A Myth?

[phenson]

Not exactly sure where to put this. I hang out here most of the time, so here goes.
I have been shooting handguns since the '60's. I owned a few Smiths to include a 27-2 and a 29-2 in the '70's. In those times, I was a college student and later a teacher. As you know neither usually has a lot of money. I always wanted a Colt Python. In the days when a Model 29 cost almost $400 a Python cost upwards of $700 and I could never afford one. Well, day before yesterday, I got the deal of a lifetime on the "Rolls Royce" of handguns with an action that is "smooth as glass". A 6" royal blue ventilated ribbed beauty. I had never fired one till then. My first impression was the action was strange. Good, but strange, in that although smooth in double action, it seems to change pull weight as the trigger is depressed. I brought it home and took out my old 4 screw Model 28. When I compared the action, and the trigger break, I have to say, the old 28 seems to have the Python beat both in single and double action. My 1957 Pre 29 has it beat all to you know what. Once again, I think I have been right about what the best revolvers ever made were. Any thoughts?

 

[bagolden]

Smith and Wesson better than a C***?? Like Duh!!

 

[sureshotbob]

I've had a 6"blue ,4"blue and a 4"stainless Python and I got rid of them all I'll take a Smith & Wesson action any time !!!!Tho I do have a soft spot for Colt Detective Special's and Cobra's also Colt 1911's.

 

[kleinkaliber]

I've never owned a Python, but the ones I've handled were very beautifully made guns. It has always been my opinion that Smith has always had Colt beat as far as triggers go. The Pythons have a huge following but when it comes down to it, (this'll rile up the Colt guys!!) a Python is just a glorified Official Police (of which I own several).

 

[Art Doc]

This topic comes up quite often. The Python and the M27 are the top of their respective lines but they are very different revolvers. The Colt action definitely "stacks" and to some it feels as though the trigger pull gets heavier as it is pulled. May be, but in actually checking the weight of the pull on my Pythons (I currently have 3) they are no heavier than my Smiths (indeed, they are lighter than most of my S&Ws). I think it's a matter of perception.

Colt fans swear the Colt action is better and S&W devotees stand by their favorites. I have both, love them all, and would feel naked without at least Python hanging around the farm. Wish I had one more, a 6" nickel version. But I have suspended gun buying for the duration (of paying off the mortgage) and even if I was looking, the current prices put me off. I have a total of $1,200 invested in all three of my Pythons. Can't hardly buy even one for that much today.

Mine:

An alternative to the Python is the early (pre-1970) Trooper. Same action, just lacks the heavy vented barrel. I got the well used one at the bottom for $200 and paid $400 for the better one which was a great deal because those early target stocks in good shape fetch $200+ by themselves.

I'll match the trigger on this worn-looking Colt against any S&W (and bear in mind the guy saying this owns and shoots 7 M27s and 1 Registered Magnum so he knows what a good S&W feels like). Gun looks sad but shoots great.

 

[Smithboomer]

I own both N-frame S&W revolvers and Colt Pythons. I am much more comfortable with a Model 27 than with the Colt . The S&W just feels better in my hand.

I'll admit my 1966 Python with its factory wood is a very pretty gun, and like bob I have a place in my heart for the D-frame Colts.

 

[Joni_Lynn]

I find the actions on S&W's to be more consistent from gun to gun. Pythons are all over the place with some being only so so and not as nice as a S&W and some being very good. The one I keep available to shoot is quite excellent.

 

[29aholic]

I'd put the trigger on my 29-3 (and others) against even a Custom Shop Python any day. Python guts also will not hold up as good for as long as a Smith.

 

[Iggy]

I am like the OP. I always dreamed of owning a Python but couldn't afford one. Well that hasn't changed, but I am perfectly happy with the Smiths I had do learn to love and respect.

I think the Python is a beautiful firearm, but I growed up and old with S&W's so I reckon I'll just be satisfied with them

 

[ditrina]

I was chasing this for 35 years before I was able to replace what I had sold.. no regrets,,

Then suddenly Pythons and Diamond Backs were coming out of the woodwork,...

Once in a while it's good to indulge if you can..

 

[bmcgilvray]

I have a Python with a really fine original, unmolested action but like Model 27s best of all.

I love the balance and the trigger of the Model 27. Perhaps its a matter of long familiarity with Smith & Wesson revolvers that makes it my favorite rather than the Python.

I do think that perhaps the Python is not quite as fragile as is sometimes claimed.

 

[feralmerril]

My experience is almost the same as saxon pigs. I own two pythons, carried a colt trooper many years, also still own two troopers. I have a 27-2 I bought new in the early 70s, plus many other smiths. So I definetly aint prejudice. I will say I belive my pythons or troopers are slightly more accurate than smiths if shot braced off the bench. I feel that is due to a tapered bore and a solid clyinder lockup at hammer fall. The triggers can be argued either way by which ever you were raised on. To me the trigger differance isnt that important as 99.5% of my shooting is single action since I dont have to requalify anymore.
I have a 2 1/2" python that seems to think it is a 6". I also have a 4" that I really havent shot all that much. On that one the front sight seems too wide in relationship to the rear notch.-Can hardly see light on the sides. Both brands are great!

 

[fyimo]

I had a very good friend who passed away and he had a mint Python and I always lusted after it. In the end his family decided to keep it and then I started buying S&W's and I have to say I love the N frames with the Model 27 being the best in looks to me and I've long forgotten the Phyton.

 

[ab4ka]

my father-in-law has a Python that I had in my greedy little hands for a while, and has a fantastic action. It does feel different in DA than a S&W, that's for sure. The SA pull on my 686 is every bit as good (from what I remember). I'd like to take the two of them out together and try them at the same time to compare.

 

[bobbyz]

Well, I've never fired a Colt Python but I did own one about 12 or 15 years ago. It was a 4" barreled, blued finish. I do a lot more collecting than I ever do shooting, but I do know this much. That Python had the tightest lockup of ANY GUN I EVER OWNED. It was like a fine watch built on roller bearings and reminded me of a quality no longer available today at any arms manufacturer. You know how you can test drive a car for the first time and tell the difference between a Yugo and a Mercedes Benz? The Python had that type of quality.

Now, with that said, I can also say I owned a Smith & Wesson Model 27-2 around the same time and it was no slouch itself. But, strictly speaking for myself, that Colt Python was one magnificent handgun. At least in my opinion.

 

[OIF2]

During the 80's and early 90's I shot PPC with the LAPD team. Some of that time I worked the Academy, so I shot daily. I had 2 Pythons that were my 6" service-class revolvers. I was one of the VERY few competitive PPC shooters in Southern Cal who shot a Python in the distinguished matches. At the time I was shooting 35,000 rds in practice a year, of which 10-12,000 was service revolver. Harry Davis, one of the best of the LAPD armorers, worked on my Colts. Both guns needed re-timing yearly. One broke a firing pin 2 years after purchase. Both had "Tedford" $150.00 factory action jobs that removed the famous Colt stacking. Despite these issues, the Python, when equipped with Elliason sights, was a superior target revolver. But just like a hot girlfriend, it was high maintenance. If you have revolversmith close by that knows Colts and will work on them for free (like I did), it's awesome. The 6" 586 or 686 S&W, when equipped with the special-order "tall sights" (for a neck hold), were more rugged and were excellent revolvers. But the Python was exceptionally accurate at 50 yards, especially with good factory wadcutters or ball. I now have one Python (a 6" stainless), set up like my old Colt PPC revolvers, as my target/practice revolver. It will easily shoot 12-shot 2" or less groups at 50 yards (from a Ransom Rest) with selected factory wadcutters. I love Smiths, but I'll always have a Python around.
Bob

 

[Sprefix]

Python vs. S&W ???

Well....,Lets see............,I had a 4" 1968 vintage Python(blue) that I purchased at a gun show here in Alaska for a really good price. I cleaned it (and did it need it!!) then went out and shot it. What a great revolver. The Mark V action is smooth. A year or so later, a guy offered me crazy money for it and I let it go. Kinda wish I held on to it. Some time later that summer, I found my best friends dream gun, a 3 1/2" mod. 27(blue) in the case all original and correct for $400.00. It kicked me in the gut to not keep it for myself, but he is my best friend. This little beast is awesome. Since then, family stuff came up and he had to take cash in a pinch for it so I missed out. So much for his dream gun..., but it is family. I'm still lookin' for a deal right along with the rest of you, but I'll let a Python go if there is a S&W 27 anywhere near. I think I'll agree about the Colt trigger "stacking". Can't say I've had or seen a S&W with that issue. Oh well...............get 'hold of Mythbusters...............Sprefix

 

[Centenniel]

I've owned and heavily used S&W revolvers for over 30 years. However, the Python has always been a gun that I lusted after.. I've shot a few, and they are fine handguns, but then and now, overpriced. I don't know if I'll ever get one, but If I don't, my L-Frames will do nicely.

 

[Combat]

I have one just to say I got one.It's a real pretty gun but all it does is sit in the safe.

 

[tallpaul]

As a 16 year old kid I was allowed to buy - well pay for dad had to "buy it" for me my first real gun. Dad reloaded and we had .22's 357 and 45's He encouraged me to buy a 357 since we reloaded. I had to choose... hmmm S&W 19,28,27 or the Colt Python.

I chose the colt... and I put many thousands of rounds through it. Most of them lead target rounds/SWC

It literally shot knots at 25 yards. I don't beat on her and I do shoot my smiths which came after the big snake over the years but I still like ta shoot it.

The lock up on a well timed colt python is awesome with NO side to side play as with most other revolvers. I contemplate selling her every now n again since they are worth so much but can't "pull the trigger" so to speak...