Hypothetical question:
You have 2 grand in your pocket at a gun show. Walk up to a table, the guy has a 4.25", 6" 2020 Python AND a very nice used 5" 627 of 1989.All priced around $1500-$1600. Which one do you get? Not for collecting, strictly for plain ol' fun 357 shooting.I have no idea which one would come home with me. Have wanted a 627 forever, but also would like to have a new Python to make up for the years since my 6" Python was stolen.

My friend and I discussed a similar scenario. While I'm interested in the new Python as someone who has always wanted one but couldn't afford one in time before the price boom, I have to ask will the new Python be that much more of a performer versus my 6864-4 or my Colt Trooper (First gen)? Obviously comparing an old python I feel would be an improvement in some ways because of the build and finishing processes but I imagine those aren't used anymore. Id really have to handle and shoot one first to see if there is enough to motivate me or make me want to sell off some guns.

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For me that would be a very simple decision; the five inch S&W 627 would be chosen as a shooter. I had a five inch S&W 625 that I gave to my son and am always happy to borrow that gun. He also got the Python I bought pre-owned in 1985 as a graduation gift that I do not miss at all. A five inch N frame is a well balanced joy to shoot!

The last batches of Colt Pythons were everything but spectacular shooters and Colt has to prove in 2020 that they can still build a decent revolver.

I would buy the Colt Python 357Mag. I have never owned a Colt,
this Stainless Steel Colt Python 4.25bbl 357Mag
is something I would be interested in.

Since you threw in the Scenario of being at a Gun Show I would
be looking for a New in the Box S&W Mountain Gun in 41Rem Mag
or the S&W 625 45Colt SDS Classic in 5"bbl.

The other thing is, I want to hear or see real owners Range Tests,
not some spokesperson that had priviaged rights to shoot the
first Python (that probably special care was taken in putting it
together).

Don't get me wrong I'm excited about the New Shootable Reintroduced
Colt Python 357Mag. I shoot a lot, and just want something that
stays in time. My S&Ws and Single Actions have done me well.

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	SW 686 357mag target.jpg (3.6 KB, 470 views)

Simple answer...S & W is no longer making the 627-0 and Colt should be making new Pythons for a while. So I would get the former (at about $1200 ), and save up another hypothetical $2000 at my leisure for the new Python, over the course of the next 6-12 months.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

If I was going to spend that kind of money I would look for an 8 shot pre lock 627.

Or a pre-27 or 27-nothing...

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

If the decision has to be made today, the 627 -- it's a known quantity.

If the decision can wait until legitimate reviews of the new Python emerge and it's proven to be quality, a 4.25" mid-size revolver is more my speed.

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Pickpocket

My thoughts exactly.

I'm somewhat excited about the new Python, but I wouldn't trade my 3.5" 27-2 for one unless it was purely monetary and I planned to get another M27.

And I'm still very much waiting to see if the Python's timing issues are fixed.

Absolutely NOTHING say Love like a S&W N-frame. (I have 5 currently and always looking to adopt more!)

My dad and older brother are/were Colt guys and had Dick Specials and Diamondbacks. Then dad bought a 22RF 6" Diamondback in the 90's, the only way you could hit a barn with it was to be standing inside!

They came over to the "Light" side of the Force, and between them bought about 60 S&W's before dad passed 2 years ago!

Ivan

Python.I never cared much for a 27 in stainless

Given your parameters, I would go with the Python, but only because N-frames don't really fit me well. L-frame is about the largest size I'd go with, so the Python would be going home with me.

Unless I stumbled across a LTT Beretta 92 or PX4 at this gun show. Or a nice 1911. Or a 640ND. Or a Browning Hi-Power. Or a...

I would never consider trading my 5 1/2" Model 627-0 for the fanciest version of what ever Colt cobles together for new .357 double actions. Colt has a track record of making one DA model after another with DA pulls that are inferior to S&W's old design. While it's not quite as bad as S&W naming new autos M&P and Victory, recycling the Python name does not make Colt's new effort similar to their old V mainspring revolvers. It may turn out to be Colt's best DA yet but that has to be proven.

I'd rather answer a different question, if I was choosing one to own for life would I pick my 627-0 or an excellent condition old Python? Without a doubt I'd keep my 627-0. If I was only buing to resell then it would be different. Many a monkey would trade more than one of his best bananas for an excellent condition old Python. However, that has absolutely nothing to do with what the price of used 2020 "Pythons" will be when everyone who looks can easily find a used one for sale.

I will need to revert to my Range Master in the police academy, a grizzled, old USMC vet from numerous WW2 Island landings. "I would rather have a mother in a cathouse than a partner with a Colt revolver". Of course he was old school......

Tough question. I have a 6.5" pre-model 27 and it is weighted and balanced better for me than my 6" Python, and I have not been too crazy about the 5" N-frame Heavy Duties I've shot.

Now, if the question was would I rather spend $750 on a 6" 686-6 or $1,499 on a 6" 2020 Python, I would take the 686 and pocket the difference. Both have similar frames and I have often compared my 686 to my Python. I like them both - they are just different. It would be much more interesting to compare a new 686 to a new Python as I'm very curious what that extra $750 is buying me.

Being this is the S&W Forum and I am prejudiced (toward quality guns), I'd take the 1989 627 over a 2020 python or earlier model as none of them interest me other than maybe buy low, sell high. I've said this before, I wish I had all the snake guns I've owned so I could sell for the ridiculous (especially python) prices they are today...
To those that are happy with them, I am glad for you.

Well you're talking a used gun vs a new gun . They both weigh about the same and only 3/4" diff in barrel length . They both have the shorter cylinder so using the Keith 173gr swc is out unless crimped over the front driving band in a 357 case or you can crimp in the crimp groove if used in a 38 special case . Both are stainless and pretty close in size . I'd probably go with the Smith 627 in 5" as they are pretty hard to find . The Colt in less than a year will be an easy find / purchase . Regards, Paul

I think I’d get another 627-0. I was fortunate to find the one I have for 8 bills (total) 27 months ago.

I was then fortunate, again when my son found a deal for me on a 1981-vintage Python (6” bbl) about 18 months ago.

As someone said previously, they ain’t making any more 627-zeros!... Pythons, new and old, can be readily had.

-Bill

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Veteran Paratrooper, '86-'90

Man, that's just too easy. That new Python will be around for quite awhile. That Smith is a rare-bird, by comparison. Long ago, when divorce required offing a lot of my 'fun' guns....the 6" 627 is one that I do miss.

This is a S&W Forum . I am a S&W guy ( ok , certain Rugers also ) . But...

For $1500-ish in a common cal , my mental algebra will have to include collectability and appreciation, or personal cravings . Too many good shooters in .357 for half the money to suspend disbelief . I don't crave 627's .

Python , even though I would prefer to shoot the 627 .

My ‘75 colt python 357/6” in royal blue was the best revolver in 357 I ever owned, I’d like a new one but in blue or nickel finish. My python could ping small rocks on the 100 yd berm with my 140 gr jhp reloads. I haven’t tried my Redhawk, m28, m27-2 yet. The python sets the bar really high. The action on my older python reminds me of my s&w k38 actions they are very smooth too. I did notice by lubing my newer n frames with moly it did smooth out the actions. Not like my python but more acceptable than it was.

Someone mentioned the colt trooper. My brother had the colt trooper while I had the python. I liked the trooper too.

I think that colt is going to focus on the commercial handgun market now that the ar15 is off the list.

My ruger’s are for shooting, my s&w and colts get shot less, safe queens.

Back in the day (late 70's, early 80's) I had 3 Pythons, the 4 inch I carried on duty which had an armaloy finish and was magna-ported, another 4 inch in electroless nickel I loaned to my brother, and a 6 inch blue. All 3 had the snot shot out of them and we never experienced a timing issue with any of them. I think that was a make believe problem dreamed up by people who championed other brands.

I like Smith & Wesson, but there is not a single gun they make at the moment that I would spend my money on. I like the older revolvers from the 70's and 80's. I will never spend money on a revolver with a lock. I like the first and second generation autos. Never found a third generation I liked. I've taken several in on trade but just didn't care for them. And I tried! I really wanted to have a serious relationship with a 4006. Just couldn't get along with it.

I intend to buy one of the new Pythons with a 6 inch barrel as soon as I can find one. Just looking at the pictures posted on here by a forum member of the one he bought I can tell that the finish of the stainless is way better than any stainless ever offered by Smith & Wesson. That alone shows attention to detail and craftsmanship.

I would buy the Python. If you're gonna buy an N-Frame, buy one in a caliber more substantial than .357.

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Expect no quarter.

To me, from my experience with Colt products, they're overpriced. Period. Do they make a good gun ? Sure. Do they make such a good gun that it costs twice as much ( or more ) than another similar gun ? Not to me.

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1st smiles,lies.Last,gunfire.

I have and appreciate both equally for what they bring to the table. My 627-0 is very smooth after have thousands of rounds run through it and having the Performance Center tuning it, but I am confident my new Python will be as smooth after as many rounds.

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213th FBINA

? Now go ask that question on the Colt forum.

Oh, and definitely the 627.

Neither. If all I was looking for was a .357 Magnum Revolver to take to the range, then I'd get something cheaper like a Ruger GP100 or a Taurus 66.

If I wanted a fancy luxury .357 Magnum then I'd spring for a new Beretta Manurhin MR73.

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Shooting Comfort is bilateral.

In the year and a half since the OP posted (with 12 extra pages worth of posts) I don't see he ever decided. Probably the 627 is long gone, but he can still get a new Python.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Reviving an older thread...I'd get the Smith over a new Python, which leaves me cold. Laminated stocks? I don't think so.

Interesting proposal and almost a paradox these days.

Pre-2020 Pythons are the definition of safe queens and collectible value based on condition, box, finish etc. In the last few decades, the Python almost always brought to mind value instead of how it handled at the range.

With the 2020 Python, Colt took away the coveted status with a slightly re-designed Python and gave us a beautifully unique shooter with a hint of the old mystique.

Since the Op mentioned "plain ol' fun 357 shooting" and not collecting, my money would go to the 2020 Python so I could shoot it 'til my wrist is limp without thinking about lost value.

However, more than the 627 or the Python, we can't overlook the very best part of his scenario... You're at a gun show with 2 grand in your pocket to spend! That's the best part!

Have fun!

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Best Regards,
Mark