Hello, this is XboxAhoy and this is the thirty-first episode of my Black Ops weapon guide.
Do you feel lucky, punk?
In this episode we're covering the Python.
It's a revolver, unlocked at level 18.
The Colt Python is an American weapon, manufactured by the famed Colt Manufacturing Company and
named for a family of nonvenomous snakes.
It was introduced in 1955, and was produced until quite recently, until 1996.
Originally intended to be a large-frame target revolver chambered for .38 Special, the Python
would ultimately fire the more powerful .357 Magnum round - but retained its target handgun
features.
With precision adjustable sights, smooth trigger, ventilated top rib and solid underlug, the
Python is a finely constructed revolver manufactured to a tight tolerance.
The snake theme persists throughout Colt's range, with the larger .44 Magnum Anaconda,
and .22 Long Rifle Diamondback sharing a similar design to the Python, in a different chambering.
The Python saw some adoption by law enforcement in the US, but in recent years revolvers have
fallen out of favour, with semi-automatic weapons taking their place.
The Python, however, remains a desirable handgun - with attractive aesthetics and its powerful
magnum round making for an impressive weapon with a formidable reputation.
The Colt Python fires the .357 Magnum cartridge - a large-load revolver cartridge known for
its keen stopping power.
As a revolver, the Python's capacity is limited - with its cylinder holding just 6 rounds.
You trade capacity for damage, however - as the Python's damage per shot is unequalled
within the handgun category.
You'll kill in two shots up close, and four at a distance - one shot fewer than any of
the semi-automatic pistols.
Rate of fire is as fast as you can pull the trigger, but is capped to a fairly generous
625 rounds per minute.
Given the low capacity, it's probably wise to pace your shots to ensure accuracy.
Recoil is moderate - higher than the other weapons in the Python's class, but it's not
a major impedance to accuracy at close range.
Aim time is quick, at just 150 milliseconds - the same as all other handguns.
Reloads are a little different, however - as the Python will reload per-cartridge: the
first round will take 1.6 seconds to insert, with each successive round taking another
0.6 seconds.
This means a complete reload will take 4.6 seconds - although this can be altered through
use of some of the attachments on offer.
The Python boasts a rather unusual addition in the form of the ACOG scope, granting a
magnification advantage and precision crosshair for long-range shooting.
It will also enhance the weapon's 2-hit kill range slightly, although the ACOG remains
challenging to use, given the limited capacity and sizeable recoil when firing.
It's certainly an interesting choice - with potential for Hardcore game modes - but it
wouldn't be my choice for this weapon.
Snub Nose will shorten the Python's barrel - in real-life this would make for a more
concealable weapon, but in-game this attachment will severely reduce the Python's damage,
making for a 3-shot kill instead of two.
Recoil becomes practically none-existent, however - meaning that firing rapidly with
the Python can be effective, even at a longer range.
The loss of the two-shot kill is a great sacrifice, however - and you lose the potential benefit
of other attachments, such as the Speed Reloader.
This attachment will allow you to refill your cylinder in one reload action, rather than
per-cartridge.
This is actually slower in cases when you've expended only a couple of shots - but otherwise
will cut reload times significantly, to 2.6 seconds total, making for a very useful attachment.
Dual Wield doubles the terrifying potential of the Python, and at close range is capable
of an instant kill, should both weapons find their mark.
The Python's superior hipfire performance makes Dual Wield particularly deadly, especially
when paired with Steady Aim.
You also gain the benefit of the speed reloader attachment, with the two revolvers reloading
even faster than a single Python is able.
The only real downside of Dual Wield is the slow draw time - which eliminates much of
their usefulness as a quickdraw backup weapon.
Otherwise, there's no handgun loadout quite as deadly as a pair of primed Pythons.
Overall, I'd recommend the Speed Reloader if you plan to use the Python as a fast-reacting
backup: faster reloads and retention of your ability to aim makes for a powerful sidearm.
If you're using Scout Pro or Steady Aim, however - consider Dual Wield.
The dual Pythons take time to draw, but pack quite a punch once they're present.
For your perks, it's the second tier options that make the most difference to the weapon
- for the single Python, Sleight of Hand is a good choice for decreasing the time you'll
spend reloading.
As mentioned, with Dual Wield, Steady Aim will enhance your mid-range accuracy with
the weapon - this boost to hipfire performance proving important when you only have 12 shots
to spare.
The Python is the most powerful handgun available in Black Ops - for those who can place shots
accurately and effectively, there is simply nothing better.
Even most primary weapons are incapable of a two-shot kill, so this awesome power in
a quick-drawing package can really make the difference when you're caught short at close
range.
It also boasts a higher hipfire accuracy than any of its peers - better than any SMG, in
fact.
The Python's only major downside is its limited capacity - 6 rounds are easily wasted, and
when faced with a lengthy reload you might find yourself very vulnerable.
It's a weapon that demands careful shot placement, then - its unparalleled power is without merit
unless your six shots find their mark.
Get close to constrict your enemy's chance of escape...
and sink the Python's fangs into your prey.
Thanks for watching, this has been XboxAhoy.
Join me next time, when I'll be covering the Strela-3.
Until then, farewell.