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The Colt Python is considered by many to be the Cadillac of double action revolvers. The six-shot cylinder, chambered for the 357 magnum cartridge in this medium frame revolver, is quite a handful. Introduced in 1955, it's quite popular among revolver enthusiasts and collectors. Let's head out to the range and see how it scores overall as a concealed carry handgun in three important areas.
There are three factors I take into consideration when evaluating a concealed carry handgun; Time to First Hit, Accuracy and Knockdown Factor. Each one of these is of vital importance if you find yourself in a defensive situation. MidwayUSA has created a scoring system that helps shooters compare concealed carry handguns based on these three factors.
The time to first hit is a critical factor when considering a concealed carry handgun. How long does it take to fire the first shot on target using only one hand? We are shooting a paper plate at 20 feet.
How important is accuracy when choosing a concealed carry handgun? Extremely. After the first hit, how many more hits can you put on target in the next 3 seconds, again, using only one hand?
Knockdown factor is the ability of the cartridge to knock down an assailant with one well-placed shot. So how does the 357 magnum rate in knockdown power? Right at the top.
So, there you have it, the Colt Python 357 magnum revolver. With a score of 736 out of a 1,000, it scores fairly well overall as a concealed carry handgun in three important areas.
--Larry Potterfield
