jj2am44
Member
I have only cycled 1 Python action and it was smooth. Almost as smooth as my 1981 Model 27.
A Myth?
- Thread starter phenson
- Start date
The shop I take gun pictures for bought a nice collection of Pythons recently. This Nickle 6" has the smoothest double action or single action trigger I have ever felt. Smooth as butter. I almost bought it, but I couldnt find any Pearl steerhead grips for it 
rljatl
Member
ALL Colt double actions "Stack" Even during the first pull. Not only the ALL the Python's but ALL of the .357's, Troopers and Detective Specials I've ever owned exhibit this trait. It's due to the way the gun is constructed and can't be eliminated by even the finest action job.
The heavy frame of the 27 also gives it a hands down accuracy advantage.
IMHO the Colt action may be smoother than the Smith but it can't compare in crispness and overall accuracy, so the Smith is the better overall of the two!
Not all Colt double actions stack. Not all of them have the same type of action. The stacking can be removed by a gunsmith that knows what he is doing. This has been beat to death on the Colt forum.
Colt barrels have always had the reputation of being the most accurate. Some say that it is due to the tapered bore. That's why gunsmiths used to put Python barrels on S&Ws and Rugers. Never heard of it being the other way around.
rljatl
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hastings
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I've owned a few colts (357, Trooper, Cowboy) and shot quite a few, including a few Pythons. I had a friend who worked for Colt at their CT factory in the early 80's, and he seemed to buy a new Colt each month (he was 30 and lived with his parents). I could never get used to the Colt trigger stack. I seldom shoot a DA revolver in the single action mode. I am more accurate shooting DA. If I want to shoot SA, I pick up a single action revolver, but it feels to me like a completely different skill set to shoot a DA vs a SA. I think Smith revolvers generally have Colt revolvers beat in the DA category. I can shoot DA all day long with a Smith and everythings fine. If I pick up a Colt DA, I notice my trigger finger gets fatigued after a few hundred rounds, so there must be a difference somewhere.
I've shot Ruger, Taurus, Dan Wesson, Colt, Smith & Wesson, Rossi, H&R, and Charter Arms, and I prefer the trigger on a Smith over any of the others. By the way, I didn't pick up a S&W until I had been shooting for 20 years or more, so it isn't a nostalgic preference. I tried everything else, and feel like I finally settled for what works the best (for me). I wouldn't say Smiths are the most accurate, but I think an older S&W revolver can't be beat for DA trigger pull. Consistent, predictable, smooth, and uniform through-out the pull.
Unlike many, I don't like the trigger to suprise me when it "snaps like a glass rod". DA shooting, for me, is a combination of timing the trigger pull thru it's full stroke with aligning the sights at the point of hammer fall. Dry firing is fine, holding the sight picture like a rock, but a gun fired at a reasonable pace requires the predictability I mention above. I don't feel like Colt's have that.
I've shot Ruger, Taurus, Dan Wesson, Colt, Smith & Wesson, Rossi, H&R, and Charter Arms, and I prefer the trigger on a Smith over any of the others. By the way, I didn't pick up a S&W until I had been shooting for 20 years or more, so it isn't a nostalgic preference. I tried everything else, and feel like I finally settled for what works the best (for me). I wouldn't say Smiths are the most accurate, but I think an older S&W revolver can't be beat for DA trigger pull. Consistent, predictable, smooth, and uniform through-out the pull.
Unlike many, I don't like the trigger to suprise me when it "snaps like a glass rod". DA shooting, for me, is a combination of timing the trigger pull thru it's full stroke with aligning the sights at the point of hammer fall. Dry firing is fine, holding the sight picture like a rock, but a gun fired at a reasonable pace requires the predictability I mention above. I don't feel like Colt's have that.
josephthreedogs
US Veteran
I am a competitive revolver shooter(IDPA,USPSA,ICORE, and steel challenge). I have been shooting the same SS Python for over 10 years with out any maint. other that cleaning. The Colts seem to hold up as well as any of the S&W guns I shoot, I put tens of thousands of rounds thru my colts. IMHO the Colt will hold as well as a S&W.
I have a Python, an Official Police, a Diamondback, and a Police Positive Special. The triggers on all of them are very similar. The coil spring Trooper Mk III feels much better to me, but then I'm a S&W guy. Personally, I don't much like the looks of the Python. The blue on it, doesn't look any better than a 29-2. The stocks look boxy, and I have never liked that goofy vent rib, full lug barrel. I don't even care for vent ribs on shotguns. I shoot my Smiths much more than the Colt DAs. Maybe it's time I started swapping those off, for more Smiths.
josephthreedogs
US Veteran
I have a bunch of Smiths that I would trade for colts.
I wouldn't mind owning a Python, except that the only shop that I've been able to find one in wants over $2000 for it.
WVfishguy
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This is my wife's 1968 nickeled Python;
The trigger is good, but not nearly as smooth or light as our S&W Model 13-1 or the M65-3. And I find the Colt's stacking uncomfortable.
The Python is almost as good as our 586 no dash, and pretty much equal to our 27-2 as far as trigger pull. But I prefer the M27 to any Colt.
Actually, the very best trigger of any of our guns is this Dan Wesson, made in Monson in 1976:
This is superior to any other revolver I know of by virtue of its short, very light and smooth trigger pull. It's also amazingly accurate. However, this gun has been worked over by a 'smith, so it may be unfair to compare it to the others.
The trigger is good, but not nearly as smooth or light as our S&W Model 13-1 or the M65-3. And I find the Colt's stacking uncomfortable.
The Python is almost as good as our 586 no dash, and pretty much equal to our 27-2 as far as trigger pull. But I prefer the M27 to any Colt.
Actually, the very best trigger of any of our guns is this Dan Wesson, made in Monson in 1976:
This is superior to any other revolver I know of by virtue of its short, very light and smooth trigger pull. It's also amazingly accurate. However, this gun has been worked over by a 'smith, so it may be unfair to compare it to the others.
Brian41
Member
I owned one Python a 38 special target built in Colt's custom shop in 8 inch nickle. Those were built for the PPC game and likely the best triggers ever. Likely the most accurate gun I ever shot but never did really like the DA on it or any other Colt I've owned. I sold it when I needed money but would have kept it otherwise. I've owned several Colts since but have traded off all now but a Detective Special, Anaconda and WWII Commando.
The last Colt I traded was on a S&W Model 25 in .45LC. I'm much happier with S&Ws anyday and just my preferance.
The last Colt I traded was on a S&W Model 25 in .45LC. I'm much happier with S&Ws anyday and just my preferance.
OP
phenson
US Veteran
The one that started this thread
I think it is sort of like a lot of things from the '70's, kinda flashy and no longer in style, like leisure suits and disco.
Finally got some decent wood, and now not ashamed to show its face, ATF ser # and all:
I think it is sort of like a lot of things from the '70's, kinda flashy and no longer in style, like leisure suits and disco.
Finally got some decent wood, and now not ashamed to show its face, ATF ser # and all:
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SLT223
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I have exactly two thoughts on this matter. First, the Python action is highly over rated. Second, Colt makes some darn ugly revolvers. Just my opinion.
Oh, and to the OP...I also have a 4 screw 28, and a Pre 29 .44 Magnum. Agreed Sir, both of them have better actions than the Pythons I've played with...and so does my 5" 27-2 made in 1976...again, in my opinion.
Oh, and to the OP...I also have a 4 screw 28, and a Pre 29 .44 Magnum. Agreed Sir, both of them have better actions than the Pythons I've played with...and so does my 5" 27-2 made in 1976...again, in my opinion.
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OIF2
Member
CT Smith Fan
Member
Python's a good gun, like WV my wife loves her's,I just am used to the feel of a S&W.
Dave from Pa
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Colt vs. S&W debate is the same as the Ford vs.Chevy,nobody is going to be satisified with the answer.
DHENRY
Member
I've owned many by both makers...
Here's something that Smith & Wesson should have worked on 'back in the day':
The bank-vault-like lockup of MOST Colt cylinders has always left other makes in the dust.
Argue as you will, Colt's forward-locking cylinder is still the best there is, IMHO.
My 1936 Colt OMT has a more solid lockup than even my nicest, 'safe queen' RM's.
There's a lot to like about Smith & Wesson handguns, but you must give credit where credit is due.
Don
Here's something that Smith & Wesson should have worked on 'back in the day':
The bank-vault-like lockup of MOST Colt cylinders has always left other makes in the dust.
Argue as you will, Colt's forward-locking cylinder is still the best there is, IMHO.
My 1936 Colt OMT has a more solid lockup than even my nicest, 'safe queen' RM's.
There's a lot to like about Smith & Wesson handguns, but you must give credit where credit is due.
Don
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