not to accept direct returns for mechanical issues. You must initiate a warranty claim through Colt, which will provide a shipping label to their Hartford, CT facility. Turnaround for warranty service is typically 4-8 weeks. Non-warranty returns are only accepted for un-fired, new-in-box condition within 14 days, subject to a 20% restocking fee.