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On Test: The Mauser M18
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Well, y’all, the space age is here, and EMPIRE is bringing a modern touch to the Colt Python. This exceptional piece of weaponry embodies a perfect blend of classic design and modern improvements, paying homage to the timeless allure of revolvers while integrating cutting-edge features.
Meet the COTTONMOUTH, a revolver that not only attracts with its striking aesthetics, featuring a full-length top rail, a compact bottom rail, a sleek stonewashed finish, and carefully Cerakoted controls but also proves its worth in practicality.
Table of contents
With its recoil-reducing capabilities and versatile rails for optics and weapon light attachments, the COTTONMOUTH delivers both style and substance, improving accuracy and adaptability in low-light scenarios. The COTTONMOUTH is available in 3″, 4.25″, and 6″ versions.
EMPIRE COTTONMOUTH Features:
- Colt Python base pistol
- Stonewashed frame & deburred internals
- Stonewashed Python Finish
- Cerakote Elite Blackout Controls
- Hand-polished & fitted action
- 2 Tone Milspec Hard Anodized & Stonewashed KAGE billet Rail & Compensator System
- Goon Tape wrapped grip
- Range Bag
What is the COTTONMOUTH?
So what is the COTTONMOUTH? It is EMPIRE’s spin on what a modern revolver should be. They add their own custom parts to enhance performance, aesthetics, and corrosion resistance. While the COTTONMOUTH is only available as a completely decked out Colt Python, they offer individual components for upgrading your post-2020 manufactured Colt Pythons as well. One of these kits is their KAGE system which adds a full-length top rail, compact bottom rail, and compensator securely to your Colt Python manufactured in 2020 or later. However, while including the KAGE kit, the COTTONMOUTH goes above and beyond by hand polishing and fitting the action, Cerakoting the controls, and providing a stonewashed finish.
Out of the Box
When purchased from EMPIRE’s website, the COTTONMOUTH comes with a Savior Equipment range bag, the Colt Python with all factor included contents, and then the upgraded features integral to the revolver itself.
Muzzle Brake
Of all the great upgrades coming with the COTTONMOUTH, I have got to say I like the compensator the most. The contour fits seamlessly with the rail system, the raw aluminum looks great next to the stainless steel barrel, and obviously, it reduces the recoil of the revolver. It functions as it should, and it adds something not often seen on revolvers.
Picatinny Rails
The most practical upgrade is the inclusion of a top Picatinny rail. This allows for mounting whatever optic your heart desires. To prove this point I made the video below:
While some of the options in the video above may not be practical, that is beside the point. I do things because I can, and the COTTONMOUTH gives me plenty of options. It looks good and adds a lot of flexibility to the Colt Python.
The COTTONMOUTH also comes with a bottom Picatinny rail. This allows for mounting lasers, weapon lights, or whatever else you may want. For the 6″ version which I have the bottom rail isn’t as useful as it would be on the shorter versions. It positions my weapon lights too far out to effectively reach the toggle switches. I have seen some people run pressure pads which is a valid solution, but that is more trouble hassle than I want to deal with.
Fit & Finish
EMPIRE also puts in the extra work to provide a stonewashed finish and deburred internals. They hand polish and fit the action. The overall fit and finish of the COTTONMOUTH is impressive, to say the least.
Cerakote
In a bid to give both style and corrosion resistance, the COTTONMOUTH adorns key components, including the trigger, hammer, cylinder, cylinder release, and ejector rod, with a sleek black Cerakote finish. These carefully crafted accents contribute to the COTTONMOUTH’s distinctive appearance, setting it apart as a revolver unlike any other in the market.
COTTONMOUTH Performance
While at its heart the COTTONMOUTH is still a Colt Python, this upgraded revolver is much more effective. I used a variety of Hornady 357 Magnum ammunition that varied from 125gr to 140gr without issue. The compensator reduces recoil to help tame the most powerful of .357 magnum cartridges. The Picatinny rail allowed me to use a variety of optics, but for the most part, I used a Vortex Defender-CCW red dot. This is a fairly minimalist configuration that helped me reach out to nearly 100 yards. Throughout my testing, everything worked flawlessly and no components worked themselves loose.
Summary
For those looking for a revolver that not only stands out in appearance but in performance as well, look no further, for the COTTONMOUTH is here. While adding custom parts to improve the performance of the Colt Python, EMPIRE crafted a stand-out piece that is sure to make all your friends jealous. The COTTONMOUTH has an MSRP of $1999.99 which adds just $500 to the sticker price of the Colt Python. While this includes hand-polishing, a stonewashed finish, and Cerakote, the compensator and Picatinny rails are sold as the KAGE kit for $249 which could be purchased all on their own. For those looking for a Colt Python, I think the COTTONMOUTH is a well-justified upgrade that adds a lot of versatility to the system.
_____________________________________________________ All that I can say is thats its a really bad day to stop drinking in the House of Grumpy!!!
Yes. Actually fairly extensively,particularly in the various colonial wars of the 1945–1960 era. Post WWII France used captured/requisitioned German & to an extent Japanese equipment during it’s colonial war in Indochina (1946–1954), including small arms, aircraft, even clothing. The iconic German MP 40 sub machinegun, the “Schmeiser” & the MG 34 machine gun were employed by the French, then the Viet Cong, & ARVN during both Indochina Wars. The French also made use of the Walther P 38 pistol post war, some of these were made in German factories taken over by the French in 1945 & in todays collectors market command high prices. The French also utilized both the German Ju 52 transport plane as well as the Fieseler “Storch” as a light observation, flare, & general utility aircraft in Indochina.
A plethora of Japanese aircraft were used by the French in the early days of the war in Indochina including fighters, bombers, & in particular maritime patrol aircraft. The Ki 43 “Oscar” fighter, the Ki43 “Sally” bomber, the Aichi E13A1 “Jake”, the A6M2 “Rufe”, just to name a few. During the Indochina War the Viet Minh employed many Japanese small arms (& even some Japanese artillery) against the French. The Japanese Arisaka 7.7 rifle, Nambu MG, & the Japanese “Knee Mortar” grenade launcher were all utilized. The French also used captured bolts of German camouflage cloth from WWII, both Waffen SS as well as Heer patterns to make uniforms for use in Indochina. During the Algerian War between the FLN & France in the 1950s, the French encountered FLN guerillas equipped with Italian Beretta sub machine guns as well as various Italian made rifles, even Italian steel helmets from WWII, as well as Germ weaponry from WW II.
French Foreign Leigonaire with German MP 40
North Vietnamese militia with German made MG 34 c. 1966.
German made P38 produced in Germany for a short time in 1945 for the French military.
Ju 52 transport plane. This would be France’s main transport workhorse in Indochina until 1951.
Fieseler Storch light reconnisance & light utility plane.
Japanese Ki 43 “Oscar” fighter plane in Indochina 1945–46.
Japanese made French Aichi E13A1 “Jake” maritime recon plane in Indochina 1946.
Japanese Knee mortar, many captured/confiscated examples were utilized by the Viet Minh in Indochina. (IMA)
FLN/ALN Algerian guerillas armed with German made MP40, MG 34 machine guns, & equipped with Italian steel helmets. Algeria c. 1962.
Algerian guerillas with Italian Beretta Modello 38 sub machine guns, a German MP40 SMG, & the fifth guy from the left armed with a German made MG 42. Algeria c. 1960
The big problem with Elephants like all smart things. Is that they REALLY did not want to be there on a battle field. So if they got a chance to leave by say the gap between the infantry. Guess what! Dumbo would make a bee line toward that exit lane inspite of whatever his howdah did. Then add a lot of shouting by the Romans & a couple of dozen pilums in your hide. AND its we outta here!
By Lee Williams
SAF Investigative Journalism Project
On Sept. 15 at around 10:15 p.m., Olaf Brurberg Andersen IV, was drinking Coors Light inside Pete’s Bar in Neptune Beach, Florida, when a police officer approached him.
The Neptune Beach Police officer told Andersen someone had seen a handgun in his waistband. A Florida statute still on the books prohibits carrying a concealed firearm inside a tavern. The officer escorted the 24-year-old outside the bar, read him the Miranda Warning and began a field interrogation.
According to his arrest report, Andersen told the officer he was “unaware he was not allowed to carry a firearm inside establishments licensed to dispense alcohol.” He was arrested without incident. His Springfield XD and Blackhawk holster were seized and placed into property. “It should be noted the firearm was loaded with a round in the chamber,” the arrest report states.
Andersen was taken to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and charged with violating Florida state statute 790.06(12): Carry concealed weapon or firearm in portion of establishment licensed to dispense alcohol for consumption on premises.
One week earlier, at around 10:47 p.m., Shane Wilson Adcox was drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon in Pete’s Bar. According to his arrest report, he struck up a conversation with another patron about a recent shoulder surgery he underwent and raised his shirt to show the surgery scar.
“Upon raising his shirt, Witness #1 noticed a firearm inside the suspect’s waistband. When the suspect noticed Witness #1 observing the firearm, he pointed to it and stated he was ‘in Blackwater,’ and referred to the firearm as his ‘side piece,’” his arrest report states.
Another Neptune Beach Police officer was summoned. Adcox, a 55-year-old retired Navy veteran, was escorted outside and detained. His arrest report states, “Post Miranda, the suspect stated that he was unaware he was not allowed to carry inside establishments licensed to dispense alcohol.”
Adcox’s 9mm Glock 45 was seized and he was also taken to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office jail. He was charged with violating three Florida state statutes: 790.06(12) Carry concealed weapon or firearm in portion of establishment licensed to dispense alcohol for consumption on premises, 790.10 Improper exhibition of a firearm or dangerous weapon and 790.151(3) Possessing a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
According to police reports Adcox never exhibited his handgun or even removed it from the holster, and at no time did police conduct sobriety testing to determine whether he was under the influence of alcohol.
Charges pending
Andersen pleaded no-contest to the charge and was sentenced to two days in jail but was given credit for the two days he served following his arrest. Andersen did not respond to calls or emails seeking his comments for this story.
Adcox has a court date next month, but an assistant state attorney recently dismissed two of the three charges he faced: 790.10 Improper exhibition of a firearm or dangerous weapon and 790.151(3) Possessing a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
Adcox is still recovering from the weekend he spent in the county jail.
“They threw me into the petri dish, man. I got out late Sunday night with a burning throat, sneezing and fever,” he said. “I tested positive for COVID and Strep. I’m still feverish.”
Prosecutors offered him a deal, in which he would have to take several online courses and pay fines and court costs. His Glock, however, would be forfeit.
“They just suspended my CCW permit,” he said. “There’s no way I’m taking that deal.”
Unconstitutional
Eric Friday is general counsel and chief lobbyist for Florida Carry, Inc., and the state’s preeminent expert in firearms law and Second Amendment rights.
Friday said Florida’s statute that prohibits carrying a concealed firearm inside an establishment licensed to dispense alcohol is unconstitutional based on the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, which states that “history and tradition” should determine whether a law regulating firearms is constitutional under the Second Amendment.
“If you understand Bruen, you have to look at the text, history and tradition and then find an analogous statute,” Friday said. “This statute is unconstitutional as to certain places, because you cannot find a founding-era statute that prohibits possession of firearms inside a bar, or one that prohibits possessing intoxicating liquor while possessing a firearm.”
Therefore, Friday said, both Andersen and Adcox should never have been charged.
“Prosecutors should have removed the charge. The public defender should have asked for the charge to be removed. The judge should have been told this by both attorneys, but he too should have known this was not a crime,” he said. “We’ve got checks and balances within the legal system. The problem is when police officers, public defenders, prosecutors and the judge fail to catch these errors, the system has indicted itself at that point.”
Adcox said neither the prosecutor nor his public defender have told him that the charge he still faces may be unconstitutional.
“My public defender said he was ‘looking into some things,’” he said.