I'm just a novice compared to most of you guys, but I'll chime in! I only own (13) handguns total and only (3) are S&W's. However, there is one Colt Python in the group. Its a 4" blue manufactured in 1967 and is like new. I bought it at a small community estate auction in 2001 for $250!!!!! Since the purchase, its been fired less than (20) rounds! Its so damn pretty its strictly a safe queen! So my advice would be to buy a Smith, Ruger, or whatever if you intend to shoot it.