The Gun Guys discuss Colt Pythons - Unreleased Episode from 2019 with Bill WIlson and Ken Hackathorn
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- Опубліковано 27 сер 2024
- Bill Wilson grew up shooting Colt revolvers. Still today he is a huge fan. Bill shares with Ken Hackathorn, stories from his past and shows some of his favorite and rare Colt Pythons. This episode was filmed in 2019. Colt later released the 2020 Python.
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ABOUT BILL WILSON Bill Wilson has always been infatuated with guns. Originally trained as a watchmaker, he has been in the firearms industry since 1974, starting out with a retail store called Sportsman's Headquarters in Berryville, Arkansas. Since that humble beginning, he has built Wilson Combat into the largest and most successful custom firearms company in America. Since 1977 Wilson Combat has been the leading innovator in high-performance, custom 1911 handguns, tactical long guns and accessories. A Wilson Combat product’s unmatched level of exceptional reliability and peerless craftsmanship is only equaled by our legendary customer service. Wilson Combat is proud to service all levels of local and State law enforcement including The Department of Homeland Security, US Border Patrol, HQ SOCOM, US Marshal's Service, US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Diplomatic Security Service, Texas Rangers and many more elite law enforcement and military units worldwide. We are also pleased to support the needs of thousands of law-abiding private citizens in the United States and in many other countries abroad.
ABOUT KEN HACKATHORN Ken Hackathorn has served as a US Army Special Forces Small Arms Instructor, Gunsite Instructor, and NRA Police Firearms Instructor. He is currently an FBI Certified Firearms Instructor, and an SRT member and Special Response Team trainer. Ken has trained US Military Special Operations forces, Marine FAST and SOTG units and is a contract small arms trainer to FBI SWAT and HRT. Ken has provided training to Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies and been active in small arms training for the past 25 years. He has written firearms related material for Guns & Ammo, Combat Handguns, Soldier Of Fortune, and currently American Handgunner and contributed to at least six other gun/shooting journals. Ken was also a founding member of IPSC and IDPA.
#BillWilson #KenHackathorn #GunGuys
See the new rear sight for the 2020 Python by Wilson Combat ua-cam.com/video/ypE5rdCfOz0/v-deo.html
I see the one that is installed on my 2020 Python!! Thanks for giving us a MUCH better sight!!❤👍
Real nice . One thing I see missing, is a moderate caliber revolver like a Smith kit gun . Say in .32 hr mag . 3" . Can anybody get Henry or other to make a .41 mag lever gun ? Just musings. Merry Christmas. gby
Bought a set the day the video hit UA-cam.
I worked behind the gun counter at Steinberg's in Baton Rouge back in the late 70s. I sold dozens of Pythons, but being a poor LSU student could never afford one for myself. Just recently, I picked up a 4 inch blued Python, original in the box, never fired except at the factory. Joy
Same here, I remember shooting my first handgun at 7 in 79’ like yesterday. My Dad had wanted and bought a Ruger SS Blackhawk 357 magnum making me go to the local sporting goods store through the 80’s looking at the Colt Python 357 magnum and Anaconda in 44 magnum and they were only a $500-$700 gun back then and by time I turned 21 in 94’ my first purchase was a Glock 17 Gen 2 specifically for mag capacity. I still own it & has been the most reliable gun I’ve owned in my life having many because now I’m 50. But I do think about how cheap guns were growing up! We used to get AK’s for $300 all day long! Sad to see what has happened. I think about how beautiful my Remington 1100s and 870 Wingmasters were works of art. My Dad’s Browning A5 Belguim made Browning 3” mag and my Grandfather’s A5 (Humpbacks) 2 3/4” 12 gauges were passed to me when they died and look at prices on them.#Unbelieable@ Rick Hess
Awsome
@Bondalero 007 Yeah, upon graduation, I sold my beautiful 1100, so I'd have money to move to Houston, Texas. That was my first gun. Sigh....
Shoot it
I bought a new 6" Python in May to treat myself while grieving my father. It is a beautiful gun and a pleasure to shoot.
I always wanted a python to hunt with. So in 1981 I purchased a 6 inch and added a 2 power Leupold scope. Dream fulfilled.
The Python and the Smith and Wesson Model 29 are legendary.
So many years hearing that the Python was delicate, and went out of time so easily. Only needed one simple fix. Thanks for clearing the fog Bill.
You're welcome!
Thank you gentlemen it's so awesome listening to y'all and learning. You both are truly appreciated!
Thanks for listening
In 1995 I was about to buy my first handgun,a 6” blued Python for $650. What caught my eye was the beautiful deep bluing. The guy in that little home shop advised me not to because of “cracking “ frames. I am kicking myself to this day for heeding his advice.
What did I get instead? A west German 9mm 225 which I lost interest in and eventually sold. Another well deserved kick in the butt.
Never miss a episode..thanks fella's.
I could listen to you two fellas talk about guns all day! Keep the videos coming 👍🏻
I can listen to these gentlemen talk about revolvers all day.
My first gun in my life was a 4inch nickel finished python that my dad gave me, that he got from quitting smoking.Somebody stole it when I was a kid. My dad would not let me go in the woods without it. He said it was for snakes zero legged or two legged
It is unfortunate that we can't see the guns being discussed.
You mean gun. He shows one around 8:50.
@@johncast9565 Two guns on the table. And too far away to see any details.
Yo momma unfortunate
Agreed. Show us those beautiful Pythons!
Would like to see a comparison video between the old and new Pythons.
When you get the two masters together they make the complexity of the world understandable ! Like the builders of years ago here are the builders of the future!
I always learn something from your years of experiences. Thank you
Glad to hear it
One of my favorite channels. By far. I enjoy the videos you guys make. I have always been a Ruger fan. I think it's hard to beat a GP100. But....The prettiest wheel guns I know of are the Python and the King Cobra. And the accuracy is second to none.
Bill Wilson and The Hack 💪🤜🤛
Nice to hear these stories. Thanks
PYTHONS, blued is a GEORGIOUS to me but was out of my price range years ago! A friend of mine was telling me about a slightly older Colt pistol that is a POOR MAN'S PYTHON. It was Colt 3-5-7, Colt's FIRST 357 magnum (1953-1961, only 15,000 made). I was able to purchase a 6" model of THE 3-5-7 and BOY IS IT A SHOOTER!!! First time out I was able to put 3 shoots touching across a 1" red dot, the other 2 shots were 1/2"-3/4" away at 1:00 and 7:00. I then shot 5 more shots using the shelf at the indoor range as a impromptu rest, I made ONE HOLE that looked like only 3 shots! THINK TO MYSELF "THIS IS A KEEPER", "FROM MY COLD DEAD HANDS"!!! I was shooting CCI BLAZER BRASS 125GR 38SPECIAL, which kinda surprised me because I knew that I could shoot 38 SPECIAL in a 357 magnum but didn't think it would shoot it so ACCURATELY!!! I paid $625 for it about 7-8 years ago. It was in GOOD CONDITION cosmetically and GREAT CONDITION mechanically considering someone changed the cylinder and crane assembly, but obviously did a GREAT JOB. IT WAS A PYTHON ASSEMBLY and it had current Python grips so it's a SHOOTER and NOT A COLLECTOR PIECE but obviously that didn't hurt its ability to shoot ACCURATELY which is what I was really concerned with owning! A little less than 2 years ago, I purchased an all original 4" 3-5-7 to go along with the 6" one I got earlier!😮😊😊😊
There was a rare 12 in made for the California Hwy patrol motorcycle,I have a great friend Edward Milne who help design the weapon,also was with Eugene Stoner and the M16 rifle
For 40 years a Python was my only handgun. I own a bunch now but nothing beats getting the old girl out. Never had any problems but then I'm not a pro shooter trying to make a time. A love for my 629 S&W that is probably as accurate as the Colt. I keep both loaded. I hope to purchase a new Python at some point. Last one I saw was $1700 but they were new and hot sellers. Worked in a hardware store that sold guns when I was a kid... purchased the Python there. It was tough... Model 27 or 29, Gold Cup, Model 41, or a Python. Really don't think I could have made a bad choice back in the summer of '78.
Superbly enjoyable video, thank you gentlemen.
P.S.: I still maintain that my five inch barrel Smith M27 - P&R’ed, 3T’s - is as fine a revolver as the Python. No, it is not quite the same “work or art,” but it is utterly reliable, durable and accurate.
@@McBeakerson The model 27, and before it the Registered Magnum, were Smith at their absolute best. Agree about the forcing cone, but that's not where the weak spot of the 27 / 28 is to be found: it's the cylinder stop, which takes a beating from the angular momentum of the massive cylinder, that's really oversized for the 357 magnum.
At one time I owned all common barrel lengths of Pythons in Blue, Nickel and Electroless Nickel. All I have left today is a new in the box, missing it's label, Blue 4''. Label fell off at some point and has gone missing during a few of my moves during a divorce. My grail was a 6" factory tuned and Ellision sights. I still have packed away a set of Ellision sights, unused. I also was in Jerry Moran's Clio, Michigan home several times back in the IHMSA start up days. He was our state director at the time. Boom, clank, got'em. Still have that shirt.
I love Python’s and this was facinating
This was great Ken and Bill !
Colt Python is one fine revolver, I just love the one I have !
I inherited a Colt Python from my dad. It is my favorite revolver.
It's funny how starsky and hutch comes to mind
Colt has long been an unusual company. One over-travel screw and the Python would have been everything everybody hoped. Colt doesn't put in the screw, so Pythons got a reputation for going out of time. Guess you had to be there to understand Colt back in the day.
Their quality was a bit iffy in the late 70s and 80s. 1911 Slides that were too hard was one such problem. And their production of SAAs with its on again off again on again off again on again off again….. to tell the truth I don’t know how many times, at least 4. If they would just stick with what they’ve been great at over the years,revolvers (especially high end), 1911s, SAAs maybe one specially built for Cowboy action shooting or maybe even a reintroduced Colt Woodsman Match 22 lr pistol. And build them to the highest quality possible their future would be assured.
Now those managers must work at Smith and wesson. With their goofy barrels and hillery hole.
It is a detective special with a ribbed barrel. Great pistol.
In my years as a cop in a mid-size Georgia City, I carried the Colt Official Police .38, a 4-inch barrel, six-shot, blue steel revolver. I carried the Official Police for most of my career, it was a post-war manufacture, whose trigger-action mirrored the Python tigger. In a long career of 40+years, I only had the timing set once. This on-duty .38 Colt had (still does) a smooth double-action trigger-pull, with the slight stack at the end of the pull. I'm aware that the OP preceded the Python by numerous decades, going back to 1908 when the OP was known as the Army Special. The OP and the Python had the same frame size and same trigger-action (hand-fitted & hand-honed by a Colt Master Craftsman). With respect to the fixed sights of the OP, and the stove pipe barrel, and the OP's factory blue finish, it would seem that the OP required just about as much Master Craftsman labor as did the Python, making the OP a very expensive service revolver to manufacture. Is this correct? My thanks in advance.
In 1997 I took the massive leap to obtain a pistol license here in Australia. At a Melbourne gun show I bought a new S&W semi-auto 22 and a used 1979 build 6 inch Royal blue python. I sold the smith soon after, but the Python is not for sale in my lifetime. I'd buy a new one and an Anaconda, but nickel finish is like kryptonite to these old eyes.
So very informative. Thanks again!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for sharing with us
You bet!
This has been wonderful, love the stories. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it
Love the python
I have a 1960 Python, and it's daddy, a first year (1954) Colt .357 4in.
Great Video about an Awesome firearm.
My first handgun was Purchased in 1980 after being released from the Hospital from having a knife stuck in my Lung in a FIST FIGHT ! The Revolver I Purchased? a Colt Python...Still Got Her!
The Python is a pretty revolver. I have had two 6" blued ones and one 4" stainless one. And I have to say thank you Lord for having my itch satisfied and I no longer " need " to have one. The one thing that turns me off about the Python, at least the older ones anyway, is the action is not near as robust as a comparable Smith and Wesson nor a Ruger GP 100. As for accuracy in my Smiths and my one GP 100.......Oh, I have no complaints. And I will say that my 5" GP 100 has, for the time, become my favorite .357 revolver to shoot. And I love revolvers. The lock-up on the GP 100 is marvelous. I get off on hearing and feeling the cylinder each and every time I close the cylinder into the frame..........SWEET, oh, and very, very fun to shoot out at my nearby shooting pit !!!! Uh, thank you Lord Jesus for all my lovely guns and how fun they all is are is is !!! YEAH !!! :-}
You guys are awesome 😎 thanks for sharing about the pythons
Thanks for watching!
Love it.
I have a 6” blue made in 1986, I bought it in 1990 near mint in the box and paid $500 then.
I got a 6in. Royal blue made in 77 I believe, only paid 500 maybe 7 or so years ago. Never let it go.
My favorite is my early 80's blued 8" Python with Pachmayr grips.......
S&W ruled PPC because the double action was so much better than the crappy Python stack mess. I won a lot back then with a 6" model 19 and a 6" model 14. I really enjoy the videos guys. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing
Awesome. Such a beauty. 😍
Bill should consider writing a book based on his Passion and experiences with Colt Pythons, maybe do a little research on how they began their production the 50s maybe even names of their factory builders. I remember a story about how many different shaped buffing wheels were used to put on a Royal Blue finish on a Python and that all Pythons were polished by one man. With all the Popularity of the Python today it would probably sell as quickly as Pythons do. Hearing from someone who’s had so much History with them would be a Rewarding read. If you might consider it maybe you both could do a episode or three on the most Influential Men in the Gun world the last 50 or 60 Years. Chip McCormick and Jeff Cooper immediately come to mind. Also gunwriters like Elmer, Skeeter and Bill Jordan might be interesting subjects.
Thanks
Welcome
Two old war dogs that have "been around!" Thank you both gentleman. Always enjoy your conversations/postings!
Swear to God of y’all don’t make a WC revolver to beat all revolvers idk what I’ll do. Bill, make a kick ass revolver please!!
I've got to agree. Surely you can collaborate with Colt like you did with Beretta, Sig and Glock. Replace all the MIM, slick them up, put some kind of WC grips on them.....c'mon Bill!
@@tacticalmustache5016 Hear, hear! Having said that, Beretta was as interested in the long guns from Chapuis Armes as they were by Manurhin, so it made more sense for them financially.
I’ve bought three of the new Pythons, and sold *ALL* of my S&W revolvers. The Pythons just look so much nicer, even though performance is about equal.
I always learn a lot from these guys.
Is there an update, including the new Python? Also, differences between the new Python and new King Cobra?
Look at the last python videos of the channel (the loup on the right on the channel page). They'll make WC sights for it soon.
Good stuff but that's why I recently purchased a Spohr 284.
Can you guys consider talking about "tactical" shotguns? I know Bill has a lot to say about the subject. I searched on Wilson Combat past videos but didn't find anything to dwell on the subject.
The "bank vault lockup" is one the engineering features of the v-spring action. Intentionally done. Yeah it wears the hand after a while, & it needs tuned more often, under heavy use. Just like any high performance piece of whatever.
I was blessed enough to get a new 4 1/4" Colt Python. Haven`t got to shoot it yet, but now that it`s warm, I`m planning on putting a lot of magnum loads through it. I`ve heard I will probably have to Loctite the rear sight down.
I saw two Colt Pythons this morning. One was a 6" barrel, and the other one was a 3"barrel. Both stainless, both reasonably priced. If I had the money I have bought both of them, plus the stainless 6" Colt Anaconda that was in the same case.
Has Colt put over travel stops in their recent Pythons ?
The new revolvers have a completely different lockwork.
I’m a Smith guy, but the Python really is a beautiful revolver. Had a chance the get one for a steal years ago, and turned it down. Still kick myself!
I never knew an over travel stop would greatly reduce the Python going out of time.
#TeamS&W
I really enjoy these videos. May I suggest an improvement of showing the revolvers while you are talking?
Best Wishes from Montana M.H.
Also, it was much easier to find a gunsmith that knew how to fine tune a S&W that one that really knew how to work on Colts, It was a very small niche, and everyone knew who they were. I think Ken mentioned just about all of them, just a handful. Very easy to mess up a Python if the person does not know how to work on it, and few really knew.
I've had a pile of cool old Colt's Pythons over years past. Outside of Colt's SAA the Python might be the most recognizable revolver ever ? Food for thought 🤔
SAA definitely number one, but I think 2nd place would go to the S&W 29, on account of Dirty Harry. Most people's familiarity with guns is based on movies.
My dad briefly became a Colt dealer and got ahold of a Colt Python. It was a 38 special built on a 44 frame and sent back to Colt to be balanced and accurized [ not sure thats spelled right] as well as gold trigger and hammer. It also had a mother of pearl Buffalo engraved grips. Nearly every law officer in our town who had to qualify came by and borrowed my dad's pistol. It was eventually stolen and recovered by the police force in our town, but my dad had to buy the gun back again from the pawn shop several hundred miles away. It was Nickle plated. Now I'm wondering since listening to Mr. Wilson, was it an a Colt Python or a hybrid?
my guess would be hybrid. It sounds like one heck of a gun.
Today everyone is a "gunsmith" who graduated from a course he took on line!
I have a six inch Python that I rarely shoot. I never have been able to figure out the wide price differences on these guns. One four inch will go for four grand and another for fifteen hundred. I guess you have to really be into collecting to know the values of each. Today it would cost a fortune to amass a nice collection of them. Like the old saying “all the really nice things in life are reserved for the rich”.
I will stick to my pinned barrel Smiths, as much as I respect your opinions. I would rather buy a 70's Smith N Frame.
One of the great Python stories comes from my hometown of Ringgold, Ga. Guy robbed the local bank. The local Chief of Police carried a Python and like all good country boys had learned to neutralise a problem by shooting it between the eyes. You learn that by having to kill pigs and cows on the farm.
Robber came out of the bank with the bag of money in the hand with his arm around the the shoulder of the banker and a little Colt .38 Spc hammerless pointed at the banker’s head.
The local chief of Police told the robber to let the banker go or he’d shoot him between the eyes like an egg-sucking hound.
The robber said, “You can’t shoot at me from there without hitting the banker.” The policeman repeated himself once more and said, “I’m not going to tell you again.”
The robber started to say something but the policeman did as he promised and shot the robber between the eyes from a good 40 yds away.
I understand the banker needed a clean pair of trousers afterwards.
Another excellent video guys. Please keep them coming.
Also wondering if the Colt 357 Troopers had the same issues?
Where can I get the over-travel modification done? I have a 1980's 8" Python that I configured nearly identical to the Colt Python Hunter. I also have a 6" that has never been fired that I inherited from my father. Both are in the Royal Blue finish.
Any experience with the MR 73 ?
I've got a 586 that could use some rehab. Cyl play (rotational, not end play) is a little more than I'd like. I don't trust the mail anymore. Anyone know of a WI gunsmith who does good work on wheel guns?
Some guns are just art pieces and your fully engraved with ivory stocks is one of them a real beauty. Colt as a manufacturer should have addressed the durability issues nothing worse then an unreliable gun I would have no faith in carrying an old school python unless it was corrected and tested really need confidence in a gun.
Never shot a Python... Hopefully some day !!!
Wonder if a Korth or Manurhin is as complicated as a Colt Python.
Question, why does it have to be Bill + Ken OR Bill + Massad? Why not all three? I'd have liked to hear Massad's input on Pythons too.
Man, I hate to go against you two gun gods, but seeing as how we're contemporaries (I'm 68), I never thought Pythons were all that great. Pretty, yes, but for a shooter/working guns it's Smiths for me all day long. And I've had a bunch of both brands.
I remember carrying a nickel plated 6" Python as my duty gun. Beautiful gun, amazing craftsmanship but an awful trigger, particularly when shooting double action. In that regards, it couldn't compare with a Smith & Wesson. Would go out of timing frequently, which you addressed in the video. This handguns were literally works of art. If I were to compare them to a watch I would pick a Patek Phillipe or a Vacheron Constantin. S&W I would compare to a Rolex. Today's gun don't even come close to the guns of that time. Same with the long guns. I mean, just the blueing. I think we truly lived the golden age of gun making and true gunsmithing.
Really good analogy with the watches. I guess Korth would be like an A. Lange & Soehne. I wonder what the right comparison would be for a Manurhin MR73...
Does Colt make a .41magnum like Smith & Wesson and Dan Wesson?
Do the new ones come with the over travel stop ?
Please make Wilson Combat Revolver.or colt python custom by wilson combat. My EDC X9 & P320Wilson is a Blast 🙏😁
To bad for me i think new Python is not live up to the hype 😅
do the new pythons have over travel stops?
I was a juror on a double homicide. The weapon was a beautiful python. I told another juror I’d love to have that gun and the guy was shocked I’d want a murder weapon. I told him the gun didn’t kill anyone. The killer’s index finger did the killing.
This video could have used a lot more close up footage of the guns. Still enjoyed it, however.
From what I’ve had in my hands. The new Colt isn’t the same. Guts are different. To have one fire that’s out of time is no fun. Hitting the primer on the edge and having the bullet shave it way threw the barrel. Not good. No set screw can fix that CZ put new parts in and it does work. Expensive paper weight
i never enjoy stories of ripping off an honest seller. i believe honesty should always drive any deal. His story of gleefully buying three guns ar at an unfair price saddens me. i wonder how many guns he has sold at prices that ripped off his buyer. this is a test of a man's character.
If you still have the 8” 38 I’ll give you what you paid for it and pay half the shipping.
So why was the video not released back in 2019?
2020 Python came out and made some of Ken's comments incorrect.
My gunsmith advised me not to buy a vintage Python. Parts are very difficult to find, they're expensive and few smiths including himself don't have the skills necessary to make the repairs.
If Colt were to make the current production Python in Royal blue then I'd definitely consider one.
Plus I'd want a gun I can shoot. I bought a S&W 586 4" no dash which I shoot often with full magnum loads.
I don't know if Smith and Wesson makes a model to compare to the Colt Phython. It's not fair to Smith and Wesson to compare them. Colt makes other models to compare these two brands. King Cobra, Trooper, to name a few. In my opinion the Phython is on it's own level. In it's own class. Colt has had far more success than Smith & Wesson with the Colt 1911, Colt M16, Colt SA peace maker, etc.. Colt was the first to patent the idea of a revolver. I choose a Colt King Cobra 4" stainless in 1988 for my duty weapon.
you don't see 41 magnum guns very much anymore either
I’m the old man out. I’ve owned 7 Colt Pythons. I never liked the way they felt in my hand, and I didn’t like the trigger. My Dan Wessons were more accurate back in the 70s and 80s. And I loaded ammo that was very accurate in my S&Ws . Most of the Pythons I owned, I bought for $300. I picked up a New stainless Python at my LGS last week. The trigger was atrocious. Everyone else thought it was great. A friend of mine bought it.
To each his own I guess, I really like the triggers on the pythons I’ve looked at and I own a new King Cobra that has the best trigger I’ve felt out of the box in a long time. Jmo
Nice revolver but I would rather have a korth
Guys you need to check out Bobby cee’s channel for some beautiful handguns including smythons and fine 1911s and whiskey…
it is like guys and with females, as long as they look like models, no one care what is on the inside, but that will eventually make you hurt. I have now a new Anaconda, hopefully she is as well made on the onside as she looks on the outside. We will see, I have so far run over 1000 rounds trough her and still no single issue.
Didn't Colt also make a pistol called the Anaconda ? Wasn't it in 44 mag ? Maybe I'm thinking of Taurus, I don't remember, it's been awhile. Can you guys say something on that ?
@@tacticalmustache5016 My dad had a Colt Python 38 special he said was built off the 44 model. Can that be true?
Colt revolvers are cool but they would be better if they were made by S&W😂