There’s an interesting thread on the Colt forum, regarding whether the Python is all it’s cracked up to be. I don’t own a Python, but admire them greatly. I was surprised in reading the thread, that several responders were quick to point out that their favorite S&W’s stacked up at least good, if not better than Pythons that they own. While I’ve seen many Pythons over the years and have shot a few, I put myself the the category of having a hard time believing that the Python either looks better or shoots better than my 1979 M57. So, what’s your opinion? How does a Python rank with your favorite S&W?
Python Vs. Your Favorite S&W?
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nipperdog
Member
I never owned a really High End Revolver, and am currently Shopping for one. I really have my Heart set on a S&W 27-2 6", but have been thinking that a 6" Original Python might also be nice.
I have always preferred the Mechanics of the S&W, over the Colt.
So I'm looking Locally for one. Don't want to take a chance on Mail Order used ones.
I have always preferred the Mechanics of the S&W, over the Colt.
So I'm looking Locally for one. Don't want to take a chance on Mail Order used ones.
Modified
Member
Problem is cost.
A good python these days is going to cost you about what a decent Registered Magnum will. There's absolutely no comparison between the two.
Stack it up to a much cheaper 27 with some fine rosewood stocks? The choice is an absolute no brainer.
A good python these days is going to cost you about what a decent Registered Magnum will. There's absolutely no comparison between the two.
Stack it up to a much cheaper 27 with some fine rosewood stocks? The choice is an absolute no brainer.
pantannojack
US Veteran
I don't like ventilated ribs, even on shotguns.
robvious
Member
I wanted a Python so badly when Starskey & Hutch was on.. but my dad wouldn't buy me one... had to suffer with shooting his 66 4 inch... I did get to shoot a few Pythons growing up and I ended up here... Smith & Wesson for the win...
ggibson511960
Member
Your perception of Python vs. S&W mechanics is spot on. Pythons are excellent revolvers. I wish they all had finishes like Pythons, but Pythons fall just a bit short in mechanical comparison. Pythons are noticeably scarce as hard used competition guns or conversions for competition. I sold mine years ago for the cost of two nice M-27's or four M-28's and don't regret it.
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SLT223
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I always though the Python looked funny, really all Colt revolvers except the SAA. I’m also not a big fan of the V spring. I have always felt Smith was a better gun, and have always been delighted my preference is the less expensive option. Aside from revolvers, that’s typically not the case.
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needsmostuff
Member
Too me , Pythons are bought when you have all the S&Ws you are interested in and maybe some back ups.
Maybe you are a little bored with S&W and need some variety ???
Yeah,,,, Pythons are good for that.
Maybe you are a little bored with S&W and need some variety ???
Yeah,,,, Pythons are good for that.
I’ve seen the term “Registered Magnum” before, but don’t know what this is. Please explain.
UncleEd
Member
Off and on over the decades I've
owned Pythons, some notably from
their heyday of the 1960s. And
I shot them extensively, mostly
in double action.
But the S&W be it K, L or N frame
is superior in double action. And
I'll go so far as to say in single
action as well.
No denying the Python is a gorgeous
revolver with a fit and finish often
superior to the S&W. But those
features don't outweigh the virtues
of the S&Ws as shooting irons.
owned Pythons, some notably from
their heyday of the 1960s. And
I shot them extensively, mostly
in double action.
But the S&W be it K, L or N frame
is superior in double action. And
I'll go so far as to say in single
action as well.
No denying the Python is a gorgeous
revolver with a fit and finish often
superior to the S&W. But those
features don't outweigh the virtues
of the S&Ws as shooting irons.
From an armorer's and a shooter's perspective, I'll have to agree in terms of the superiority of the S&W action design.
The Python is a beauty no doubt, until you remove the sideplate to attempt a repair. The original design of this Colt model is much more difficult to disassemble and re-assemble, and to repair in my opinion.....more difficult by far than any model S&W.
Another interesting thing to note is that Colt never offered an armorer's school as far as I know. Not sure how or if they trained people on specific gunsmithing techniques in terms of repair of these revolvers.
The Python is a beauty no doubt, until you remove the sideplate to attempt a repair. The original design of this Colt model is much more difficult to disassemble and re-assemble, and to repair in my opinion.....more difficult by far than any model S&W.
Another interesting thing to note is that Colt never offered an armorer's school as far as I know. Not sure how or if they trained people on specific gunsmithing techniques in terms of repair of these revolvers.
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larryofcc
Member
Have to agree with all the above posters. I own 2 Pythons from the 60's era and one Pre M27 from 1957 and the fit and finish on both revolvers is superb. Undoubtedly the S&W is a much stronger gun and the action is much, much, better, in double action.
As far as accuracy goes, I have shot both my Pythons and both will shoot very well if I do my part.
Sadly, I have never fired my S&W. It is a 6"er and in very good condition, but I have not gotten around to shooting it, but I would be willing to bet the S&W will be more accurate.
I have had the Pythons so long, I paid $125 for one and $800 for the other. Everyone should own at least one Python. Both mine are 6"ers. Big Larry
As far as accuracy goes, I have shot both my Pythons and both will shoot very well if I do my part.
Sadly, I have never fired my S&W. It is a 6"er and in very good condition, but I have not gotten around to shooting it, but I would be willing to bet the S&W will be more accurate.
I have had the Pythons so long, I paid $125 for one and $800 for the other. Everyone should own at least one Python. Both mine are 6"ers. Big Larry
Python Vs. Your Favorite S&W?
Bryan, you can start with this thread: What Is A Registered Magnum
If you really want to get into the information available here on the Forum, go to this thread and scroll down to “Pre-War .357 Magnum”: Notable Thread Index
Bryan, you can start with this thread: What Is A Registered Magnum
If you really want to get into the information available here on the Forum, go to this thread and scroll down to “Pre-War .357 Magnum”: Notable Thread Index
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lrb1200
Member
Well, being long in the tooth I was around 40 to 50 years ago.
Python bug had bit many at that time, but so had a Smith 29.
At that time, to get your hands on a new 29 was more $$$
than a Python.
Considered both, the 29 was a no-brainer, shot the bejezzus
out of it, and never regretted passing on a Python.
6 1/2 in. 29-2
Python bug had bit many at that time, but so had a Smith 29.
At that time, to get your hands on a new 29 was more $$$
than a Python.
Considered both, the 29 was a no-brainer, shot the bejezzus
out of it, and never regretted passing on a Python.
6 1/2 in. 29-2
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Bought my first Python in 1980 and still have it (see below) and since then bought a number of others and traded or sold all of them except this one. This one belonged to a Seattle policeman and has perhaps the best DA trigger of any gun I've owned; one of the reasons I've kept it. The others went when I felt their value exceeded their utility (usually in trading for S&Ws or other toys). The last one, a bright stainless six inch (not pictured), was traded for a five inch pre-27, an 8 3/8 27-2 and a 4 inch 25-5 refinished in hard chrome. I really don't miss the Pythons, probably will never buy another. Anybody here who wouldn't have made that trade?
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Jeff
SWCA #1457
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I think two of the best revolvers I have is a 2.5 inch Colt Python in high polished stainless (ultimate) with Sambar Stags, and a 3.5 inch blue pre-27 Smith&Wesson with Rosewood ''Coke grips" both with vintage hand carved holsters. Two of the best of the gun makers art, and I love em both........................................M*
rockquarry
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I have two 6" Pythons I've owned for a long time. I've fired both extensively but mostly with cast .38 Special loads. I shoot Bullseye style and can't recall ever shooting the Pythons double-action. As for Colt shooting guns, I prefer a couple of 6" .357 models I've also had a long time; they're not muzzle heavy like Pythons and are just as accurate.
Comparing Pythons to S&W 27s or others S&Ws is tough - they're all good guns. I question the alleged fragility of Colts. I haven't seen it, but others claim to have experienced it.
I couldn't imagine buying an older Python these days simply because of the prices. If you want an accurate revolver, you can do at least as well as a Python for a lot less money.
I realize some like to buy guns and put them in a safe for someone else to fight over or sell some day - a sad choice I've never understood, but it's their money and their gun so I suppose it's none of my business.
Comparing Pythons to S&W 27s or others S&Ws is tough - they're all good guns. I question the alleged fragility of Colts. I haven't seen it, but others claim to have experienced it.
I couldn't imagine buying an older Python these days simply because of the prices. If you want an accurate revolver, you can do at least as well as a Python for a lot less money.
I realize some like to buy guns and put them in a safe for someone else to fight over or sell some day - a sad choice I've never understood, but it's their money and their gun so I suppose it's none of my business.
Tytan01
Member
STILL waiting for my 6" SS Python to arrive. But when it does I have a bunch of M27's , M28's, M19s, GP100's, Security Sixes, Dan Wessons M15's , Taurus' and Rossi's to test it against.
I just wish I had more ammo. A box of .38 sp and a box of .357 mag doesn't seem like it will be enough.....
I also have a Colt Trooper Mk V on the way. Colt against Colt will be interesting.
I can't wait to see who'll be "King of the Hill" when all the gun-smoke clears.
I just wish I had more ammo. A box of .38 sp and a box of .357 mag doesn't seem like it will be enough.....
I also have a Colt Trooper Mk V on the way. Colt against Colt will be interesting.
I can't wait to see who'll be "King of the Hill" when all the gun-smoke clears.
I have always wanted a Python, but the prices and the commentary from my departed gunsmith always brought me back to reality.
However, back in October, when I participated in the Adaptive Defensive Shooting Summit at the Sig Academy, there was a Colt representative in the Demo bay with a "4"" Python, a new King Cobra, a Gold Cup and a Combat Elite 1911. It was the first time in my 63 years that I ever fired a Python. Shooting it single action was a pure dream, almost as good as my K38s. Shooting it double action, it was almost as slick as my new 686-6 3". Then, I was told that Colt has plans to reintroduce a blued Python. I might just have to get one, inspite of what Bill (my gunsmith) would warn about Colt trigger jobs!
However, back in October, when I participated in the Adaptive Defensive Shooting Summit at the Sig Academy, there was a Colt representative in the Demo bay with a "4"" Python, a new King Cobra, a Gold Cup and a Combat Elite 1911. It was the first time in my 63 years that I ever fired a Python. Shooting it single action was a pure dream, almost as good as my K38s. Shooting it double action, it was almost as slick as my new 686-6 3". Then, I was told that Colt has plans to reintroduce a blued Python. I might just have to get one, inspite of what Bill (my gunsmith) would warn about Colt trigger jobs!
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