The Pythons have gotten very pricey and a lot of them are advertised as "minty" or "LNIB"

The Model 27-2's are lower in price, more available, and a lot of them actually appear to have been put through their paces at the range.

Am I correct that a 3.5 inch Model 27-2 is a better deal than a 4 inch Python if my goal is fun at the range?

As an amateur collector I wouldn’t regulate either one to range duty. I would take care of either one and enjoy the occasional .38 or very light magnums from them. Pythons will be the first need maintenance and that is a gunsmith bill you won’t enjoy. And while any 27 is a strong gun they too can be shot into their grave with a constant steady diet of magnums. If you want a range beater that you can yee-haw some magnums through and not worry so much then try a GP100 from Ruger. They can be tuned without too much effort to have a pretty good trigger. I won’t argue over Smith having one better, this is an issue of a range gun’s longevity with usage. If you must use only the two you describe then I would us the 27 as repair and parts for it should be easier on your wallet in the long run. My 2 cents.

I don't own a 27 yet but I do have, and very much enjoy, it's less glamorous brother, the Model 28 - Great gun! I do own some Colts, including an older Python and a .22 Diamondback, both in excellent shape and both purchased more as investments, and as you said, they've gotten "pricey" -I'd add ridiculously so. If I wanted a range gun, I'd go with the Smith, a 27 if you need the beauty factor, a 28 if you just want tough functional utility. No doubt the Colts are beautiful and have precision watch like actions, but I just don't think they're as strong as the Smith and Wessons.

There are plenty of shooter Pythons out there. You just have to be patient.

I lover the 23/327/627 family of revolvers. In this group photo of model 27s, the 6" nickel one on the upper right side is the very first revolver I ever bought new. I still own it, more than three decades later.





It was a toss up between that model 27 and a 6" blue Python. I really loved the look of the Python. I was young so the money ended up being the deciding factor. However, every trip to the range I could not help but wonder if I had made the wrong decision.

So over the years, I have added a few Pythons to my collection.














Like I said I also love the 27/327/627 family and I have added many of those as well.















Now which one to buy if I were only going to own one? For me that is easy. Presuming that money is not an issue like it was when I was young, I would buy the 6" Performance Center model 27 as a target revolver. Since those are no longer manufactured and almost impossible to find on the used market, my second choice would be a 6" Python. I would be quite happy with either.

As a whole, my Pythons are more accurate than my production model 27/327/627s. The exception to this is the Performance Center versions with their match barrels. These are on par with the Pythons.

The Internet is a funny thing. It can take a few stories told around the coffee machine at the range and turn it into a problem of epidemic proportions.

While there is no doubt that the double hand design of the Python lock work will wear faster than the N-frame lock work of the S&Ws, Pythons are nowhere near as fragile as Internet innuendo makes them out to be. I have run many tens of thousands of rounds through my Pythons over the decades and they have failed to create gunsmith bills that would frighten me.

BTW, this double hand design is one of the things that keeps Pythons locked up tighter than S&Ws. It is a contributing factor to the Pythons Accuracy.

We will now get lots of folks jumping in claiming Pythons are no more accurate than S&Ws. The difference is there, the question is are the shooters capable of performing well enough to see it. How often do we hear folks make a statement like "The gun is more accurate than I am"

Those shooters will not see an accuracy improvement by switching to a Python.

Which is right for you to buy? I think only you can answer that. Both are superb examples of the Gun-makers craft. With proper care and maintenance either will serve you for a lifetime and then some.

You can't go wrong with either. However, for me the Colt just doesn't feel as good in my hand as the S & W. Also, the double action of a Smith is to me better and more consistent. By that I mean the same pull all the way through whereas the Colt seem to stack or get slightly harder near the end. HOWEVER, I have shot far fewer Colts than Smith's. Everyone is different and has different thoughts and feelings. My advice shoot both.....and decide for yourself.

Personally, I'd get a 6 inch 586 or 686 for range duty. Actually I did just that. Been shooting it since the 686 no dash was new!

I have both guns and the M-27's haven't been fired in over 20 years but the Pythons get shot every time I go to the range. I also have not had any timing problems with my Colt's and I have many thousands of rounds thru them.

I would use either one of them, just depends on which action you prefer. I've probably shot more rounds through a Python than any other handgun - however I actually prefer the Smith's action, go figure. (I no long have the Python and I don't miss it - it's all just personel preference) I actually did have to have some work done on the Python at one point but it had a huge number of rounds through it - I couldn't begin to guess at the number. I haven't shot those kind of numbers through a gun in 20 years.

Got the Smith:

I personally would go with the M27/28 or as another poster said, the 586/686. 2nd choice, the Ruger GP100. Third, the Python. I don't care for the Python's double action pull at all. For a shooter, it gives you the least value for the money. As a collector, it's probably at the top.

I have twice as many Smiths as Colts and am quite fond of all of them. The Model 27 is an especially fine item, but IMO (excluding rarities like the Manhurin MR-73 or the Korth Combat) pre-1980's Pythons are the pinnacle of the DA art. Post strike Colts and Smiths with IL's are also-rans.

I have 2 M27-2's (5" and 6") and a 6" Python. I like them all! The cylinder on the Python is slightly shorter and may require that you seat a bullet a little deeper. I have some 168gr cast bullets that have to be seated past the crimp groove in the Python.
Also, the bore on Python's is typically a little tighter usually running .356". I believe this contributes to my Python being slightly more accurate. I like the double action on the M27 better and single action on either is excellent.
I really think the Python is more similar to the 586 instead of the M27.

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Dick

Life is short and the best deal is the one you like the best. They're both great revolvers. I shot a fair amount of PPC at one time with a 6" Python so I have a soft spot for them but the 27 is great also. Myself, what I really like for shooting .38 wadcutters is the Model 14, the last version especially with the full lug barrel (ala Python). A mega sweet shooter.

All I know is I just watched Magnum Force again, and now I want a blue 4" Python BAD!

I already have the 70's vintage 29.......

all good guns for sure....i recently picked up another python a blue 4"and it shoots sweet!i have never bought into the deal of pythons are delicate etc.just has not been the case with me or anyone that i know...M27...another excellent one and either will serve you well !

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

I have to say that I have only handled 2 Colt Pythons in my life.
Once about 20 years ago and once about 3 years ago.

The 27-2 is a much finer piece. With the Python, it was all about marketing- a catchy name, hype, a new look, and a beautiful blue finish, which I will not deny.

Frankly and bluntly speaking, I don't have a clue as to what all the hoopla is with these guns.

They look pretty BUT;

Firstly, what I have read about the "renown" smooth trigger pull is totally bunk as far as I am concerned. They action like junk to me.

Both of the examples that I handled had terrible feel on the trigger, like sandpaper or gravel.

I own a few S&W's and have handled many more. I have yet to find one that did not action like butter and break like a glass rod.

Even my most recent production acquisitions of a 686 and 625-9 are smooth as glass.

You will buy whatever you feel you want, regardless of what is posted here.

I will never own a Colt Python just based on the two that I have handled in 20 years compared to the many S&W's. I don't think that they are as strong or robust a revolver as a 27-2 either.

As someone else said here, I own just as many Colt's as I do Smiths. Love them all, including the 2 Pythons. Now, this is straight from the "guru" at the "C" plant - the Python frame isn't that strong so a steady diet of magnum loads is not recommended. I can't tell you how many Pythons I've seen in there with the frames wiped out.

Personally I would not use a 27-2 3.5 inch barrel for the range. If I had one I would only shoot it occasionally. I don't have experience with the Colts but to me they are overpriced for a "range gun". I would look for a 28-2 4 inch or 6 inch. They are excellent for shooting 357s. Also the 586/686 is a great revolver to for shooting 357s. And lastly a Ruger GP100 is a excellent choice. I have all of the revolvers I mentioned above. The most pleasent to shoot 357s is the model 28. For a strout built revolver then the Ruger GP100. Very close to the GP100 is the 686.

Good luck,

You will have all the fun you can stand with that Model 27.

Very nice looking gun.

This is a very weird discussion in my opinion. The 27 Smith or it's plain brother the 28 can be shot week in and week out at the range, with stiff 357s. The Python is a great revolver also but it WILL NOT hold up like the big N Frame. If yoiu want a Colt I strongly suggest you look at the Colt Trooper Mark III.

Steve here... I've got 2 N frames and two Pythons... the wheel guns only get light loaded cast boolits...
Love the Python thread on S&W forum!!!
This one tho...is unfired

I got the 3.5, and I know I will enjoy it. I am not, however, used to a blade rear sight on a revolver. It will be a bit of an adjustment. Looks like I will need to practice quite a bit. Darn.

Why are the Colts so pricey? I've really never understood. I saw a NIB 2.5 Python last night mfg. 1971. They had this thing priced at $1975.00, good deal from what I've been noticing. What did these guns sell for new? If anyone is interested in this gun just PM me and I'll hook you up, I wouldn't pay that much. I once bought a Mustang Plus II for $825 and chocked for a week. I still have the gun and prefer my 4516 over the Colt any day. Sorry for changing topics. Go with the model 27. One other thing, that Colt doesn't look any nicer than my 10-5 2".

Colts are pricey because they go to the extra expense of engraving a horse on the side of them. And, alotta folks like the Colt mystique. The Colonel is a big hero to alot of us. Colt also put a lot of effort into the fit and finish, and the Pythons are one shiney piece of kit. That being said, I'll take the Smith any day.

You can look into the bluing on a vintage Python and see forever.
The triggers are different on Python than Smiths. It's just what you get use to.
Pythons are wonderful guns, but I just got use to S&W's and don't see the need to change this late in the game.

Now , get to the range !! Ha

I have a 6-inch Model 27-2 and a 6-inch Python and shoot both. Personally I think the Python is more durable than its internet reputation allows. Just keep it clean and lubricated and it will treat you right. I never shoot anything but full power .357 Magnum handloads in my Python. We'll see how long it'll last. Since I currently only shoot a few hundred rounds per year through it I suspect it will outlast me.

I am no fan of the Colt DA trigger in any of their models, Python included. In my view the Colt double action is horrible even though my Python has a nice double action (for a Colt). My Python is fine for single action shooting when great accuracy is desired. It is gratifying when used in this manner.

The fit and finish on the Python is truly nice, almost too nice in my view. It is so polished that it has a bit of a "melt" look about it. A pre-war Colt has a more attractive finish, especially the ones built in the first 10-15 years of the 20th century. The vent rib is superfluous, looking a bit like tail fins on late 50s cars but many like the feature. I could do without it. Don't care for the underlugged barrel, at least on the 6-inch models because I don't like the front heavy balance. I also don't care for the L-Frame Smith & Wessons for the same reason, too front heavy to suit.

The Models 27 and 28 are pretty bulletproof in my estimation. I've owned several and have had the current one for nearly 30 years now. It has seen some heavy handloads and a dab of silhouette competition in its time and has given perfect satisfaction. The Model 27 is the better looking revolver of the two. It is better balanced and it soaks up recoil from heavy loads well. The accuracy capabilities of my Model 27 is fully equal to my Python but this may reflect my shooting abilities.

I like both revolvers but the Models 27 and 28 represent the finest .357 Magnum revolvers in my view.

I can't imagine retiring either revolver in favor of shooting a Ruger GP 100. Life is just to short to have to endure that.

I actually prefer the Python’s DA trigger pull to post war Smiths. The old long action DA trigger pull on pre war S&Ws is another favorite. I’ve always enjoyed staging the DA pull to just before the hammer drops – like a 2 stage trigger, Kind of a lazy man’s way of shooting single action without having to thumb the hammer back for every shot. Many frown on this technique, though I have no problems or hesitation when alternately using a steady DA follow thru as with a post war Smith.

For thumb cocked single action shooting, nothing bests a good S&W.

I'd like to have a Python. I've got a Model 28 S&W now that I haven't had the time to take to the range yet.

Then I'd like to have the time and the money to take both to the range and try to wear them out before I die.

Frankly I doubt I'd hurt either one of them.

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John 3:16 .

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