Wheelgun Wednesday: Pietta's Making a Python Clone

Pietta just announced the PDA 357, their take on the Colt Python. Posted it on social media 11/20 with some noir-style marketing graphics and a "not just a replica" tagline that's doing a lot of heavy lifting. Rumors about this gun started popping up as early as March 2025, so it's been in the works for a while. Now it's official.

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What We Know

The PDA stands for Pietta Double Action. It's a clone of the original 1950s Colt Python, not the modern reissue, but the first-generation gun that made the Python legendary in the first place.

All-steel construction. Walnut grips. Stainless steel hammer. Six-shot cylinder. Adjustable target rear sight. Ventilated rib. They're starting with a 6-inch barrel in blued finish, with plans for 2-inch, 4-inch, and 8-inch barrels down the road, plus other finishes.

It was on display at the FAP di F.lli Pietta booth at EOS 2025 earlier this year. A few Italian firearms publications covered it back then, mostly in Italian, with some specs and photos. Today's announcement makes it official.

The expected Italian market price is around 1,200 euros. For context, that's "significantly more affordable" than actual Colt Pythons according to the press coverage, which is true, new Colts are running $1,500-$1,700 USD and up depending on configuration.

What We Don't Know

US availability: No idea. EMF Company typically imports Pietta's revolver line into the States, but they haven't announced anything yet. Could be coming soon, could be months out, could be a European-only release. Pietta makes guns specifically for certain markets sometimes.

US pricing: Unknown. That 1,200 euro price doesn't translate directly. Import costs, distributor markup, retailer markup - by the time it hits a US gun shop, it could be anywhere from $1,200 to $1,800. Maybe more if supply is limited.

Exact specs: Pietta's website doesn't have a detailed product page up yet. The social media posts and European press coverage give us the basics - .357 Magnum, all steel, walnut grips, adjustable sights, ventilated rib - but no details on barrel twist rate, rifling, sight adjustment clicks, trigger pull weight, nothing technical.

Availability timeline: The announcement doesn't give a specific date. We're already in late 2025, so presumably it's launching soon in Italy. When it gets to the US is another question entirely.

Why This Matters

Pietta's never made a modern double-action revolver before. They're known for cap-and-ball reproductions and single-action cartridge guns like the Great Western II line. Those are solid guns: well-made, decent quality for the price point. But a DA revolver is a different animal.

The Python reputation was built on the action. Smooth double-action trigger, tight lockup, hand-fitted tolerances. It wasn't just a revolver with a ventilated rib and adjustable sights. Plenty of guns have those features. The Python was special because of how it felt when you worked the trigger and how consistently it shot.

Pietta's marketing mentions "mechanics faithful to the 1950s-era weapon" and references "polished black finish, precision more than gratifying, tested at 50 meters." That sounds like they're trying to capture the feel of the original, not just make something that looks like a Python.

Can they actually do that? Unknown. Making a Python-style revolver that shoots like a Python and not just looks like one is hard. The original Colts were expensive for a reason.

The Real Question

I'm not paying $1,500+ for a new Colt anytime soon, and I'm definitely not paying what original first-gen Pythons go for on the used market. If Pietta can make a DA revolver that shoots well and feels right at a reasonable price, that's worth paying attention to.

But here's the thing: there is still little info. All we have are marketing stuff, Italian trade show videos, and some basic specs from a trade show display.

The original Python was special. That's what every Python-inspired gun has to get right, and most don't. We won't know if Pietta nailed it until someone actually shoots one and reports back.

What to Watch For

If you're interested in this gun, here's what to watch for:

1. EMF Company's Website - They're the most likely US importer for Pietta revolvers. If this is coming to the States, they'll announce it.
2. Pietta's Website (USIT) - Eventually they'll put up a proper product page with detailed specs and availability info.
3. TFB SHOT26 Content: If its there then we will likely check it out and share!

I want to see this gun succeed. Affordable DA revolvers that don't suck are hard to find. But I'm not getting excited until someone puts rounds through one and confirms it actually works the way Pietta claims it does.

What do you guys think? Interested in a Pietta Python, or waiting to see how it shoots first? Let us know in the comments. We always appreciate your feedback.