Model 19 vs Python?

[LikesOlderSmiths]

Since I like older S&W's, I have always been curious why the Python receives so much attention (and their prices went through the roof) when S&W manufactured a great revolver in the Model 19. Not being a Python owner, I am wondering how the Model 19 compares to the Python? I find the 19 to be a beautiful handgun and I think the way the cylinder release works is more natural in one's hand than the Python's opposite functionality. Why did the 19 not receive the love the Python did/does?

 

[OKFC05]

Depends on whether you are shooting or collecting.
I'm a shooter, not a collector. Winchester and Colt seem to be favorites of the collectors.

 

[gen3guy]

Rarity + reputation + time. My eyes also light up when I see a nice vintage Royal Blue Python. And then I ask myself; 'Would I rather have that or 4 nice old Smiths?' The answer is always the same.

 

[armorer951]

After all these years, I still think back and love the fact that in 1975, while at the Academy, I defeated my closest competitor and won the "Firearms Profeciency" award. He was shooting a 6" Python, I was shooting my issued 4" model 19.

 

[AManWearingAHat]

I personally have never understood it. If 6" Full Under-lug in royal blue is your thing (It's certainly my thing), the 586 is out there waiting!

 

[BAM-BAM]

Depends on the look you like............The Colt has always been considered the "Cadillac", generally the most expensive, course I never liked Cadillacs either.,

But for shooting double action the Smith has the better action.....

I've got a couple of full lugged 586s that while not the royal blue of Colt.... with Spegel checkered Extended Boot grips (and one smooth in Birdseye maple) I think look just as good a any colt and they have the S&W action!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[larry21556]

After shooting for an extended period of time your Model 19 will still be shooting while that Python will be looking for someone who can re-time it or has a stash of discontinued parts for repairs.

 

[andy52]

Back when the 586 first came out I bought a 6 inch model, at that time I also owned a 1968 6 inch Python. The Python had a smoother action and was prettier then the 586 but when shot off the bench there almost the same in accuracy.

 

[mrchuck]

I have owned both in the past. The Python was beautifully made, and shot like ****.
Never knew why, but it did.
Therefore I carried the Smith on field duty and it always shot smoothly and accurately.
As an 81 year old man now, I only carry a semi-auto 40sw caliber!

 

[quinn]

Vent rib and snake name. I owned a 4" and 2.5" older Pythons. Shortly after I bought my first Smith (also older) both Pythons found new homes. Hype didn't quite measure up. I later owned MK III and MK V Troopers which were also good revovers (also long departed) as was the Python. But, in my hand, nothing beats an N frame! My 19 and 66 are also pretty darn good.

 

[CajunBass]

I've owned a dozen or so Model 19's over the years. I owned one 4" blue Python, a 1964 model.

Today, I own a 4.2", blue Model 19-9, and a 6", stainless 2020 Python.

If one is "better" than the other, I'll be darned if I can tell it. But they don't have to be "better." They'd different, and that's all I expect them to be. I didn't buy either one because I thought one was better. I bought them both because I wanted them both.

Is the Python "worth" the extra cost? It was to me. I wanted a Python, and nothing else was a Python. Not a 586, not a 686, not a Ruger...nice guns, heck, they might be better, but they're not a Python.

 

[sodacan]

Own both, shoot both and both are great guns, but they are from different worlds. The 19/66 guns are service revolvers, and my Python (1971 vintage) is way above them in fit and finish. This is coming from a guy who is an avid S&W fan.

 

[sodacan]

Own both, shoot both and both are great guns, but they are from different worlds. The 19/66 guns are service revolvers, and my Python (1971 vintage) is way above them in fit and finish. This is coming from a guy who is an avid S&W fan.

I might add than I have never understood the market and prices commanded for a gun that was produced in the hundreds of thousands.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Having BOTH since 1980............I choose the 19.

 

[505Gibbs]

It's lot like comparing a Chevrolet or Pontiac to a Cadillac.The Python had the fit and finish vs. a good functional piece in the 19.
Each had its vocal followers.

 

[22hipower]

"Why did the 19 not receive the love the Python did/does?"

If Deputy Rick Grimes (Walking Dead) had carried a 19 instead of the Python there likely would be considerably more interest in the 19s. Doesn't explain all of the difference but recent years Python prices haven't been hurt any from the Walking Dead publicity.

I keep the first Python I bought (back in 1980 or so) but the others have all been traded for S&Ws and other toys. Turns out the S&Ws are just as effective against Zombies at considerably lower cost.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[BAM-BAM]

"Why did the 19 not receive the love the Python did/does?"

If Deputy Rick Grimes (Walking Dead) had carried a 19 instead of the Python there likely would be considerably more interest in the 19s. Doesn't explain all of the difference but recent years Python prices haven't been hurt any from the Walking Dead publicity.

I keep the first Python I bought (back in 1980 or so) but the others have all been traded for S&Ws and other toys. Turns out the S&Ws are just as effective against Zombies at considerably lower cost.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

LOL if the gun was chosen by the guy who had to carry it while walking all over the south.... vs by a TV director/prop guy ...... which gun do you think the guy who had to carry it would have chosen?????????????

 

[llowry61]

I bought the only Python I own years ago. It was expensive then, but nothing compared to the prices today. I like it and I like all my 586's, 686's. As another poster said, they both have their own beauty. If I was going into battle, I would take the Smiths, if I was going to display one in a place of prominence in my home, it would be the Python. Both are great, but different.

 

[OLDSTER]

I've owned both and shot both extensively in PPC and Bullseye. Both great revolvers; just a different feel; the Colt trigger pull and S&W pull are "different", so I didn't switch back and forth often.

 

[andyo5]

The original Pythons were reputed to have a poor DA trigger. The two that I shot certainly did. The SA trigger was OK. And the Python was not as easy to gunsmith as an S&W. I saw a Jerry Miculek video in which he said that he won a Python in a match but found that as compared to his M28 he couldn't shoot it very well, so he sold it. However, I do find the Python beautiful to look at. And I have read that the new 2020 Pythons have an excellent trigger mechanism.