So after church and Sunday dinner, me, my brother, my father, and my preacher decided to shoot a little. We were shooting k frames; my k-38, m15, my preacher's 19- 3 and his 17-2. My cousin heard the reports and came up with his father's mid-60's 4" python. Having handled pythons before, but never shooting one, I was excited. The trigger was nice, but my k-38 flat out shot the python. My cousin said well of course! It has a 6" barrel! Well I put it up against my 1958 m15 with umpteen thousand rounds down the tube, and the python couldn't hang. We were shooting 38 special 148gr hbwc over 2.8gr of bullseye; my go-to load. I didn't care for the handling of the colt. It didn't balance well in my hand and the ribbed barrel was not pleasing to the eyes. Like I said, the trigger was nice and clean, and the finish was as nice as my k-38's, but $3000+ worth? Nah. That will get me a k-32.

I'll never part with My M15.

exactly, I always liked the looks of the python but never fired one until I bought mine, I was very disenchanted with it right away, my wife likes it though and she calls it her python now.

Be careful what you ask for

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Perhaps that load doesn't suit the Python.

Your experience largely mirrors mine the first time I shot a 1911. Nice trigger, shot accurately, but I didn't get the "wow" factor.

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Release the Kraken

When I started buying handguns I bought Ruger SAs, because
they were good guns and had adjustable sights and cheaper than
S&Ws. Then K22 changed my mind, they were worth the extra
money. Went whole hog on S&Ws. Then I bought a Python and
Diamond backs. I can't bad mouth them they were nice guns and
shot well, but not any better than S&W in 38, the Python would
not shoot as well as my 27 & Diamondback in 22 didn't come
close to my K22. S&W is the double action revolver, better
running gears. I have owned many Colts in DA, pretty guns but
not worth the money. Of course now they are, only because they
don't make them anymore. As far as I am concerned the old 3
screw Rugers were better than a Peacemaker too.For the same
reasons.

The Python is, and has been a fabulous revolver. They are one of Colt's finest revolvers. They are the end result of an evolution of fine double action revolvers by the Colt firm. However, they are not the "end all." There are many other good guns. Of course the others start with Smith and Wesson. Now, the Colt's had certain manufacturing methods which made them very accurate. Maybe better (or not) than others but certainly on par, or better than some others. There are certain handling characteristics that make certain guns better than others. It is an individual matter. I had 2 mid 60's Pythons. I wish that I had them back. Not to sell but because they were so accurate and handled so well and were simply fun to shoot. But they were not more accurate than some others. They are fine revolvers. They will never be made again which is a shame. But that, and only that, in my opinion (and perhaps internet bragging rights), is what is making them so expensive. The over arching cost is unbelievable but it is the current reality. I won't (literally) buy into it. Just too many great Smith and Wesson revolvers available to buy, in new condition, for what the overpriced used Colt revolvers sell for. The fact also that it is near impossible to repair them when repair is needed adds to the reason that I won't try to buy them. Just too expensive overall to justify any reasonable desire for them. I speak for myself, of course. And that's just my opinion.....I could be wrong....

I am really fond of my S&W's but my Python, Diamondback and Detective Special hold a special place in my heart. Always will.

I had two Pythons with six-inch barrels, both bought new.


Although they certainly shot as well as my S8W M-27's and a 28, they were no better, with several types of ammo.


I was mildly surprised, as I'd heard that Colt's tighter bored barrels gave better performance.


But both brands were putting all six shots into a single ragged group at 25 yads. I can't shoot any better.

Is that one of the Burmese pythons infesting Florida?

I think being hyped up about a gun can spoil your first impression. I was looking forward to shooting an AK 47, a gun with a lot of history and heavy involvement throughout the world. Ingenious design and use of materials. but it felt like I was holding a plank that shot. What was I expecting??? An electrically charged rainbow shooting out the end turning the whole target area to ash??? I think I'm going to put myself in the proper frame of mind before I try any new gun.

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It was ~ before it had its timing put permanently out of synch

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So, the comparison is between two S&Ws with which you have "umpteen thousand rounds" of trigger time... ...versus... your first time ever shooting a Python... And, you did better with your familiar S&Ws. OK, then. Makes sense.

I suppose that some people's infatuation with red-headed women will be called into question next.

Edsels and Pythons,when they were being made and for sale not many bought them so today some are paying high prices for them because originally they were once rejected.

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NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN

In the 1970's, I carried a Python on duty because it was a "status" symbol, nothing more,nothing less.

So what were your expectations regarding the Python?What does that mean, the K-38 "outshot" the Python? It was more accurate for you, or it handled better, or what?

It couldn't hang? I don't know what that means, either. Did the gun fail? Stop working?

Some guns work for some people, other guns don't. Some guns have eye appeal to certain people, others do not. Your K-38 obviously works for you. In someone else's hands, the Python would probably "outshoot" (whatever that means) your Smith.

This article is "udder rubbish" as paps used to say. The Col. Colt's Revolving Snake Pistol of Magnum Caliber is, and forever will be, the FINEST double-actioning belt pistol in HUMAN HISTORY. NOTHING even comes CLOSE to it!!! I have over $50,000 wrapped up in my collection of a half dozen Pythons, because they're the best!!

(At least that's what the Rampant Pony fan club will try and make you believe!!)

Really though, there is a reason why S&W still makes as many different and numerous revolvers that they do. They beat Colt in the revolver game. There are many reasons for that, but it isn't because S&W makes an inferior product IMHO.

I bought a 6" Python in 1976. Shot 50 rounds thru it put it away and never shot it again. Went back to my 3 3/4" 27-2 that I liked much better. Just sold the Python a few months ago.

Pythons are very well put together revolvers that many consider to be the ultimate .357. However the premium they command today is strictly a function of collectors interest. As far as accuracy, shootability, durability they are on par with S&W's or even a Ruger GP100. If they were still being made today the collectors would be ignoring them and the prices would only be 10 to 20% over S&W prices.

For the most part the people paying over $2,000 for an average condition Python aren't buying to shoot it.

IF YOU READ AND HEARD ABOUT THE LEGENDARY PYTHONS FOR MANY YEARS, YOU MAY HAVE SOME UNREASONABLE EXPECTATIONS, WHEN YOU FINALLY GET TO SHOOT ONE.......

BACK IN THE DAY, THEY WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DEGREE OF HAND FITTING OF PARTS, AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL, THAT EXCEEDED THAT OF ANY OTHER MANUFACTURER IN THE INDUSTRY---INCLUDING SMITH & WESSON.......

THAT BEING SAID, THEY ARE NOT MAGICAL, AND A PARTICULAR S&W CAN BE FOUND, THAT WILL OUTSHOOT A PARTICULAR COLT PYTHON......

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

My '75 colt Python 6" /357mag was an awesome revolver probably the best revolver I ever owned and shot. She had a 100yd zero using my Speer 140gr jhp behind 2400 powder with pin point accuracy. I wish I never traded it in.

l have heard of,seen Smythons and Smolts...Both L frames w/Colt barrels.

Have YET to see a Smith&Python or a Snake&Wesson.. What say you ???

Smith&Wesson then brought out their Very Own ''Smython"--L frame 686

They say limitation/Duplication is the highest form of flattery...

Works in clothes, tools, houses, cars.. REVOLVERS TOO

.........AND........I think S&W hired the "python guy" to put all those unnecessary full lugs on Smiths of today.......

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S&W Accumulator

BTW.....I have python from the custom shop that my wife bought me in 1980($480.00 NIB)....I still shoot it some but much prefer my Smiths......AND if you shoot "em" much they go out of time rather quickly....But that's a subject for another thread.........

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S&W Accumulator

Different strokes for different..... well, you know the rest!

Trust me, it wasn't the gun.

Let's not forget our great friend, the small time non gun guy speculator, who dabs here and there in various markets with extra cash he has laying around hearing about rare this and that and a shortage and high demand for this and that, makes a warehouse out of his basement, and spends tens of thousands of dollars on various things in small speculative markets, from classic cars to guns and ammunition after Sandy hook, often times with things he does not fully understand. Get enough of them in any given market, with enough hype among themselves, they may very well take over a market, and the market is no longer a speculator selling to an actual collector or consumer, but rather one wide eyed speculator selling to an even wider eyed man who understands the market even less.

We saw this in clear action after Sandy Hook in our whole entire field, legitimate people like us hoarding ammunition, relaoding components, guns and magazines of all types. Also, the endless surge of out of the field people who speculated, bought 20 AR's and tens of thousands of rounds of any ammunition they could find based on the idea the shortages guaranteed profit. Plenty of speculators selling to speculators. This is mostly behind us.

The other night I looked up on GunBroker 38 and 357 Magnums in blue. From what I saw that night, there was no shortage of Pythons, in fact, there were more Pythons that night than any other model of blue revolver in that caliber. All for $2,500 or much, much higher. Didn't seem to be any shortage of people selling Pythons or Pythons for sale. Not tat all. Just a price problem. One has to think, because some are old listings from gun sellers who are just following market prices, but how many Pythons have been bought up at ridiculous collector prices, not to collect, but to resell on the "hot" market for, of course, a guaranteed high profit.

Small time speculation feeds itself like a fire. The more people talk about Python's and demand, the more demand grows, or at least, seems to grow. Are these guns being sold to actual collectors, actual shooters, people of interest, or is the main market other speculators?

If Colt made brand new Pythons, and I could get a royal blue 6 inch barrel for $1,000 NIB, I sure would collect my pennies and get one to go alongside my M27. (I'd still carry my M27 instead). But at these prices, forget it, it ain't worth it. Good guns, but not $2,000+. I'll get a good French built masterpiece for that price, and get something that's worth it.

[QUOTE=Mike, SC Hunter;139539378].........AND........I think S&W hired the "python guy" to put all those unnecessary full lugs on Smiths of today.......[/QUOTE

My favorite Smith&Wesson revolvers are "LUGLESS"

But it's always easier to blame the gun.

Ain't nothing smoother than my 1938 Registered Magnum! No how, no way.

shot my 1st python and road my 1st harley. many moons ago..............meh and meh

Its funny. It seems to me that the people agreeing with me don't have a python, and the people who are poopooing my post are trying to justify having one...

I OWN SEVERAL PYTHONS, AND SEVERAL 686s. I ENJOY BOTH MODELS, AND I THINK THAT EACH OF THEM REPRESENTS THE FINEST .357 REVOLVER, BEING MANUFACTURED DURING THEIR RESPECTIVE ERAS......

I AM ALSO INTRIGUED BY GUNSMITH CREATED HYBRIDS----"SMYTHONS", "SMOLTS", AND THE LIKE........

OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT THE 686 IS A SIMILAR SIZE AS THE PYTHON, I FEEL THAT THERE IS LITTLE TO WARRANT THE INFERENCE THAT "IMITATION", OR "DUPLICATION" OF THE PYTHON, WAS AT WORK, IN THE DESIGN OF THE 686.......

LIKEWISE, I DON'T FEEL THAT THE RUGER GP-100 WARRANTS THE TERM OF AN "IMITATION" OR "DUPLICATION" OF EITHER THE PYTHON, OR THE 686, MERELY BECAUSE IT IS OF SIMILAR SIZE.......

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

It is kind of funny, but not too surprising... I haven't responded to your post until now, so haven't had the chance to 'poopoo' anything. But, I do have 3 Pythons (a 6", 4", and a 2.5"). And own over a couple of dozen Smiths, including 3 Model 27s, 3 Model 15s, 3 model 14s, 3 Model 17s, 3 Model 29s, a couple of Model 19s, a Model 28, 25, 586, 686, 66, etc., etc... I've been shooting a long time, and my observations are not brand biased, or based on a whole bunch of ignorance (always room for some ignorance...).

That said, the Pythons are hand fitted, fine shooting revolvers; always very accurate for me. Tough to compare, as every gun is a little different, but overall, I'd say that my Pythons are as accurate, or more accurate than any of my Smiths. My 4" Python is an absolute tack driver. That said, I've got a few Smiths that are also tack drivers, including a 66-2, which is a relatively newer Smith, so it's not just an older guns are better thing either. The v spring Colts have generally been deemed to be inherently more accurate due to the unique nature of how the cylinder locks up just prior to the break of the trigger. This is why most of the top bulls-eye shooters/champions back in the day preferred to use Colts. Also, with the Pythons, I find the overall fitment to be just beautiful. From how well tuned the actions are, to the finish, they are hard to beat, IMO.

People that are used to a Smith trigger, and not used to v-spring action Colt triggers often have issue with the Colt trigger. Personally, I've always loved the stack of the Colt trigger. If you get familiar with the trigger, in double action you can stack it to the point right before single action. Doing this gives you the nice single action 'final break.' Most non-Colt guys just complain that it stacks because they're not used to the action. I have found it to be preferable. In quick double action shooting you just pull right through the stack, nice trigger. In slow/target double action shooting you can stack the trigger to get a really nice single action break. Of course, the single action break is beautiful on these Colts. On a Python everything I just described is just so smoooooth.

I have a couple of Smiths that have very nice triggers, as well. A couple of them have been tuned after leaving the factory, and a couple are pretty nice right out of the box. I also have a some that are nothing to write home about. Again, every gun is a little different. With the special attention to fitment and tuning that Pythons received when they were made, their triggers are consistently very nice. I know that all the ones that I've ever shot have had great triggers.

Now, of course, if you are really used to a particular gun and have a lot of trigger time with it, and then you shoot some other gun that has a different action for the first time, I would not expect you to be as proficient with that new gun. I can also understand you not thinking much about it due to not doing as well with it. This happens to us S&W guys when we shoot a Glock for the first time; ugh! That said, I've know guys that have always just shot Glocks, and they can't shoot a double action revolver trigger to save their lives, literally...

Opinions will always differ on the Colt vs. Smith thing, and that's just fine. Different strokes for different folks. When it comes to 'poopooing' Colts in general, and Pythons specifically, it I've observed that it generally comes from those that don't own them. Now please, I understand there are plenty of guys that have owned them and are not a fan, I'm saying this as a general observation. Traditionally, Colts, and especially Pythons, have been more expensive than Smiths. There has been animosity forever for this reason, e.g., that high dollar Colt/Python is no better than my Smith, Ruger, etc... So, Dillyp, this fits with your observation above, everyone wants to justify their purchase/ownership, and other people poopooing Colts because they want to justify not owning one... Not saying you weren't impressed, I'm sure you weren't.

Like I said, to each their own. I love both Smiths and Colts, and really appreciate the workmanship found on the pre-war Colts, and the Pythons, and also of some of the pre-war Smiths and some of their flagship models.

Just my thoughts, thanks for sharing yours, too.

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Did you figure that out all by yourself, or did you have some help?

Like I said above I've owned my python for 37 years. Shot it a lot in the early years......had to replace the V-spring because it started snapping....Had to peen the hand twice to bring it back into time.....Never had to do that to any of my Smiths.......I believe python owners of today "fondle" their guns way more than they shoot "em".

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S&W Accumulator

never owned one, never shot one. Did get the opportunity to handle one at LGS and feel it out thoroughly including dry fire. I don't/didn't have the money to spend on that gun, but if I did I certainly would have. Maybe it wouldn't have shot well, maybe it would have driven tacks. Don't know. But I'd of bought it if I had the loot. Tightest lock-up & best trigger I have felt on a revolver yet. Of any make.

That's too bad on your experience. I had the opportunity to shoot one for the first time earlier in the year. It was a 4" nickel Python and the owner allowed me 12 rounds. Have to say, I have shot a lot of nice Smith's over the years but I'm still thinking about how that Python's trigger felt. I've never been a fan of the looks but that revolver was a sweet shooter.

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Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

I did buy a Python and the trigger action in DA has a different feel than many other guns. The DA action seems shorter than most guns and it is rather smooth to boot. The SA is the cats meow. It is like a 1911 in that it is extremely light and trips without notice.
Personally I feel the Python looks are beautiful. The ribbed barrel adds much to the guns appearance. To each his own but I feel the Python is perhaps one of the best looking guns ever made.
There is a lot of talk about the Pythons going out of time and having all kinds of short comings but for some reason they are still selling for high dollar. I guess the majority of the Pythons are still performing as the longevity they were built for. Some of the Python bashers might read up on how the model 19 was known for short life shooting a steady diet of magnum rounds. The Python was intentionally built to withstand magnum pressures.

Comparing it to my new 627-5 pro. The 627 trigger action right out of the box was disappointing. It was a bit heavy compared to the Python. It has a longer pull than the Python. The balance went in favor to the Python as the 627 feels more muzzle heavy. I lubed the trigger action and backed off the tension screw a bit and now I am pleased with the trigger action being much like the Python action pull being fairly light and smooth. I know the flamers will say don't ever back off the tension screw but if Meculik does it with his guns then it is good enough for me. I have had no light strikes or trigger malfunctions what so ever. The trigger now feels super good.
Compared shooting I actually have tighter patterns with the 627. I have several other Smith revolvers but I don't shoot them as well as I can with the Python. Out of all my guns the 627 is number one with the Python a close second.

Did I pay to much for my Python? Probably, but am I dissatisfied with it? No I am not. It meets the reasons why I bought it. You can't take money with you so you might as well enjoy what it can buy.

Look at the prices on some of the older Smiths and many of them are claiming sky high prices also. Are they worth 10x what they cost new? They are if you think so. Some would say only a nut would pay that much for a gun when a new gun will go bang just as well. To each his own.

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I have several pythons as well as other colts....they are very fine,as fine as any of my smith's.To each their own

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

The Python was never "rejected" by the market as the Edsel was. Colt sold as many as they could produce. They were seldom discounted, and often sold at a slight premium. If they could make them today the same would be true.

The S&W was probably a better value, if not the better revolver. The same is true today. As I recall I paid $350 for a Python and $200 for a Model 14 a few months apart. That's a big difference. But the Python was still a better revolver.

I HAVE BEEN INTO THE HOT ROD CAR HOBBY FOR OVER 60 YEARS. IN ALL THAT TIME, I HAVE VIEWED SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND MODIFIED CARS, OF ALL DESCRIPTION. OUT OF ALL OF THEM, THROUGH THE YEARS, I HAVE SEEN PERHAPS 1/2 DOZEN MODIFIED CHEVROLETS, RUNNING A FORD MOTOR---USUALLY AS A JOKE ! ! !

I HAVE BEEN INTO HAND GUNNING FOR OVER 60 YEARS ALSO. LIKEWISE, I HAVE VIEWED SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND HANDGUNS THROUGH THE YEARS. I HAVE SEEN PERHAPS A DOZEN OR SO, S&W REVOLVERS, SPORTING TRANSPLANTED PYTHON BARRELS. I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE, SEEN A COLT REVOLVER SPORTING A S&W BARREL----NOT EVEN AS A JOKE ! ! !

I DON'T EXPECT THAT I EVER WILL......

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

I bought my Python in 1974 for Official Duty.
My price paid was 167 Dollars and change.
I sold it in 1987 for 375 Dollars to a young and up-coming Officer.
I never looked back on it.
Kinda like my 1964 Mustang Fastback 289 I sold.
I have no interest in buying another Colt Python today.
My Smith's that I presently own, and my other handguns, all cover what I need.
There is a huge difference between what you want,,,and what you need.
That is why I dearly love this Forum, as it keeps me sane.

It can also make ya goofy.
Todays pick up....

..I dig what you are saying. Don't YELL.

I have a particular soft spot for carbines and when I shot an UZI I thought, Hey, this thing is FUN!!!!

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I have owned Pythons for a long time, along with many S&W revolvers. I enjoy all of them. With the Python I went through at least a half dozen sets of stocks before I found a set with which I could shoot up to my own expectations. It's a very different feel as compared to Smith's, but it is a wonderful shooter, and for me, a piece of art. Chocolate? Vanilla? Everyone has a preference or opinion, but it's okay to like both. Shoot what you like, and like what you shoot.

Staying sane even with the forum's help is sometimes difficult; but the subject matter does indeed get varied.

Like this mrchuck. IF you had a Mustang fastback 289 V8, that had a U. S. standard 1964 VIN, and a titled registration that stated 1964; then you have sold a "one of a kind".

Even though introduced in 64', referred to as "64 1/2" they actually were FoMoCo's 1965 model year, and the VIN is 1965; and today ,I would rather have one than a bucket full of S&Ws and Colts.

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Long ago I was issued a blued six inch barreled Colt Python for a service weapon (also a nickeled 2" barreled Colt Cobra for off duty). I didn't like the feel of the factory wood grips. I put on a pair of Hogue soft rubber combat grips and the Hogue's made a world of improvement in the handling.

Just FYI as a public service to everyone on this forum I am working on putting together a stockpile of well used model 15`s to offer in trade for your junky-old-reject-Pythons that don`t shoot straight and nobody in their right mind would want. So...you`re welcome. Here are a couple of mine I didn`t realize I shouldn`t like as much as I do until I saw this thread...

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My thoughts exactly. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

John