Pietta, the Italian revolver powerhouse long revered for their faithful Old West six-shooters like the 1873 Single Action Army clones, is stepping into modern legend territory with their new Blacktooth Revolver—a dead ringer for the early-generation Colt Python. Spotted at a recent industry showcase, this six-shot double-action beauty chambers .357 Magnum, sports a 6-inch barrel with that iconic full-length rib and underlug, all wrapped in deep blued steel and checkered walnut grips that scream vintage Python elegance. It’s not just a looker; early hands-on buzz suggests it cycles smoother than a well-oiled press check, blending Pietta’s precision manufacturing with the Python’s timeless engineering DNA.
What makes this drop a game-changer for the 2A community? Colt’s Python has been a holy grail since its 1955 debut, with original early-gen models (pre-1980s) fetching absurd premiums—often $2,000-$4,000 even in average shape—thanks to their buttery trigger pulls and combat-ready reliability that influenced everything from LAPD sidearms to cowboy action shooting. But Colt’s production hiatuses and sky-high prices left a void, filled sporadically by pricey King Cobra iterations or custom shop tweaks. Enter Pietta’s Blacktooth: at a fraction of the cost (expect sub-$1,000 street price based on their track record), it democratizes that Python perfection for everyday carriers, range rats, and collectors. This isn’t some cheap knockoff; Pietta’s track record with high-fidelity clones means it’ll likely outshoot budget competitors while undercutting boutique makers like Uberti or Freedom Arms.
The implications ripple wide: in a post-braced pistol panic and endless ammo droughts era, affordable, high-quality wheelguns like the Blacktooth reinforce revolver supremacy for self-defense—six sure shots, no mag malfunctions, and .357 thump that punches way above its weight. For 2A enthusiasts, it’s a win against supply chain chokepoints and FUD-driven scarcity, proving the market thrives when innovators like Pietta flood us with options. Keep an eye on availability; if it delivers on the hype, expect backorders and a renaissance in blued-steel double-actions. Who’s grabbing one for the safe?
