I have a chance to buy a Colt Python

Ghost Magnum

Ghost Magnum

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I found a new Colt Python on my way to the range yesterday.
The gun clubs owner has it in stock and will hang on to it if I put a little down. It’s a 4.25 model. I always wanted a python. But I always wondered how one would compare to my 686 plus pro series revolver. I wasn’t able to buy it yet. But I can tell the revolver earned it hefty price tag. The gun is a work of art. I’m going to see if I can somehow afford to get it in layaway or something.
This gun It’s prettier than my former crush. I’m sure it won’t be a disappointment.
 
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The new Pythons are awesome revolvers. But comparing it to the Smith is apples and oranges…not disrespecting either but you have to compare each on its own merits and how each fits your hand.

I don’t think you would be sorry if you do buy it in any way…but they’re not rare. If you pass this one up there will be more down the road.
 
The new Pythons are IMHO the best currently made Revolver available! While the vintage S&W 586/686 revolvers are absolutely great, (I do own one myself) I would only consider a vintage model if I were to purchase a 586/686 today.

The new production Python's are arguably better made (strength-wise) than the originals. I have a few friends who bought them recently and they are great Revolvers! I have been thinking about buying one myself. ;)
 
SnidelyWhiplash said:
The new Pythons are awesome revolvers. But comparing it to the Smith is apples and oranges…not disrespecting either but you have to compare each on its own merits and how each fits your hand.

I don’t think you would be sorry if you do buy it in any way…but they’re not rare. If you pass this one up there will be more down the road.
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly. I love my Pythons, but that doesn't mean I couldn't have and like a 686, or a Model 19, or a Ruger Security-Six at the same time. I've never thought one was "better" than the other, just different. That's all.

Are they worth the heafty price? Only you can answer that question. I told myself for years they weren't but I didn't have the money then to buy one anyway. Now that I've got a couple of them, I still don't think they're any "better" but I sure think they're "worth it."
 
Ghost Magnum said:
I found a new Colt Python on my way to the range yesterday.
The gun clubs owner has it in stock and will hang on to it if I put a little down. It’s a 4.25 model. I always wanted a python. But I always wondered how one would compare to my 686 plus pro series revolver. I wasn’t able to buy it yet. But I can tell the revolver earned it hefty price tag. The gun is a work of art. I’m going to see if I can somehow afford to get it in layaway or something.
This gun It’s prettier than my former crush. I’m sure it won’t be a disappointment.
Click to expand...

Current S&W revolvers are the best they've ever been...and I'm sure there are many who will argue that. The New Python is beyond that and then some! I have the 4.25" and if I could afford it I'd have the 3" and 6" as well. The guns are exquisite in operation and mechanical perfection. In a lifetime of handling double-action revolvers of all brands, types, and eras, I've never pulled through a double-action trigger to equal that of my current Python and that goes super-triple for the previous Python with it's concrete stacked DA trigger pull!
 
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Old Python vs. new Python. Python vs. 586/686. The debate goes on. Here is an older Python (1972) and an early 586 (1982). Both great revolvers. I'm not jumping into the fray, and I've not handled a new Python, but most would admit they're both beauties.
 

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Thank y’all. A Python was always a top choice for double action revolvers. They wasn’t available when I entered the market. Even if they were I was way to young to afford one. So I got a used smith. Then a Ruger GP100. Then I worked my way up to a 586. After a few years and some overtime I managed to buy my favorite 686 plus pro series revolver. Even at that time a Python wasn’t available. My gun wasn’t available. But I didn’t attend to accidentally revive the old L-frame vs Python debate. It was mostly about if this expensive Python would compare to my current revolver. 6 shots vs 7. Moon clips vs speed loaders.
My 686 plus pro series is like a Camaro ZL1. The Python is like a very, very good Shelby replica with a real 427 Fe with some upgrades. But still some old school limitations.
 
Ken Hackathorn and Bill Wilson agree with the
consensus here but they do have criticisms of
the new Python which I also have noted in
postings. That is, the rear sight sucks and needs
replacement, the SA is not too good and the
trigger needs to be smooth and rounded for
good DA work.

Wilson and another company are making
sight replacements and I guess it wouldn't take
too much work to pull the trigger and smooth
it up for better DA work.

The gun was made for DA work so the SA
pull really doesn't matter if you are into
always DAing.
 
I wouldn't be hesitant to buy one of the new Pythons if I was looking for a new .357 revolver. They may very well be an improvement over the original ones in several ways, but I never found the older guns to be problematic. I had two 6" guns for many years. Both were fired regularly and always worked fine despite their alleged fragility in comparison with S&W revolvers.

The fascination and desirability is certainly there for the older Pythons; I just never figured out why unless it was looks and the fact that the originals were out of production - two big factors in spurring many to seek out guns for purchase.

Neither of my Pythons was any more accurate than two .3-5-7 model Colts I have also had for many years. I suspect the .3-5-7 guns would outshoot the Pythons but I never did a side-by-side benchrest comparison, so I can't say that with absolute certainty.

I sold both Pythons in the last year and miss neither, but kept the .3-5-7 models. If a new Python will shoot as accurately as either of my .3-5-7s, it would be worth having, I think. I realize accuracy is not a big deal to many these days, but I know it remains important to serious revolver shooters.
 
If you buy the new python , be sure to order the .050 allen wrench for rear sight adjustments . I disagree with the " experts " about the rear sight and the SA/DA trigger pull . I have a new python and have zero complaints . It is a work of art and quality . I have an older model trooper 4" , the one made right after Colt dropped the label 3-5-7 and started calling them " trooper " . It is as accurate as my new python . I did have my old school gun smith completely disassemble it , clean and oil . It did make a difference in the trigger pull for D/A . Your opinions might differ , good luck , Regards Paul
 
cowboy4evr said:
If you buy the new python , be sure to order the .050 allen wrench for rear sight adjustments . I disagree with the " experts " about the rear sight and the SA/DA trigger pull . I have a new python and have zero complaints . It is a work of art and quality . I have an older model trooper 4" , the one made right after Colt dropped the label 3-5-7 and started calling them " trooper " . It is as accurate as my new python . I did have my old school gun smith completely disassemble it , clean and oil . It did make a difference in the trigger pull for D/A . Your opinions might differ , good luck , Regards Paul
Click to expand...

Made me think a bit after reading your post...I also have an older model 4" Trooper .357 from about 1968. It shoots well. I've had it a long time and they were no more than $400 guns (if in excellent condition) when I bought mine. I don't know what they sell for nowadays, but I might consider another Trooper in place of a new Python. I doubt you could go wrong with either and maybe the Trooper would be a little cheaper.
 
The problem with the new Python’s single-action trigger pull is due to having to comply with the CA drop test. It’s not that Colt can’t ship them with a SA pull that will make customers even more happy with the gun…it’s that once a gun is shipped to distributors Colt has no control where it ends up from there so all their Pythons have to be compliant to the rules in the most restrictive state.

There are a few gunsmiths that can give you a SA trigger you will orgasm over…but not in CA.

The new King Cobra series doesn’t get the same complaints…presumably due to being a smaller frame and somewhat different trigger geometry even though the same basic design. The new Anaconda being an enlarged Python design…seems to have an even better trigger due again to geometry.
 
cowboy4evr said:
If you buy the new python , be sure to order the .050 allen wrench for rear sight adjustments . I disagree with the " experts " about the rear sight and the SA/DA trigger pull . I have a new python and have zero complaints . It is a work of art and quality . I have an older model trooper 4" , the one made right after Colt dropped the label 3-5-7 and started calling them " trooper " . It is as accurate as my new python . I did have my old school gun smith completely disassemble it , clean and oil . It did make a difference in the trigger pull for D/A . Your opinions might differ , good luck , Regards Paul
Click to expand...

The pile on mentality exists.
 
I’ve been shooting Pythons a lot over the last few years and have grown to really appreciate them for what they are. And I don’t get into the comparisons between my Smiths as they’re different animals.

Here’s my little herd which includes a new 3”. I did add the WC rear site since the pic was taken but have only shot it sparingly so far (it’s winter in MI!).

c25f3105a4512d8ac774ad49d593fef3.jpg


789ae5aca7cd69be341ca3667f5b23c1.jpg



c8e69008900f4a05012eda5f0e2dec66.jpg
 
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This is a cool thread about a cool gun.:cool: I've read with great interest the above posts on the new Python's rear sight as being less than satisfactory and the correct size Allen key required to move/adjust it. I do have 2 questions: Am I supposed to move the rear sight and why would I do that? :D:D Sorry, people, just couldn't help myself! All good wishes!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
 
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