By Joe W Gorman
Author putting the Heffron-tuned 3” Colt Python through its paces.
This is the last thing a miscreant bowling pin sees!
For a moment in 2020, wheel gunners across the globe held hands and gave thanks that Colt had finally reintroduced the legendary Colt Python. Revolver afficionados thought, “Ah, it’s morning again in America” and dutifully queued up to get their very own new Python. I was very happy when I got mine and I ran it through combat drill after combat drill, shooting thousands of rounds through it, with the only maintenance being ordinary cleaning and occasional tightening of the side plate screws. The 2020 Python shot very well and the double action, while a bit heavier than my tried and true 77 Python, worked well. When shooting single action however, the new Python had a heavy pull that included the hammer coming rearward before falling. Apparently, California had levied a ridiculously onerous standard for Colt; repeatedly dropping a cocked revolver on a hard surface and demonstrating that it would not discharge due to the force of the impact. To be compliant with the California regulation, Colt had to ship their Pythons with a 5-pound single action pull.
Fast forward a couple of years and the Python line had grown to include a 3” stainless carry model that provided 95% of the velocity of a 4” (using the Federal 357B load) with a much more concealable profile along with a full-sized ejector rod. I came to acquire one of these 3” models too. The action on the 3” Python was smoother than on the first run of 2020 guns, but the single action was still a bear.
Getting the Python Tuned
While I typically shoot double action revolvers in double action, occasionally, like when I’m at 50 yards and beyond, I’ll shoot single action. With the stock trigger, this was very difficult and very unlike my old Python. I made a call to Colt to schedule an action workover at the esteemed Colt Custom Shop when an odd thing happened; Colt’s Custom Shop referred me to Heffron Precision!
I did not expect that.
From reading various posts on Colt forums, I was familiar with the Heffron name, and Heffron’s reputation seemed to be impeccable, but I thought Colt would want to work on a Colt revolver and not outsource the work.
“Wow” said I. “Is this like Ford recommending the Shelby company to wrench on my Mustang?” I questioned. I picked up my phone and called Michael Heffron in Osage Iowa and made an appointment to have my Python worked on. The 6 month wait time before shipping my revolver, was my first indication of just how in demand Michael’s services are. (Heffron tries to schedule your shipment so as to minimize the time it spends at his shop) As we talked, Michael commented on the remarkable quality of the Colt steel used in the Python. The steel Colt currently uses in their revolvers is, in his estimation, some of the finest weapon-grade steel on the planet. He also explained the Colt locking mechanism as unique and the cylinder lock is not complete until the trigger is pulled all the way, which, I guess, I sort of knew from shooting my old Python but hearing him explain the precision of the Colt lock just flat-out instilled a new pride in my Python ownership.
Colt’s beautiful current production Python with an HKS speed loader and a Galco speed loader pouch
I asked Michael to provide a basic smoothing package for my Python. This would include the taming of the single action trigger. He then explained to me the other services his Master Action package would include precision crowning, further action tuning, enhanced accuracy as a result and, well, long story short, he sold me.
I sent off my Python on the day he suggested and then awaited the finished work. The waiting line is expected to be long for a pistol smith so good that the Colt guys recommend him.
When my pistol was done, Michael emailed to let me know it was on the way. He mentioned that he would test shoot my Python, 5-shots at 75 yards from a Ransom Rest and that the group would need to be under 2.75” in order to pass this stage of post surgery testing!!!
Er, um, WHAT?!
My carry gun, a 3” .357 magnum revolver is capable of 2.75” groups from 75 yards out? Knowing that my carry gun is capable of such precision certainly inspires confidence!
Holy Buckets.
When my Python arrived home from Heffron Precision, I worked the action of the tuned Python and instantly felt the reduced weight and smoothness of the double action trigger pull. It was appreciably lighter, 8.5-pounds per my trigger pull gauge. It pulled like the action was spun on precision ball bearings in light grease—smooooooth. As I thumbed back the hammer to test the single action trigger pull, I felt a much-improved hammer cock. When I touched the trigger, it took a mere 2.5 pounds of pressure (measured with the same trigger pull gauge) and it broke without grit and without mush and no rearward movement. In other words, the trigger and the action were waaaaay better than when I sent it off. I tried to push off the hammer from a full cocked position and fortunately No Dice.
I checked the crown on the bore to see that Michael had crowned the bore perfectly (it’s critical that the crown be centered on the axis of the bore and not the barrel itself as the bore is never precisely at the center of the barrel.) This crown work, barrel lapping, coupled with the mechanically perfect timing at the instant of firing and the crisp/light trigger pull, results in tremendous accuracy. Looking down into the frame with the hammer pulled back, I could see some of the polishing that hand been done to the internals.
Michael mentioned that he considers a properly tuned, modern Python to be superior to the Pythons of yore in terms of metallurgy and tolerances. Upon initial inspection of my modern, Heffron-tuned Python, I was inclined to agree with him. My Python’s action felt perfect to me after Michael worked his magic on it. And point taken on the advancement in metallurgy in the last 30 years.
Heffron Precision sent along this certificate
As to the specifics of what was done to my Python, Michael performed the following work:
Master Series Trigger & Mechanism Tuning© SA pull is 2.50 lbs and DA pull is 8.50 lbs. The mainspring has MORE tension than before, so greater primer impact, despite what the pull numbers display. (Yes, the primers get hit harder than from my other current generation Python)
Blueprinted Accuracy Tuning© Crown, barrel, forcing cone, b/c gap, b/c alignment, cylinder throats, chambers, headspace, lockup were all inspected. Re-crowning with our AccuCrown© is part of the tuning/inspection ($65). AccuCrown© is a bore-centered crown accurate in depth to within .0001”. He discovered my revolver had a bit too much end play for optimal accuracy, so he corrected that.
Magic Ball Pressure Lapping© this was done to your barrel. Makes for a smoother barrel.
Comfort Contour Trigger© This “dehorns” the edges/peaks of the trigger surface for more comfortable DA shooting.
TESTFIRE: From a Ransom Machine Rest at 75 yards (this is the distance we test 2.5” and 3.0” barrels) we require that the completed product (if blueprinted) must shoot a group 2.75” or less. My Python passed this test.
After the unboxing and initial assessment, it was time for the Python to hit the range. It was time for me to even the score with some bowling pins that had been bullying me, ring bright orange steel for no good reason at all and shoot seriously to see what flavors of ammunition Mr. Python preferred and also to see what types of groups a human could get when bench rested at 25 yards. Of course, I did this with great reluctance as my aversion to shooting stuff is well known. But this was for science. And science is bigger than all of us. The cross I bear rests heavy on my shoulders but shoot I did.
I installed a Wilson Combat rear sight on my Python prior to testing. This robust rear sight is very precise and durable, just what a carry gun needs.
Wilson Combat’s excellent rear sight
Prior to starting my combat trials, I installed XS Sights’ tritium front night sight. This highly visible and solidly built sight provided me with quick acquisition in the daytime and a bright green light at night. This assisted with my old eye picking up my sights quickly.
XS Sights Tritium Night Sight for the Colt Python
I also fitted a Hogue hardwood mono grip. These grips fit my hands well and I have better purchase with these grips than with any other grip I’ve tried.
The field of test
Shooting the Heffron-Tuned Python
Shooting accurate and rapid pairs with full power .357 magnum ammunition on a B27 target at 12 yards was easy with the tuned Python. The significant reduction in double action trigger weight and increase in smoothness allowed me to get shots off quicker with my sights mostly aligned (once again the super visible XS tritium front sight was nearly impossible to miss.) The ease with pulling the trigger while the sights were aligned allowed my accurate double range to increase. Even at 25 yards, I could fire quick doubles and keep my shots within the 9 ring of a B27 target. That was a confidence inspiring result to say the least.
Tools for the test
Stepping back to the 50-yard line, I shot single action to center-of-mass on the B27 and once again I was rewarded with 5/5 shots falling within the 9 ring. Firing single action, I also kept 6/6 shots in the head at 50 yards. (This one took me a few attempts, but I did it!) I paused to acknowledge how fantastic it was that a 3” .357 magnum revolver could keep 6/6 rounds in the head of a B27 when it was me behind the trigger.
Shooting singles at 12 yards double action
Moving on to the “bowling” phase of my evaluation, I set up five standard bowling pins on a table at 10 yards to see how quickly I could clear them, drawing from a Galco Revenger belt holster (more about this holster in a bit) and shooting Hornady 158gr XTP .357 magnum ammunition double action. The best time I was able to manage was 4.82 seconds from beep to last shot fired. Any solid hit with the .357 Magnum Hornady 158gr XTP ammunition, that got a bite of the wood core, sent a pin flying, clear of the table.
6/6 shots, shot single action, landed in the head of a B27 from the 50 yard line!
Good result from a 3” carry revolver.
Ringing IDPA A-zone steel plates from 10 yards was just as easy as bowling, perhaps a bit easier. My modus operandi was the same for steel ringing as it was for the bowling phase; 10 yards, beep, draw from holster, ring each plate once with full horsepower .357 magnum. For this phase, the shortest time I managed from beep to last shot was 2.08 seconds. Competitive shooters are yawning by now I realize, but this is me, with a 3” Colt Python! I am amazed by this weapon.
For bench rest shooting, I wheeled my portable bench to the 25-yard line, rested my hands on sandbags and shot 5-shot groups single action, slow fire. I shot what .357 magnum and .38 special ammunition I had on hand. The results follow in a table, so I won’t get into too much detail describing what happened during the bench resting phase. But I will say the accuracy of this Heffron tuned 3-inch carry gun is beyond my expectations. All the ammo tested managed a 5-shot group, fired from a 25-yard rest, less than 3” measured center to center.
Typical 25 yard group when bench rested
I am astonished! As I mentioned earlier, if I were to shoot this revolver from a Ransom Rest or hand it to RoboCop, I would expect a 2.75” group or less at 75 yards. Putting it in my paws changes all that.
I fired more than 500 rounds of .357 Magnum, including my go to reload of 158gr Hornady XTP bullets over 15g of 296 and magnum primers. I experienced zero issues and was very enthusiastic to keep testing. I noticed that the trigger was much more comfortable after shooting that much magnum ammunition. A stock Python would have caused me to resort to a band-aid on my finger and Michael’s comfort contouring took care of that!
Galco’s excellent Revenger holster and speed loader carrier
| Ammunition | Avg Muzzle Velocity | Accuracy at 25 yards* |
| Hornady .357 Magnum 125gr XTP American Gunner | 1310fps | <3” |
| Hornady .357 Magnum 158gr XTP | 1270fps | <3” |
| Hornady .357 Magnum 140gr FTX Leverevolution | 1410fps | <3” |
| Hornady .357 Magnum 130gr Monoflex American Hunter | 1260fps | <3” |
| Remington .357 Magnum 125gr JHP Greenbox | 1385fps | <3” |
| Remington .38 Special 125gr JHP Greenbox | 960fps | <3” |
*5-shot group accuracy from a bench rest. All ammunition managed groups under 3” measured center to center. This is from a snubnose revolver. This is a very accurate gun.
In summary, I can recommend Heffron Precision to provide you exactly what they promise you. The revolver they receive from you will be returned to you in a much-improved condition and you will be proud to carry or compete with it. It would be ideal if a guy with my patience could simply order a tuned Python (tuned with Heffron’s upgrades) from the Colt Custom Shop. Unfortunately, that’s not the world in which we currently live. Mr. Heffron’s expertise and knowledge has earned him a well-deserved reputation across the planet and his skill is evident in my testing and evaluation of my 3” Colt Python. Just remember, good things come to those who are willing to wait for quality. You will not regret the wait.
Associated Gear Used in This Evaluation
Galco Revenger. This holster is new from Galco and is a first class OWB! The Python is held securely in this rig. The quality of the lined premium steerhide used for this holster along with the metal reinforced mouth and belt tunnel and the snag free sight channel, make this a top-tier concealment holster. The Revenger also permits a full grip when holstered which is important when your heart is beating at 300 beats per minute, and you think you’re about to die.
Hogue Goncalo Alves Custom Monogrip Grips are made from seasoned Goncalo Alves and provides a positive grip while looking very old school cool.
X-Sights Tritium Colt Front Sight This rugged front sight is CNC machined from steel and houses a tritium core that glows 24/7 without batteries. This is a very visible and robust tight.
Wilson Combat Rear Sight Wilson makes a hardened chromoly steel rear battle sight for the Colt Python/Anaconda. The Wilson sight is not only rugged but offers precision sight adjustment with positive clicks.
Meet Michael Heffron from Heffron Precision
I had the distinct pleasure to ask Michael Heffron a few questions about his background.
How did you come to be interested in gunsmithing?
When I was about twelve years old my dad and I assembled some black powder pistol kits. I already loved to shoot, but I thought that process was fascinating (ie: the assembly). I remember the safety notch on my hammer didn’t work right. My dad looked things over and just knew what to do. That safety notch now worked because of what he knows. Over simplistic I know, but it was interesting. I read a book on DIY gunsmithing. At the age of 13 I was grinding and heat treating the gunsmith screwdrivers I had made. I was working in my dad’s shop where he serviced Smith & Wesson, Colt, and Remington. I just loved all of it.
When did you start Heffron Precision?
I started Heffron Precision in 1989 after the gunsmith I worked for (a 40-year Colt employee who built DA revolvers) passed away. I had spent a pretty intense 2 ½ years in what I jokingly call “Colt Revolver Boot Camp”. He knew a great deal. Between what I had learned from him and my dad I was able to start Heffron Precision.
How many firearms would you say you work on every year?
Between repairs and performance modifications (we do more of those than repairs) 800-900 revolvers annually.
What is your opinion of the current gen Colt Python vs the Pythons of yesteryear?
The old Pythons were fine examples of hand-tuned craftsmanship from some very skilled workers. Those revolvers though were very expensive to make and maintain. The overall scale and design was never really intended to withstand the abuse of a 357 Magnum round. The new Python, while lacking the hand-fitted “charisma” of its older counterpart does represent the best of modern metallurgy, computer aided design, and state of the art manufacturing techniques. The new Pythons are more precise than the old, typically offering tighter grouping capability than the old Pythons. After thoroughly examining all American-made 357 Magnum double-action revolver offerings, the new Python offers the tightest specs and not by a small margin. THAT is a great deal of what you’re paying for when you buy a new Python.
Contact: Heffronprecision.com
Leave a Reply