Not sorry about my Python...

[bigl1911]

I was thinking about this threat last night and rethinking my "Crappy Python Post" from last night. As mentioned, not all Pythons are created equally some are more expensive than others and yes in general they are for those that bought in the day today the prices are in the stratosphere. You think the guns are bad go out and find an AC Cobra 1965.. Truth is the same can be said with Smiths if they are rare. Let's do some number crunching.. Smith - A good complete 19-4 is say 750 to 1000 dollars for perfect and complete. Great gun not ridiculous but not a 250 dollar gun either. I recently bought a 1950 Colt Police Positive 32 for 995 dual tone nib. Not rare but uncommon in this condition and 32. Did I overpay and is it not a great gun? You tell me. I am just trying to compare apples here and don't get the panties all bunched up I'm a Smith guy too..

So let's look at a next step in the numbers game say a K32, a good gun complete from 2500 to 5000k depending on year.. Sounds like Python numbers... Are all Pythons expensive? No, relatively not.. A good Python shooter can be had for 800 a really nice one in 98+ box 1500... Ok so lets look at rare.. My Target posted earlier they made 251 of this model in nickel.. Last year you could buy one nib for 2000 maybe 2500. Today 4000 to 5000k. Is it ridiculously expensive? Maybe but it is rare and people have finally figured it out. OK, let's get serious with SW a nice Registered Magnum cannot be had for less than about 8K to 10k today in 98 plus condition blue... Try 35K with provenance!! How many were made and is it rare? A nice condition 1958 Python in 98 plus today is about 4k on the higher side without a box maybe 6 with one. They made 1800 of them that year and they were handmade guns. Is it rare... No, but that year is limited which makes a 58 vertically different than say a 55 in comparison (300 made) as an example (4 dig verses 2 or 3 digit SN#) In 1981 Colt made 59,481 Pythons and hell yes they are overpriced in general but there are certain ones like my Target that are rare.. I think they made 3000 blue targets that year.. If my history is correct they were poor sellers and the 8" barrel Target guns left over were converted to California Combat models with 200 made total. Cannot be touched for under 7k today hacked more like 10k- A Cali Combat... Outrageous? Not to those that buy them and these collectors are not dumb buyers... Not my thing and I wouldn't but G-d bless those that do.. You would see me with a Blue 30's RM first.. My first Python was purchased last year. It is a blue Custom Shop with an optional Ellison rear sight and a Partridge front sight. This is relatively rare for a off the top of my head 90's model year gun... It is accurate (amazing actually) and amazing in SA... Yes the DA is stacking (nothing wrong with it), but again this specific gun was made for target shooting not service. I paid 1500 with after market grips... Did I overpay for a 99 plus condition gun basically unfired? I enjoy it and what I have to say is buy the gun not the hype and yes it is easy a 2500 gun today if I sold it. Better than money in the bank but you can't buy dumb without thinking and researching. Will it go down in value? I don't care it isn't why I bought the gun. Sure there are those that are paying amazing numbers for unfired nib gun that are relatively common, then again there are those that are buying Python limited number product models as good investments.. I can't stand the Elite Model but they are 5k today.. I wouldn't buy one with plastic front sights.. Me as a collector I don't care about the investment.. I buy what I like and win some lose on a few question buys but thus far haven't been sorry about any of my guns... I do want to make a comment about double action.. You LEO guys out there please feel free to add. If you want to compare service guns DA then you have to look at Colt Police Positives, Model .357 (Pre-Pythons) and Trooper models in service trim... Apples to Apples... Really great post OP.... Last comment for those that want a Python and cannot afford one look at a shooter grade Model .357 Pre-Python - an easy under 1k gun without box and the stuff that some would say is better as a "shooting" revolver then a front heavy Python...

1954 dual tone..

 

[Tom_R]

I still kick myself for not getting a Python and a Model 19 or 28 10 years or so ago when they were "Affordable". But c'set le vie!

I do have a 19 and a 28 now, along with some other Smith's.

A Python will probably never happen as I am the only handgun collector in my family.

My Step-Father has said his Winchester 12 Gauges will be coming my way though and someday I'll get "My" .22 Marlin back from him too.

 

[Maximumbob54]

If this is going to continue to go on then I guess I will at least admit that a certain amount of the Python glory hogging is pretty much hype. But then I also think the same thing about older S&W's. There is a massive amount of "they don't make them the way they used to" about most things and the sad truth much of the time is that's pure hype. Thank goodness they don't make most things the way they used to. Most things are safer, more durable, longer lasting, andin general better made with modern manufacturing. I've been known to blast S&W and other brands for poor quality but the sad truth that most don't accept is you have ALWAYS had to due a good inspection on any firearm you have bought. There have been turkeys released from the factory for a long time now.

 

[southflorida-law]

Pythons are over-rated.

Actually I feel the older Smiths are under-rated. Pythons are so beautiful that a lot of people pass by the Smiths.

I can say that I love to shoot my 6" SS Python I bought new in 1984 (under $400.00) but I really love shooting my "new" 66-3 I bought from my buddy (who bought it new). In my mind that 66 is every bit the gun my Python is.....an more, I can carry it everyday!

 

[Maximumbob54]

I think the M10 is under rated.

 

[skeete]

l just love a Python trigger...Smith too.... l just ''LOVE'' Bryers Chocolate AND Vanilla.. Cant choose.. So l do BOTH..

Same for TRIGGERS..........Same for GUNS..........

sw282 Bryer's now uses locast bean and gum agar to save money for the same reason many companies use MIM parts. Bryers used to have pure ingredients but times have moved on. Now the only company for ice crean I trust is Hagan Diaz (sp?)

I totally agree enough of the MIM parts thing, what ever makes you comfortable and whatever you believe in.

 

[Coaltminer]

Oh dear me. Got a '76 4" Python and a few Smiths, even a brand R and a brand T! There are guns and then there are firearms. Mine all shoot, all of them pretty well, but that Python, well, yeah, the DA trigger stacks, but it still hits in that mode. The SA is 2.75 lbs and shoots like a long barreled gun. Trouble with me is, I like everything that fires bullets, dang me! Been that way a long time, it's not going to go away, thank you God.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I have a 6" Python from the custom shop that my wife bought for me in 1980 for building her a house. She paid $480.00 for it. I still have it.........Nice gun but no Smith. Had a nickel 4" .22 diamondback for 27 years. Sold it and used the proceeds to buy a 4" 617.
Timing on the I & D frames usually goes out if you shoot them much. The double hand will usually compensate for it as you pull the trigger it will push the cylinder into battery.

 

[LimaCharlie]

I collect 1911s, Colts, Ruger single-action revolvers, and S&W double-action revolvers.

 

[xfarfuldog]

I love K and L frames. I have 4 of them. I am desperately seeking a 3" no lock 686. But WADR they aren't Pythons. I have owned my Python for 30 years and carried it as a police officer. It will leave me when I pass on and then go to my son.

 

[Isis1200L]

I have 2 Pythons, 2 Trooper mk 3's, an Anaconda, 4 L-frames, 5 N-frames, 2 J-frames, and 4 K-frames, and a Webley, I can't get enough of any of them.

A WEBly! COOOOOL!!!! Now that's an eclectic assortment!

 

[olympicmotors]

I took my 6 inch python to the range last weekend. It has been at least 15 years since I shot it. I printed a 1/2 inch group at 15 yards with it. ( O.K. it was single action shooting, but I was still ecstatic with it ). I had forgotten just how well it shoots.

Here is a great site for colts in general and Pythons in particular.

ColtFever

 

[Stirling]

Firstly, let me say that I think the Python is simply gorgeous!!! I always wanted one and still do! I saw one several years ago at a gun store, it was absolutely gorgeous, really deep, deep blue, 6".

Much as I wanted it I knew my shooting buddy would want it more. I had a M28 already. Long story short, I had them keep it for him and we to this day compete and argue about which is best. LOL

That Python trigger is butter smooth and the single action very good. Nothing looks better. My cheap 4" Smith though easily goes head to head with it. My girlfriend, now wife, out shot an elderly range captain with a 6" custom Python at 15m. That old man couldn't believe it and came back after each session to check his sights. LOL Thing is, that day this girl was on fire and creamed the boys too!!!

I like my Model 28 because I have used it so much I know just how to control the trigger to turn the cylinder, lock it and then let off the shot. Can't do that really with anything else I've used, even by M29. Ultimately that's my preference because I've shot my Smith more than any other revolver.

Would I still want the Python? Definitely. Would I want more N-frames? Definitely! Even a K-frame or two. It's about preference for some and collectibility and shooting for others. Whatever floats your boat and what works for you. I just love guns!

 

[slabside2]

I bought one back in the 80's new. The timing was off right out of the box. I never warmed up to it. Nice eye candy but not a shooter for hard use.

 

[raljr1]

Pythons are beautiful and the last time I shot one the trigger seemed mighty smooth to me. That said however, I prefer the esthetics of my Model 19. The barrel contour and the way the grips feel in my hand. It's kinda like the blonde-brunette thing to me. I appreciate the blond beauties, but I'll go for auburn hair and blue eyes every time. I wouldn't kick a Python to the curb, just not my normal style.

 

[ironhead7544]

There is nothing wrong with the Python. You can easily get used to the DA stacking. I used a 6 inch blued for a duty and police competition revolver. The weight helps accuracy. Adding a lighter V-spring will help and is easy to do.

The action will wear a bit faster than the S&W if fired extensively in fast DA. The S&W K frame is the choice of the PPC guys for this reason. However, for general use these days, a Python fired in SA should last a long time with no work necessary.

The only problem with the Python today is the cost. I bought a slightly used 6 inch blued for $260.00 in 1975. At todays prices, I would go with the L frame.

 

[DFrame]

I've been putting one to a lot of use for a lot of years now. the smooth action of the colt V springs just feels right to me. It will never leave my posession except to be given someday to a grandchild.

 

[CH4]

Has anyone ever milled vents into a 686 or any other full lug S&W barrel to copy the Python look?

 

[olympicmotors]

Has anyone ever milled vents into a 686 or any other full lug S&W barrel to copy the Python look?

Google smolt a few gunsmiths in the 1980s went crazy

 

[CH4]

Google smolt a few gunsmiths in the 1980s went crazy

Thanks, I am very familiar with smolts and Bill Davis, the father of the smolt. In fact a couple of my dad's officers carried them as duty weapons. Been contemplating building a 4" brushed stainless.

I was just wondering if anyone had tried the vent rib look on a 686 by milling vents in the barrel.

 

[rwsmith]

Pythons

They're great, they're valuable, they're great investments, they're good looking and well made. For my personal tastes I only have two words.

Python Schmython.

 

[fxntime]

I'm going to resurrect this thread a bit. I've bought mostly S&W older revolvers lately but there are still some great Colts out there for reasonable prices. I grabbed this one a month and a half ago at a rinky dink gun show/flea market for dirt. It'll handle far more .357 shooting then the K frame but isn't as big and bulky as the 27/28. Decent trigger, good fit and finish, nope, it's not fancy like the Python BUT the price for this pretty much NIB with all the P/W and stuff was about 1/8th the cost of one also.

[/IMG]

The other thing, don't limit yourself to one brand, find a good deal on a brand with a following and you have yourself trading stock. There are a lot of people in the gun collecting market that won't sell you a gun you want but WILL trade you a gun you want for one THEY want.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Bill Jordan pointed out the differences between the Colt and the S&W in No Second Place Winner. Although he had both brands, he preferred the S&W action as it was consistent with a straight-through pull in DA mode, as opposed to the staging* that could be done with the Colt action. Some like staging, but Jordan and most others, including Jeff Cooper, recommended against it for speed shooting.

*For those who came in late, staging is where you run the action hard and fast, stopping the pull at a natural place, a sort of little "hitch" present in the Colt and Ruger actions, which is not present, or at least not nearly as apparent in the S&W action, then precisely squeezing the trigger for the final let-off. CAUTION: S&W specifically warns against staging (stopping short or short-stroking) in the owner's manuals supplied as it is DANGEROUS. In the S&W action, which does not seem to have whatever little "hitch" that is present in the Colt I Frame action or the Ruger action, it is VERY likely that you will overshoot, resulting in an unplanned discharge, or you will overshoot just enough to lock up the action, preventing a continuation of that shot without a complete release and re-start of the action. Staging is a bad idea for any make of revolver, but it is at least a bit more forgiving in the Colt and Ruger actions. DO NOT DO IT with any brand. Staging is not now, and never has been appropriate in a defense scenario. It is a range technique in the same way shooting to reset is a range technique. KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNLESS YOU ARE GOING TO SHOOT. IF YOU ARE GOING TO SHOOT, DO SO IN ONE CONTINUOUS MOTION.

 

[kbm6893]

Yeah, I like that Python Rick carries in that show. It's nice to see a popular show like that not do the easy/popular thing and just go black plastic when it comes to casting the handguns

But I'm sorry to tell you, Pepsi trounces Coke all day, every day! LOL!

Yuck. Pepsi tastes awful compared to an ice cold Coke. I could take the Pepsi challenge all day and pick out the Pepsi no problem.