Colt Python 357 Magnum: The 2020 Reader’s Choice for ‘Best Revolver’

With the Ballistic’s Best 2020 Reader’s Choice voting concluded, the winners announcements roll on. Today we’re looking at the “Best Revolver (DA/SA .357 Magnum)” category.

2020 Reader’s Choice for “Best Revolver (DA/SA .357 Magnum)”

The nominees for our 2020 Reader’s Choice “Best Revolver (DA/SA .357 Magnum)” were:

• Chiappa Rhino
• Colt Python
• Kimber K6 Combat
• Korth Mongoose
• Smith & Wesson Model 19 Classic

Before we get to the winner, here are all of the categories in our 2020 Reader’s Choice voting:

• Full-Size Semi-Auto Handgun — Winner Here
• Compact Semi-Auto Handgun — Winner Here
• 1911 — Winner Here
• Revolver (DA/SA .357 Magnum)
• Tactical Pump Shotgun — Winner Here
• AR-15 Pistol — Winner Here
• Semi-Auto AR-15 Rifle — Winner Here
• Semi-Auto AR-10 Rifle — Winner Here
• Bolt-Action Rifle (6.5 Creedmoor) — Winner Here

In total, there were 12,479 votes for the “Best Revolver (DA/SA .357 Magnum)” category. And this one was a blowout. Collecting 52.08 percent of the votes, the winner is the Colt Python in 357 Magnum.

Colt Python 357 Magnum Details

Here’s some of what our experts had to say about the Colt Python in 357 Magnum in their testing for the 2020 issue of Ballistic’s Best Magazine:

“Colt fans were ecstatic when Colt brought back the king of the Colt revolvers. We obtained the new 4.25-inch barrel version of the snake. In appearance, the new Python is a faithful rendition of the original. To be completely objective, we had to score the new Python on its own merit and not compare it to the snakes of old!

“Colt simplified the operating system and made it more reliable and easier to manufacture. There are also subtle changes in the frame to make the new snake stronger than the original.

“The new guns are all stainless steel and during manufacturing have been tumbled to remove any offending sharp edges, and then polished. The new Python is smooth in the hand, something that is very welcome. The adjustable rear sight and red ramp front sight provided a clear sight picture. It was noted that the front sight blade can be changed out by the user.”

Colt Python 357 Magnum Details

• Caliber: .357 Mag
• Barrel: 4.25 inches
• Overall Length: 9.75 inches
• Overall Weight: 42 ounces (empty)
• Grip: Walnut target
• Sights: Adjustable
• Action: DA/SA
• Finish: Stainless
• Capacity: 6
• MSRP: $1,499

Also, if you want to see all of the official winners, grab a copy of Ballistic’s Best 2020. Both print and digital subscriptions are available now at OutdoorGroupStore.com.