is the Colt Python .357 magnum 4 inch barrel a good gun?

It's an excellent revolver. Accurate, reliable and it's only draw back is that it is easily knocked out of time. I saw one guy drop it butt first onto a table from shoulder height and it knocked the cylinder out of time.

Used for? concealed carry, self defense, plinking, even hunting, although I prefer the 6" barrel for hunting or serious target shooting.

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That is actually my dream gun. I would love to have a grey 4 inch COLT Python 357 magnum revolver. I guess the 357 is by far my favorite gun. I have a Colt Topper MKIII with 4 inch barrel. It is my favorite gun I own. My 2nd favorite and everyday carry is a 3 inch barrel RUGER GP100 357. I love the loud boom and the stopping power of the 357 magnum and both the Colt and Ruger are built like tanks and are made to have many many rounds shot through them. I took my training classes and permit test with my Colt 357 which was kinda funny most people were shooting their 22' and 25 's and when we were shooting at the closest distance which I think was 3 yards every shot I took the power would blow the paper silhouette back up into air along with guy to left and right. They were able to shoot their 5 shots in about a min. We're I had to wait about min. Between shots for my target to stop moving. Also good thing about 357 you can also shoot 38 spec. Rounds so you have 2 options of rounds shoot

Well, given that comparison, really what you are asking is: Is one Colt Python .357 magnum 6" better than having matching Ruger GP100 .357 magnums for you and your S.O. and about 500 rounds of 38 Special to split between you at the range? Or is the Colt Python better than the Ruger GP100 after you have spent at least $700 on custom work to it for trigger, sights, hard chrome and anything else you can think of? Out of the box, the new Pythons really are quite excellent revolvers. No question. Excellent triggers, great fit, great balance, as accurate as a rifle and generally gorgeous. (The old ones are better still) Ruger GP100 is a fine revolver and will continue to shoot long fro your grandchildren if you have any, but it simply isn't as refined a pistol as the Python and the difference in price is an indication of that. Thinkingblade

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RE:

is the Colt Python .357 magnum 4 inch barrel a good gun?

is the Colt Python .357 magnum 4 inch barrel a good gun?

what is it used best for?

Colt Python 4 Inch

Colt Python's were wonderful guns. Unfortunately, they are no longer made. To me, they are the very best of the .357 Magnum revolvers.

A 4" Colt Python would make a fine target or home defense gun.

It really depends on how old this Python is. The older ones were good, but the newer ones (80's and up) were total junk. Constantly coming out of time, springs breaking, sears shearing off at contact points, Binding up for no reason, etc. The Colt Python was a good firearm, it really depends on how old it is though. They are really overpriced (seriously overpriced), I would look into a good Ruger or Smith and Wesson. They will last just as long or longer (especially the Ruger), and are just as accurate and pretty at about probably a 1/3 of the cost. Look around and find what you like before you buy it. .357 magnum is a great round for anti-personnel work. Like a .38 special, with a lot more powder behind it. It is the number one manstopper after all...

Triumph,

You are talking about the Cadillac of handguns. I wish I had a dozen of them. One I have is one of the first 5000 made and has always shot better than me. S&W had to come up with a whole new frame just to try to copy the classic look.

While working for Law Enforcement I carried it with a 6 inch barrel in a Dirty Harry type shoulder holster. It commanded respect when it was seen by suspects. As a matter of fact I stopped a fleeing burglary suspect on a side street one day and he literally soiled his pants. The patrolmen that had to transport him were not happy.

You'll never regret owning a Python, but you will catch flack from all those semi-auto freaks who weren't part of the "old school". I believe it was Jordan who said that if one guy walks into an alley with a wheel gun and the other with a semi-auto and their first rounds are duds, who's walking out the alley? The guy with the wheel gun of course, since he just has to pull the trigger again.

Colt Python Review

The Colt brand is typically very good. The .357 is a terrific round. A 4" barrel has some great uses.

That being said...

The Colt .357 Mag with a 4" barrel might be great for you and your purposes, and crap for others. What are you using it for? HD, hunting, CC, etc... (instance: hunting, it may suck.-innacurate. HD, it may be great if you don't have neighbors, not so much if you do. Conceal Carry, great if you don't mind the weight. etc...)

I personally like almost any brand of weapon made by Colt...especially their .45 1911's!!!