I love both Colt and Smith & Wesson older revolvers. My cut off years are the early 70's, although some would say you need to go even further back to get the really great ones. I never compare the two. Both are great but different. Smiths were built like tanks and I would certainly take a Smith over a Colt on the battlefield. The Colts were more like a Swiss watch and when kept perfectly tuned are an absolute dream. One thing to keep in mind, back in the heyday there were plenty of gunsmiths that could keep the Colt tuned and running like your local auto mechanic. Unfortunately, experienced gunsmiths and parts are getting harder to find.
Am I crazy to sell off 27-2 and 29-2 for a Python?
- Thread starter moralem
- Start date
Agree. And I believe those that claim thousands of rounds without requiring a tune up are shooting with the key board instead of the trigger finger. I had a diamondback in .22LR for 27 years. Had to replace or stretch/bend several V mainsprings when it would go to snapping. Sold it and bought a 4" 617 and never looked back.
samnev
Member
In 1976 I bought a Python. I already had a 27-2 3 1/2 ". Took the Python to the range fired 50 rounds and decided I like the trigger on the 27-2 much better. The Python hasn't been fired since then. So I wouldn't trade 2 -2's for the Python. Save your $$$ if you must have one and keep your S&W's.
Tom_R
Member
At the end of the day (and the beginning of the day too) they are just things. Nothing more, nothing less.
If you have an itch and the Python is the only way you can scratch it, go for it.
COLTs have their own Mystique to them, and the right COLT is truly something that you just can;t get new anymore.
I would not do it though. To me the 27-2 is just a flat out more useable gun than the Python. The Python is gorgeous, but I don;t think you can shoot it as much as the 27.
But, you only go around this thing called life once, and when you can, do what makes YOU happy.
If you have an itch and the Python is the only way you can scratch it, go for it.
COLTs have their own Mystique to them, and the right COLT is truly something that you just can;t get new anymore.
I would not do it though. To me the 27-2 is just a flat out more useable gun than the Python. The Python is gorgeous, but I don;t think you can shoot it as much as the 27.
But, you only go around this thing called life once, and when you can, do what makes YOU happy.
USMC-Sniper,
Thanks for your thoughts on the 586. I have a -5 4 inch and I would not trade that gun. Funny how I thought of letting the other two go but not that one. I am going to keep what I have for now and work up to the Python when the time is right. And in the meantime I may add another 586' maybe one without the dash.
Thanks for your thoughts on the 586. I have a -5 4 inch and I would not trade that gun. Funny how I thought of letting the other two go but not that one. I am going to keep what I have for now and work up to the Python when the time is right. And in the meantime I may add another 586' maybe one without the dash.
USMC-Sniper
Member
You're welcome, moralem.
They're such great guns, and it is funny how you didn't think of parting ways with the 586.
I've learned over the years, painfully sometimes... that what you don't have isn't better than what you do have.
I too would still love to have a Python, but between the prices and how happy I am with the 586, I really can be content with what I have.
As others have said - if that's what you want, get it. But do it on your own terms. Not rushed and hastily, and at the expense of 2 GREAT guns that you have now.
Save your money and do get it when the time is right.
The way this economy has been going, who knows where prices will be? Maybe better, maybe worse.
But if you save for it and finally do get one, you'll then have *4* great guns, and maybe an even better appreciation of what you got to keep!
Best of luck either way!
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I would LOVE to own a Colt Python. 6" Royal Blue would be perfect. However, if I had a nice 27-2 and 29-2 resting in my gun safe, I'd settle for that. The local Cabela's had a nice Python with a $2999 price tag on it. What does a 95% 27-2 shooter go for these days? $1000 tops? I agree that the Python is probably the finest DA revolver ever made. I just don't think it's 300% finer. And that $2999 price tag is pretty reasonable compared to what you'd get taken for at a big gun show. So, given the choice, I'd be happy to just keep the two Smiths.
Who are you agreeing with? I don't think anyone here (even the few who appear to like the Colts) has gone that far.
I'm probably just agreeing with Python owners. A careless generalization on my part. My apologies.
This is really a question that shouldn't be overlooked. If the 27-2 and 29-2 are shooter grade 8 3/8ths" guns that you aren't really attached to, then why not?
If the are both nickel (or blue also, actually) , the 29-2 is a 4" or 6.5", and the 27-2 is a 3.5", 4" or 5", they have presentation cases, etc., then, no, I'm sure you'd regret it.
Based on the responses there is only one solution.
As stated the Pythons are not made for lotsa 357 loads.
If shooting a lot is a goal then the Colt Diamondback in 22LR is a great lookalike.
Keep your Smiths.
My son wants a Python and is aware of its uses.
If shooting a lot is a goal then the Colt Diamondback in 22LR is a great lookalike.
Keep your Smiths.
My son wants a Python and is aware of its uses.
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While we are still beating this dead horse, I will take a whack or two. 
I have never sold or traded a gun I did not want back some time later, except one k22 that would not shoot at all. I have still not replaced several guns I sold 25 years ago to pay medical bills. I have bought several guns that were replacements, sort of. but not the same, sorry to say.
If you want a Python, get one when you can, but seriously consider if you want to trade off two guns, that some point in time you will wish you had back.
I have never sold or traded a gun I did not want back some time later, except one k22 that would not shoot at all. I have still not replaced several guns I sold 25 years ago to pay medical bills. I have bought several guns that were replacements, sort of. but not the same, sorry to say.
If you want a Python, get one when you can, but seriously consider if you want to trade off two guns, that some point in time you will wish you had back.
I agree. I shoot common 148 gr 38SP FWC all day long as a target pistol. It will last forever like this.
Pointshoot
Member
A buddy of mine has a couple d.a. Colts. Got them after a relative passed away. One of them has a locked up cylinder and he can't find parts or a qualified gunsmith to work on it. I'm not a Python fan, especially at the prices they go for. But, there are other Colts I like. Such as the Detective Special and the Official Police. But every time I consider it, parts & gunsmiths come to mind so I just stick to Smith (and a few Rugers). - - Now, if a relative or good buddy was a Colt gunsmith - I'd think totally differently
You are right no old time gunsmiths to work on them anymore. I think Reeves Junkin was one the last notable Colt gunsmiths.
BTW: Notorius gunwriter/killer/hunter Charles Askins JR preferred the colt to a smith........But......Then again he didn't shoot like Ed McGivern or Jerry Miculek.
BTW: Notorius gunwriter/killer/hunter Charles Askins JR preferred the colt to a smith........But......Then again he didn't shoot like Ed McGivern or Jerry Miculek.
gkitch
Member
By all means SELL!
The Python is one of the most beautiful handguns ever made and every gun enthusiast who likes them should get one. Great and classic.
So...how much for the 27-2 old friend?? Just wondering...
The Python is one of the most beautiful handguns ever made and every gun enthusiast who likes them should get one. Great and classic.
So...how much for the 27-2 old friend?? Just wondering...
I'll just leave this here [emoji3]
