Are Colt Pythons that good.......

[cmansguns]

I was very "into" Colt's for years before the S & W bug bit me hard, but I shoot what I collect so to be honest, with my smallish hand size......the Smiths with a large variety of factory stocks, and aftermarket stocks always seemed to be better for me personally at the range. As I acquired more and more Smith's in whatever .22LR/38 Spl/.357 Mag I really came to the conclusion that a M15 in 4", a M19 in 6", various snubbies, A 1931 Outdoorsman in .22LR could take small game and punch holes better than my Officers Model Match .22LR, or the .38, and the Python 6". I told myself that someday I'll sell them cause I just don't shoot them anymore.......so a couple years ago I had them all (one at a time) up on Armslist. All three sold within hours of listing, same day, and not local on all...I remember that none of the buyers appeared or indicated that they were active shooters....they all seemed to be "Investor-Collector" type buyers....no skin off my back, but the Python went for $2,600, and LNIB OMM .22 LR went for a little over $1,500, the OMM .38 for $1,100 and these were NOT my listing prices! It was like an "auction on cell phones". Crazy? You bet.

I've still got some Colts to move out one of these days, but again...I don't miss em because they never really fit my hands as well as Smiths, and besides we here at this forum, know the real problem with all Colt revolvers ever made....they turn the wrong way and hence possibly could contaminate your safe!

 

[2152hq]

You could read this same thread over on some of the shotgun boards with 'Winchester 21' in place of Colt Python.

They go round and round with the same points to no end comparing the highly priced 21 to any number of other SxS's.
The 21 has the same cult type following it seems and those that like them really, really like them. Others find problems with it and site the high prices for them as totally unrealistic.

You have to decide for yourself,,and we have that right to still buy what we want. The market decides the price so I guess the Python and the 21 are very popular guns on that point alone.

Python Worth it?,,to me personally no, but I just never warmed up to the Phython style with the vent rib. Doesn't make it a bad revolver. I've owned plenty of old style DA Colts and in good condition they are a joy to shoot.
I particularly liked a very early OMM38 and a Model357. Both down the road now for other things I can't recall.

 

[LimaCharlie]

I must like Colts, I have eighteen of them including a 2 1/2" Python shipped in 1976 and a 4" Python shipped in 1978. I also have a 4" Colt 3-5-7 shipped in 1965 which was a duty gun of a State Trooper. The 3-5-7 was the predecessor of the Python. I love the triggers and the finish. They are carried and shot.

Colts are not fragile. I have a 5 1/2" Colt SAA in .44-40 from 1919 that gets carried and shot. My 1908 Hammerless .25 Vest Pocket shipped in 1915 gets shot frequently.

 

[old tanker]

I have a six inch Python I bought used in 1971 from another GI who needed the cash. Shot and carried as a field gun for years, mostly with 158 grain LSWC .357 ammo. Timing and lockup are as good as ever, but then it did not spend a life of rapid fire DA. It's well-worn looks would make a collector cringe while two Model 19's are the safe queens. A 1978 vintage Highway Patrolman is the other .357 that gets shot regularly. The snubbie is a Colt Lawman; my kid got the short round butt 19. Like red headed women, I'm not certain I have a favorite.

 

[VaTom]

Very informative thread. The only Colt revolver I own is a Colt Official Police made in 1956. Bought it at a local auction for a really good price. All my other revolvers are S&W. The mechanical actions are absolutely smooth and fine as clock work. Being that the frame is a little larger / heavier than a S&W K frame for me it is easier to bring on traget for follow up shots. Bluing is unbelievable. (It was dull and had a few small pits when I bought it. Flitz brought it back. Original grips are thinner than a S&W Model 10.

Great single action. S&W's however are smoother on double action. Colts have a little "catch" in the pull before the hammer drops. I read somewhere that this became a downside when Law Enforcement Training went to combat style double action shooting and help S&W surpass Colt in LE sales throughtout the late 1950's and 1960's and 1970's. Still a great revolver.

 

[VaTom]

I believe that Colt Official Police revolvers are vastly under valued on today's market. If you want a fine Colt revolver at a reasonable price, find yourself a nice one.

 

[steamloco76]

I bought a 1980 manufactured 8 inch Royal Blue Python ANIB back in 1990 for $400. Beautiful blue, smooth action, it was my pride and joy for all of three years. I found my first two S&W's a 27-2, 6 inch and 66-1, 6 inch making all the range trips while the Python sat at home looking good. Then I started a new photography job and needed money for a camera. I sold the Python to my neighbor for $750 and bought the equipment I needed.
Would I still like to have the Python? Heck yes, but only for the investment potential. My Smiths and Rugers are every bit the equal to the Python in accuracy and have much sturdier actions too. Besides, I think a blued 586 is better looking than the Colt without being afraid to shoot it and reduce the value as a collectible commodity.

 

[Drm50]

The accuracy was no issue with the Pythons. If that is the basis
for comparison, S&W and Python were both excellent. I had a
4" police trade in, when locals went to Autos in 80s. It wasn't a
creame puff but excellent mechanical. With hollow base WCs
and target load of Red Dot it was deadly at 50'. I'll still take my
S&Ws.

 

[gen3guy]

Every Python owner I've ever known was very reluctant to shoot full house loads in them and worried sick about the timing being off. So I guess they must be worth a lot.

 

[iPac]

To answer the OP's question, do Pythons perform better than other Colts, I would say for the most part no. Many other Colt firearms use the same type action, the V spring. Although the Python was devoted more attention in building and finishing, and the barrel grooving was done for accuracy. So it may be more accurate, but not necessarily better performing. My 6" is the most accurate gun I own. Actually, all my Colts are the most accurate guns. So you could buy any other Colt with V spring action and save a bunch of money versus a Python.

How do Colts compare to old Smiths? I have no idea, I pretty much only prefer Colts. If I had a choice, it would be Colt every time.

The rumors of fragile actions are mostly false. Yes, they are prone to timing problems if abused, but so are Smiths or any other gun. In good hands they will last just as long as any other firearm. Many people have testified about the longevity of Pythons in this thread, so anyone who refuses to believe they are tough guns just doesn't want to. I would even say the Python's I frame is tougher than a K frame. Oh, and whoever said a J frame blows away a Colt D frame must really be S&W biased. There is a reason the Detective Special got its name and ruled the LEO BUG gun for decades.

The Python was made to be 'custom' competition gun but produced in normal production. The very best Colt could make. They incorporated a lot of features the King Sight Company used to do pre-war. I know everyone gets all gaga for a King Super Target, but dang, it looks just like a Python doesn't it. Yet no ones likes the Pythons look? I believe that higher level of quality reigned true for the first 25yrs of production on the Python. The high retail prices kept most people buying Smiths, and still do. Those higher prices are why there are so many like new Colts still out there. Folks who bought them years ago paid a good amount and so they took care of them, usually rarely firing them.

It is all personal preference. Try some Colts out and see how they do for you. I don't support the current stupid prices on Colts, but I do support the superiority of the firearm compared to others. For me, Colt made the better product. My opinion is based on owning, shooting, and gunsmithing both brands. I can make endless cases in favor of Colts, but I won't. People are free to enjoy what they want. Although I wish people would quit with the biased hearsay when it comes to Colts and just stick with first hand experiences, if any.

I will say, if you are an engineer or just a fan of intricate mechanical devices, the Colt V spring action will definitely 'trip your trigger'. It is the design and details along with the precise hand fitting and care that goes into the Colt V spring action that makes it special.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Years ago I shot lots of "bulls-eye" & PPC ( production class revolvers; neither altered nor customized ) on several squads. Many Colts and Smiths were in use, but the most popular combo was to use a Python in single action due to its fine let-off. But most of us used the Model 15 Smith in double action events because of its superb balance and robust yet butter smooth action.

My Dad used his 6" .357 Colt New Service w/ King sights and tuned action .....for shooting bullseye in the Pittsburgh Police Pistol League ( 50s-60-70s) with his own .38 wadcutters handloads.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Years ago I shot lots of "bulls-eye" & PPC ( production class revolvers; neither altered nor customized ) on several squads. Many Colts and Smiths were in use, but the most popular combo was to use a Python in single action due to its fine let-off. But most of us used the Model 15 Smith in double action events because of its superb balance and robust yet butter smooth action.

My Dad used his 6" .357 Colt New Service w/ King sights and tuned action .....for shooting slow fire bullseye in the Pittsburgh Police Pistol League ( 50s-60-70s) with his own .38 wadcutters handloads.

 

[old tanker]

... and besides we here at this forum, know the real problem with all Colt revolvers ever made....they turn the wrong way and hence possibly could contaminate your safe!

Not quite true, the 1892 series of Colt DA revolvers turned counter-clockwise. until Colt revised the mechanics with the Army Special in 1908 to be more like the smaller New Police which turned the "other way" in 1896. Their reputation for fragility is more deserved than the Python's. Here are a few survivors...

US Army Model of 1903, .38 Long Colt, a Colt New Army (1907) in .32 WCF, and an Officer's Model from 1906 in .38 Special.

 

[bmcgilvray]

More photos to help things along.

Python and 3 5 7 (the 3 5 7's the same gun without the Python glitz.)


The Python's suppose to have extra hand work but it's action isn't any different than any of these E-Frame Colts and not discernibly better either.


When I'm in a "shooting humor" the Python's very accurate.


This Python exhibits a "slow barrel." What limited chronographing I've done with it in comparison to the 6-inch Smith & Wesson Model 27 shows it to shoot the same loads over 100 fps slower, sometimes 150 fps slower. The Model 27 exhibits normal velocities, the Colt, slow to the point of disappointment.

 

[BigBill]

I shot the same full house loads I shot from my rugers with no problem.
At 100yds my Python could make pinpoint shots at Little Rock's on the berm with my Speer 140gr jhp reloads.

But I recently picked up my holy grail revolver in 357 mag a ruger Redhawk.

 

[steamloco76]

Lest anyone think I am anti-Colt, I submit for your enjoyment a very well used 1954 Official Police .38 Special which has a buttery smooth action, perfect timing and locks-up like a bank vault.

I added target stocks to the Colt and a 1954 S&W pre-model 10. When I started downsizing my collection, the S&W went, the Colt stayed.

 

[CajunBass]

I don't know if a Python is any better than any Smith & Wesson or Ruger or not. I'm not the kind of person who's going to shoot any of them enough to wear one out, and I don't shoot well enough to tell if one is more accurate or not.

I do know I love the way a Python looks, especially the 4" ones, and the only thing that keeps me from having at least one is the fact that I can't afford one.

Never could to tell the truth. When I bought my first handgun, I had a choice between a Model 19 and a Colt Python. In those days, you could buy either, NIB, at about any gun shop. But Pythons were about $450.00...a Model 19, about $250.00. I went with the S&W.

But, man I liked that Python.

 

[sigp220.45]

I've had two, both 4". They were great guns. I traded the first off for something I had to have that I don't remember now, and the second turned into a new roof on my old house. I wish I still had them.

I blame this guy for the price madness. Now that the mean man with the bat has taken Rick's Python away maybe the air will slowly leak out of the Python bubble.

 

[patrickd]

Colt Pythons are good, but no better than any other quality revolver like the S&W. The only reason they are so expensive these days is because they are relatively rare as they no longer make them. I'd say if you find a great deal on a nice Python go for it as it would be a good investment. As a shooter they're really no better than a Smith or a Dan Wesson

 

[tops]

You could read this same thread over on some of the shotgun boards with 'Winchester 21' in place of Colt Python.

They go round and round with the same points to no end comparing the highly priced 21 to any number of other SxS's.
The 21 has the same cult type following it seems and those that like them really, really like them.

I resemble that remark. The Python was the best pistol money I ever spent and my M21 is the best shotgun money I ever spent. Larry