Kriss Vector SMG

The KRISS Vector series is a family of weapons based upon the parent submachine gun design developed by KRISS USA, formerly Transformational Defense Industries (TDI). They use an unconventional delayed blowback system combined with in-line design to reduce perceived recoil and muzzle climb.


History
In the spring of 2007, TDI announced the Kriss Super V submachine gun. It was an experimental weapon under advanced stages of development at that time. The name Kriss comes from an Indonesian sword or a large knife with flame-like blade.
The second generation prototype of the KRISS Vector called the K10 was announced at SHOT Show 2011. It is a slightly more compact version of the Vector that is based on the same Super V system. The main difference is the use of a telescopic stock that collapses into the upper receiver rather than the earlier folding stock. The charging handle operates downward instead of horizontally. The K10 was not displayed after SHOT Show 2013 and its status is unknown and likely have been cancelled.
KRISS announced the "Gen II" versions of the original Vector models in 2015. It features a redesigned pistol grip, safety selector, and compatibility with a new 9mm lower were announced. It appears to have replaced the K10 prototypes.

Design

The KRISS Vector uses the KRISS Super V Recoil Mitigation System, that is an articulated mechanism which allows the bolt and an inertia block to move downward into a recess behind the magazine well.[8] The theory is that at the end of this travel, the energy is transmitted downward rather than rearward, thus reducing the felt recoil. When fired, the barrel axis is in line with the shoulder as in the M16 rifle, but also in line with the shooter's hand. This is intended to reduce muzzle climb when combined with the off-axis bolt travel, though it also greatly raises the sight line in comparison to the bore axis. The initial prototype model by TDI achieved a rate of fire of 1,500 rounds per minute (RPM), though this was bought down to around 1,200 rounds per minute (RPM) on the production models.

In a similar manner to the AR-15 rifle, that is secured together with four push pins; the KRISS Vector is split into two major assemblies. Due to the weapon's unusual layout, the lower contains the action, charging handle, magazine well and barrel, while the upper contains the ejection port, rail system, pistol grip and fire control components, as well as the stock for configurations that have one. This modular design allows for toolless caliber conversions by swapping out only the lower. The Vector's safety is ambidextrous (as well as the fire mode selector on the auto trigger pack) while the ejection port, charging handle, bolt release catch and magazine release are not, and are only available in a right-handed configuration.

Calibers such as .22 LR, .40 S&W and 9×19mm Parabellum were mentioned when the gun was first released. The Gen II versions with multiple design changes including a new 9 mm variant were confirmed at SHOT Show 2015,[9] though the .22LR version has yet to materialize and likely have been cancelled. The original Vector was designed to accept standard Glock 21 pistol magazines; a special "MagEx 30" kit was available to convert a factory 13-round .45 ACP Glock magazine to an extended high-capacity version, though this is now marketed as a "25+" round kit.The newer 9×19mm Parabellum versions instead uses the standard Glock 17 magazines.

Variants
The KRISS Vector family have undergone two generations of modification. The Gen I version is the

baseline model of the Vector family. It was later replaced by the improved Gen II version which features a redesigned pistol grip and trigger, optional factory Cerakote coatings in olive drab or flat dark earth, in addition to the original flat black, and has the swing angle of the safety lever reduced from 120 to 45 degrees. It also eliminates the opening above the barrel for the original weapon's optional Surefire weapon light, since these are no longer manufactured.It is also capable of being converted into 9×19mm Parabellum by replacing the lower receiver.

The KRISS Vector submachine gun is only available for military and law enforcement use. It is chambered in either 9×19mm Parabellum or .45 ACP. It features a 5.5-inch barrel (with an option of a 6.5-inch barrel on the Gen II version), a folding stock, a flip-up Midwest Industries back-up iron sights (BUIS) (MagPul MBUS on Gen II weapons), a Picatinny rail for mounting various optics/scopes, and either two mode fire selector (single and full-auto) or a three mode fire selector (single, two-round burst and full-auto).

Semi-automatic versions are produced and available for the US civilian market. There are three main configurations, the Vector CRB, Vector SBR and Vector SDP. They can be chambered in either 9×19mm Parabellum, .45 ACP, .40 S&W (using Glock 22 magazines), 9×21mm, 10mm Auto (using Glock 20 magazines), or .357 SIG (using Glock 31 magazines).
 -The Vector CRB (carbine) is a semi-automatic carbine with a permanently affixed extension to the standard 5.5-inch barrel, extending it to 16-inch (410 mm), intended for states with short-barrel rifle bans. The standard model has a folding stock (fixed in states where state law prohibits).
 -The Vector SBR (short barrel rifle) is a semi-automatic short-barreled configuration featuring the same barrel as of the selective fire submachine gun.
 -The Vector SDP (special duty pistol) is a semi-automatic pistol configuration that has a permanently affixed cap with a sling mount in place of a folding stock. There is also a configuration of the Vector SDP fitted with an arm brace called the Vector SDP-SB.

The "Enhanced" versions of the Gen II CRB and SBR are also available with collapsing M4-style stock adaptors instead of the standard folding stock (with a Magpul UBR stock included) and a square barrel shroud for the CRB, though these accessories can also be purchased separately.

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MP5

Heckler & Koch MP5 is a family of handgun pistols manufactured by German weapons company Heckler & Koch from the 1960s.

HistoryMP5 was introduced by Heckler & Koch (HK) in 1966, under the name HK54. This name is based on the old naming method HK: "5" for the pistol mitraliur, and "4" means caliber 9 x 19 mm. His new name came into use when it was officially adopted by West Germany for police and border guards, Maschinenpistole 5 or MP5. GSG-9, a border guard anti-terrorist unit, then introduced the MP5 to another Western anti-terrorist unit. 
VariantsHeckler & Koch has done a lot of modification improvements on MP5; the internal and external components of this rifle have changed considerably from the initial model. The first MP5 model is available with a fixed butt (A2) or folding stock (A3), and a variety of trigger configurations.
The next major development is the MP5SD series ("SD" stands for Schalldämpfer, meaning "muffled noise"), introduced in 1974. This model has an integrated soundtrack and a special barrel that slows the bullet velocity to slightly below the speed of sound. The result is that the rifle is not heard within a distance of more than 15 meters.
MP5K ("K" stands for Kurz, meaning "short"), a length of only 325 mm, was introduced in 1976, at the request of a HK rifle salesman in South Africa, who saw his potential sales for a bodyguard. The rifle has a vertical front grip to help withstand kicks, a smaller shooter, even a special bag that can be used for shooting.
In a special contract with the United States Navy, Heckler & Koch developed the MP5N ("N" for Navy, "Navy") made for elite naval units. MP5N is a standard MP5 made with naval trigger configurations, folding stocks, special barrel that can be installed silencers, and components that are more rust resistant.
The latest MP5 variant is MP5F ("F" for French, "French"), developed in 1999 for the French military. MP5F has a new internal component to receive a stronger 9 mm bullet. External changes to the MP5F are a new butt with retaining rubber, a hole for the sash to the right of the butt, and two hooks for the sash at the front.

List of variants
-MP5A1 - MP5 with pop cover, Navy / "SEF" configuration.-MP5A2 - Fixed Popor, Navy configuration / "SEF".-MP5A3 - Folded folding, Navy configuration / "SEF".
-MP5A4 - Fixed Popor, 3-item burst configuration.-MP5A5 - Folded popor, 3-point burst configuration.-MP5SFA2 - SF means single fire, auto-removed feature, fixed butt.

-MP5SFA3 - MP5SF with folding stock.-MP5N - Navy, made for the US Navy. Navy configuration, barrel for dampening, folding stock.-MP5F - French, made for the French military. Rubber with rubber holder, rope-sling hook, strong    internal components.
-MP5K - Kurz, short MP5 version, configuration "SEF".-MP5KA1 - MP5K with reduced viewfinder, "SEF" configuration.
-MP5KA4 - MP5K with 3 item burst configuration.
-MP5KA5 - MP5KA1 with 3 item burst configuration.-MP5K-N - MP5K with Navy configuration and barrel for mounted silencer.-MP5K-PDW - Personal Defense Weapon, MP5K-N with special folding stock. Introduced in 1991.
-MP5SD1 - Schalldämpfer, integrated soundproofing, A1 poplight, Navy / "SEF" configuration.-MP5SD2 - Integrated soundproofer, fixed butt; configuration Navy / "SEF".

-MP5SD3 - Integrated soundproofing, folding stock; configuration Navy / "SEF".
-MP5SD4 - MP5SD1 with 3 item burst configuration.
-MP5SD5 - MP5SD2 with 3 burst burst configuration.
-MP5SD6 - MP5SD3 with 3 burst burst configuration.
-MP5SD-N - MP5SD with Navy configuration, silencer, folding stock.
-MP5 / 10 - Using 10 mm Auto bullet. Made from 1992 to 2000.
-MP5 / 40 - Using .40 S & W bullets. Made from 1992 to 2000.

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Steyr Aug

Steyr AUG is a series of rifles that were first introduced in 1977 by the Austrian arms company Steyr Mannlicher. AUG stands for Armee Universal Gewehr, which means "Universal Army Rifle". Steyr AUG's own name is more often used to refer to specific versions, namely the 5.56 mm NATO bullpup assault rifle variant, with green color and an integrated telescope. This rifle actually has many variants, ranging from submachine guns, sniper rifles, to light machine guns. This rifle has been adopted into the main arms of the Austrian armed forces, Australia, New Zealand, Luxembourg, Ireland, and also was used by Malaysia. The Indonesian Special Police Unit (Gegana Brimob Polri) also uses Steyr AUG.

Design
The AUG is one of the first rifles to use the bullpup design, which makes it 25% shorter than other long-barreled rifles, without sacrificing performance and accuracy. Most AUG variants are equipped with integrated 1.5x telescopic shots. AUG is considered to have a modern ergonomic design. Other features such as the ability used by right-handed and left-handed shooters, and the use of transparent plastic materials.

The Steyr AUG barrel can be switched easily, for example to the carbine barrel or to a longer barrel. Even AUG has a modified device that can turn it into a submachine gun. Other variants, such as light machine-gun variants that have a heavier barrel, can not be modified and are set from the factory.

Variants

 -Steyr AUG A1 - The standard version introduced in 1977. Initially it was only green with a 20-inch barrel.
-Steyr AUG A2 - Similar to A2, but the viewfinder can be removed and replaced with picatinny rail.
-Steyr AUG A3 - It's been heavily modified. It has integrated picatinny rails on the top and sides. Use 6.8 mm Remington SPC bullet.
-Steyr AUG P- AUG A1 with shorter barrel.
-Steyr AUG P Special receiver- AUG P with picatinny rail.
-Steyr AUG 9 mm (AUG SMG / AUG Para) - AUG modified to use 9 x 19 mm bullets.
-Steyr AUG M203 - AUG modified to use M203 grenade launcher.
-Steyr AUG LSW (Light Support Weapon) - AUG as a light support weapon.
-Steyr AUG HBAR (Heavy-Barreled Automatic Rifle) - AUG with longer and heavy barrel, closed bolt, as a light machine gun.
-Steyr AUG LMG (Light Machine Gun) - Based on AUG HBAR, but with open bolt, and 4X viewfinder instead of 1.5x like a regular AUG.
-Stey AUG LMG-T- Same with LMG, but with picatinny rail.
-Steyr AUG HBAR-T- Sniper rifle based on HBAR.
-Steyr AUG Z- AUG A2 semi-automatic version for the civil market.
-Steyr USR- AUG A2 tailored for the US civilian market.
-F88 Austeyr - AUG modified for Australia. 

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Karabin M4

Carbine M4, or M4 Carbine, is a short and light version of the M16 assault rifle. M4 carbine has 80% of the same parts as M16A2. M4 has a semi-automatic shot and three-point burst (same as M16A2), while M4A1 has a semi-automatic and automatic selection. M4A1 is also sometimes equipped with a heavier barrel, to withstand the heat generated from the automatic firing for a long time.

OutlineM4 and M4A1 use 5.56 x 45 mm NATO caliber bullets. Both are selective-fire rifles, which use a gas system, water-cooled, wearing a magazen box, and have a telescopic bar. These can be exchanged for regular butters, but they are rarely done in the United States military.
Like a carbine in general, M4 is more comfortable to carry than a long-barreled rifle. Besides ideal for use by non-infantry soldiers (such as vehicle drivers, aides, and staff officers), this also makes M4 suitable for close combat and special forces operations. M4 had become the standard for United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and became the choice of US Army Special Forces. In 2006 Malaysia also purchased Karabin M4 to replace the Steyr AUG rifle.
M4 carbines were developed and manufactured for the United States Government by the Colt arms company, which contracted to produce the M4 carbine family until 2009. But in addition to Colt, a number of other weapon manufacturers also offer M4-like rifles. M4 and M16A4 have replaced M16 and M16A2 in US armed forces. M4 also replaces submachine gun M3A1 commonly used tank riders. M4 is almost similar to previous M16 compact version, that is XM177, the difference is M4 does not use bullet M193 / 6 ball.

 History and variants
In addition to the first shipment, all new M4 and M4A1 existing in the United States military are already using flat top tops equipped with standard M1913 or Picatinny rail railings, which are used to install a variety of viewfinder devices. The model numbers used by the United States military are Colt Model 920 (M4) and 921 (M4A1).

M4A1
M4A1 carbine is a modification of the M4 carbine, which is made for special forces. M4A1 is widely used in US special forces, such as Delta Force, Navy SEALS, and Force Reconnaissance. This rifle becomes the choice of special forces and anti-terrorist forces, due to its size and its ability to shoot full-automatic. These features are very useful for urban battles. Although the M4A1 does not have firing range as far as the M16 rifle, many military observers think that shooting targets above 300 meters without a special rifle is unnecessary. M4A1 is very effective at a distance of 150 meters. 

SOPMOD Block IUSSOCOM developed Special IOP Special Operation (SOPMOD - Special Operations Peculiar Modification) Block I for use of troops under his leadership. This device includes, among others, the M4A1 carbine, the Knight's Armament Company's RIS (Rail Interface System) system, the M203 grenade launcher with its shot, KAC-made artificial sound silencer, KAC backup shot, laser pointer / infrra -made AN / PEQ-2A by Insight Technologies, Trijicon's ACOG and Reflex optical shots, and a night vision shoot. 
SOPMOD Block IIThe second-generation SOPMOD is being planned, with many companies competing to get their contracts. Some leading companies, together with their designs, are Knight's Armament Company with URX II, ARMS with Selective Integrated Rail (SIR) system, and Lewis Machine & Tool with Monolithic Rail Platform (MRP). 
Other variantsOther variants of the M4 carbine are also manufactured by other manufacturers, and used by special forces other than the United States, such as the Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), Malaysian Police Special Forces Movement, and the Anti-Terror Detachment 88 Police. In addition, SAS UK uses also made Diemaco M4 named C8. Although Diemaco was finally purchased by Colt, and named Colt Canada, the names of the Diemaco rifle were unchanged.
 

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AWM

 The Accuracy International AWM (Arctic Warfare Magnum) is a bolt-action sniper rifle manufactured by Accuracy International designed for magnum rifle cartridge chamberings. The Accuracy International AWM is also unofficially known as the AWSM (Arctic Warfare Super Magnum), which typically denotes AWM rifles chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum.

In September 2012 Accuracy International announced that the .338 Lapua Magnum AWM rifle was phased out and replaced by the Accuracy International AXMC sniper rifle.

Arctic Warfare Magnum System
The Accuracy International AWM rifle is a variant of the British Accuracy International Arctic Warfare (AW) rifle that was the basis of a family of sniper rifles using the Arctic Warfare name. As such the design details of the AWM variant are similar to the ones found in the basic AW rifle system. Compared to the AW, the AWM has a longer bolt to accommodate dimensionally larger magnum-length cartridges such as the .300 Winchester Magnum and the .338 Lapua Magnum. The bolt head, locking ring, and extractor and magazines were also revised to work with the increased size and operating pressures of magnum rifle cartridges.

The AWM features a detachable single stack removable box magazine which holds five rounds. The normal cartridges for this rifle, and the ones which have been accepted by NATO for use in AWM rifles, are .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum.

Muzzle brakes are fitted to reduce recoil, jump and flash and act as a base for optional iron sights and suppressors.

Normally, the AWMs are outfitted with a Schmidt & Bender PM II 10×42/MILITARY MK II 10×42 telescopic sight with 10× fixed power of magnification. However, a Schmidt & Bender PM II/MILITARY MK II with variable magnification of either 3–12×50, 4–16×50 or 5–25×56 can be used if the operator wants more flexibility to shoot at varying ranges, or when a wide field of view is required. Accuracy International actively promotes fitting the German made Schmidt & Bender PM II/MILITARY MK II product line as sighting components on their rifles, which is rare for a rifle manufacturer. The German and Russian Army preferred a telescopic sight made by Zeiss over Accuracy International's preference.

The AWM rifle is normally supplied in a metal transit case together with a telescopic sight, mount, butt spacers, bipod, spare magazines, sling, cleaning and tool kits.

Military adoption
British Armed Forces
The British Armed Forces adopted the AWM rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum as the L115A1 Long Range Rifle. The British L115A1 rifles are outfitted with Schmidt & Bender 3-12×50 PM II/MILITARY MKII 3-12×50 0.1 MIL RAD telescopic sights. The L115A1 is in service with the Royal Marines, British Army and RAF Regiment in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In November 2007 the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) announced that their snipers in the Army, Royal Marines and RAF Regiment were to get a new rifle. Accuracy International would supply 580 L115A3 Long Range Rifles with day telescopic sights. The L115A3 is being supplied as part of a broader Sniper System Improvement Programme (SSIP) program which also includes night sights, spotting scopes, laser range finders and tripods.[16] The L115A3 rifle was first deployed to Afghanistan in May 2008. Some features of the improved L115A3 include:

    Schmidt & Bender 5-25×56 PM II LP/MILITARY MKII 5-25×56 0.1 MIL RAD parallax, illumination, double turn telescopic sights;
    Suppressors to reduce the flash and noise signature;
    Folding stocks for better carrying in a backpack;
    Adjustable cheek pieces for more comfort and better eye alignment with the telescopic sight;
    Butt spikes (monopods) to aid stability during firing;
    Adjustable bipods, which differ from the original Accuracy International bipod;
    5-round box magazines.

The MOD claims a muzzle velocity of 936 m/s (3,071 ft/s) for the L115A3

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CheyTac M200 Intervention

The CheyTac Intervention is an American bolt-action sniper rifle manufactured by CheyTac LLC, which can also be classified as an anti-materiel rifle. It is fed by a 7-round detachable single-stack magazine (an optional 5-round magazine is also available). It is specifically chambered in either .408 Chey Tac or .375 Chey Tac ammunition. CheyTac LLC states that the system is capable of delivering sub-MOA accuracy at ranges of up to 2,500 yd (2,286 m), one of the longest ranges of all modern-day sniper rifles. It is based on the EDM Arms Windrunner.

Design details
The CheyTac M200 Intervention is a manually operated, rotating bolt sniper rifle. It features a Picatinny rail on the top of its receiver for mounting various optics/scopes.

Cartridge
The M200 Intervention is chambered in either the .408 CheyTac or .375 CheyTac cartridge. CheyTac specially developed the .408 CheyTac/.375 CheyTac cartridge for long-range use. The cartridge is optimized for accuracy by a balance of the rotational and linear drag, which reduces yaw and precession, and keeps the tip of the projectile pointed along the trajectory.

Barrel
The M200 Intervention uses a free floating heavy-fluted barrel, which can be quickly removed for replacement or storage and transportation, and the shroud at the rear serves as a mount for an integral folding bipod and a carrying handle.

To achieve balanced flight the rifling twist rate for the .408 CheyTac chambering was chosen at 330.2 mm (1:13 in), with eight 0.4080 in diameter grooves, 0.4010 in diameter bore and a 0.050" land width, square cut, with no taper. The later .375 CheyTac round, developed from the .408 CheyTac, uses a 292 mm (1:11.5 in) rifling twist rate.

Accessories
Vector laser range finder binoculars.The M200 Intervention comes with a portable advanced ballistic computer, laser rangefinder binoculars and meteorological and environmental sensor package. All these components, together with the sniper rifle, are part of the CheyTac Long Range Sniper System (LRRS) and are linked to the ballistic computer. It provides all necessary data and calculations for accurate long range firing.

    Advanced Ballistic Computer - The CheyTac Advanced Ballistic Computer (ABC) System software package uses tabulated bullet flight data derived from high speed Doppler radar test sessions, and mathematical models to predict ballistic trajectory. It runs on Windows Mobile 2003 and receives input from the Kestrel handheld weather station and Vector IV laser rangefinder binoculars. However, much like other ballistic prediction software, when rounds are used for which no Doppler Radar-established bullet flight data is known, the ABC System relies solely on mathematical ballistic models like all other ballistic prediction computer programs. Printed data tables are available for manual use. Without computer support the effectiveness of some long-range shooters could be severely reduced, since they may rely heavily on computer support to obtain accurate ballistic estimates.
    Meteorological and environmental sensor package - The KESTREL 4000 (or, 4500 NV) meteorological and environmental sensor package measures the wind speed, air temperature, air pressure, relative humidity, wind chill, and dew point. The KESTREL 4500 NV model is compatible with night vision devices.
    Laser rangefinder - The Vector IV mil spec laser rangefinder measures distances up to 6,000 m (6,561.7 yd), and houses a digital compass and class 1 eye safe filters.

 Accuracy
CheyTac states that "the CheyTac LRRS is a solid anti-personnel system to 2,000 yd (1,829 m)." The primary intent of the .408 is as an extreme range anti-personnel system. Groups of 7 to 9 in (18 to 23 cm) at 1,000 yd (914 m), 10 in (25 cm) at 1,500 yd (1,372 m) and 15 in (38 cm) at 2,000 yd (1,829 m) have been consistently obtained.
Groups of 19 in (48 cm) at 2,100 yd (1,920 m) and 29 in (74 cm) at 2,400 yd (2,200 m) have also been obtained. All groups that are up to 3,000 yd (2,743 m) are less than 1 minute of angle for vertical dispersion.

Variants
The CheyTac Intervention comes in several variants:
-M200 (29 in (737 mm) barrel length)
-M200 Carbine (Now out of production)    M200 CIV (Civilian Variant)
-M200 RK[citation needed]
-M310 (Single shot and repeater sub-variants all with 29 in (737 mm) barrel length)
-M310 R (Repeater)[citation needed]
-M325 (Single shot, repeater and tactical sub-variants all with 28 in (711 mm) barrel length)

The main capability differences between the different variants are governed by barrel length which
determines the obtainable muzzle velocity. Higher muzzle velocity extends the effective range of a rifle, everything else being equal. The M200 and the M200 Carbine are and were limited to official customers like military forces and come with a detachable box magazine and a telescopic stock, whilst the current (2013) other variants have a glass-fiber fixed McMillan A5 stock and are available for the general public.

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Colt Python

The Colt Python is a .357 Magnum caliber revolver formerly manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut. It is sometimes referred to as a "Combat Magnum". It was first introduced in 1955, the same year as Smith & Wesson's M29 .44 Magnum. Now discontinued, the Colt Python targeted the premium revolver market segment. Some firearm collectors and writers such as Jeff Cooper, Ian V. Hogg, Chuck Hawks, Leroy Thompson, Scott Wolber, Renee Smeets and Martin Dougherty have described the Python as the finest production revolver ever made.

DescriptionThe Colt Python is a double action handgun chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge, built on Colt's large I-frame. Pythons have a reputation for accuracy, a smooth trigger pull, and a tight cylinder lock-up.They are similar in size and function to the Colt Trooper and Colt Lawma revolvers

HistoryThe Colt Python was first introduced in 1955 as Colt's Special target revolver. As a result, it features precision adjustable sights, a smooth trigger, solid construction, and extra metal. Pythons have a distinct appearance due to a full barrel underlug, ventilated rib and adjustable sights. Originally, Colt manufactured Pythons with hollow underlugs but left them solid to work as a stabilizing barrel weight. When the revolver is at full cock, just as the trigger is pressed, the cylinder locks up for the duration of the hammer strike. Other revolvers have a hint of looseness even at full-cock. The gap between the cylinder and forcing cone is very tight, further aiding accuracy and velocity. Starting in the 1970s each Python revolver was boredighted at the factory with a laser and was the first mass-produced revolver to do so. End of productionIn October 1999, Colt Manufacturing Co. announced the termination of its production of Python revolvers. In a 2000 follow-up letter to distributors, the company cited as the number of other models. The Colt Custom Gun Shop continued making a limited number of Pythons on special order until 2005, when even this limited production was terminated.

Models and variantsColt Python rollmark on the barrel.Colt Python Target, 8 inch barrel .38 Special.
The Python was originally available in two finishes: Royal Blue and Bright Nickel. The Bright Nickel model was discontinued with the introduction of the more durable satin stainless and mirror-polished Ultimate Stainless models. The stainless steel and Royal Blue finishes were offered until 2003 by Colt on the Python "Elite" model.Pythons were available with 2.5-inch (6.4 cm), 3-inch (7.6 cm), 4-inch (10 cm), 6-inch (15 cm) and 8-inch (20 cm) barrels. The six-inch model was the most popular generally, and the 8-inch model was intended for hunting. A 3-inch barrel version is very collectible, although not rare.
The Python Hunter model, with 8-inch barrel and factory-installed 2X Leupold scope, was made in 1980. The Python Hunter was the first field-ready handgun manufacturer. The scope was mounted on the barrel using Redfield mounts and the gun was packaged in a Haliburton case. It was discontinued by 1990 and briefly offered as a "Custom Shop" model afterward. A Python Target model was made

for several years in .38 Special only, in blue and nickel finishes.

Two variants of the Python are made in small numbers by Colt. The first was the Colt Boa of 1985, a limited production .357 Magnum revolver, made for the Lew Horton Distributing Company in

Massachusetts. It used a Python barrel mated to a Trooper Mk V frame. Six hundred 6-inch revolvers and 600 4-inch revolvers were made, of which 100 were matched sets. Though it resembles a Python visually, it is substantially different internally. The second was the stainless steel Colt Grizzly of 1994, another limited production .357 Magnum revolver. It used a Python barrel mated to a Colt King Cobra frame. 500 of these revolvers were manufactured, with 6-inch Magna-Ported barrels and smooth, unfluted cylinders. The ported barrel includes a bear footprint. Similar to the Grizzly was the Colt Kodiak, which was a Colt Anaconda with a Magna-Ported Barrel and an unfluted cylinder. Approximately 2000 Kodiaks were manufactured.According to Colt historian, R.L. Wilson, Colt Pythons have been collected by Elvis Presley and various kings in the traditional sense: "HM (His Majesty) Hussein I of Jordan ordered a limited number of Pythons with 4-inch and 6-inch barrels, as gifts to his selected friends Casing and barrel were embossed with His Majesty's crest Among other celebrated recipients: King Khalid and Prince Fahd (Saudi Arabia), King Hassan (Morocco), Sheik Zayed (United Arab Emirates), President Anwar Sadat (Egypt) and President Hafez Assad (Syria).

UsageThe Python immediately made inroads into the law enforcement market when introduced, with the 6-inch barrel being popular with uniformed officers and the 4-inch barrel considered optimum for plainclothes use. However, it has since fallen out of common use (along with all other revolvers) due to changing law enforcement needs that favor semi-automatic pistols. When law-enforcement agencies realized that the 9 mm semi-automatic pistols fire a round with similar characteristic. Semi-automatic pistol cartridges. The move away from the Python is also driven by the increasing number of law enforcement agencies which require the carrying of department-issue weapons (as a way to reduce liability).
The Colorado State Patrol issued 4-inch blue Pythons to their switch to the S & W .40 caliber autoloader. Georgia State Patrol and Florida Highway Patrol issued Pythons to their officers.
A Python, loaded with .357 Magnum semiwadcutter bullets, was used to murder Irish crime reporter Veronica Guerin in 1996, an act which resulted in the creation of the Criminal Assets Bureau.Colt's Python revolvers are still popular on the used market and high command prices.

Criticisms
Official Colt historian RL Wilson describes the Colt Python as "the Rolls-Royce of Colt revolvers", and firearms historian Ian V. Hogg is referred to as "best revolver in the world". However, the revolver is not without its detractors. The downside to the Colt Python's precision is its tendency to go "out of time" with continued heavy shooting. This is a condition in which the cylinder does not turn in exact alignment with the forcing cone, so the shooter may be sprayed with burning propellant when the gun is fired, or the gun may not fire when used as a double-action. When this happens, the lockwork needs to be re-timed.

Author Martin Dougherty notes the weight of the Python as a drawback, as it is quite heavy for a handgun of its caliber, ranging from 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) to 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg). This Magnetic, which weighs 3.0 lbs in 6½-inch barrel configuration (1.36 kg).

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