Which one do you like best and why?

Lincoln vs Cadillac...
Cadillac vs Lincoln...

" What do you wanna' drive today???"

.357 Magnum ( Pre-27)



Python 2 1/2"


Then they Multiply...





Two of these are Diamondback's..

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I gave this a fair amount of thought, and have to say that I like my Pythons a bit better than my 27 (or other N frame .357s I have owned over the years. This is reflected in the number of each ncurrently in my collection - 3 Pythons (2.5" Nickel, 4" Blue, 6" Factory-Tuned Stainless) vs. 1 Mod 27 (8 3/8" Nickel). I like the action of the Python a bit better than the 27 (although all are excellent), and the Pythons are, generally, a bit more accurate than any of my N-Frame .357s have been, and I've owned a bunch more Pythons and N-Frame .357s over the years, of varying barrel lengths. I like the balance of the Python a bit more than a similar barrel length 27, as well. Top off those factors with Colt's beautiful Royal Blue finish, which is, IMHO, superior to even older 27 bluing, and the scale is tipped, for me, in favor of the Python. That being said, none of my Pythons or my 27 will be leaving my possession - all are wonderful guns that are a joy to shoot! Frankly, it comes down to personal preference.

One other thing - many will bemoan the Python's supposedly "delicate" action. Not true, in my experience. My Dad's 4" Blue Python was in the family since around 1960 (I believe it was a first year 4" gun), and was the first centerfire handgun I shot (handgun training was with Dad's 1954/55 K-22, so I have a long history with both Pythons and S&W) until it, along with a lot of other guns, was stolen a few years ago. It was carried and fired a lot (daily, back in the '60s) over the years, and never did go out of time even a bit, keeping the "bank vault" lockup all that time. Oh yeah, almost all of the shooting was with full power .357 magnums, with .38 Specials having been used very little in that gun. My 2.5" Python (built in 1965) was also carried and fired a lot over the years, and started showing some of the very early signs of a timing problem last year. I sent it to Colt, and they went through the gun and brought the action back to new specs for a very nominal charge (less than $90, including shipping), and it is now as good as, or better than, new. Not bad, one repair over 45 years of constant use. They also replaced the sights (per my request, but at no charge) with new sights (RR front, White Outline Rear), as the original matte nickel sights were too darn hard to see any more (getting old). Yes, repairs to Colt DA revolvers require either a smith very experienced in them or a trip to the factory, IMHO, but S&Ws need occasional repair, also - it is, usually, a bit easier to do for most gunsmiths. S&Ws also go out of time occasionally (we did a lot of S&W timing repairs when I owned my gun shop), as well as developing end shake and other malfunctions. All are mechanical devices, and will require maintenance over time.

Again, it comes down to personal preference. I think the best solution to the quandary is to have both, Pythons and 27s. Colt's premier handgun, and S&W's top-of-the-line .357. Can't go wrong with that - truly the best of both worlds!

Mod. 27 vs. Python? A no-brainer for me. I'll take a S&W over the Python every time if we're talking about a shooting gun.

The pony people made a sweet-looking snake, but the N-frame Smith fits me like no Colt ever will. No Python will ever replace my 5" Model 27.

WOW. that takes my breath away.

any chance you might post a few more shots of the Colt?

I've owned both, carried both, and shot both. Then I sold the Python. Don't get me wrong, it was a great gun, but at the end of the day it lacked the stamina of the Model 27.

From a purely investment standpoint the pricey Python is probably a better buy/investment. But if you are going shoot your gun, you stand a better chance of finding a local 'smith to work on your 27 than finding someone to work on the Python.

Python. I've owned a Python and a 28 in the past and I truly miss the Python. To me, the N Frame is too big for the .357, the Python is just right.

Each is the top of its respective line. S&W shooters favor the 27. Colt shooters favor the Python. I own both and like both just fine. I have more 27s than Pythons but if the Colts weren't so damned expensive I would have a couple more of them.

As nice as the 27 is the Python clearly outshines it in fit and finish. The Python was largely hand fitted and polished as opposed to the mostly assembly line production of the 27. The bad part is when you want to swap parts. In my experience two N frames will trade hammers and triggers about 95% of the time with no fitting required. Forget it with a Python. Hell, the stocks were individually sanded to each gun's frame meaning the wood will seldom swap between guns. Installing replacement stocks on a Colt can be a real adventure.

Love the 27:






Love the Python:

I shot competitively back in the day. My Python is a tack driver. My problem with it is that the DA pull is progressive. My Model 28 has the smoothest, lightest DA I have on any gun. The Python's SA breaks like glass and is a dream. The SA on the 28 is good, but feels like junk compared to the Python. Recoil on the 28 is lighter (particularly with heavier loads) due to the heavier weight. I have more confidence with heavy loads in the 28 -- I mean, just look at that cylinder!

So basically, it is a toss up. Both are fantastic guns, both have drawbacks. I vacillated between the two guns when I was competing, but the Python had the edge by a little since we generally used wadcutters -- plus I shot my first perfect score with the Python, so I have kind of a soft spot for it. But I carried the 28 on more by a wide margin.

Always loved the Pythons, always hated the fact that the ejector rod is too short to push the shells out, all pythons are gone, Have a 627, 27 and 28! Guess I have to go with the 27!

That hits the nail on the head for an all-around gun.

Python is tops for fit and finish, accuracy, size efficiency, and that cool, sexy collector pride and joy.

N Frame Smiths are good for .44 mag use, hunting, truck guns, range use, or for gorilla-sized shooters who just want more metal.

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Jon

While I don't own a Model 27, just a lowly RM, shooting it is probably close enough to count as Model 27 experience. I also own a 1967 4" Python. Both are extremely smooth, in both double and single action. I have fired both from a rest, and the Python bests the RM in accuracy, at least on that one occasion. But the RM's double action is easier to control, and feels like the cylinder is rolling on ball bearings once it gets moving, whereas you all know the Python's pull gets heavier towards the end (stacks). I love both, but the RM's massive size and weight instills confidence when shooting Magnum loads. It seems both are increasing in value faster than the stock market.

Jared

I recognize the grips on that Python snubbie

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...on the fence, it's a very tough decision.

Both have very strong points, and few weaknesses. I like my Python because there's just nothing like the way it locks up. It also has a superior finish. The Model 27 epitomizes the large frame high power revolver.

They're really two different concepts. I'm glad I don't have to make a choice.

About 5 months ago I was contemplating my first purchase of a quality revolver.

Factoring in the price, the Model 27 was definately the way to go.

I got a 3.5" Model 27-2 instead of the Python, and I liked it so much I went and bought a 5 inch 1955 .357 Magnum.

I cannot imagine a better revolver than the 5 incher.

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My $0.05's worth. I have both. A 6" python from the custom shop in 1980 and lots of Smiths. My Python went of time and I had to peen the legs on the 2 stepped hand to bring it back in time. Twice I've had to replace the V-shaped main spring due to getting light primer hits(miss fires). Its a beautiful gun, abeit a bit delicate if you shoot it alot.
Never had those problems with any of my .357 Smiths. My vote goes to Smith & Wessons 27's/28's.

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I was a devoted Python fan, then I picked up a 6" 27. I was amazed at how well I shot with it. Before I knew it, I had a couple more 27's. I like them both.

Geez, I hope you asked this same question over on the Colt Forum, fair play and all. I wonder how many over there would pick the Smith over the Colt??

There is an alternative however, the SMOLT or as some would call it the SMYTHON. I guess it depends on where your loyalties lie...........

As for me, I love my Python, but I gotta tell you, the Smith action is just so much more workable..........smooth. The Python action is juicy, whereas the Smith action is crisp. Sorry, best analogy I could come up with on short notice!

I sold my Python not because it was not a great gun but because it was not comfortable in my hand (long trigger reach for me with factory grips) and if it ever needed any work...well...good luck. It had a butter smooth action and Pythons are beautiful revolvers but Smiths fit my hand better, can be serviced and I can have two great Smiths or one great Python. Also my Python was a safe queen and I didn't want a gun I couldn't shoot at least now and then without hurting it's value.

Mike, that gun wasn't right for some reason. I have Troopers from the 1960s and Target Models going back to 1909 (all with the exact same action as the Python) that have shot countless rounds without a hiccup.

When I was a rookie officer in 1973,I made a trade with my lt. for a Colt python,blue 4in.,with the box,dated 1968,with price marked $175.00.
My trade was a S&W model 28 that I bought new for $108.00,and a Colt junior .25 cal. auto that I paid $50.00 for it.
I carried the python for some years,and still have it. I liked it better than the smith because it was a few ounces lighter,and that nasty lookng all business barrel,smooth action,sturdy sights,and great accuracy. It wasn't hard to qualify expert with it on the police range.

I have owned a good many 357 Magnums and model 27-2's as well as a 27-3. I have owned several Pythons. I presently own both.

I think the Colt Python is a beautiful gun. Deep blue finish that is polished to a mirror finish b/4 being blued. Certainly the most pleasing to the eye, but not by much. Single action trigger pull is great, breaking like the preverbial glass sliver. DA another story, completly. The V spring "stacks up" progressively as it is pulled making DA shots difficult to master. In my opinion, the Python is more apt to get out of time and requires the skills of a master revolversmith to correct. Years ago when I bought my first Python I called a Pistolsmith in CA that was nationally know for his work with Colts and S&W's. During our discussion he remarked that he saw many times more Pythons with timing problems than N frame S&W's. I took his word as at the time he was known to be the best. He did, however, favor the Python for his personal use.

The model 27 in all it's variations is my favorite. Great double action as well as single action. The earlier guns has a pretty damn good finish and the single 27-3 that I own, believe it or not is very well done regarding finish. The 3 1/2 inch 27-2 is the most muscular looking of all handguns. It just has that dangerous, menacing look. The short barreled magnum reeks of testosterone. I think the 3 1/2 inch comes closest to equaling the Python visually. I've never know of an inaccurate model 27, but I did see a Python that was shipped with a smooth bore once.

The 27 with the 5 inch tube is my pick for best all round revolver. I won't be without one if I can help it. I have the snub version as well as a 6 inch specimine. I like the balance of the 5" gun and am not alone in that assessment.

Both guns are very desireable and both will serve one well. I do think one has an edge in durability if he owns the S&W.

I love both, but I think the winner is the 27.

The Python is a great gun that is extremely aesthetically pleasing, with great lines, finish, grip dimension, as well as being the one the best revolvers for investment. It is, in my opinion, he most rock solid of the Colt revolvers. Everyone I have fired has been accurate, with a smooth as glass action and great single action. I would not hesitate to bet my life carrying one.

All that said, its design is not as tough as the 27, and simple things you can do to the Smith you must send off to a Smith who is competent with Colt's (getting rarer these days). The Python is like a normal wood frame brick house, the 27 is like a cinder block, all holes cemented, triple rebared, with brick outside for good measure. Also, as previously noted, the Python loses the double action contest, the 27 and RMs are the winners here.

The design of the 27 is both simpler and sturdier, which is what ,for me, gives it the edge, along with its better double action. And lets face it, the 27 is no clod of dirt in the finish department. A nice 3 1/2" is a work of art, just as much as the Python. All this being said, right now I am Python-less and 27-less, so this thread is nothing but torture.

i'm fortunate in terms of having several examples of each...as mentioned they are both on top of their perspective game!works of art!i can see a 3.5"M27 value wise soon riding beside the python...

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

Voice of a newby.
I like reliability, I like tanks.
The M28 fits my hand like it was molded for it.
The Python feels---well---fragile in my hands.
IMO
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD

Well , talk about a mirror opposite!

I too am lucky enough to own a 5in S&W 27-1 and a 1960 vintage Colt Python. Made the same year I was born!

The Python is the one gun I lusted for longer than any other till I finally owned one. An original .44 AutoMag is next. And when I finally had enough money and went to a show looking to buy one , I found THE ONE. No box or papers , but mint condition , maybe had a few hundred .38 wadcutters thru it. $550 1991 dollars. A Hogue cocobolo grip is on it , as the factory grips just don't fit my hand. It mostly gets shot with a semi-hot .38s , a 158gr hardcast SWC at maybe 900fps. And 148gr mid-range wadcutter target rounds. For a few years I shot it in a lot of club matches. It occasionally gets shot with hot .357s , but I'm not really a .357 shooter. I'm a .41 mag man.

My Model 27 kinda fell in my lap , right place , right time with cash in pocket. Yeah I like it. Yeah it's accurate. Yeah , it's extremey well made. It's a keeper.

The 5in S&W Model 27 is probably one of the finest .357 magnum revolvers ever made.



But just like a Corvette is not a Ferrari , it's not a Colt Python!



Actually , those two aren't mine. Just a great pic.

This one is MINE!

To answer the question I'll ask a question.

How many M27's have you seen out of time?

How many Pythons?

End of story for me anyway. Have owned both in the past and not to rain on anyone's parade but...the Smith is the MUCH more durable product and I also think it's the shooter, not the gun, as far as accuracy goes.

Just my .02. YMMV, and almost certainly will.

Didn't take him long to "chime in" on this thread! Right up the proverbial alley as it were! I can't find many of either one of them. Wonder why?

rags

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I'd bet my M-27 that more Pythons have been hurt by rapid dry firing , feeling that super slick action , and boneheaded attempts at home gunsmithing , than have been hurt by honest use.

I once had a M-27 I really didn`t like it, I found it didn`t fit me all that well and it was uncomfortable to shoot. It may have been the grips or my then lack of experience ,but either way it got traded away.
I have a Python which I like a lot, but when I compare it to my newest toy- a totally pristine 686-4, I really can`t see where the Python is superior,except for that beautiful blue .

The fit and finish on the highly polished 686 is nearly perfect,and it is as high a quality revolver as I might ever want.

Granted the polish on the Colt is better, but is it that much better than and worth 4 times what I just paid for the Smith ?

I DONT THINK SO.

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The problems I always had with the Python was the grip angle, never seemed to fit well. Not to mention I could buy a very nice Model 27 for alot less than a Python.

So I guess I will have to stick with this for now......

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"How many M27's have you seen out of time?"

None.

"How many Pythons?"

None.

I have 2 Pythons from the 1980s, one from the 1970s, 2 Troopers from the 1960s, an Officers Model Match from 1956, an Officers Model Target from 1950, another from 1931 and another from 1909. All the guns have the same actions. All have seen extensive use (several are old competition guns that fired countless thousands of rounds) and none are out of time.

I will concede that the N frame Smith has the sturdier action. But the Colt is hardly fragile. Just not as sturdy.

Never bought a Python. Never even came close to buying one. Never "needed" one. They cost more than what I could afford to play with.

Guess I just couldn't say.

I have about a half dozen of both. They are both great.In model's other than the Python I prefer the Smith, but I do have a really soft spot for the 6" Python, it just feels right.

Ditto - never felt as comfortable in my hand. I had several, tried to like them, couldn't (I'm a shooter). Also dislike the standard sights, much worse picture than w/ S&W (except for the Eliason target sights, which are excellent). Mine were all very accurate, though.

Also had several M27s over the years...a 5" 27-2 stayed.

I have one of the later model stainless six inch Pythons. They must have burned up a lot of buffing wheels on that thing. I hate the move to Pachmayr's but I will find a good deal on a replacement. I'm eyeballing an Altamont right now. But for now this is her:



As I don't own a 27, I can't say much about them. But I do own a 28 and I love it. It's my understanding that the 28 is the 27 minus the polish and topside milling. Presuming that is the case all I can say it that I prefer the weight of the N frame to the Python. It's just my personal preference. My grail gun is a 3.5 inch 27 that has the counter bored cylinder and pinned barrel. I may use the Python to help achieve that dream some day.

I had to post this photo the blue really looks good.

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Hmmmm.. Not sure about all that.. I don't know any dealer that would make that trade straight even ..I wonder what he would have said if you told him you would kick in $100.00 or so..

I'm jus' sayin'

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DAV in honor of POP

I think he just wanted your Diamondback for cheap.

rags

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I've owned and shot both. I still own and shoot the Smith. Never liked the grip shape or angle on the Python, not to mention the DA pull. Fantastic-looking gun just preferred the M27 for actual shooting. To me it's like choosing between the photogenic supermodel and the beach volleyball champion. Athletes are lower maintenance.

Don't care for the DA trigger of the Python, Don't care for n-Frames in 357. N-Frame caliber should start with a "4". L-Frame for me please, prefer a 686 over both to actually use & shoot. I know that both Python & S&W 27 are worth more, but that's my story & I'm stickin' to it.

from what I understand of Smith and Colt both companies started cheapening out on their manufacturing processes (crush fitting the barrel of the gun into the frame on the Smith 19 in particular and I remember reading somewhere that colt started doing the same thing)
Use of Magnum Loads in S&W Model 19 and Other K-Frame Magnums

and that the tooling for the guns started to wear out and it seems like the date that all of that cra-p started happening was about 1980, so chances are if you traded that thing in for one from 1966 or so you wouldnt have any trouble with that particular python vs the one you have

basically try and go for a pre 1980's gun, the earlier the better and you can track the serial numbers for the colts here:
1965 Colt Python

and the reason why I know this is because I've played around with the idea of getting one but $1400 for a python in MA is WAYYY too much money, especially when the ones I've found are post 1980 guns and I know of one other person who mentioned they had a post 1980 gun and had it go out of time on them too.

FYI I did still try to buy it off him at the time (didnt know about that rule of thumb at the time) wouldn't budge though.

I am however thinking of playing the C and R game and trying to get one in for a sub K price that was made in the 50's but my to do list is kinda building up on me, plus I got a Dan Wesson as a stop gap till I find one.

although the model 27 is kinda an unappreciated classic right now and half the price so its kinda a coin toss between the two for now, but first that 645 project I've been barking on about for awhile.

Two reasons for the Smith:

1. Timing. If you watch the cylinder while firing, the Smith locks up before the hammer falls. The Colt doesn't. When I started in law enforcement, we bought our own Smiths or Colts. The range officers always said that 90% of the guns on the line were Smiths, 90% of the malfunctions were Colts. When in time, the Colts are great actions. Incidentally, this timing issue does not apply to the Colt Mark III action.

2. Grips. The raised checkering pattern on the Python grips can get downright painful after a while. This, of course, is correctible.

Bob

That's a good idea about posting this question on the Colt forum. I am not active there so I will ask a friend to do it. I have been impressed, however, about the even-handedness of most of the responses in this thread. The only thing to do is to acquire at least one of each.

My Dad taught me to never call a man a liar, but that dealer darn sure sounds like one.

It comes down to what purpose a person is going do with the revolver. For me buying a Colt Python is strictly for investment. Buying a model 27 is for shooting 357 magnums all the time. That is where the Python falls short. A person will have to have the Python worked on if the revolver sees lots of 357 magnums. In my area I don't know of any gunsmiths that will work on a Colt. A lot of people will say shoot 38 specials in a Colt Python so it will last longer. I would say forget it. If I am only going to shoot 38 specials then I have a model 10 or several K frame magnums that will shoot unlimited amount of 38 specials.
Bottom line: For me it only makes sense to buy a Python for a investment.
Howard

There is, indeed, this same topic on the Colt Forum. And, like in this thread, the responses have been reasonable and polite.

My hand size doesn't allow me to comfortably shoot an N-frame S&W. The grip on my six inch Python fits me quite well, and I'm able to shoot that revolver accurately. I do agree that the Python double-action trigger is much harder to master than the triggers on Smith & Wesson K, L, and N-framed revolvers.

My favorite .357 Magnum revolver to carry and shoot is my S&W 686+.



The revolver I like to shoot in single-action mode, and admire the most, is my 1979-manufactured Colt Python.

I prefer the M27. Mine is a "shooter grade" 5-inch that I found in a pawn shop for $275 or so about 5 years ago. It has some cosmetic wear - but not a lot. I would be fine with a 586 as well.

I had a 4" Python, but traded it (for an M14 clone). I still have a Colt Official Police in 6" which is a nice Colt. I keep it because I love the pre-war workmanship. It makes me weak in the knees, it is so nice. But the M27 design makes a better pistol for shooting.

Much has been made of each guns D/A trigger pulls , but in all honesty , I'd bet 99% of my shooting is done S/A.

Python's are very elegant and pretty but I can buy 3 28-2's or 2 27-2's for the price of one Python. And still have a little bit of money left over for ammo. Definitely a 27-2 or 28-2 for me.

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