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01-25-2013, 01:03 PM
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S&W Model 27 vs. Colt Python
I recently picked up a new-to-me Colt Python and thought it would be cool to grab my Model 27-2 and try them out back to back at the range. The results were surprisingly close. In my examples, the Python is better finished and wins in the looks department, but in shooting they are both quite similar. Accuracy probably has to go to the Python as they lock up like no other revolver I have seen. Overall balance and recoil control is comparable, as are the sights. The trigger pulls are both fantastic, but in different ways. The Colt has an almost two stage pull in DA that I think will take some getting used to. The Python was made in '72 and the 27 was made in '76. They really did make some nice guns back then.
Here are a couple of pics (note that the original magnas on the 27 have been replaced temporarily with later target stocks)
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01-25-2013, 03:09 PM
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Side-by-side, those have been my observations, also. Those two are probably the finest production double-action revolvers ever made.
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01-25-2013, 03:14 PM
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I agree 2 different awesome pieces . I have both in 8 inch barrels .the stacked double action trigger on the Python takes some getting use to where as the model 27 can be pulled easier. single action they both shoot in spades .
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01-25-2013, 03:33 PM
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Both fine revolvers. I include the Python's immediate predecessor, the 357, with the Python as it is the same gun without the ventilated rib. Not as stylish, but the human hand holding the gun cannot tell the difference.
Maybe I'm just making up a story to correlate an observed design detail with a sensation, but I always thought the Python's spectacularly fine trigger pull had to be the result of the dogleg mainspring.
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01-25-2013, 03:47 PM
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410bore, 66Park, arjay, Collects, DCWilson, Dennis The B, fletre, fyimo, jglsprings, Mickey D, nwhunter, OIF2, Rigmover, RobC2 |
01-25-2013, 11:24 PM
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LIKE !...
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01-26-2013, 12:42 AM
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Here are two sets of triplets -
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01-26-2013, 01:04 AM
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Have both, the Python has a DA of 6.5 lbs, hard to beat.
SA on both is about equal, but the Python has a action job by Austin Behlert.
Bad thing is I took my soon to be wife to a outdoor range and praising my Python let her shoot it.
She then turned to me and said “ Thank you for the nice gun.”
Yea, what would you guys have said…….
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Last edited by STCM(SW); 01-26-2013 at 01:14 AM.
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01-26-2013, 03:38 AM
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I would agree that both are fine revolvers that deserve a place in any collection. I would even go as far to say that the Python has the edge in looks department although the 5" M27 is an absolute beauty.
I have found the Colt action to be incredibly smooth but prefer my M28 double action for example. It may go to preference but I most certainly wouldn't mind owning a Python to become more conversant with its action. LOL
PS I love your pictures gents.
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01-26-2013, 09:24 AM
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Great pictures everyone. Now I want to add a 3.5" 27 and 6" Python to the collection. It will probably be a while though...
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01-26-2013, 09:32 AM
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Great photos, thanks for sharing. I also own Cobras & 27's. The comments reflect my own opinions.
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01-26-2013, 09:45 AM
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Does anybody really think one or the other is great and the other is junk? They're both top of the line, and they perform as such IMHO.
I shoot equally poorly with both.
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01-26-2013, 09:49 AM
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Maybe it's just me, but revolvers are so much sexier than semi-auto pistols.
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01-26-2013, 10:00 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moe l.
Maybe it's just me, but revolvers are so much sexier than semi-auto pistols.
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It's not just you, though 1911s do hold a special place in my heart. Looking at all these Python pictures makes me morn the loss of the six inch Python I bought new in 1980. At the time, I was young and, due to a really nasty incident, was very into self protection. I couldn't afford to keep the Python, which I couldn't carry concealed, and get the 1911 I felt I needed. Maybe someday I'll get another. They are certainly beautiful guns. I always liked the Smith double action trigger pull better than the Python, though.
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01-26-2013, 10:01 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CajunBass
Does anybody really think one or the other is great and the other is junk? They're both top of the line, and they perform as such IMHO.
I shoot equally poorly with both.
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Now that is a beautiful pair!
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01-26-2013, 10:13 AM
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I think I'm lucky enough to have acquired 4 of the finest American made .357 wheelguns.
1954 Colt .357 and 1960 Python.
And a 1956 5-screw , 6in Higthway Patrolman and 1974 5in 27-2.
BTW, I have the original grips for both Colts. But they just don't fit my hand at all.
Last edited by mkk41; 01-26-2013 at 06:18 PM.
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01-26-2013, 12:13 PM
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moe l. - I can tell you why. Revolvers are round, they are organic. Semi-autos are machines.
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01-26-2013, 02:31 PM
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My 6" python using speer 140gr JHP reloads could make pin point shots at 100yds on the berm. I could ping any small rock on the berm at will. I do not have a S&W yet in 357 but soon i will.
They say the S&W K22 target masterpiece in 22lr and the colt target with its solid loc up on the cylinder, they say the S&W is more accurate over the colt. I will compare them soon as it warms up.
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01-26-2013, 02:33 PM
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4"-5"-6"
I have a 27-2 5", my best friend has a Python in a 4" and 6". All three are in excellent condition. Shooting the same ammo the 27-2 5" seems to hold tighter groups (just barely) for both of us. The 27-2 for us seems as accurate as the 6" Python and a little more accurate than the 4" Python.
The triggers go to the Python (just barely). The 4" Python feels a little more balanced to hold. I know the Pythons worth alot more money. But we enjoy shooting our guns. I would choose my over these 2 Pythons because it seem like my one gun does the same as what both Pythons do. Of course, I my be a little biased.
I am very happy with my 27-2. I do have a question please, why you I see so few 5" barrels? Where they made for a special purpose or did they just not sell? Any suggestions for a good holster for the 27-2 5"
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01-29-2013, 10:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by STCM(SW)
Have both, the Python has a DA of 6.5 lbs, hard to beat.
SA on both is about equal, but the Python has a action job by Austin Behlert.
Bad thing is I took my soon to be wife to a outdoor range and praising my Python let her shoot it.
She then turned to me and said “ Thank you for the nice gun.”
Yea, what would you guys have said…….
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Better marry her to get your Colt back. My wife went with me in our 1st year of marriage to be with me while I deer hunted, she got hooked. She then stole my custom Pre-64 WIN and bagged a lot of deer with it. I pulled another Pre-64 out of the safe and learned to like it.
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01-29-2013, 11:30 PM
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Model70hunter, were going on 30 years now but she still says it's her Python.....
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01-30-2013, 01:14 AM
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I would yake the snake first and the 27 would be a very close second. As in, bumping the Python in the butt, close.
I could be happy with either one.
They both shoot better than I.
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01-30-2013, 05:14 PM
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RobC2, nice looking revolvers you have there. I agree that the Python is generally the better looking gun. Take a 3 1/2 inch 27 and compare it's looks to the snake and you have a different deal. That short barrelled 27 has no rivals in the looks dept. That sucker oozes testosterone. It reminds me of a square shouldered linebacker or maybe a 60's to early 70's muscle car with a crouching cat stance.
Having both and having fired many examples of each I make this comparison: from the factory with no alteration to either, the snake can more often than not match the single action of the 27 and be a bit better. Double action the 27 wins, no question about it. As far as I'm concerned that's what will win the day, all else being equal. That fast first shot in a pinch ain't gonna be fired single action. The snake stacks up and gets heavier and more difficult to shoot accurately while the 27 is one smooth continous, linear movement that won't cause you to pull off or pause.
Both are great revolvers and a joy to own and shoot.
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01-30-2013, 05:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dennis The B
...Those two are probably the finest production double-action revolvers ever made.
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Of Korth they are!
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01-30-2013, 07:19 PM
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for those who want to experience the trigger feel of the python without spending python money, buy an official police made before ww2,or an army special. basically same gun with different stampings.either will give you that special feel of a colt dbl action trigger at their finest. get the prewar versions due to the fact that those guns has the highest quality of manufacture. as a person with over 40yrs of practice through each type, i have formed my opinions about both years ago.
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01-30-2013, 09:49 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by beemerphile
Of Korth they are!
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I didn't want to omit Korth, but I always thought the Korth was more of a custom revolver, than what you'd call a "production" revolver.
I've had the opportunity to fire a Korth in .357 Magnum, and it was superb.
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01-30-2013, 11:55 PM
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I must confess that I have lusted after a Colt Python since I was interested in guns and that is almost 50 years. I came close once to buying a 6 inch barreled Python but my friend died suddenly before we could complete the deal. Now with the price of Python's through thru the roof I will probably never own one.
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01-31-2013, 12:19 AM
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I couldn't warm up to my python so it went by the wayside. I think the trigger on the pre-27/28s (and particularly the prewar 38/44s) are superior to the Colt. I do like the way the cylinder on the Colt locks up like a bank vault though.
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01-31-2013, 12:51 AM
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I HAVE to agree with an above poster. I've had both-pick and choose.
For Post war Smith's, I adore the looks of a blue/black preModel 3 1/2 inch .357 with ivory stocks.
Best shooter was an early 8 inch Python. It would out shoot any Smith I've ever had. I think it's one in a million gun, perhaps a factory team gun.
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01-31-2013, 01:08 AM
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I have a Python and it is a great revolver.
A model 27 is on my list.
Of course the ultimate goal is to get SaxonPig to write me into his will
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01-31-2013, 01:13 AM
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Having a Python and a Model 27, both blue 6-inch guns, I favor the Model 27 for looks and shooting characteristics.
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01-31-2013, 01:34 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmcgilvray
Having a Python and a Model 27, both blue 6-inch guns, I favor the Model 27 for looks and shooting characteristics.
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I prefer the Model 27 too, Bill... I prefer it too!
Scott
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01-31-2013, 06:43 AM
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I have a few of each, and like them both, but I still shoot my model 66 the most. Now if I could find a reasonably price 3 1/2" model 27 that all might change.
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01-31-2013, 08:58 AM
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I have had two Pythons over the years. While they were beautifully finished, were extremely accurate and had wonderful triggers I could never shoot them as well off hand as I could Smiths. I never did any scientific tests but it "seems" to me that Pythons have much longer lock times than Smiths and that would allow me to wonder off target before the gun fired. Anybody know?
Ed
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01-31-2013, 10:02 AM
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The following happened several years ago, when I was a little younger and a lot dumber. I worked with a lady whose State Trooper husband had passed away. A mutual friend took me to her house to help with the disposition of his gun collection. I bought several guns at a very good deal. The last gun was a 6" blued Colt Python in MINT condition. It had been a safe queen all it's life. She said: "I'll take $150 for it". Being a true blue S&W man, I passed on it. I have regretted that decision every day for the rest of my life. From this I have determined I have a serious mental deficiency.
Tony
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02-01-2013, 04:29 AM
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This is what money is for.
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02-01-2013, 05:31 AM
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Two exact opposite revolvers that are the pinnacle of each makers art.To compare the actions is a useless endeavor,they are so completely different from how they work why would it not be different ? If Colt had not invented the counter clockwise lock up and S&W did would the comparisons still be valid ? Compare S&W against S&W and Colt against Colt from their perspective eras.I have heard all the "they go out of time"forever, 20 + years of collecting/shooting Colt and S&W and have had not one with a timing issue not single one not a Smith or a Colt.Thousands of rounds through pre-war Colts and S&W they both do exactly the same thing differently. I have no preference one over the other, I know they are different and appreciate the finest revolvers made at a time when a man was proud to be good at his job. It is reflected in the quality that both S&W and Colt mastered at a time when time was cheap.
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02-01-2013, 07:22 PM
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The only thing wrong with the Python was that Colt could never make enough of them, essentialy a target revolver made famous ( I think ) by David Soul in Magnum Force. I'm a Smith fan (owner) and a Colt admirer.
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02-01-2013, 07:28 PM
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Quote:
The only thing wrong with the Python was that Colt could never make enough of them, essentialy a target revolver made famous ( I think ) by David Soul in Magnum Force. I'm a Smith fan (owner) and a Colt admirer.
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David Soul also carried a Python in Starsky & Hutch. A 6 in with Pachmayr grips.
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