'89 version 627 or 2020 Python?

[357larry]

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.

 

[F75gunslinger]

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.

 

[CH4]

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.

 

[44wheelman]

? Now go ask that question on the Colt forum.

Oh, and definitely the 627.

 

[Echo40]

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.

 

[murphydog]

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.

 

[Gene L]

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

 

[MarkAlt]

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!