POLL: Which S&W will be the next Python?

[stantheman86]

I don't plan to probably ever own an RM, I haven't kept up on the prices. As primarily a shooter,and not a collector, I found that any of my 3 Model 28's will do the same job

 

[vl5150]

I have has the unfortunate experience to have owned 2 1970's vintage Pythons and both were nothing to write home about. One had an excessive barrel gap and the other had almost no gap and would bind. Both had excellent single action triggers, but the vaunted Colt double action trigger on both stacked really bad.

My brother picked up a mint early 60's vintage Python a few years ago and it's spectacular--everything the Python was supposed to be and then some. I guess the takeaway is Colt's QC over they years swung wildly.

But to answer the question, the Pre-27 5 inch I sold here on the forum a while back was the best of the best and closest to that early Python. Polishing, bluing, lockup, trigger, checkered top- just a nice package and more rare than the other models.

 

[phenson]

I owned one Python just a while back and hated it. Not sure if any S&W will ever achieve Python status, because it seems like gunbroker is kind of a fantasy land to begin with, and that's the only place I see a lot of "NIB" pythons. Speaking of fantasy, if anyone here has a really nice registered magnum for $1000, please PM me and I'll have the $ in the mail to you in the morning.

 

[1 old 0311]

 

[RobC2]

I really want a Python, but the prices are just ridiculous for the most part. I hope all of those S&Ws mentioned go way up as I have at least one of each. While my interests lie in the "nice looking shooters" category, it is always nice to know I won't lose much money on my stuff. I think you have to throw the 3" k-frame magnums in there though, as I don't see the interest in those abating any time soon. As far as later production guns, how about the 3" 547 9mm k-frame? I think in time, that could approach Python levels.

 

[Garywapx]

I have to also vote on the 27. My 28 is the best shooter I own and I still am searching for his pretty sister.

 

[Göring's S&W]

The problem here (I voted 29 myself, but I can see 27 instead) is that when say the 5 screw model ______ reaches python status, where will the python be? Its already touted as mythic and legendary by many people, many of whom don't own many revolvers, or are not familiar with S&W or they are people who try to rationalize their $1500 investment, when occasionally a 5 screw model 357 magnum S&W is less than $1000.

Pythons are great, but not better, and to many people, they are less, with their rep coming from people who believe anything they're told, or who think because its Colt, its automatically better. I also get tired of hearing the nonsense reasons on why they were discontinued: "they were the Rolls Royce of revolvers..." "too expensive to produce" etc when in reality, there are Ed Brown 1911s and Perazzi shotguns because that is what certain people want. Pythons, to many revolver / gun guys have not and/or did not originally live up to the legend that surrounds them. And so, one dissappointment is enough for many people. I have a 1969 Python and 2 model 27s and a 28, but my 27s and 28 are all -2 guns which are not as nice as earlier stuff as we all know. The python is not drastically better or better at all, and in certain ways it is worse than a S&W. Dare I commit blasphemy! I feel the same way about the Diamondback although I have intense admiration for the OMM, and I own both.

So where WILL the python be, when 5 screw model 27s become (more) legendary / pythonesc? Its not like the Python will ever be made again. I think both will just keep increasing in price and demand. Unfortunately, these S&Ws may be far enough behind the Python demand/price/craziness to where they may never catch up to be equivalent esp if something happens and Colt goes out of business for good but S&W keeps turning them out (not the old ones, but still revolvers, still S&W).

I have rarely encountered a Python that deserved the hype unless it had an action job, but wait a min, the Rolls Royce of revolvers should not need an action job, should it?

Ok my rant is done...