HOUSTON RICK
Member
It is the mystique. Plain and simple.
Are Colt Pythons that good.......
- Thread starter rwsmith
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I've had both Colts and Smiths apart. In my opinion, the Colt is an older and less robust design. I'll take the Smith & Wesson every time.
Lee's Landing Billy
Member
One of my shooters is a consummate salesman. He's the man selling ice to Eskimos. His number 1 selling tactic is...Tell them they can't have it. Uh huh..works everytime. RMs, Triple Locks, unRMs and pre 27s,pre 29s, they are all picking up steam. Better has nothing to do with the Colt's prices. There aren't any more and won't BE any more. Buyers are dealing in a finite number. Want one?? Pay up!! Just don't fall for the BETTER gig. And remember, look out for the ...You can't have it line! That's what makes neardowells part with a stack of Hunnies. I have lotsa Colts but not because I think they are better.
Python Tapered Bore & Silver Ball Treatment
So far, unless I missed it, no mention of the Python barrels were famous for workmanship. The Python barrel has a tapered bore and had the legendary, mysterious "Silver ball" treatment.
All this means an extremely smooth barrel, with near-perfect rifling.
What was the silver ball treatment, and did they have a tapered bore, .001 or so?
Wasn't this why the Smythons used Python barrels?
So far, unless I missed it, no mention of the Python barrels were famous for workmanship. The Python barrel has a tapered bore and had the legendary, mysterious "Silver ball" treatment.
All this means an extremely smooth barrel, with near-perfect rifling.
What was the silver ball treatment, and did they have a tapered bore, .001 or so?
Wasn't this why the Smythons used Python barrels?
Cleveland48
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Seems like I read about the tapered bore. All I jnow for a fact is the HBWC shoots very small groups in my Python.
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DWalt
Member
"There aren't any more and won't BE any more. Buyers are dealing in a finite number. Want one?? Pay up!! Just don't fall for the BETTER gig."
For many years there has been a saying to the effect that if you are a collector, you should buy Colts but if you are a shooter, you should buy S&Ws. Colt has been out of the DA revolver business for 17 years, and there's not even a slim chance that they will ever re-enter that market. So the number of Colt DAs in circulation right now is all there ever will be. Sort of like Picasso won't be creating any more works of art (another story - in 1970 I had a chance to buy a number of authentic Picasso drawings at what today would be considered really dirt-cheap prices, but didn't). And with scarcity comes increasing prices, so long there are more collectors chasing Colt DAs than there are Colt DAs to chase. And most Colt collectors aren't the least bit concerned about mundane things like alleged timing problems or whether Colts are "better" than S&Ws.
For many years there has been a saying to the effect that if you are a collector, you should buy Colts but if you are a shooter, you should buy S&Ws. Colt has been out of the DA revolver business for 17 years, and there's not even a slim chance that they will ever re-enter that market. So the number of Colt DAs in circulation right now is all there ever will be. Sort of like Picasso won't be creating any more works of art (another story - in 1970 I had a chance to buy a number of authentic Picasso drawings at what today would be considered really dirt-cheap prices, but didn't). And with scarcity comes increasing prices, so long there are more collectors chasing Colt DAs than there are Colt DAs to chase. And most Colt collectors aren't the least bit concerned about mundane things like alleged timing problems or whether Colts are "better" than S&Ws.
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BigBill
Absent Comrade
The colt Python is like one of those Italian sports cars, there so purdy. I haven't shot my ruger Redhawk in 357, my S&W m27-2 nor my S&W m28. With my same exact 140gr Speer reloads. That's the only way I can compare them.
Joni_Lynn
US Veteran
The two turn offs on Pythongs other than price is the way the lock work will wear and go out of time if proper lubrication is kept up and then if you take the gun apart. A S&W is simple to take apart and reassemble, the Colts however make you wonder why the parts are so complicated in doing what they do. I'm life I have owned and fired about 20 Pythons and never had any 2 with identical feeling actions. In the end it's more about taste. I have S&W's and I have Colt's, they're not comparable but I like them all. I even have an old Shooting Master 38 to go with my 38-44 revolvers.
As I mentioned earlier,I wish I had bought a python when they were more in line with a new Smith & Wesson as far as pricing.Seems that the most expensive ones are the ones in Ultimate Stainless finish. I think the best looking finish,but also the worse finish to get unless it's kept untouched.No sense blaming the Internet ,or gun forums for rumors of feeble lock work.Almost every gun writer back in the day reviewing the Python ended with comments on the lock work.I still think that the Python is Colts best gun.And if I ever had one I would never shoot it,since parts are scarce,and hard to find anyone to work on one.But let's be honest here.The world has come to Armageddon and you can only have your pick of one .357 Magnum to Handle all of your needs for the rest of your life.I know I wouldn't be grabbing a Python.
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model70hunter
Member
I've owned both the Pythons, 4 or 5 and half a dozen 29's. The Pythons are better 357's and the 29's are better 44 Mags.
The Python has a choked bbl which is said to give better accuracy. I've also owned many 19's and 27's, a few of them would shoot with a Python all day long.
For the extra money you get a COLT, you get a firearm that is no longer made and a piece of history.
If I was rich I'd own a bunch of both......
The Python has a choked bbl which is said to give better accuracy. I've also owned many 19's and 27's, a few of them would shoot with a Python all day long.
For the extra money you get a COLT, you get a firearm that is no longer made and a piece of history.
If I was rich I'd own a bunch of both......
There is utility value, monetary value - which is often based more on collector value or prestige than production cost - and then there is personal preference.
When I compare my revolvers, a Ruger GP100, a S&W 686, a Colt Python, and a Korth there is little enough difference in accuracy, reliability, or shootability. Of course, I wouldn't have ended up with fifteen Korths if there wouldn't have been a special emotional bond with them but I have the same number of pre-lock S&W revolvers.
From a shooter's standpoint, and especially a shooter's on a budget standpoint, neither the Colt, nor the Korth is worth the price difference over a Ruger - but then, why aren't we all over on the Rugerforum???
When I compare my revolvers, a Ruger GP100, a S&W 686, a Colt Python, and a Korth there is little enough difference in accuracy, reliability, or shootability. Of course, I wouldn't have ended up with fifteen Korths if there wouldn't have been a special emotional bond with them but I have the same number of pre-lock S&W revolvers.
From a shooter's standpoint, and especially a shooter's on a budget standpoint, neither the Colt, nor the Korth is worth the price difference over a Ruger - but then, why aren't we all over on the Rugerforum???
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I think the python is a great revolver...I have several I shoot and several I do not (like my smiths) I also find the anaconda's are great shooters.I have never had a mechanical with any colt and think they are as sturdy as a S&W.Are the pythons overpriced?Yep no doubt.i'm not paying that kind of money for one now but...I am very glad I have my colts
Joe Hohmann
Member
Back in the "Old Days" (I'm 74), a ventilated rib, usually on shotguns, was considered "top drawer"...something you wanted to own. Hence, part of the appeal of a Python.
DWalt
Member
"Are the pythons overpriced? Yep no doubt."
You cannot make a blanket statement that anything is overpriced so long as someone is willing to pay that price. Pythons (like many other luxury goods) may be out of reach for those of limited financial means, but there are many individuals having high disposable income for whom the price means little, and for those, if they want one (and obviously many do), they buy it.
You cannot make a blanket statement that anything is overpriced so long as someone is willing to pay that price. Pythons (like many other luxury goods) may be out of reach for those of limited financial means, but there are many individuals having high disposable income for whom the price means little, and for those, if they want one (and obviously many do), they buy it.
gmiller0737
Member
To Me Their Action is Smoother,I have A 80's Stainless Python 4" & A Mid 80's S&W 686 2.5" While The S&W may be more Durable The Colt is Way Smoother
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BigBill
Absent Comrade
I think the colt Python will always be in a class above all the rest of the 357 magnums after all it's a colt.
Ed Fowler
Member
I have owned many Colts, never could like them. Still have two, one a US Army single action custom built by Krull and the other a 1911 custom by Amend Swenson. They are both great firearms.
I was glad to see the others go.
The vent rib was a big selling point, but I never saw heat waves bother my sight picture so figure it was just an ornament rather than useful part of the tool.
I was glad to see the others go.
The vent rib was a big selling point, but I never saw heat waves bother my sight picture so figure it was just an ornament rather than useful part of the tool.
pittpa
Member
OMG, I'm shooting a $2,000 Bullseye revolver.
Bam-Bam, I've been shooting in the MPRL (Metropolitan Police Revolver League) in Pittsburgh since about 1990. Shooting the Python Target 38 since the mid-90's. My first team, Davey-Dravo, was in the Southside police station basement range. The firemen used to complain we were disturbing them. Had to get out due to remodeling and never invited back. I have a second 38 Python I use in an open-sight winter double/action league. That said, my friend has a very accurate 66 with one of the nicest triggers I've tried. If I did not have the Python, I'd probably try an 8" 686. I need the full lug and long barrel for weight to work against the D/A pull.
EDIT: I'm not LEO, MPRL is mostly civilians now. One of the League shooters is an LEO with a 625 as duty weapon.
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ripvanwinkle
Member
My 2 cents, I have had a Python since the 70's. Superbly accurate. I use to brag if I can see it I can hit it. (140 gr. Speers as previously posted). The only point I dislike is the stock grip. I now have a 686+(performance center) to compare it to. Didn't like the grip on it either. Still working up an accurate load. I wont trade for either.
TAC
Member
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]
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]
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.
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.
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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
Member
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.
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.
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DWalt
Member
"...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?
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?
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
Member
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.
The Mark V looks very much like a Python. The Mark V can be bought for much less cost than a Python also.
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TAC
Member
Is the Trooper MK V internal action mechanism the same as the MK III?
Bullzaye
US Veteran
IMHO, you omitted the pertinent portion of his quote...to wit:
bc1023 said:
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
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