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  #1  
Old 12-05-2016, 07:07 PM
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Default Are Colt Pythons that good.......

I can get a model 29 for less than $1000. Do the Colt Pythons really perform better than other Colts, or any gun for that matter? They cost now around $2000. Or is it just the mystique and the fact that they aren't made any more. (One of Colts bigger mistakes when they threw their customers under the bus).

I first saw a picture of a Python in a Field and Stream back in the '60s when I was a very young teenager. The looks of it turned me off because it appeared that they set out to make a bad *** ed looking gun with the vent rib that also gives the illusion of the gun being bigger toward the muzzle. I thought it was pure hype then and I still do. Just wondering how good they really are compared to an old S&W 686. The trigger on mine is like silk in DA and crisp in SA. Personally, I'd rather have mine than a Python. What do ya'll think?
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Old 12-05-2016, 07:11 PM
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If you want a Python and can get one at 2000 dollars grab it. Online they go for twice that much.

Apples and oranges when you say Model 29. Model 27 is where you make the comparison, and I prefer the Model 27, but I'm a S&W devotee!

And, yes, I'll take my 686s over a Python, too. Pythons are a cult thing - uninteresting to me even though I admit that they are pretty.
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Old 12-05-2016, 07:25 PM
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NO........the Python is a great looking gun..... and I hear it's good for Zombies......... but



..... for a full bore .357 revolver give me a 686/586, 27/28 or for everyday/all day carry a nice 3" 66.

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Old 12-05-2016, 07:34 PM
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Entirely a matter of preference, for my humble 2 cents. I love my Smiths, but my Colt may well go to the tomb with me!

That said, I figure when you find what you love, enjoy it, whether it's a 29, Python, or an old beater H&R.
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Old 12-05-2016, 07:56 PM
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I prefer the trigger , action and price of a K, L or N frame S&W .357 over the Colt Python but thats me.

The Colt is collectible and seems prices have dropped a bit in the last few years so shop wise, In SE Florida I do see Pythons occasionally popping up in the $1400 to $1600 range for clean shooters no box or docs.
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Old 12-05-2016, 08:06 PM
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Default On the plus side..

I read that they are very accurate and a finely fitted and finished top end gun. But that going out of time thing bothers me. Back when I was a kid, it was just the looks that turned me off.
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Old 12-05-2016, 08:09 PM
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Back in the early 80's,they were only selling for less then $130.00 over a new model 27.They were not out of reach price wise for most shooters.However the cool factor of the full lug and vented rib,was not enough to push a lot of guys towards them.Primarily due to hearing stories of timing issues with heavy use of magnum rounds, this was enough to make some guys pass. ( myself included ).Funny thing is now that the pythons are almost all but unobtainable for most,there seems to be a constant denial regarding the lockworks by those who own them. My personal LGS had been a colt warranty center and was constantly tuning Pythons.Magically in today's world they have somehow become as strong as Rugers.????????....I really wish I had picked up a couple back in the day to have in the collection now.

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Old 12-05-2016, 08:21 PM
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Pythons are definitely a fine pistol. Colts seem to be fragile compared to
S&Ws. Across the board the Python is about equal to a 19. The 19 will
edge it a bit on durability. When you go to L frame you definitely have a
Python beat. When you jump to N frames there is no comparison. The
Diamondback is the same way in comparison to J, it doesn't come close.
The Colts have that deep blue and do tend to be slicker out of the box.
A steady diet of magnum loads in a Python will beat it loose. I had the Colt
bug for awhile, and had several, offed them to buy S&Ws. Wish I had kept
them to sell now.
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Old 12-05-2016, 08:24 PM
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Yes, my '75 colt Python 357mag/6" barrel in that famous colt bluing was awesome. The fit and finish, plus the colt craftsman did one heck of a job building it. The action, and accuracy was flawless. I shot all kinds of magnum loads, even hotter reloads and never had a problem.
I think it's one of the finest quality 357 magnums out there. I wish I never traded it.
I would like to get it back.

I like my rugers in 357magnum for strength. Any ruger magnums are very strong my sbh & rdh in 44mag proved that. There's no side plate screws to come loose. There isn't much in ruger revolvers history wise. This is where colt and S&W take over.

S&W m19 are noted for shooting themselves loose on a steady diet of 357 magnum loads that drive me to colt Python and a ruger security six in 357 magnum since the mid 70's. It wasn't till 2010 I got into S&W n frames. The 1948 S&W k22 masterpiece target showed me the S&W quality wasn't bad. The pre numbered k38 combat masterpiece and k38 target masterpiece really showed me the S&W old world craftsmanship.

There is A mystique about colts. I like them all but for being strong the ruger is number 1.

Last edited by BigBill; 12-05-2016 at 08:43 PM.
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Old 12-05-2016, 08:28 PM
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It does make you wonder what creates a "cult" following. It could be quality. . .sometimes it is. It might be the "out of production" syndrome. . .that usually has a lot to do with it. You can't buy a new one, and the old ones are getting. . .well. . .old! Kind of used up and wore out. I finally found a minty second generation Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ last week and bought it. It's a cult thing. Quality and rarity played a big role. Now I want another one so I will have two of them. I don't see the quality in the Colt snake guns and have owned a few. . .don't currently have one and don't want one. They just weren't that great when you could go into your LGS and buy a new one. What we have here is a misguided cult following. I will take a 66 or a 686 over any of them all day long. The reason is true quality.
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Old 12-05-2016, 08:34 PM
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Had 2 Pythons and sold both. Now, I have several 357 S&Ws which I prefer. That's me, though. My 2 Pythons bought me a Registered Magnum....and, that is a trade I'd do every day.
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Old 12-05-2016, 08:48 PM
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In 1974 I was looking for a .357. There were 3 that intetested me. The M28 thw M27 and the Python. I really did like the looks of the Python but I couldn't find one anywhere. This was before the web and cell phones. The M27 was just as alusive. I finally found a M28 6" barrel a couple states away. It is my most shot handgun for over 40 years and btw it cost me $135.00 plus shipping and $30.00 for a factory trigger job. My son or daughter may sell it when I am dead but that is when it will leave me. I think Pythons look great. Cost a bunch to make and some will pay big bucks. Give me a S&W M28 any day.
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Old 12-05-2016, 08:53 PM
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In the 1970s, Mr. Desanza the gun buyer for Gart's Sporting Goods Co. in Denver sold Colo. State Hwy Patrol Pythons for $247.00. Wish I had bought a few of his 99% pythons. He would bring out two or three to let you pick the best. Garts had the contract to furnish the patrol new weapons. I bought my S&W model 29 from Garts. Paid $176.00 for that pistol...going to give it to my son who grew up shooting .44 specials out of it.
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Old 12-05-2016, 08:54 PM
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Back in the 70's I had a friend who carried a Python and it was nice but I felt it was a bit light. I carried a nickel Colt Trooper Mark III with an trigger job that was my baby. Sold it when I changed careers. Now I wish I didn't. But now my CCW is a Model 60 and I love it as much as the Trooper.
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Old 12-05-2016, 08:56 PM
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I had a 2.5" Python made in 1964 in the box with all the trimmings. If fired double action it worked good. If fired by pulling the hammer back it would lock up every now and again. My ex kept it in the divorce. I bought a 27-2 and a 28 and I don't miss her or the Python one bit!
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Old 12-05-2016, 09:11 PM
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No doubt the Snake guns are pretty, but not as tough as a Smith....if you like the dark blue the only thing I have ever seen that come close are the Monson built blued Dan Wesson's and they are as tough as a Smith.

When you can buy 2 or 3 S&W's for what a Python is going for these days, for me they aren't worth the extra cost, but everything I have gets range or field time.
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Old 12-05-2016, 09:24 PM
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Colt Python back in the 70s was desirable and hard to find. They were also expensive at almost $400; a time when I bought a Colt Gold Cup 45 ACP for around $350.
I thought of buying one back then but was talked into getting a Smith model 27 by a shop owner who was also a Smith armorer and told me that the Pythons were notorious for going out of time and wearing out faster than the Smith. No regrets, and still have both.
The vented rib gave the Python that cool factor, and I believe the buyers today of a vintage Python are the shooters who couldn't buy one back then because of cost or availability and can spend a good deal of money on one because they are in a better financial position to do so.

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Old 12-05-2016, 09:36 PM
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Pythons also last a really long time, because many of them were shot three times before leaving the factory, and have not been shot since. They get patted, buffed, polished, cuddled and kept in climate controlled safes. Some even get shot. I guess when you pay 3k plus keeping them in the safe is pretty smart.
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Old 12-05-2016, 10:14 PM
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Pythons are "pretty". They definitely have a strong following, to generate the fantastic sums for which they are being sold.

IMO, in terms of actually being used as a hunting or defensive firearm, they have no advantage over a S&W M.586/686 or a Ruger GP-100. In truth, I'd rather have a S&W or Ruger than a Python. I had a Python, a 1970s-era 4 in. nickeled, and I sold it. I don't miss it one tiny little bit.

As a collectible, they certainly have value. As an actual firearm to be used...they are ridiculously over-priced. And now, I see the same thing is happening with the Anaconda series.

Tim

Last edited by Bullzaye; 12-05-2016 at 10:18 PM.
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Old 12-05-2016, 10:31 PM
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I have shot several Pythons, only one shot very well, but it was still no S&W quality wise.
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Old 12-05-2016, 10:45 PM
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Most of the Colt revolvers have seen substantial price rises over the last ten years. I don't have a Python but I do have a number of Colt revolvers built on exactly the same E or I medium frame - a 3-5-7, a couple of early .357 Troopers, a couple of Officers Model Match, an Army Special and a couple of Official Police (.38 and .32-20). The 3-5-7 was the direct predecessor of the Python. All have been fired by me a great deal, and they may well have been fired even more by their respective previous owners. None has ever exhibited the greatly feared timing problem.

The Colt E and I frames differ only in that the E frame has the firing pin on the hammer while the I frame has the firing pin in the frame. The I frame came about with the .357 Magnum. These frames are actually somewhat beefier than the S&W K-frame as they were originally built for the larger .41 Long Colt cartridge.
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Old 12-05-2016, 10:45 PM
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The trend here is familiar to other threads of this nature...Pythons are fine revolvers but their reputation is impossible to live up to. I owned a LNIB 6" Python and it was a royal blue beauty! Very nice in all regards except the trigger stacked a bit. Let it go for some more S&W's.

No regrets...the K and L frames suit me better.
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Old 12-05-2016, 10:49 PM
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Have you noticed that there are a lots and lots of unfired and LNIB Pythons for sale but the large majority of 357 Smiths are used but not abused.
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Old 12-05-2016, 11:00 PM
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Quote:
Are Colt Pythons that good.......
At the risk of lighting the powder keg fuse.... no.

A long time ago when Pythons were affordable, I preferred the Model 27. I don't see where the 27 takes a back seat to the Python. In addition, the two have a completely different trigger feel in double action, and I much preferred how a S&W pulls through than the Python. The finish was a toss up. The 27 and the Python both had excellent blueing.

I will readily admit the Python is a fine gun. But I think it is over hyped.

I think the 27 at the time was built with more care than the 586/686, so the Python was probably somewhat better than the L frames. The finish was definitely better on the Python. But I'd still take the L frame over a Python because of the double action feel.
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Old 12-05-2016, 11:25 PM
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A 1978 vintage Python lives here. It's action is not superior to the 1954 vintage 3 5 7 that also lives here. For that matter it's no better than the 1957 Officer's Model Match or even the 1954 vintage Official Police. A 1925 Army Special in .41 Long Colt has the superior double-action trigger pull over the rest of them whether E or I frame.

I like owning the Colts and enjoy playing with them at the range. I don't even believe they are as fragile as internet rumor suggests. This Python's held up just fine to nothing but full-powered .357 Magnum handloads.

The best .357 Magnum revolvers on the planet are the N-Frame Smith & Wesson Models 27 and 28 ... just in case anyone is wondering.
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Old 12-05-2016, 11:34 PM
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If you put a Python vs m19 up for a round count of full house
357 mag loads, you would have pretty much a tie, as far as shooting loose. That might not be true when it came to lock work.
The Colt will give up the ghost first. I shot the Pythons a lot, but
with WC target loads, the same way I treat my S&Ws. I did shoot
a Diamondback loose feeding it Winchester Western 158gr Police
because I had got a deal on a case of it. It doesn't make sense
to me to take a precision piece and wreck it to target shoot with
magnum loads.
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Old 12-05-2016, 11:40 PM
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Never owned a Python but have shot a few. Wasn't impressed when compared to S&W. I did own a King Cobra for a short time. Again, wasn't very impressed. Sold it a few weeks later.

If I were a collector it might be a different story.
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Old 12-05-2016, 11:44 PM
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My first revolver, a S&W model 19-3, was issued to me in 1974. Came to love the looks and action on the model 19, and the other S&W revolvers. After going through the S&W armorer's schools, and serving as one of our department's armorers, I got to know the Colt service revolvers, including the Python, on the inside.

I always admired the deep, highly polished bluing/nickeling and fit of the Python. The action, not so much.

On the inside, and from a repair and parts replacement standpoint, the internals are a nightmare.....especially when compaired to the S&W K and L series revolvers. Just a whole lot more fitting required, parts were always very expensive and not always readily available, and the gun was much harder to disassemble and re-assemble for me.
Maybe just me, but from the standpoint of an armorer, the gun was hard to work on. Still is. Colt didn't offer an armorers class for their revolvers either.
Major differences in terms of the design of the action itself, particularly of the mainspring/trigger return system, and with regard to "carry up" (or lack thereof with the Colt) make the S&W superior in every way, IMHO.
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Old 12-05-2016, 11:49 PM
Mike, SC Hunter Mike, SC Hunter is offline
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My wife bought me a 6" blue one in 1980......I still have it....Shot it a lot early on.....Had to TWICE remove the hand and peen it to get it back in time......I much prefer my K's & N's for .357's....Never cared much for the L frames with the exception of my 686 mtn gun.......My son is a Colt fan/collector.....Like others have said....He mostly fondles/wipes "em" down and they live a life in the safe seldom if ever fired....
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Old 12-05-2016, 11:49 PM
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I've had two 1970's era Pythons and sold them off years ago. They are very nice guns and pretty to took at, but for accuracy I'd choose a Model 14; for combat shooting I'd take a Model 19.
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Old 12-06-2016, 12:16 AM
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I currently own 15 pythons and have fired about 5 of them but only shoot 1 of them regularly. I also own 4 686's. I am more of a collector than a shooter but I do shoot and I like revolvers. I think the python is a prettier gun and while Smith can do a nice job of bluing, the royal blue finish or a bright stainless finish on a python is a thing of beauty. Now when it comes to shooting I prefer the dbl action of the Smith and the Single action of the Colt but shooting both ways I would say I prefer the Smith a little bit more. I am pretty accurate with both. I don't like shooting full power 357 magnum when punching paper so I dont really worry about wearing out my guns.
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Old 12-06-2016, 01:04 AM
gman51 gman51 is offline
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I own a Colt Python made in 1968 and IMO the trigger action is all the hype says it is. The trigger is noticeably better than many other quality revolvers. Is it worth what I paid for it? $2000+ To me it is. Is it the best revolver made I couldn't answer that but it sure met my expectations. That and the value will probably keep going up faster than many other revolvers that are possibly just as good.

To me it is like many things......if you have the money then get what you want. If it isn't to your liking then you can resell it without much of a problem. I plan on keeping mine. It is a darn good beautiful gun.
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Old 12-06-2016, 01:39 AM
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I bought a Python in 1965 and it went out of the house with me every morning for 40 some years. I gave it to my son a few years ago so I could enjoy watching him use it. If I knew in 1965 what I know now I would still buy the Python. Larry
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Old 12-06-2016, 02:23 AM
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Bought a beautiful 6" blue 1980 Python in 2012 for 1900. No box or docs. 98% plus. Tight as a drum. Had always wanted one. (I was 60 at the time, and could afford it.) I live in central California.
The action in DA was unbelievably smooth with no stacking and light.
I have at least 10 N-frames and some Ks.
I shot all my DA 357s with the same loads at the range one day. The Python wasn't any better than my Smiths.
Such a pretty revolver, but realized I would never carry it or shoot it much.
Sold it for 2400 last month.
I don't miss it. I can say I had one.
Nice revolver, but not for me.

Last edited by Dennis; 12-06-2016 at 02:25 AM. Reason: changes
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Old 12-06-2016, 08:31 AM
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Reading the other posts it appears that as with most everything, individual reactions vary, yes, no, maybe, sort of. I had a 6" Python, got it for a really low pricelong ago, posted before about this. Had it for many years, but it never tripped my trigger. Maybe I was never able to live up to the Python's accuracy potential, and it was larger, longer and heavier than I need a revolver for? Other than up close and personal, I use a rifle or shotgun, so again, maybe me? 😕
Traded it for something else, actually two, and a lot of ammunition, so my needs were resolved and a clear conscious! Can't say the same for other trades I have made! 😩
However my son was not happy with my trading it off, but that isn't a first! 😉
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Old 12-06-2016, 09:03 AM
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I have 4 Pythons and I believe the action is the smoothest of any revolver I have ever shot. That beeing said I don't think they are worth the high prices they have been bringing. I bought all of mine several years ago for under $900 each.I have also noticed the price on Pythons coming down, at a gun show last month I saw 3 for around $1800 one of them had been priced at $2700 at the previous show.So I would be very reluctant to pay to much for one

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Old 12-06-2016, 09:14 AM
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Years ago I shot lots of "bulls-eye" & PPC ( production class revolvers; neither altered nor customized ) on several squads. Many Colts and Smiths were in use, but the most popular combo was to use a Python in single action due to its fine let-off. But most of us used the Model 15 Smith in double action events because of its superb balance and robust yet butter smooth action.
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Old 12-06-2016, 09:31 AM
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Colts are "okay" I never liked the way they fit my hand, and the triggers were awful, so avoided them over the years. Now, if you want something that looks like a python, but is more S&W like? Go with one of these!!!

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Old 12-06-2016, 10:11 AM
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I do own a Colt Python made in 1961 and a Diamondback made in 1984. Shooting the Python is great. It is well made and made in a time that this was the toprevolver of Colt. It shows. I love the sight of it. The trigger is as silk. It shoots great.But there are almost no good spare parts for the Python availeble overhere.

The Python is for that reasson in my collection. I do shoot still the Diamond back it is a nice .22lr revolver. I do shoot paper targets so I do not use .357 magnums that much. I use .38 special in my trusty model 681.

OK when you twist my arm.

I prefer the 681. It is more durable than the Python. But hee. It is an product of 1955. It was then a very good revolver. It is still now. But the development of other good revolvers has passed the Python.

I love my Python and is absolutly not for sale. But i shoot my 681.
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Old 12-06-2016, 10:19 AM
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I have a 4" Python my dad bought brand new in 1972 as a deputy. My uncle had it for a long time and killed several deer with it. She has a lot of holster wear but still shoots fine. Sent it off this summer to have the timing gone over since it was going bad. So it had 44 years of pretty hard service with 95% of rounds fired being magnums. She is like brand new now, but I mainly just shoot full wadcutters through it now. Don't get me wrong I have owned and still own L & N frame smiths, and I love them too. I like the double action pull of the S&W better, but the single action pull in my Python is better. The L frame smith and Python are more similar in size than a K frame. I believe the Python would out last the K frame with magnum rounds. Although I still feel a K frame smith is the best feeling revolver ever made.


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Old 12-06-2016, 10:22 AM
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I was very "into" Colt's for years before the S & W bug bit me hard, but I shoot what I collect so to be honest, with my smallish hand size......the Smiths with a large variety of factory stocks, and aftermarket stocks always seemed to be better for me personally at the range. As I acquired more and more Smith's in whatever .22LR/38 Spl/.357 Mag I really came to the conclusion that a M15 in 4", a M19 in 6", various snubbies, A 1931 Outdoorsman in .22LR could take small game and punch holes better than my Officers Model Match .22LR, or the .38, and the Python 6". I told myself that someday I'll sell them cause I just don't shoot them anymore.......so a couple years ago I had them all (one at a time) up on Armslist. All three sold within hours of listing, same day, and not local on all...I remember that none of the buyers appeared or indicated that they were active shooters....they all seemed to be "Investor-Collector" type buyers....no skin off my back, but the Python went for $2,600, and LNIB OMM .22 LR went for a little over $1,500, the OMM .38 for $1,100 and these were NOT my listing prices! It was like an "auction on cell phones". Crazy? You bet.

I've still got some Colts to move out one of these days, but again...I don't miss em because they never really fit my hands as well as Smiths, and besides we here at this forum, know the real problem with all Colt revolvers ever made....they turn the wrong way and hence possibly could contaminate your safe!
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  #42  
Old 12-06-2016, 10:45 AM
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You could read this same thread over on some of the shotgun boards with 'Winchester 21' in place of Colt Python.

They go round and round with the same points to no end comparing the highly priced 21 to any number of other SxS's.
The 21 has the same cult type following it seems and those that like them really, really like them. Others find problems with it and site the high prices for them as totally unrealistic.

You have to decide for yourself,,and we have that right to still buy what we want. The market decides the price so I guess the Python and the 21 are very popular guns on that point alone.

Python Worth it?,,to me personally no, but I just never warmed up to the Phython style with the vent rib. Doesn't make it a bad revolver. I've owned plenty of old style DA Colts and in good condition they are a joy to shoot.
I particularly liked a very early OMM38 and a Model357. Both down the road now for other things I can't recall.
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Old 12-06-2016, 11:09 AM
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I must like Colts, I have eighteen of them including a 2 1/2" Python shipped in 1976 and a 4" Python shipped in 1978. I also have a 4" Colt 3-5-7 shipped in 1965 which was a duty gun of a State Trooper. The 3-5-7 was the predecessor of the Python. I love the triggers and the finish. They are carried and shot.

Colts are not fragile. I have a 5 1/2" Colt SAA in .44-40 from 1919 that gets carried and shot. My 1908 Hammerless .25 Vest Pocket shipped in 1915 gets shot frequently.
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Old 12-06-2016, 11:09 AM
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I have a six inch Python I bought used in 1971 from another GI who needed the cash. Shot and carried as a field gun for years, mostly with 158 grain LSWC .357 ammo. Timing and lockup are as good as ever, but then it did not spend a life of rapid fire DA. It's well-worn looks would make a collector cringe while two Model 19's are the safe queens. A 1978 vintage Highway Patrolman is the other .357 that gets shot regularly. The snubbie is a Colt Lawman; my kid got the short round butt 19. Like red headed women, I'm not certain I have a favorite.
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Old 12-06-2016, 11:18 AM
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Very informative thread. The only Colt revolver I own is a Colt Official Police made in 1956. Bought it at a local auction for a really good price. All my other revolvers are S&W. The mechanical actions are absolutely smooth and fine as clock work. Being that the frame is a little larger / heavier than a S&W K frame for me it is easier to bring on traget for follow up shots. Bluing is unbelievable. (It was dull and had a few small pits when I bought it. Flitz brought it back. Original grips are thinner than a S&W Model 10.

Great single action. S&W's however are smoother on double action. Colts have a little "catch" in the pull before the hammer drops. I read somewhere that this became a downside when Law Enforcement Training went to combat style double action shooting and help S&W surpass Colt in LE sales throughtout the late 1950's and 1960's and 1970's. Still a great revolver.
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Old 12-06-2016, 11:41 AM
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I believe that Colt Official Police revolvers are vastly under valued on today's market. If you want a fine Colt revolver at a reasonable price, find yourself a nice one.
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Old 12-06-2016, 11:45 AM
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I bought a 1980 manufactured 8 inch Royal Blue Python ANIB back in 1990 for $400. Beautiful blue, smooth action, it was my pride and joy for all of three years. I found my first two S&W's a 27-2, 6 inch and 66-1, 6 inch making all the range trips while the Python sat at home looking good. Then I started a new photography job and needed money for a camera. I sold the Python to my neighbor for $750 and bought the equipment I needed.
Would I still like to have the Python? Heck yes, but only for the investment potential. My Smiths and Rugers are every bit the equal to the Python in accuracy and have much sturdier actions too. Besides, I think a blued 586 is better looking than the Colt without being afraid to shoot it and reduce the value as a collectible commodity.
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Old 12-06-2016, 11:57 AM
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The accuracy was no issue with the Pythons. If that is the basis
for comparison, S&W and Python were both excellent. I had a
4" police trade in, when locals went to Autos in 80s. It wasn't a
creame puff but excellent mechanical. With hollow base WCs
and target load of Red Dot it was deadly at 50'. I'll still take my
S&Ws.
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Old 12-06-2016, 12:17 PM
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Every Python owner I've ever known was very reluctant to shoot full house loads in them and worried sick about the timing being off. So I guess they must be worth a lot.
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Old 12-06-2016, 12:24 PM
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To answer the OP's question, do Pythons perform better than other Colts, I would say for the most part no. Many other Colt firearms use the same type action, the V spring. Although the Python was devoted more attention in building and finishing, and the barrel grooving was done for accuracy. So it may be more accurate, but not necessarily better performing. My 6" is the most accurate gun I own. Actually, all my Colts are the most accurate guns. So you could buy any other Colt with V spring action and save a bunch of money versus a Python.

How do Colts compare to old Smiths? I have no idea, I pretty much only prefer Colts. If I had a choice, it would be Colt every time.

The rumors of fragile actions are mostly false. Yes, they are prone to timing problems if abused, but so are Smiths or any other gun. In good hands they will last just as long as any other firearm. Many people have testified about the longevity of Pythons in this thread, so anyone who refuses to believe they are tough guns just doesn't want to. I would even say the Python's I frame is tougher than a K frame. Oh, and whoever said a J frame blows away a Colt D frame must really be S&W biased. There is a reason the Detective Special got its name and ruled the LEO BUG gun for decades.

The Python was made to be 'custom' competition gun but produced in normal production. The very best Colt could make. They incorporated a lot of features the King Sight Company used to do pre-war. I know everyone gets all gaga for a King Super Target, but dang, it looks just like a Python doesn't it. Yet no ones likes the Pythons look? I believe that higher level of quality reigned true for the first 25yrs of production on the Python. The high retail prices kept most people buying Smiths, and still do. Those higher prices are why there are so many like new Colts still out there. Folks who bought them years ago paid a good amount and so they took care of them, usually rarely firing them.

It is all personal preference. Try some Colts out and see how they do for you. I don't support the current stupid prices on Colts, but I do support the superiority of the firearm compared to others. For me, Colt made the better product. My opinion is based on owning, shooting, and gunsmithing both brands. I can make endless cases in favor of Colts, but I won't. People are free to enjoy what they want. Although I wish people would quit with the biased hearsay when it comes to Colts and just stick with first hand experiences, if any.

I will say, if you are an engineer or just a fan of intricate mechanical devices, the Colt V spring action will definitely 'trip your trigger'. It is the design and details along with the precise hand fitting and care that goes into the Colt V spring action that makes it special.
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