Saving up to buy either a 4 inch Colt Python or a 5 inch S&W Model 27. Neither needs to be pristine...I'm playing the back nine of my life, and no longer am in awe of the perfectly presentable. A little holster wear is fine. Just want a quality .357 for a companion in the woods and occasional winter concealed carry. Side by side where I hail from, the Colt is commanding a steeper price, about $200-$300 more than the Model 27. Opinions? Thanks.
S&W Model 27 or Colt Python?
- Thread starter stromdog
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sigp220.45
US Veteran
I own both, and I'd say if you've never owned a Python, you should treat yourself.
jframefreak
Member
Go for the 27.
I have had both the Python has an unbelievable smooth lock work. But I stuck with the 27 its fits my hand better too much flare at the base of the Python grip and well tuned by a competent gunsmith it is as smooth and the action seems faster.
Len
Len
Andy Griffith
Member
duplicate post?
Allen-frame
Member
Model 27 or whatelse?
My vote; : Model 27 .
Nothing against the Python ,,but the cylinder does turn the wrong way.
Good luck ,,Allen Frame
My vote; : Model 27 .
Nothing against the Python ,,but the cylinder does turn the wrong way.
Good luck ,,Allen Frame
Revolver-time
Member
The Smith gets my vote. If you are going to shoot it with zippy loads the N frame soaks up the recoil. Also it is the grand-daddy for the .357. I never understood the vent rib on the Python.
panamajack310
Member
I say if you are looking at a Python I would just get a 686.It is aboout the same size as the python. If you are looking for something a little more bulky to help suck up some recoil...Get the 27...
Bullseye Smith
Member
I though you weren't to use four letter words on the forum 
. Go with the 27 or a stainless 686 - Drop the c*** Idea.
. Go with the 27 or a stainless 686 - Drop the c*** Idea.Revolver-time
Member
You are on target there. I have a 6" 686 that is every bit what the Python is. Actually I think it will stay in time longer than the Colt.
The Highlander
Member
I have more Smith's than anything, but I also own Ruger's and Colt's. For daily carry and/or woods use, I'd probably stick with the 27. A 686 was the first centerfire revolver I ever bought, and one of my very favorite guns is a 586 L-comp. But comparing them to the Python is just not fair. Even my PC 586 is not as smooth as a Python.
The Smiths are GREAT guns, and by far my favorite, they don't make a bad one. But the Pythons are in another league. They are more comparable to the Performance Center guns than catalog items.
The telling statement I hear is "with an action job my "insert name here" is just as smooth as a Python." Yeah, but the Python comes that way to begin with. I had a guy that is basically a hunter as opposed to a shooter tell me how good his GP-100 action was. I first handed him a bone-stock Model 19 and he was impressed, then I handed him a bone-stock Python, and he was amazed.
Yep, they are a little more delicate and don't appreciate slamming the cylinder shut, and rapid firing and howitzer loads will cause them to go out of time quicker than a Smith. And they are pricey.
But a Python is a little like a Ferrari. You don't have to run it wide open to appreciate the engineering and artistry.
To end my long-winded ramble, I'd love to find a nice Model 27 myself, the N-frame just feels great to me. And if I happened upon both and had the cash in hand for only one, I'd go with the Model 27.
The Smiths are GREAT guns, and by far my favorite, they don't make a bad one. But the Pythons are in another league. They are more comparable to the Performance Center guns than catalog items.
The telling statement I hear is "with an action job my "insert name here" is just as smooth as a Python." Yeah, but the Python comes that way to begin with. I had a guy that is basically a hunter as opposed to a shooter tell me how good his GP-100 action was. I first handed him a bone-stock Model 19 and he was impressed, then I handed him a bone-stock Python, and he was amazed.
Yep, they are a little more delicate and don't appreciate slamming the cylinder shut, and rapid firing and howitzer loads will cause them to go out of time quicker than a Smith. And they are pricey.
But a Python is a little like a Ferrari. You don't have to run it wide open to appreciate the engineering and artistry.
To end my long-winded ramble, I'd love to find a nice Model 27 myself, the N-frame just feels great to me. And if I happened upon both and had the cash in hand for only one, I'd go with the Model 27.
feralmerril
Absent Comrade
I have both. A 5" 27, and a 4" python. To tell the truth I havent shot either in a few years. Both have become safe queens, but thats just because I shoot and carry other stuff. In the past, for me, I claim the colt is more accurate. I have two pythons, the other is a 2 1/2" nickel. It is very accurate too. I mostly carryed a 4" old trooper years ago when I was working and rue the day I sold it! To pack, I would go the less bulky python. On my 4" python, I find the front sight to be a tad too wide in relation to the rear sight blade. I might fix that. Cant see but a hair of light on each side the blade.
One of the most beautiful firearms ever created.
308
Member
If I was gonna put it up on the mantle and look at it I might go colt, but if I am going to use it and shoot it, I'd go smith everyday.
I hate the shorter cylinder length of the colt, its a handicap to us who pour our bullets.
personally I'd prob go Lframe instead of N but I have hands on the small side of medium.
For pure use and functionality, on the n frame, don't over look a 28 smith.
The colt is a looker but I'd go smith 99.9 times out of a 100!!!
Just my 2 cents, probably worth just what you paid for it. 308
I hate the shorter cylinder length of the colt, its a handicap to us who pour our bullets.
personally I'd prob go Lframe instead of N but I have hands on the small side of medium.
For pure use and functionality, on the n frame, don't over look a 28 smith.
The colt is a looker but I'd go smith 99.9 times out of a 100!!!
Just my 2 cents, probably worth just what you paid for it. 308
I bought a Colt Python back about 1985 because I was young and wanted a cool looking gun. The Python ended up in the back of my safe and I can't wait for an opportunity to give it to one of my sons.
It is a nice looking gun and it enjoys a huge following but for me the feel of the double action and the long hammer drop are not desirable.
But it sure looks nice, have a look at the picture of mine, enjoy it, feast your eyes on it and if you are a shooter, get the M27, if you are just a collector, it won't matter...
It is a nice looking gun and it enjoys a huge following but for me the feel of the double action and the long hammer drop are not desirable.
But it sure looks nice, have a look at the picture of mine, enjoy it, feast your eyes on it and if you are a shooter, get the M27, if you are just a collector, it won't matter...
sub-moa
US Veteran
Python or 27 
?
I've got a 4" blued Python and 4", 5", 6" & 8 3/8" blued 27s...
Take a stab at it ...
Oh, because it's been brought up already, I've also got a pair of 686s, a 4" and a 6" and I'd still stick with S&W over Colt, BUT...
It is true though, everyone, at one time at least should own a Python...for the back of the safe (add multiple smiley faces here, not available for edit)...
?I've got a 4" blued Python and 4", 5", 6" & 8 3/8" blued 27s...
Take a stab at it
...Oh, because it's been brought up already, I've also got a pair of 686s, a 4" and a 6" and I'd still stick with S&W over Colt, BUT...
It is true though, everyone, at one time at least should own a Python...for the back of the safe (add multiple smiley faces here, not available for edit)...
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