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

[TAC]

Back in the 80's, I used to shoot .38 SPL competitively. I used a S&W model 19, and did pretty good with it. I finally bought a Colt Python, and I could never get used to the DA pull. I quickly sold it. Then I tried a Colt Trooper MKIII. I liked it a lot, especially the stainless steel, coil hammer spring, as apposed to the folded leaf sprint in the Python. It seems like a simpler, stronger design. The solid top rib, looked better, IMHO, and didn't collect dirt, and debris, like the vented rib on the Python.

I think the Colt Trooper MK III is a real sleeper, that has never been properly recognized, and appreciated, unless you owned one. Whereas the Python was more judged by it's appearance. Similar to a high maintenance woman.

Colt Trooper MK III

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSMyZ8GpZ8k[/ame]

 

[bc1023]

Yes, the Colt Python is good, especially the older models. They certainly aren't as good as a Korth Combat or Manurhin MR73, but they are still very fine revolvers.

I prefer them to any Smith & Wesson 357 outside the Registered Magnum. To me, the only S&W revolvers really worth owning are the pre-model number guns or at least the pinned and recessed stuff. I especially love the pre-WWII Smiths.

As for the Python, I've got a few myself. The examples from the 1950's through the mid 1970's were the best.

 

[bc1023]

I don't see the quality in the Colt snake guns and have owned a few. . .don't currently have one and don't want one. They just weren't that great when you could go into your LGS and buy a new one. What we have here is a misguided cult following. I will take a 66 or a 686 over any of them all day long. The reason is true quality.

I'm not sure which "snake guns" you have owned, but the only one that is a great quality revolver is the Python, in my opinion.

You can't judge the Python on whatever junk you may have owned. Many of the Colt snakes are just that...junk.

 

[gman51]

The Python is like any other gun in that people either like it or they don't. One says the DA sucks but others, including myself, think that statement is what sucks. One if not the biggest selling points of a Python is the trigger action and I for one think it is all that. I was not disappointed with the Python trigger that's for sure.

Like anything else once a person gets beyond the hype, good or bad, you either like the Python or you don't. Rag on the Python if you choose but I sure do like mine. I have never had a buyers remorse on my Python. Now with a Wilson Combat compact I did and it did get sold.

 

[bc1023]

The Python is like any other gun in that people either like it or they don't. One says the DA sucks but others, including myself, think that statement is what sucks. One if not the biggest selling points of a Python is the trigger action and I for one think it is all that. I was not disappointed with the Python trigger that's for sure.



Like anything else once a person gets beyond the hype, good or bad, you either like the Python or you don't. Rag on the Python if you choose but I sure do like mine. I have never had a buyers remorse on my Python. Now with a Wilson Combat compact I did and it did get sold.

I'd venture to say that at least three quarters of the folks that rag on the Python these days can't afford today's prices for them. I'll bet many have never even shot one before.

Granted I bought all of mine many years ago, so I'm happy at where the current value is.

 

[DWalt]

"...but the only one that is a great quality revolver is the Python, in my opinion."

The predecessor to the Python was the 3-5-7, identical to the Python in mechanical design, fit, and finish - except the 3-5-7 has a plain barrel without the vent rib. The main reason the 3-5-7 revolver was dropped from Colt's line was that Colt management decided it did not need two top-of-the-line .357 revolvers. So the 3-5-7 was demoted to be sold as the Colt "Trooper" in .357 at a slightly reduced level of finish and fit and at a lower price. So why is it that you consider the 3-5-7 to not to be of great quality?

 

[sodacan]

On its own merits the Python is a great revolver. Compared to other revolvers it's still a great gun. Neither of these statements diminish any of the attributes of any other guns. I like (and own) model 27's and Pythons. This doesn't have to be an "either/or" discussion.

 

[gman51]

The Colt Trooper came from the 357 and when the Mark V Trooper was made in stainless it became the next snake gun. The King Cobra. The Mark V the top version of the Troopers was known for its tweaked trigger action, Python vented rib barrel and tank like strength for shooting 357 magnum rounds as a steady diet.
The Mark V looks very much like a Python. The Mark V can be bought for much less cost than a Python also.

 

[TAC]

The Colt Trooper came from the 357 and when the Mark V Trooper was made in stainless it became the next snake gun. The King Cobra. The Mark V the top version of the Troopers was known for its tweaked trigger action, Python vented rib barrel and tank like strength for shooting 357 magnum rounds as a steady diet.
The Mark V looks very much like a Python. The Mark V can be bought for much less cost than a Python also.

Is the Trooper MK V internal action mechanism the same as the MK III?

 

[Bullzaye]

"...but the only one that is a great quality revolver is the Python, in my opinion."

The predecessor to the Python was the 3-5-7...So why is it that you consider the 3-5-7 to not to be of great quality?

IMHO, you omitted the pertinent portion of his quote...to wit:

I'm not sure which "snake guns" you have owned, but the only one that is a great quality revolver is the Python, in my opinion.

So, while I can't speak to bc1023's actual meaning, it appears to me that he is saying that the Python is the only great quality revolver amongst all of the so-called snakes...namely the King Cobra, Anaconda, Diamondback, Cobra, Boa, & Viper. Even though I'm no huge fan of the Python (mainly because I believe it to be over-priced, based on its value as a shooter...not because I don't believe it's a quality revolver, and I do understand its collectible status, and "mystique". For the same reason, I'm no fan of Harley Davidson...over-priced due to an increased demand based solely on "mystique", or, a *culture-of-cool*), and even though I've never owned or fired one...I always believed that the Diamondback was also a quality revolver. I'm particularly unimpressed with the Anaconda & King Cobra examples.

Tim

 

[bc1023]

"...but the only one that is a great quality revolver is the Python, in my opinion."

The predecessor to the Python was the 3-5-7, identical to the Python in mechanical design, fit, and finish - except the 3-5-7 has a plain barrel without the vent rib. The main reason the 3-5-7 revolver was dropped from Colt's line was that Colt management decided it did not need two top-of-the-line .357 revolvers. So the 3-5-7 was demoted to be sold as the Colt "Trooper" in .357 at a slightly reduced level of finish and fit and at a lower price. So why is it that you consider the 3-5-7 to not to be of great quality?

I consider many old Colt revolvers to be great quality.

I was referring to the snake models, if you read my post.

The only snake revolver that was good was the Python, in my opinion. The Diamondback was ok. Some others like the Anaconda and King Cobra were basically junk as far as I'm concerned.

 

[mrchuck]

In 1973, I bought a new Colt Python at LEO price of 167 dollars.
It must of been delivered to your Agency.
Took 3 weeks to get it delivered.
Personally,the model 19 Smith&Wesson was the better patrol sidearm.

 

[apollo99]

I've been seeing a lot of people don't like the Python stacked trigger pull, I was going to send mine to Frank Glenn for his $360 no stack trigger action job, but after shooting it a while,I got used to it, and kinda' like it now. It does take a few shots to get used to the Python after shooting my Smiths in the same session.

 

[bushmaster1313]

I traded the first off for something I had to have that I don't remember now,

too funny!

 

[John Fugate]

I'm not sure which "snake guns" you have owned, but the only one that is a great quality revolver is the Python, in my opinion.

You can't judge the Python on whatever junk you may have owned. Many of the Colt snakes are just that...junk.

Example , The Colt Boa one of the most expensive snake guns , is junk when compared side by side to a Python where quality is concerned. The Boa's value is not derived from its superb quality. People tend to relate expensive with the very best,, not necessarily.

 

[bc1023]

Example , The Colt Boa one of the most expensive snake guns , is junk when compared side by side to a Python where quality is concerned. The Boa's value is not derived from its superb quality. People tend to relate expensive with the very best,, not necessarily.

Yeah, the Boa is total junk compared to a Python. The funny thing is that some Colt collectors are so brainwashed that they don't know the difference.

The Python is a pretty special gun. Its one of the only post WWII Colt revolvers that was any good. The early Troopers (pre-Mk III) and the other guns based on the Official Police were nice. Other than that, I only like the pre war Colt revolvers.

Most of the snakes were pretty bad.

 

[John Fugate]

Yeah, the Boa is total junk compared to a Python. The funny thing is that some Colt collectors are so brainwashed that they don't know the difference.

The Python is a pretty special gun. Its one of the only post WWII Colt revolvers that was any good. The early Troopers (pre-Mk III) and the other guns based on the Official Police were nice. Other than that, I only like the pre war Colt revolvers.

Most of the snakes were pretty bad.

Some Colt collectors truley believe Boas are superior to all the other Colt revolvers in some magical sense. I think it's their way of justifing paying 9k for one. Give me an old 27 and difference back in cash please.

 

[rwsmith]

To me.......

Bought a beautiful 6" blue 1980 Python in 2012 for 1900. No box or docs. 98% plus. Tight as a drum. Had always wanted one. (I was 60 at the time, and could afford it.) I live in central California.
The action in DA was unbelievably smooth with no stacking and light.
I have at least 10 N-frames and some Ks.
I shot all my DA 357s with the same loads at the range one day. The Python wasn't any better than my Smiths.
Such a pretty revolver, but realized I would never carry it or shoot it much.
Sold it for 2400 last month.
I don't miss it. I can say I had one.
Nice revolver, but not for me.

I couldn't stand having something that was too nice to use.
My wife even moreso than me. And we are ready to downsize. I come home and I see one of our best china bowls on the outside steps to feed the kitty.

 

[bc1023]

Some Colt collectors truley believe Boas are superior to all the other Colt revolvers in some magical sense. I think it's their way of justifing paying 9k for one. Give me an old 27 and difference back in cash please.

The Boa is junk. It's a cheap King Cobra action with a Python-like barrel.

It's not just denial, it's also ignorance. The only snake revolver that was really nice was the Python, no matter what these brainwashed folks want to think.

 

[model70hunter]

"...but the only one that is a great quality revolver is the Python, in my opinion."

The predecessor to the Python was the 3-5-7, identical to the Python in mechanical design, fit, and finish - except the 3-5-7 has a plain barrel without the vent rib. The main reason the 3-5-7 revolver was dropped from Colt's line was that Colt management decided it did not need two top-of-the-line .357 revolvers. So the 3-5-7 was demoted to be sold as the Colt "Trooper" in .357 at a slightly reduced level of finish and fit and at a lower price. So why is it that you consider the 3-5-7 to not to be of great quality?

This is right on. I had a 3-5-7 in 6" and 3 Pythons at the same time. It was the same minus the rib. And accurate as all get out.
My 6' Python and a 6" M-19 I once owned were sent to a unknown smith to be "accurized". Both the Python and M-19 were the 2 most accurate revolvers I've ever shot. Both guns actions were awesome in both SA and DA.

There is your other secret. Get one to a good gunsmith, have it slicked up and you have something truly special.

I did not like a 6" for carry and ended up selling both, sold all the pythons and now have a 4" 686 with all the MIM parts. It does all I require of a 357. I can throw it in the truck seat, strap it on and not worry about use marks. The 686 is pretty awesome and that is from a Python lover. And the 686 is accurate, hmm, S&W made a great copy and we all are better off for it.