What's up with the Pythons

[loc n load]

Pythons

I think the pythons and diamond backs are classic designs and are great looking revolvers & testament to Colt's ability to produce beautiful revolvers, having said that.....I have been a "revolver mechanic" since the early 70's and was an agency armorer for decades.....there are reasons why you did not see Colt revolvers dominating the law enforcement market, PPC matches, the bullseye matches, pin shoots, IPSC , ISHMA revolver, etc....the fellow who was my mentor as a armorer had been in the trade since the 40's and worked on thousands of Colt's and Smith's. He always made jokes abt the Colt's and their innards....they were the "big hammer" guns in his vernacular.
I've owned them, shot them and fixed them....but the vast majority of my revolvers are Smith & Wessons and most of my 1911's are Colt's. As far as spending a couple of thousand of dollars for a python....they can have them as far as I am concerned & leave the Smith's for me.

 

[gkitch]

The Python was a status symbol especially for some police officers. Carrying one denoted an elite status, if you will.

In the mid-80s, I was working with a couple of fellow lawmen in Georgia to round up some various folks who had sold drugs to an undercover narcotics agent (me). The city cop was a die-hard S&W man and he was obviously good friends with the county deputy who sported a 4" Python. They bantered about their choices incessantly. I will never forget how the deputy very dryly stated, "the reason S&W started making their guns out of stainless steel is that they conducted a marketing survey and found out that a lot of people were using them as trot-line weights".

 

[BigBill]

Please kill the snakes. Colts are not what there cracked up to be. Do to p1ss poor workmanship I'm not really into Colts anymore.(1911/pythons) beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. It's only skin deep. I been there, done the Colt thing. I can't afford to keep on paying top dollar for a lesser quality gun. When I lose money once I write that product off. When I lose money on three guns of the same brand now there's a gap in my wallet where my money once was and that spot in my safe is empty. But now thirty years later the s&w's are filling the empty spaces finally.
Stay with the s&w's don't drop the big money on the lesser quality colt guns. The snakes did nothing for me when they weren't reliable. I wish I had the chance to slam the colt garbage on there CEO's desk. After working for one of the top ten engineering groups in the country and doing R&D plus life testing before the products went into the field I learned a lot how some companies just push junk out. When colt cut back costs the quality control dept went first. Think about it. I had three guns I couldn't ccw carry which that's why I purchased them in the first place. These were made for paper weights or throwing.

I can purchase two or three s&w's to the cost of one over priced python.

I'll pass. I've had rugers for 35 years now. I just got into s&w's. Sorry I took so long. The scalpers during the dirty Harry era turned me off on the s&w revolvers. But I'm buying a quality s&w that I know will work if my life depends on it.

Don't let the good looks empty your wallet. If you own the s&w N Frame in 357 mag you have the best already.

 

[Dennis The B]

The Python was a status symbol especially for some police officers. Carrying one denoted an elite status, if you will.

In the mid-80s, I was working with a couple of fellow lawmen in Georgia to round up some various folks who had sold drugs to an undercover narcotics agent (me). The city cop was a die-hard S&W man and he was obviously good friends with the county deputy who sported a 4" Python. They bantered about their choices incessantly. I will never forget how the deputy very dryly stated, "the reason S&W started making their guns out of stainless steel is that they conducted a marketing survey and found out that a lot of people were using them as trot-line weights".

In the 1970's, we played a lot of softball at the local FOP lodge field. Of course, a lot of cops played on various teams. There were several Jefferson County (Kentucky) police detectives who carried 4" nickel Pythons as their side arms. It was a definite status piece for a lot of guys. This was at a time when standard issue for detectives was a S&W Model 19/66 2.5".

 

[Hapworth]

Please kill the snakes. Colts are not what there cracked up to be. Do to p1ss poor workmanship I'm not really into Colts anymore.(1911/pythons) beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. It's only skin deep. I been there, done the Colt thing. I can't afford to keep on paying top dollar for a lesser quality gun. When I lose money once I write that product off. When I lose money on three guns of the same brand now there's a gap in my wallet where my money once was and that spot in my safe is empty. But now thirty years later the s&w's are filling the empty spaces finally.
Stay with the s&w's don't drop the big money on the lesser quality colt guns. The snakes did nothing for me when they weren't reliable. I wish I had the chance to slam the colt garbage on there CEO's desk. After working for one of the top ten engineering groups in the country and doing R&D plus life testing before the products went into the field I learned a lot how some companies just push junk out. When colt cut back costs the quality control dept went first. Think about it. I had three guns I couldn't ccw carry which that's why I purchased them in the first place. These were made for paper weights or throwing.

I can purchase two or three s&w's to the cost of one over priced python.

I'll pass. I've had rugers for 35 years now. I just got into s&w's. Sorry I took so long. The scalpers during the dirty Harry era turned me off on the s&w revolvers. But I'm buying a quality s&w that I know will work if my life depends on it.

Don't let the good looks empty your wallet. If you own the s&w N Frame in 357 mag you have the best already.

Not to sound flip, and not questioning your experience at all, but that's a lot of perhaps well-earned vitriol without any explanation. What happened?

As far as Colt quality control, it's generally accepted even among Colt enthusiasts that as the company glidepathed toward bankruptcy starting in the late '70s and reaching a crisis by the early '90s, QC indeed nose-dived.

 

[rwsmith]

I'll bet that in twenty years

I'll bet that in twenty years the 686 will be as much in demand as the Python is now.

To tell the truth, I never thought Pythons were so good looking. I'd like to see how they look without the ventilated rib.

 

[71firebird400]

I truly prefer my Colt's (Shooting Master and a number of Pythons) to my S&W's but it is all subjective. The Colt's may require a bit more maintenance to the hand, but that is due to their lockup design. It is true the Pythons keep going up in price, and I think this gets folks riled up, but it's just the way things go. I don't hold the high prices a Registered Magnum or Triple Lock demand against those guns; it's just what they're worth. I have noticed the S&W Forum for the most part is particularly bitter towards the Python.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Some Colt revolver slamming going on big time in this thread without providing much if any specific detail on personally owned guns!

Guess it's a good thing they are not in current production.

Not a Python but these are following the same path and quickly going higher in "value"...as are all Colt revolvers.


Anaconda...another one of my favorites.

Of course I like S&W as well.

 

[quinn]

I guess I must be an incredibly fortunate guy. I own 2 Pythons and one Registered Magnum. I paid 3x as much for the one RM as I did for both Pythons total. Course, I've owned the snakes for a few years. Still, inflation or appreciation? The RM cost $60 new.

 

[arjay]

Ive been chasing S&W revolvers for about 10 years along with Colt 1911s,but these 3 managed to sneak in.

 

[canvsbk]

I just can't take it anymore. The Python prices are insane so tomorrow I'm going to deliver this one to its new owner. I hate safe queens anyway.

 

[gen3guy]

Marketing 101. The Colt Python is a unique, attractive, and very well made revolver. Are they that much better than the Smiths? Probably not, but people (mainly collectors) are paying premium prices for them and every time they change hands, there's a mark-up. If some fool offered you $3000 for your 586 you'd take it, right? The only Colt in my collection is a 1911. I have many Smith & Wessons. Advantage, Smith & Wesson.

 

[model70hunter]

I'll bet that in twenty years the 686 will be as much in demand as the Python is now.

To tell the truth, I never thought Pythons were so good looking. I'd like to see how the look without the ventilated rib.

Find a PIC of a Colt 3-5-7. It's a Python without the "Cobra's hood" vent rib.

 

[Brian41]

I had a nickel Python Target once. It was a nice gun and shot well and was 38 special only. I had to sell it when I was down and out and they do sell for a premium today.
That said I sold my other Colts too a few years ago as my interest has been S&Ws and never did warm up to Colt's DA although my Python had one of the best SA I ever shot.
Colts are nice guns but way expensive. Seems my S&Ws are getting that way too now.

 

[zirrow]

The gun is featured prominently on a very popular TV show about zombies. Since it's cool to be prepared for the zombie apocalypse, demand has gone up, with the supply being fixed. It doesn't help that they went for a premium even before Rick Grimes started toting one around.

 

[model70hunter]

I own both Colt and S&W revolvers, with some Rugers and a neat High Standard Sport King from 1950 that I inherited from an uncle.

I see the value of each brand. Each had a certain niche.

I take a personal affront to those who, without experience, parrot the faults of any well made gun or brand with gusto and blindness.

I have owned 4 Pythons and still own one in 6". It is a very well made handgun. Period. One of the best mid frame 357's ever.
I carried a 4" Nickel as a deputy sheriff. Did I trust my life with it, yes.
I shot it a lot. It never went out of time.

I have not owned a 586, but guided my Dad into purchasing a no dash 6" a long time ago. I shot it a lot. I loved it. My Brother inherited it and also bought a Nickel 4" with the "M" mark. I have shot both of these many times. I will say the 586 is one of the best made mid frame 357's ever. If I had carried one as a LE would I have trusted my life with it. Yes.

I bought last 3 Pythons before the prices followed Jack up the bean stalk. I sold 2 of them to buy S&W revolvers before they headed for Colt prices.

Below are several links, one might read them for educational purposes.

Several well known names think very highly of the Python. Folks with vast experience, folks who do did not gain their claim to fame by parroting internet hearsay, folks who have been to the well.

Do I like Colt Pythons, yes. Do I like the 586, yes. Each has a place, how can one think either is better? Lots of apples and orange comparisons by the unknowledgeable.

I do think that S&W (Wow on the RM it may be the high dollar pack leader) is following Colt price wise? Yes. Both are becoming very expensive pieces.

Would I buy a 586 4" Nickel? Yes if the price is right, but then I have a 4" 19-3 and it seems to work ok.

Check out the links, see if the learned folks are those who's credentials are bash worthy.

Is the Colt Python "delicate"? | Revolvers, Personal opinions, Gunsmithing | GrantCunningham.com

Review of the Finest Revolver Ever Made: the Colt Python - Guns.com

This review compares the 2, interesting the Python outscores the 586 except for conceal carry;
All Revolver Reviews | Gun Reviews

Our friend, Mr. Saxon Pig steps to the plate in this link;
Colt Python: Best .357Mag ever? - THR

If one still feels the need to bash read this article by Massad Ayoob on Grant Cunningham's link. It is full of name dropping, famous names. It also mentions little facts, like 100,000 through a Python.
GrantCunningham.com - Gunsmithing

If you have an urge to go inside your Python here's your plan;
http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/colt-python-revolver

I know S&W developed the 586/581 to provide a more durable 357 and used Colts mid frame idea. It was not only designed to compete with the Python pains were taken to make it more ergonomic, read K Frame size grips, more durable, and made with less skilled labor to make it readily affordable. Late too the game I do like what S&W has done.

Bottom line is I like Pythons, I appreciate their place in history, beauty, accuracy and durability. I also carry and use mine.

But, surprise, I carry my S&W 27-2 in 3.5" well over 80% of the time. My 629 MIM IL in 4" is my deer season backup and gets carried 2nd most.

Is that not crazy, me a die hard Colt lover carrying 2 S&W revolvers most of the time. Why? I also love S&W's.

 

[BigBill]

My my late 70's colt python was out of time. It was close to locking up but didn't lock up till the trigger was pulled.

My 1911 combat commander 45acp had feeding problems from the start.(late 70's)
I traded it in for a colt government series 70 model in nickel. Again feeding problems, loose sights happened so I traded it in for a new ruger redhawk when they were first offered. I gave up trying to own a functional reliable 1911 for many years. Then I purchased a new Springfield armory 1911 in 1990. It was in black park and had options. It would stove pipe one round per mag. I put it in the safe and forgot about it. Around '06 I purchased a Chinese norinco 1911 this was going to be my last 1911 if it didn't function.
Well the norinco showed me what all the 1911 hype was about. What an awesome pistol when it functions properly. I wanted to build it. I purchased every DVD, vhs educational video out there from Wilson combat, agi, & Jerry K 1911 book and videos. I ate, slept with everything hungry for the knowledge on how to tune, build and repair them what to look for. I wanted to do a low budget builds using all cheap New parts. Just to see How accurate it could be.
I installed a USGI surplus barrel in my norc with a national match barrel bushing with a full length guide rod kit with the 18# recoil spring. I fitted the barrel so it has no spring in full battery and no spring when it toggles down to load the next round. In full battery it has 100% lockup. I left the rattle slide and frame rail fit alone. At the range at 25yards using Russian wolf 45acp ball ammo she shoots one clover leaf per 8rd mag. constantly. I haven't tried my target reloads yet. Now armed with the 1911 knowledge I remembered my new SA 1911 that's been growing roots in the safe for over a decade. I found the extractor to be unsprung. I ordered all the tools and fixtures to work on the 1911 slide and frame rails plus the extractor tools. I did all the tips on chamfering the bottom of the extractor. Now I took the extractor tool to reset the arc in the extractor. I then installed it in the empty slide and used the pull Gage so the extractor held the fired case firmly and within specs in the Jerry k book. The trip to the range went awesome. My new 1990 SA 1911 is now fully functional, reliable and dependable. It fully renewed my faith in 1911's.

I'm no gun Smith nor claim to be but as long as I can repair the guns I shoot I'm happy, happy. Now I can repair my 1911's.

Being a small engine, drag race engine builder, car/jeep mechanic, a machinest, a machine builder by trade, a lead engineering tech. I figured with all my years of experience on how things work and repairing them plus assisting in New designs and doing fabrication for r&d testing why not try to fix guns. My next build will be to build a complete brand new 1911. I have purchased the slide kit complete with all the parts. The frame parts kit. All I need now is the new bare frame. It costs more to build a new 1911 than to buy a new complete 1911. But we can't put a price tag on the education and knowledge right?

My total cost for the norinco build was;

1. Chinese Norinco 1911a1 $300 LGS
2. New surplus military USGI barrel $59 sportsmans guide
3. New National Match barrel bushing $12 IAI/CDNN
4. FLGR Kit w/18# spring $9 on sale sportsmans guide
5. Full Wraparound Rubber grips IAI/CDNN $15
6. Adjustable trigger IAI/CDNN $16

Cheap New parts shooting cloverleafs at 25 yards priceless.

The bottom line is you can be as good as you want to be and can do anything you put your mind too. Just stay focused and motivated.

Tip on auto pistols. Do not chamber a round then close the slide on it. It can ruin the extractor tention. Load the chamber from the magazine only.

 

[model70hunter]

My my late 70's colt python was out of time. It was close to locking up but didn't lock up till the trigger was pulled.

I did a quick search and found this on the High Road forum, it explains lock up; you can read the entire link at the bottom.

dfariswheelAugust 28, 2010, 09:11 PM
If you have an old style Colt like a Detective Special or Python, the cylinder should lock up tight only when the trigger is pulled and held back.

If you have a S&W, Ruger, Dan Wesson, Taurus, Rossi, or a newer Colt like a Mark III or King Cobra, the cylinder is intentionally designed NOT to lock up tight.
This allows the bullet passing from the chamber to the barrel to force the chamber into alignment with the bore.
In these types of guns, the action will lock up as tight as it's going to with the hammer just cocked.
Pulling the trigger won't lock it tighter.

in other words, if you have something other than a older style Colt your gun isn't broken and trying to "fix it" will prevent it from operating properly.

Cylinder lockup - THR

 

[gunfish]

I'll bet that in twenty years the 686 will be as much in demand as the Python is now.

To tell the truth, I never thought Pythons were so good looking. I'd like to see how the look without the ventilated rib.

Colt 357 Model

 

[kwselke]

Instead of bashing the Python one should realize that they are becoming collector items, and the collector value has little to do with intrinsic value.

My Avatar is my late grandfather's Colt SAA, dating to 1908 which is factory engraved. As a shooter a .45 Colt Ruger Blackhawk would be a better gun and probably ten to twenty thousand cheaper. But the only way you can own or use that gun today is to be a family member or a very special friend of a family member. I know why I like that one, but cannot understand people that want them that badly.

I have never owned a Python because I never thought they were worth the asking price. The only reason for me to regret not having bought one decades ago is that I would have made a killing selling one today.