James Montes
New member
What are the differences between the two? I have been looking into getting a 4" Python Elite for quite some time; any info would be much appreciated.
Colt Python VS. Python Elite?
- Thread starter James Montes
- Start date
Dfariswheel
New member
As near as I can tell, the only difference is the grips used on the Elite, and the barrel markings. No difference I can detect on quality, fit, finish, or accuracy.
lonegunman
New member
"Elite" = marketing gimmick, and not much more.
Wasnt the Python Elite a late 80's, early 90's gun?
It is my opinion that older pythons are probably better than the elite.
Wasnt the Python Elite a late 80's, early 90's gun?
It is my opinion that older pythons are probably better than the elite.
I have always wanted a Python so I bought a Python Elite about
3 months ago. The factory test target was dated March 2001. I
paid $980 for it at a local shop. It WAS a very good looking gun. I
say was because I sold it 2 weeks after I bought it. I got a few
more dollars than I paid on Guns America. After having went this
route myself I believe the Elite is nothing more than marketing
hype. There is one other difference besides the grips. The older
Pythons had a steel front sight held in place by two pins. My Elite
had a PLASTIC front sight held in place by one pin. It was a
warped piece of plastic at that! In my opinion this gun is not
worth a grand.
After I sold this Elite I picked up a pinned and recessed model
19 Smith with a 6 inch barrel in 98% condition for $290 out the
door. It shoots as well as the Elite and I'm not afraid to shoot it.
I think you would be better off finding a nice Python from the
60's
Randy
3 months ago. The factory test target was dated March 2001. I
paid $980 for it at a local shop. It WAS a very good looking gun. I
say was because I sold it 2 weeks after I bought it. I got a few
more dollars than I paid on Guns America. After having went this
route myself I believe the Elite is nothing more than marketing
hype. There is one other difference besides the grips. The older
Pythons had a steel front sight held in place by two pins. My Elite
had a PLASTIC front sight held in place by one pin. It was a
warped piece of plastic at that! In my opinion this gun is not
worth a grand.
After I sold this Elite I picked up a pinned and recessed model
19 Smith with a 6 inch barrel in 98% condition for $290 out the
door. It shoots as well as the Elite and I'm not afraid to shoot it.
I think you would be better off finding a nice Python from the
60's
Randy
4thHorseman
New member
Randy, did you ever fire a Python before you purchased one? If you did, how was it different than the one you fired and why did you decide to purchase one then? I know S&W and Colt revolvers are two entirely different animals. Like SIGs and models 1911's. They just aren't the same 
Hello all,
Prior to the Elite I owned a Python made in 1975 that I got
it used. It was a very accurate gun but after putting several
hundred .357's through it just didn't feel tight anymore. It also
developed a problem with the cylinder latch. When closing the
cylinder I had to retract the latch a little bit for the cylinder to
clear it.
After I sold that Python I really wanted to replace it. So I
bought the Elite. As I said before It was a beautiful looking
piece. When I saw it in the shop I just had to have it. When I
got it home I noticed that it just wasn't put together as well as
the older Pythons that I have handled. The trigger was not nearly
as smooth as my first Python. I measured the barrel cylinder gap
at .004 which is acceptable from what I've read on this board.
The timing was right on. Right out of the box it had about .001" of
cylinder wiggle from front to back. This amount of endshake is
probably not excessive but again older Pythons that I have
handled felt much tighter.
I have no complaints about the Elite's accuracy. It was more
accurate than I am. Don't get me wrong the new Elite is a very
nice revolver but in my opinion it just isn't as well made as the
original Python's from the 60's. I must admit that I was not happy
with myself for spending $1000 on this gun, hence the decision
to sell it. I didn't feel badly about spending $1000 on my HK P7M8
but that's a different thread.
Randy
Prior to the Elite I owned a Python made in 1975 that I got
it used. It was a very accurate gun but after putting several
hundred .357's through it just didn't feel tight anymore. It also
developed a problem with the cylinder latch. When closing the
cylinder I had to retract the latch a little bit for the cylinder to
clear it.
After I sold that Python I really wanted to replace it. So I
bought the Elite. As I said before It was a beautiful looking
piece. When I saw it in the shop I just had to have it. When I
got it home I noticed that it just wasn't put together as well as
the older Pythons that I have handled. The trigger was not nearly
as smooth as my first Python. I measured the barrel cylinder gap
at .004 which is acceptable from what I've read on this board.
The timing was right on. Right out of the box it had about .001" of
cylinder wiggle from front to back. This amount of endshake is
probably not excessive but again older Pythons that I have
handled felt much tighter.
I have no complaints about the Elite's accuracy. It was more
accurate than I am. Don't get me wrong the new Elite is a very
nice revolver but in my opinion it just isn't as well made as the
original Python's from the 60's. I must admit that I was not happy
with myself for spending $1000 on this gun, hence the decision
to sell it. I didn't feel badly about spending $1000 on my HK P7M8
but that's a different thread.
Randy
4thHorseman
New member
Randy, I certainly understand now why you were so dissappointed in it. I have noticed that some of Colt's other products have fallen by the wayside as of the last few years also.
I have noticed that some of Colt's other products have fallen by the wayside as of the last few years also.