I have a chance to buy a Colt Python

kaaskop49 said:
Also too bad S&W made their L-frame 357s with that needless (IMO) underlug. Would have made these guns weigh almost half a pound less.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
Click to expand...

I haven't had an L-frame .357 in a long time, but I liked the underlug, just like the one on the Python. I shoot Bullseye style and find the muzzle heavy feel a decided asset in steadying the revolver; maybe that doesn't work for everyone. It can't hurt with double-action shooting either for both steadying the gun and slightly reducing felt (maybe actual) recoil. The added weight does make the revolver just a little heavier for carrying, for those who do that.
 
For maybe the first 8-10 years of Python production the underlug was hollow. They eventually stopped doing so presumably to reduce machining time or possible to reduce scrappage if done wrong.

I've two Pythons with hollow lugs…they definitely balance slightly different than later guns with solid lugs.
 
Pythons have a great history as the Rolls Royce of American manufactured handguns. They still are.

The new ones seem more available than the older ones so they aren't scarce: seeing one in your LGS isn't like witnessing the second coming.

The new ones are readily available. I wouldn't obligate myself with a lay away program for a gun as readily available as a new python. Save your money until you can buy a python without incurring debt. They'll be readily available.
 
Rpg said:
Pythons have a great history as the Rolls Royce of American manufactured handguns. They still are.

The new ones seem more available than the older ones so they aren't scarce: seeing one in your LGS isn't like witnessing the second coming.

The new ones are readily available. I wouldn't obligate myself with a lay away program for a gun as readily available as a new python. Save your money until you can buy a python without incurring debt. They'll be readily available.
Click to expand...

Nah, I understand that. I know it wasn't like the second coming lol
But I decided to buy one. But not now.
 
Over the last 43 years have owned four Pythons and four L-Frames (2= 586 2=686). The Pythons were all six inch. One of the Pythons was remarkable w/ 158 gr. LRN .38 Special. The rest were all routine shooters. Never had a L-Frame that did not have a superior DA and equally good SA. Sold the Pythons. Kept one six inch 686 and just bought a gorgeous four inch 586-2. Thoroughly thrilled with these two revolvers. Had looked at a 4.25 inch Python in a local store, but very much more pleased with the 586 ... and a nice little PPK/S that I also bought w/ a bit of change left over for ammunition. Sincerely. bruce.
 
Opinions seems to be all over the place here. I wasn't meaning to revive the old L-frame vs Python debate. It was the expensive Python vs my already proven work horse pro series revolver. But I'm going for it. I'm sure I can afford one soon. I think having a real achievable goal will be good for me. Lately my goal has been to survive and buy a usable car. A friend gave me a car and I need more than just surviving.
 
Then there's the Smolt.
Best of both worlds:
Smolt-Third.jpg
 
kaaskop49 said:
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
Click to expand...

To tell the truth, I almost never adjust "adjustable" sights on any handgun. I just use them as if they were fixed anyway.
 
kaaskop49 said:
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
Click to expand...
The problem is the sight will pop off under magnum firing due to a short screw design that doesn't allow for a proper tightening
 
When the choices were K-frame, Python or N-frame.......I kind of wanted a Python.

Then along came the L-frame....... and I wanted a Smolt!

:)

IMO the 586s are just a pretty as a Python..... and had a better DA trigger. I've handled the "new" Python and hear it has a better DA trigger....... but as the owner of several L- frames ;blue and stainless.... can think of better ways to spend $1500!
 
The Python, old or new, is just one of those
"gotta have" revolvers.

The Smith 586/686 also comes under the
category of "gotta have."

But for the ultimate practicality, and a
$20 Wolff or Wilson Combat spring kit
added if you must, the GP100 triumphs.

Laughter will not be appreciated but a
discreet titter might be overlooked.

So in the end, you want a Python to sooth
that every present itch, get one.
 
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...

As others have said, if you're not ready financially or need to do more research, it's not like you have to decide right now. New Pythons (just like old ones) are available all day every day on Gunbroker. It's not like you have to wait for one to come to your local shop in order to get one.

And they're finally available at or below msrp which hadn't been the case for a couple years since they were announced in early 2020.

The new Pythons are good guns. I prefer them to any modern key-lock S&W, but they do indeed have a horrible rear sight (easy fix) and a pretty bad SA trigger (harder to fix unless you're willing to cut the sear angle).

I also hate the plywood grips they attached to the new Python so I ordered a proper set from Deer Hollow that is a direct replica of the 3rd gen Pythons from the 80s (they make all the original variations).

So, after a $100 wilson rear sight, a $200 set of grips, and an acceptance of the poor SA pull, you have a VERY durable gun with a VERY nice DA pull.

The new Python combines the bolt stop lockwork of the superior S&W design with the V-spring powered hammer and bank vault lockup of the superior Colt design. So the best of both worlds.

I still probably prefer my old Python or Officer's Model Target though. :D

You'll like it if you get one.
 
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I'd never knowingly buy any new gun that didn't work perfectly as is, straight out of the box. I usually sell or trade those rather than modify as long as the problem isn't safety-related. I'd have to examine a new Python to confirm such negative reports.

I don't know anything about the alleged bad rear sight and poor trigger pull, but if such is really the case (maybe it is, maybe not, depending on which expert you get the information from), I couldn't imagine purchasing such a gun.
 
rockquarry said:
I'd never knowingly buy any new gun that didn't work perfectly as is, straight out of the box. I usually sell or trade those rather than modify as long as the problem isn't safety-related. I'd have to examine a new Python to confirm such negative reports.

I don't know anything about the alleged bad rear sight and poor trigger pull, but if such is really the case (maybe it is, maybe not, depending on which expert you get the information from), I couldn't imagine purchasing such a gun.
Click to expand...

Define "work perfectly."

The new Python "works" perfectly fine. I'd bet that 95% of the people who buy it wouldn't know the difference or care. Most people will shoot a box a year and keep it in the safe most of the time.

There are a couple things about it that are not up to par for the really discerning and keen eyed customer...but none of these things are related to the gun not working.
 
Last edited:
"Works perfectly" means nothing more or less than "works as it should". If there is something truly wrong with a sight (that's part of the gun), then the gun doesn't work perfectly.
 
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