Python Question

[jeffrefrig]

I got my American Rifleman Mag today with the Colt blued Python on the cover. Looks like a nice gun, but looks can be deceiving. I’ve heard no bad reports about the Colt. I don’t own a Colt, yet, but I believe my next NEW revolver purchase would fill in the blank. I have the S&W 27-9, the Ruger Security Six, both .357 magnums, and I think I may have a man crush on the 4 1/4 Python to go with the Ruger Security Six and S&W 27. I took a picture of a possible .357 magnum team.
So, I heard everything is cool with the Colts. Is this kinda true?

 

[sigp220.45]

I bought an early one (2020) when they supposedly had problems. NO issues with mine.

I’ve owned several older Pythons, and still have one (1976). The new ones are the equal of the old ones.

My only issue is the change of vents from two to three on the four inch guns (looks weird).

 

[chief38]

I got my American Rifleman Mag today with the Colt blued Python on the cover. Looks like a nice gun, but looks can be deceiving. I’ve heard no bad reports about the Colt. I don’t own a Colt, yet, but I believe my next NEW revolver purchase would fill in the blank. I have the S&W 27-9, the Ruger Security Six, both .357 magnums, and I think I may have a man crush on the 4 1/4 Python to go with the Ruger Security Six and S&W 27. I took a picture of a possible .357 magnum team.
So, I heard everything is cool with the Colts. Is this kinda true?

After a very few minor problems which Colt took care of right away, there are no inherent issues I know about. I have looked at and handled a few new ones and they are nothing short of gorgeous. I have shot a bunch of vintage Pythons however the new ones are stronger and will withstand more steady magnum use. Triggers are very nice, smooth and relatively light and Colt has done a great job resurrecting the model. I keep trying to talk myself out from getting a new one, but I seem to be loosing the battle - lol!! IMHO, the Python is the best revolver on the market these days!

 

[Protocall_Design]

I had 4 back in the day, 2 4" and 2 6". They are the best looking revolver ever made. I did action jobs on mine and they were pretty nice and were accurate, but they didn't hold up to competition shooting, and the actions were never as good as a well tuned Smith.

The new ones are better than the old ones, but the actions will never be as good as a tuned Smith, just because of the lockworks design. They are better than an out of the box Smith, and that is all most people will ever need.

 

[UncleEd]

A recurring complaint by many buyers has been the rear sight which required a tiny set screw to keep it from changing its zero.
But others are satisfied with the issued sight. WilsonCombat among others others offers a much superior rear and front sight.

My personal complaint has been the ridged trigger instead of a smooth, round trigger for double action use. The gun's DA is
very good out of the box, not so much the single action.

 

[jeffrefrig]

This is all good, comforting information. Looking at the MSRPs of the Smiths and the Colts,
I’m seeing an approximate price difference of about $400. That’s IF the gun shop sticks to the MSRP or tacks on a few bucks. (The Colt costing more.) The Ruger is no longer made in the Six series. I had two, now one, of the GP100s. No complaints after a Wolf Spring kit, but it’s a 6”. So, to my surprise, my Steamfitter pension fund is “so well managed,” active members are getting a higher multiplier and we retirees are gonna get a onetime bonus check August 1st of enough to cover a new 4 1/4” Python. So it seems I won’t be wasting my little bonus on a new Colt. If, of course, one has my name on it. A COLA would be nice but
I’ll probably be dead before it evens out! A little too personal info but yinz have all made this type of decision whether it be a 10 cent candy bar or a new Mustang, so it’s all understandable.
Thanks for the info.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I owned a 6” blue that I bought new in the late 70’s early 80’s. Fabulous gun! I got greedy and sold it when prices went through the roof but regretted it ever since.

When the new ones came out my dealer had a 4.25” at a discount and I grabbed it. Now I own 3, a 3”, 4.25” and a 6”. I think that speaks for itself that I love them. No complaints at all, the single action is crisp, double action is excellent and I’ve had no complaints about the windage lock screw on the rear sight.

My feelings, it’s easily as good as the original and in some ways better.

As to Smiths, I’ve owned and still own quite a few Smiths. The old ones are great and in every way just as fine as the Pythons but I’m not as all impressed with the new ones. I had considered a new 686 but after looking closely I passed in it.

Another note about the Python vs Smiths, the python has all forged parts and no mim parts where smith uses mim. Mim are ok but I’d take gorged and day.

 

[Borderboss]

The LGS has a couple of the 4" blue Pythons. The blue looks really good. It's not as good as my 1979 blue Python that I bought new back then, but it was still pretty nice. I don't have a need for one, but they were charging MSRP or a few dollars more, but nothing outrageous.

If you can't find one locally and want to order one from my LGS, PM me and I'll give you contact info. They're really straight folks.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I was in a neighboring town this afternoon and always pay a visit to one of my favorite shops. This shop, for being in a smaller town, moves a ton of Colts. They had a 4.25” blue today at a discount. Seems like they’d knocked off $50.

The blue is more black than blue but it’s nice. I’m afraid though that I like the stainless better but wouldn’t refuse a blue if you want to send me one. ��

 

[CheyenneBodie]

IMO the new Pythons are better --I have a 6 Inch and a 2.5 inch. DA pull much better than the old ones. Simpler easier to work on, more robust design excellent barrel. Colt cheaped out with the rear sight (but it can be replaced) don't like the ridges on the face of the trigger, ejector rod is still too short.

If you want a new revolver with an OUTSTANDING double action only trigger pull without gunsmithing buy a new M686 and buy a Rev-Up Action Hammer kit. BEST upgrade you can do for any NEW S&W revolver -- the hammer only fits S&W's with the lock. Welcome to RevUp Action(R)! - RevUp Action(R)

 

[Wyo]

I have 5 of the new Pythons - 3 stainless and 2 blue - and I have owned a dozen or so old ones over the years. Some of those were bought used, others new. I believe the new one is the better gun in nearly every respect. The new gun is stronger, simpler and easier to work on. Unlike the old ones, I don't think it will be prone to get out of time like several of mine did. The double action pull on the new one is noticeably better and the single action, while a bit heavier, is still clean. It is wonderfully accurate and it's good looking! The only thing that was nicer on the old ones was the finish. That bright blue was gorgeous but it was, in my experience, fragile as well. I think the new finish will hold up better. The new ones had some issues when they first came out though I think that sounded way worse because of the interweb than it actually was. And I haven't heard of any significant problems in some time now. I say get yourself a new one - I bet it won't be the last!

 

[.38SuperMan]

I live just 20-30 minutes from Smith new headquarters. The shop I mentioned being in yesterday is in Maryville Tn just 10 minutes from Smiths new offices. I’m a revolver and 1911 guy so I don’t pay any attention to the fantastic plastics. As you walk in the front door of the shop I visited yesterday, immediately on the right is the Smith revolver case. I’m in this shop every couple of weeks and never see much change in what’s in it. I’m thinking they’re not selling many Smith revolvers but midway in the store is the Colt case and the turnover in inventory is huge. Every time I go in it seems most if not all of the inventory has changed. It’s not just Pythons but King Cobras and Anacondas move through there at a brisk pace.

 

[duman444]

I am my own gunsmith-call me Bubba Lite

As the title says. When I buy a gun, if I don't like something about it, I do what I can to fix to my standards, if I can't get it there-then off to sell it goes.

Retired at the end of last year with 40 yrs at same job. My company got me a Rolex, my coworkers got me a 2023 Python. TERRIBLE single action trigger. For CA compliance there is a ridge on trigger sear engagement to prevent gun from going off when cocked if it's dropped on concrete. Mine had a 6lb 3oz trigger out of box. Adding ceramic chain lube to sear area dropped it to 5 lb 8oz. I have 10 DA/SA smiths, all with SA triggers in the 3lb or under range from replacing ONE small trigger rebound spring. Nothing else required.

Found several gunsmiths who would bring trigger down to Smith range for $250 or so. So $1500 for gun + $250 for trigger= $1,750. I can buy a nice older N frame with triple T, P&R, Firing pin on hammer, no Hillary hole for less than that.

So I sold it. BTW the serrated trigger was also not great and be aware that if you are willing to try to stone out the ridge yourself, Colt does NOT sell parts to the unwashed General Public and if you mess up you have an expensive paperweight.

Sorry for so long a post, kind of had to vent a little.

 

[CajunBass]

I've got three of the new Pythons. Two SS, one blue, all three 4.2" barrels. I've never had a problem with any of the three. Two of them are well over the 1000 round mark. The other, my wife's, hasn't been shot a lot, but it's HER's. Don't try to tell her otherwise. (I have to check the S/N's to make sure I don't get hers.)

I had a fourth one, a very early one, S/N less than 2000, with a 6" barrel. I have a "thing" for 4" barrels but grabbed the 6" because it was the first one I saw. It was a great shooter, but the sideplates screws did come loose at about 800 rounds and the gun started to bind up. Fortunately I saw what the problem was, and tightened the screws myself, and was back in business in about five minutes or less. No more problems. I did sell that one, but it was because I found a 4.2" one, not because of any "problems" with the gun.

I really can't think of anything I don't like about them. I like the grips. The sights seem to be fine for me. I don't care about the third slot in the vent rib on the blue guns. I guess I don't care for the grooved trigger, but it's not awful. I started with a grooved trigger on a Model 19 that wore blisters on my trigger finger. These haven't done that, but I suppose my trigger finger has gotten tougher over the years.

The D/A pull on all three (four) of them is great. I say they just beg to be fired DA. I can't measure it, my scale only goes to 8 pounds, but it's smooth with no stacking. The S/A is a bit heavy at 5.5 pounds, but I don't use it, so I don't know if it hurts or not.

 

[Borderboss]

I live just 20-30 minutes from Smith new headquarters. The shop I mentioned being in yesterday is in Maryville Tn just 10 minutes from Smiths new offices. I’m a revolver and 1911 guy so I don’t pay any attention to the fantastic plastics. As you walk in the front door of the shop I visited yesterday, immediately on the right is the Smith revolver case. I’m in this shop every couple of weeks and never see much change in what’s in it. I’m thinking they’re not selling many Smith revolvers but midway in the store is the Colt case and the turnover in inventory is huge. Every time I go in it seems most if not all of the inventory has changed. It’s not just Pythons but King Cobras and Anacondas move through there at a brisk pace.

I'll bet you they would move a lot more S&W revolvers if S&W moved the manufacturing to Maryville.

 

[CH4]

I bought an early one (2020) when they supposedly had problems. NO issues with mine.

I’ve owned several older Pythons, and still have one (1976). The new ones are the equal of the old ones.

My only issue is the change of vents from two to three on the four inch guns (looks weird).

I have a few of the Pythons and they are all beautiful and fit perfect.
Deal breaker for me with the blue 4”. Don’t know what Colt was thinking.

 

[Ameshawki]

I have two of the new ones, a three inch and a four. Haven't run a lot of rounds thru them but haven't had any issues and don't anticipate having any.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I have one of the new Pythons , 4.25" barrel , stainless steel . After a couple of hundred rounds the action started getting lighter and lighter . It got to the point of misfiring in either single or double action . At that point it felt like pulling the trigger on a cap pistol . The lgs I bought from was just down the road so I took it back .
He called colt , they said send it in . I had to pay $40 to ship to Colt . It came back after almost 2 mos . It appears to be fine -- now . Do i have faith / confidence in it ? Would I carry it for protection --- " NO " . Will I buy any more , " No " ! I have " Been there -- done that " . I'll stick to my S&W's revolvers . Regards Paul

 

[kaaskop49]

My 4.25" is all I could want. The 3" action disappointed; I had the 'smith clean it out and now it is OK. Agree on the grooved trigger. Perhaps the slightly longer trigger reach (over the SB K/L) causes the grooves to 'bite.'

Just sold a 6" 686+: a nose-heavy klunk IMHO. I handled a 6" new Python and it felt close to weightless in my hand.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[.38SuperMan]

The new ones are better than the old ones, but the actions will never be as good as a tuned Smith, just because of the lockworks design. They are better than an out of the box Smith, and that is all most people will ever need.

The action is totally different. If you check lockup you’ll find Colts generally lock much tighter than Smiths. You’ve probably read the term that they lockup as tight as a bank vault. The reason, Smiths lockup at one point, the cylinder stop. If you look at a Colt it locks both at the cylinder stop and the hand. Colt doesn’t lock the cylinder until the last fraction of a second before the hammer falls. That’s when the cylinder stop drops in and the hand remains engaged with the ratchet. The hand remains engaged until after the cartridge is fired and the trigger released.

Some Smiths lockup bank vault tight but generally have some wiggle in the cylinder. I’ve read Smith says that’s necessary the way they designed the action. I’m not sure about that but perhaps. Colt locks tight, really tight.

In addition the Python has a really tight cylinder gap compared to most guns. Also the bore in the barrel isn’t linear in the Colt and gives greater accuracy.

I love my old Smiths. The K frame Smiths can be tuned beautifully and are hard to beat but the Python action is extremely close. I have a custom tuned M66 and a custom M15 as well as a couple of a K38’s that are amazing but each has costly action jobs and have all been shot a lot and worn in through decades of shooting. I think if you want to spend the money you can match Smith K fame actions and Colt Python actions but you’re going to need someone that really knows what they’re doing, they’re out there, and the money and time.

Straight out of the box, considering fit, finish, design, accuracy and overall construction, I’ll take a new Colt over a new Smith.