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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #51  
Old 12-30-2009, 10:15 AM
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I had one of the first stainless Pythons. A really nice gun, good trigger, accurate, etc. but I never really warmed up[ to it. Aside from the pride of ownership thing, I really didn't like it all that well. The 686 or the 627 Pro that eventually replaced it serve my needs much better. With a little kitchen table gunsmithing, both have a better trigger than the Python and are equally accurate.
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  #52  
Old 12-30-2009, 11:01 AM
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What is it about the mystique of the Python?

If I have to explain , ya wouldn't understand!




The lines , the perfect polishing , the deep , deep bluing , the super smooth action , the perfect balance.

Gee , I wonder what revolver S&W copied the full under barrel lug from?

Both are fine revolvers. But like the Cadillac vs Chevrolet differences , only some will appreciate them.

Last edited by mkk41; 12-30-2009 at 11:09 AM.
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  #53  
Old 12-30-2009, 11:38 AM
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I probably have more rounds through a Python than any other handgun; Having said that in the end I prefer the Smith action - personal preference and all that.
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  #54  
Old 12-30-2009, 01:33 PM
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This movie alone sold me on the Python:



I own one - a four incher like the one about to administer the penalty for pimping and bribing pictured above.

I own a boatload of Smiths but I do love my Python.
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  #55  
Old 12-30-2009, 01:43 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sigp220.45 View Post
This movie alone sold me on the Python:



I own one - a four incher like the one about to administer the penalty for pimping and bribing pictured above.

I own a boatload of Smiths but I do love my Python.
If I recall correctly, it was David Soul on the non-business end of that one. Interestingly enough, it was also his firearm of choice in Starsky & Hutch.

I carried a Model 19 when I was a LEO. I traded up for a 66. It damned-near got me killed. Somehow, the firing pin bushing was pushed back into the frame. As the next round was fired, the primer backed up into that space and it locked up.

I bought a Python shortly thereafter and never looked back.

I was NOT a happy camper.


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  #56  
Old 12-30-2009, 01:59 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sigp220.45 View Post
This movie alone sold me on the Python:



I own one - a four incher like the one about to administer the penalty for pimping and bribing pictured above.

I own a boatload of Smiths but I do love my Python.
Yea, that movie got me hooked too and cost me some cash back in 74'.
Best part is I still have that Python I purchased. A 64' model with all the trimmings.
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  #57  
Old 12-30-2009, 02:35 PM
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Hey, Im not prejudiced. I got a couple myself. I have a almost unbeliveable story about that 2 1/2" nickle. If I may: It cost me brand new I think $165 tax inclued! January 1st, 1971. Jack First the gun parts guy at rapid city used to own "The Gunshop" at Lancaster, Calif.
Every year jack had a 5 day sale at the beginning of the year. Not the entire shop, but selected stuff from every catagory. It went like this: 1st day, 10% off, increaseing another 10% every day, untill the 5th day what was left was 50% off! It was a real circus every morning when he opened the shop! The day of jan 4th and that night we got the biggest snow storm I had ever seen on the high desert in the close to 40 years I lived there. Maybe a couple of feet on the level! The streets wasnt even plowed. That country doesnt have that much snow removel equipment.
Getting my truck on the road was hopeless. Finaly I bundled up and got my harley out! I bulldozed and walked it to the main road. One lane was open. I probley dropped it over in the soft high snow several times in the 10 miles to jacks but didnt hurt anything.
Very few people could make it that 5th morning and I bought that python for half price! I did similar for something like 15 or 20 years at Jacks annual sale. Bought probley 20 guns that way from jack, even a fine randall knife etc. I soon had Alphonso of hollywood custom make that rig for it. The belt shrunk a foot though!





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  #58  
Old 12-30-2009, 03:12 PM
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Merril, that is one of the best gotta-buy-that-gun stories I've ever heard.

Poor Clint - looks like shooting that Python is going to make him hurl!

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  #59  
Old 01-02-2010, 01:59 PM
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I have a 1964 2.5" Python and a 2.5" 686. Both have excellent triggers, but the Smith shoots like a rifle and recoils far less than the Colt. it is the one I carry. I also have a 4" Python and a 4" 586. The Colt has the better trigger and is more accurate. That being said, the model 27s are by far the best of the lot.
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  #60  
Old 01-02-2010, 03:31 PM
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Pythons look cool, but are not near as reliable as S&W. The double action "loads" differently than S&Ws.
IMO go for the Smith.
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  #61  
Old 01-02-2010, 04:48 PM
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Phils, maybe that reliability thing is in the luck of the draw? Read vemous1s account further back. I have both and have been luckys with both.
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  #62  
Old 01-02-2010, 05:40 PM
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I personally think the Smith and Wesson is the better fighting revolver. I find their double action pull easier to master. At one time you might have found some gunsmiths that could tune out the 'stacking' of a Python action but they're few and far between.
I tried using a six inch Python in police matches in the very late 70s. I shot up to expert scores with it, then tried a Smith and Wesson of a friend with a Bo-Mar rib on it and saw my scores jump 15 points just like that. It was then no mystery to me why I was the only shooter with a Colt out of 50 guys.
The Python served well in the sense I could use it for bowling pins with full house magnums but if the L frame had been on the market at the time I would have went that way.
If it were me, unless I was just hot for a Python I'd buy a 686, have the action tuned and shoot away.
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  #63  
Old 01-02-2010, 09:38 PM
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The first 357 Magnums I ever shot almost 30 years ago was my father's 4" Model 19 and my Uncle's 6" Python, which both of them still have. Both are VERY high quality. A few months ago, I shot the Python again, and the result was the same. You can't go wrong with either.

Myself personally, I am partial to the 4" Smiths. I bought a 4" 686 no dash about six years ago. It had a plain black rear sight. I ordered a white outline to replace it. I never shot it to check to see if it was sighted in. A few months later I had the opportunity to go to firearms instructor scool with my Dept. and got to take the 686.....and passed. Talk about a gamble.

Would I buy a Python....Yes I would...they are a wonderful piece of work. They are very over priced, due to the fact Colt doesn't make them anymore. If they did, the price probably would come down on the older ones, because everyone would buy new.

Both are high quality firearms....and you wouldn' be disappointed either way... I know I wouldn't be. With all the calibers to choose from, I feel the 357 Mag is the best ever created. Look at the popular models....Smith models 19, 27, 28, 66, 586, 686, Ruger SP101, GP100, and Colt Trooper, Python......nothing bad about any of them.

Last edited by kmfleming; 01-02-2010 at 10:19 PM.
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  #64  
Old 01-06-2019, 01:39 PM
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I realize that there are many newer threads discussing 'Python vs 686/586', but I think I enjoyed reading this one the most. The price changes are especially interesting, but also the heavy leaning in favor of the 686/586. That was 2009. Members seemed to have a more positive attitude toward the Python by the 2013/2017 thread I located.

I did my 'Python vs 686' search because I have been shooting a 686, but have a blued 1970 Python and a couple of blued N-frame .357's arriving soon. I've handled all the guns, just haven't taken possession of the Python and N-frames yet. As far as looks, the Python blued finish is really incredible. At the time I held the Python the shop also had a blued 27-2 and it was pretty amazing as well, but not as nice as the Python (in my opinion). Both guns were 98%+

As far as shooting, one thing I'm getting from these threads is that different examples of the same model can have very different action, so it might not matter at all what I discover with only one example of each gun. I have old, weak wrists and personally can't handle the 686 in double-action with .357 rounds. I'm hoping things will be better with the other guns.

Sorry if bringing up super-old threads is frowned upon (I don't know), but I enjoy spending a fair amount of time just reading through the old stuff in this forum, so there must be a few others who do the same.
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  #65  
Old 01-06-2019, 08:13 PM
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Holy Necro Thread Bump, Batman!!!
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  #66  
Old 01-06-2019, 08:36 PM
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I have a Python and several 686's. I love them all. The Python was my first handgun so it is a priceless gun, but it has been used, abused and beat to hell and still shoots great. I know probably 25k+ rounds. They each have their own positives and negatives so I try to love them both for what they are. Is one better than the other? Is a blonde better than a redhead? We all have our own taste. That's why there are menus at restaurants, we all don't want the same thing
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  #67  
Old 01-06-2019, 08:53 PM
mike campbell mike campbell is offline
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IMO, some of the posters in this thread might have been technical consultants for this cartoonist...

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  #68  
Old 01-06-2019, 08:53 PM
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Quote:
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Holy Necro Thread Bump, Batman!!!
I'm starting to feel proud of myself. You also just reminded me that I'm behind on 'Gotham. I'm feeling a binge night.
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  #69  
Old 01-06-2019, 10:00 PM
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I've always wanted a a python but this is how much they can sell for here in Australia . I'll keep my 686 and GP100 thanks.

[url=https://postimages.org/]

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Old 01-06-2019, 10:07 PM
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Zombie thread!

Bringing back the dead accepted and I'll add this little bit. I own a 1982 6" 586 no dash and a 1975 6" Python. I've shot these two guns side by side, rested off the bench at 25 yards for accuracy. Both are excellent shooters. However, the Python always wins, but not by a great deal.
OTOH: I have a 1953 6 1/2" pre-27 that'll out shoot 'em both.

With the current prices on Pythons, I just don't see where this is a legitimate question any more.

Last edited by Grayfox; 01-06-2019 at 10:09 PM.
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  #71  
Old 01-06-2019, 10:23 PM
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A friend let me shoot his Python a lot. It was a 6" type. One of the guys in my AF flight got a 4" 586. The 4" felt more muzzle heavy to me. If somebody was to give me one or the other, I'd take the Python. For what I've actually bought , N frame 2 to 1 over K and no L. ymmv
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Old 01-06-2019, 10:29 PM
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My 686 plus is my favorite handgun I own. Period. I wouldn’t trade it for a python. As nice as it shoots I probably wouldn’t trade it for two.
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  #73  
Old 01-06-2019, 10:34 PM
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Quote:
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Zombie thread!
......
OTOH: I have a 1953 6 1/2" pre-27 that'll out shoot 'em both.
I picked up my 1955 6 1/2 .357 this afternoon. I don't know the history of it so will have to wait for a gunsmith to check it out, but the double action dry fires almost identical to my 686.
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  #74  
Old 01-06-2019, 10:35 PM
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My ‘75 colt Python 357/6” barrel was awesome. I could ping any small rock on the 100yd berm. I traded it off to start a business i was dumb but the business made money.

I like my 357 Redhawk, 357 security six, my 357 s&w m28/m27 but still miss my Python.
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  #75  
Old 01-06-2019, 10:45 PM
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I've owned several pythons over the years. They're nice guns, but I feel they've become way overpriced. And actually even for the same price, I prefer the 686's. I've always felt the S&W lockwork is way stronger than the pythons.
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  #76  
Old 01-06-2019, 10:45 PM
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I currently own three 686's (2.5", 4", and 6") and have owned several others. Absolutely my favorite revolver model. I've never owned a Colt Python so I can't speak intelligently about them. I would like to own one, not to shoot, but just to show people. Kinda like a t-shirt I once saw that said "I show my friends my Kimber but I show my enemies my Glock"
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  #77  
Old 01-06-2019, 11:28 PM
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Hi,
Just in case anyone's interested in how these compare in terms of int'l level target competition, here is a nice photo chart that pits the Python, the 686, the 586, and a .S&W 14 up against each other. Ammo used is mostly match grade 38 Special.
All fired at 25M, offhand bullseye style, by a Swedish competitor.

I believe the results were published in Visier or one of the other Euro journals.

http://ake_nordin.ownit.nu/frilans/38special/index.html

Best Regards,
Jim
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  #78  
Old 01-07-2019, 02:58 AM
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Without actually measuring, it sort of looks like the Python May have slightly edged the M14. The 586’follows really closely. The 4” 686 is expected to be a little less accurate at that distance due to sight radius. From a Ransom rest, there shouldn’t be much difference. Interesting.
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Old 01-07-2019, 04:58 AM
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Default Python vs 686

I have one python and several 686s. The python is a beautiful handgun, and I will never sell it. That being said, I really dislike the way the python’s trigger stacks in double action. I’ve never been able to get used to it.
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Old 01-07-2019, 10:06 AM
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The Python's cylinder rotates clockwise. The 686 goes counter-clockwise. In the northern hemisphere, the force of the rotation of the earth assists the Python 's action, making it smoother.

Also, the Python has left hand rifling twist. This also takes advantage of the earth's rotation, and also explains why so many great curveball pitchers were left handed.

Of course, our military struggled with their issued Colts when empire building in the southern hemisphere, and for the same reason, little if any baseball is played south of the equator.

So that's why the Python is the more desirable handgun.

Last edited by Univibe; 01-07-2019 at 10:09 AM.
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Old 01-07-2019, 10:26 AM
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Pythons are great guns; I have owned a few over the years. I just prefer the L Frames (586/686). I currently do not own a Python but I have a 586-4 with 4" barrel and have had several L Frames, all with no problems whatsoever and were great shooters. The ongoing debate about Python's being fragile and going out of time quickly seems to be valid for some people. Also, there are very few Python gunsmiths left and the ones who work on them supposedly have long waiting periods. I would not trust sending a Python back to Colt to be worked on because just my luck they would go bankrupt (again!) and my gun would sit on a table somewhere for who knows how long. Just my opinion for what little value it is.
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Old 01-07-2019, 11:54 AM
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If you're going to use it for any form of defense you need to train with it. Training induces wear and tear on any machine, which requires periodic maintenance. Guns that are long out of production can be problematic in terms of obtaining spare parts and finding people really qualified to work on them. This is especially true for a gun like the Python. All of this, combined with the Pythons ridiculously prohibitive cost, removes it from contention as a practical weapon. The 686 is the clear choice. It's still in production and more easily and readily serviced. The Python has become a collectable safe queen.
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Old 01-07-2019, 01:39 PM
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I have 2 Pythons an 3 686’s. All in 4 inch I carried one of the Pythons on duty for 10 years. Love them all but the Pythons come up on top every time. That being said I mostly shoot a 66 or a 3” model 65 now.

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Old 01-07-2019, 03:32 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Univibe View Post
The Python's cylinder rotates clockwise. The 686 goes counter-clockwise. In the northern hemisphere, the force of the rotation of the earth assists the Python 's action, making it smoother.

Also, the Python has left hand rifling twist. This also takes advantage of the earth's rotation, and also explains why so many great curveball pitchers were left handed.

Of course, our military struggled with their issued Colts when empire building in the southern hemisphere, and for the same reason, little if any baseball is played south of the equator.

So that's why the Python is the more desirable handgun.
I agree, but you failed to discuss the how the moon phase factors in.
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Old 01-07-2019, 06:20 PM
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I've never cared for the looks or handling characteristics of the Colt Python or the L-frame 357 revolvers. All are unnecessarily muzzle heavy. And I thought S&W's going with a full-lug barrel at the time was just a blatant ripoff of the Colt Python's looks, sans the ventilated rib.

To me, the N-frame was a far superior platform to the 586/686 L-frame for .357 Magnum usage. And the K-frame Magnums, though inferior in durability to the L-frame, have the L-frames beaten hands down in carry ability.

I know there are a lot of you who favor the L-frame. To each their own!
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  #86  
Old 01-07-2019, 07:23 PM
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I've been playing with revolvers for 30 some years now and will say that my recent purchase of a 686-1 , after a good cleaning and new ejector rod and spring, is the slickest, smoothest, sharpshooting, rooting toting darn six shooter I've ever handled . I've got 4 686's of different configurations, but seriously, this thing is sweet.
$500 plus $150 in parts/new grips, and I am happier than snot.
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  #87  
Old 01-07-2019, 07:40 PM
oink oink is offline
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I recently acquired a 4" 686 after not having one for over 10 years. While I've had a 6" 686 since the 80s I'm kinda surprised how much I'm liking the 4". I don't remember liking it as much when I had one before. I did carry the original 4" on duty for several years but recall not liking it as much as the 66 I traded in on it. I then carried a 6" N frame for many years which may be why the 4" seems so small and light to me now.

I had a co-worker that carried a 6" Python. I have shot it several times. I never liked the stacking of the double action but that may be because Smiths is what I cut my teeth on.

As I recall Smithons were fairly common at one time. I haven't seen one in a good many years.

I kinda wish I had some snake guns in my safe but I still prefer the Smith action.
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Old 01-07-2019, 07:44 PM
Loyaljeeper Loyaljeeper is offline
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I didn’t even see the fascination with Pythons 20 years ago when they were under $500. I certainly don’t see the appeal of them now.
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  #89  
Old 01-07-2019, 10:08 PM
cowboy4evr cowboy4evr is offline
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I don't own a python . Have all Smiths . That said , if I could afford a python I would buy one . I have never been one to just go on what others say . I need to find out for myself . That said , I truly think Colt will come back with the Python . It won't be the same as the older ones . They came back with the Cobra and I just have a strong feeling that a Python is " in the works " . I have handled one , only once . It belonged to a guy that was a retired Az DPS officer . He told me that when he was in training one day at the range another trainee walked up to him and asked if he wanted to trade his Smith model 19 for the other guys Python . He made the trade , carried the Python his entire LE career . It is in real need of some TLC now . The right side finish is almost completely gone , but that Python is still his one and only , he trusts his life to it yet today . So , yes I am open minded about Pythons and their future . Regards , Paul
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Old 01-07-2019, 10:23 PM
gman51 gman51 is offline
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I have a 4" Python and I have a S&W 627-5. I had a Ruger GP100 Match Champion.
IMO the Python is a collector item. There will be no more made, the action is super and it is a beauty in its own right. It is like a Mona Lisa.

When I bought my 627-5 I was disappointed in the trigger action feel right out of the box. I adjusted the tension spring and oiled up the action and now I consider the action right up there with the Python though it does feel different.

I feel the Match Champion is like a tank centerfold. Beautiful and well built however I could not shoot it with great accuracy. I sold it after buying the 627.

I shot all three in a comparison shoot. For accuracy and feel the 627 was first then the Python very close 2nd and the Match Champion was last place in this match. For me gun to hand fit means it all for accuracy for me.

I will probably never sell the Python because it is sort of a Mona Lisa to me. I seldom shoot it but it is eye candy to me.

I have never shot or even held a 686 or a 27 or a 28. From what I have read all three are outstanding handguns. I believe the S&W 27 is probably the Python's greatest completion all around.

For really good quality shooter, keeping in mind the more affordable pricing, I would buy the S&W 686 or the Ruger GP100. Pricewise and all considered I believe the 686 or the GP100 would be the two highest ranking choices. The GP100 is considered the toughest most durable built 357 made today. The Python would be the safe queen for nostalgia and beauty. Occasional shooting just because you can.

I am not a fan boy of any gun brand. The brand isn't what I shoot or depend on. What meets my needs is what I am a fan boy of. That might be a Colt or S&W or Ruger or even a lesser expensive brand as long as it fulfills the need.
I heard so much about the FN 5.7 accuracy but I couldn't hit the barn door if I was standing inside the barn. It's all about what works for you not someone else.

I suggest if you can find a Python in fair to good condition for $800 that you jump on it. I seldom if ever see a Python going for that cheap. I am seeing decent looking so called shooters on GB priced around 2 grand right now. BTW The CEO of Colt has said they will not bring back the Python because the expense to make it today would be so great that few could buy one. Colt no longer has the gunsmiths of old to bring back the Python.

Last edited by gman51; 01-07-2019 at 10:30 PM.
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Old 01-07-2019, 10:41 PM
CheyenneBodie CheyenneBodie is offline
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I have a 6 inch Python and 6 inch 586. IMO the Python is more accurate especially with wadcutter ammo-- IIRC the twist of the Python barrel favors wadcutter ammo. The action of the Python does tend to "stack" slightly at the end of the DA pull--I prefer the Smith action. The Python is a pain in the "A" to work on and finding a good Pistolsmith that knows how to work on one very difficult. Additionally, spare parts getting hard to find too. The Smith is the better "working gun" for everyday use. Much less expensive, easier to work on, spare parts are everywhere to be found.
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  #92  
Old 01-07-2019, 11:42 PM
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Did you go to a Colt forum and ask the same question??
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  #93  
Old 01-07-2019, 11:44 PM
S&WIowegan S&WIowegan is offline
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I bought Pythons in the early to mid-90s because they were cool and I liked their look. I even shot a 4" in USPSA matches for a while. But, it became clear that Smiths were far better for gun games and tuning. My Pythons are safe queens now.
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  #94  
Old 01-08-2019, 12:33 AM
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I haven't yet received my Python, so maybe things will change, but...

My 1955 .357 magnum was delivered yesterday, I had it passed by a gunsmith this afternoon, I cleaned and lubed it shortly thereafter, I fired about 100 rounds of 357 158 grain through it an hour later, and I'm in love. To be fair, I gave my 686+ 14 rounds first. But there was something about the .357 magnum (I know it's correct, but it seems ambiguous to call it that?) that was just incredible. I immediately thought that a previous owner had done something special to the trigger, but maybe all pre-27's and '27's have that same special feeling? I'm truly a .357 newbie, so I'll lean on ignorance. Since I'm 60, hopefully you all will forgive me. How many of us get to go back to the excitement of youth at 60?

I had put a 1984 target grip on the 686 earlier, and it was too big for my hands, so I went back to the factory rubber grips. The pre-27 came with similar late 1950's target grips which I immediately replaced with period dark walnut service diamond magna grips. They look great but are too small. I'm starting to feel like Goldilocks. Even with my right palm wrapping around the bottom of the service grips, it was still a great experience. I planned on shooting two cylinders worth, but ended up shooting a box of Fiocchi and a box of Black Hills, then two cylinders of PMC 38 special. The 38's were like throwing darts (if you are good at that). It felt like shooting my old Ruger single-six 22.

I'm a very happy guy right now. I can't imagine what introducing the Python into the equation will do, but that should happen this Friday. Honestly, as happy as I was with the Python deal, I would give it back right now - there just isn't any need for a Python. But listen to me Friday and I'll look like a flip-flopping moron.

edited to add: By the way, L vs N frame didn't matter much, but the thickness of the forcing cone was hugely larger in the N-frame. I would guess the larger N-frame was part of why I liked the .357 magnum so much.

Last edited by runscott; 01-08-2019 at 12:39 AM.
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  #95  
Old 01-08-2019, 02:23 AM
JFrames4ever JFrames4ever is offline
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I own both. My Python was built in 77. I will never sell it cause it can't be replaced. It was my primary shooting 38/357 for many years. I've heard a lot about Pythons being delicate, but after 10's of thousands it is still in good time and scary accurate. I have 5 different 686s and 686+s . My Python is the sexiest revolver I own but has I big problem for any competition which requires reloading on the clock. The ejector rod is too short to clear even 38 cases. My 386+ 2 1/2 inch suffers the same problem. All my other 686s have 3 inch or longer barrels, so have ejector rod are long enough. As far as comparing actions and triggers they are different. I love them both, but they are different. I like apples, and I like oranges. I like blonde, and I like brunettes
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  #96  
Old 01-08-2019, 04:19 AM
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Love the Python, but I own and shoot my 586 and 686's.
Owner and shooter...



Now this is a work of Art.

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  #97  
Old 01-08-2019, 01:39 PM
Jim Watson Jim Watson is online now
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Just to add to a nine year thread...

I own both.

In 1978 I was shooting PPC where the standard outfit was a bull barreled Bomar ribbed K frame for Open and a smoothed up but otherwise stock K38 for Distinguished.
Several of us here concluded that we could shoot both events with a Python, heavier than a K38 and with a smooth light trigger from the Colt Custom Shop. That worked very well, no complaints.
Some years later I shot IPSC Revolver for a while, loads much heavier than target wadcutters and semiwadcutters. The old snake shot them with aplomb, no loss of fit or timing. Its only weakness was a demand for Federal primers, more sensitive under its "raftered" mainspring.

So when I got into IDPA and needed a four inch gun for SSR, I traded a German automatic for another Python and sent it to Reeves Jungkind for tuning. It did OK but I got sucked into the moon clip fad. A sawn off M25-2 was kind of hefty, so I had a 686 converted and tuned. The long skinny .38s did not clip load all that well, so I went back to speedloaders and concluded that the Smith was faster shot to shot than the Colt.

A couple of years ago, I ran side by side by side by side tests.
Python, M68 K, M686 L, and M25 N.
The Python is accurate but the long pull and soft reset make the splits slower. The M25 is great on the clip reload but heavy to swing.
It is a tossup between the K and L. I think the L better with older power factor 125 loads but the K is very handy and soft shooting at the present 105 power factor, which is about like a wadcutter.

Gunsmithing has marched on; 40 years ago a tuned Colt trigger was unbeatable (a stock Colt stacks like mad, which I do not like) but now you can get better in a Smith.
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  #98  
Old 01-08-2019, 02:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Watson View Post
Just to add to a nine year thread...
Killing things that were brought back to life is what the Python was about starting in 2010 when Rick began shooting zombies. Once this one is dead again, I promise not to bring it back for at least another five years.

(edited to add: I have never seen the zombie t.v. show, so I am only assuming it's all true)
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Old 01-08-2019, 02:37 PM
RMFnLA RMFnLA is offline
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Another party I am late to, but here's my $0.02:

The 6" Python is my hands-down favorite pistol for handling, especially for full-house .357 magnum DA shooting. I carried one in nickel with Mustang combat grips for years and couldn't have been happier.

That being said, that Colt action is significantly less-robust than any modern S&W, especially the cylinder stop and trigger block.

Also, Colt never made target or combat triggers for these, nor colored sight inserts or white outine blades; if you wanted such touches you had to go custom or, in some cases, aftermarket.

It also wasn't available in stainless until almost the end of it's production life.

That 6" cost $300 new, BTW; the insane prices today are the final straw as to why the 686 makes vastly more sense.
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  #100  
Old 01-08-2019, 03:50 PM
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I don't get how the L-frame could have been S&W's answer to the Python. The L-frame is larger. It also came out 26 years after the Python. You'd think Smith & Wesson would have had an answer sooner than that. The Python was Colt's flagship. S&W already had a flagship (357 Magnum/Model 27) two decades before the Python.

I believe Colt was trying to up it's game to compete on the high end without directly taking on the Model 27. Seems more logical to me.

The L-frame, as many here already know, was meant to provide a more compact 357 than the N-frame and to give more durability than the K-frame. Also, the L-frame is not considered S&W's flagship so there is no direct comparison.
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