S&W Model 27 or Colt Python?

[skeete]

I own both and the Python is in another class, not to say the 27 is not an excellent pistol. The Python has a squeeze bore that starts out larger in internal diammeter and then get smaller towards the muzzle, it also is burnished and thereby hardened by pushing a ball bearing down the barrel. The Python is the only pistol that when the trigger is pulled a hand locks up the cylinder so there is absolutely zero movement. I have never seen a 27,66, 686 that was as accurate as a Python. Then there is just the balance and beauty of the gun. If you are someone who really takes pride in ownership get the Python, if you do not apreciate balance, beauty and a fine piece of machinery get the 27.
Really if you were to shoot both that would answer the question. I think Python prices are starting to climb and are more likely to be a collector.

 

[chickenfried]

The guy that introduced me to shooting way back when is a big colt collector. It was years before I tried out a s&w...
While I love looking at that royal blue and the python lore. I prefer the trigger and feel on my smiths. If the python was superior in every category, why would people go to the trouble to make smolts?

 

[stiab]

I agree with the direction most folks are leaning in this thread, thoward the S&W, but it is really an unfair comparison. To have an apples to apples comparison, you would have to relate the Python to a S&W L frame, maybe the 586. In that case I beileve some additional folks would lean toward the Python.

 

[SWID]

If you are someone who really takes pride in ownership get the Python, if you do not apreciate balance, beauty and a fine piece of machinery get the 27.
Really if you were to shoot both that would answer the question.

That's got to be the biggest pile of hogslop I've heard since the last time BO opened his mouth.

 

[feralmerril]

Just buy the first good one of either brand that is reasonable and calls you. As said I have both and love em. Neither one over the other will change your lifes destiney. I cant add any more to what was said about both. I will say that I belive if you sandbag or use a ransom rest I belive the python will win. Also popular cocensus says the smith will stay in time longer and a good gunsmith for the colt is harder to find. Most people wont shoot enough to worry about that factor though. I do tend to baby or use less my pythons and carry my workhorse smiths out of protective love I guess. Many years ago I favored the .357 colt trooper as a work gun above all else, AND I owned all else or had them available at work! The trooper had the same guts as the python, less cheaper polish and was lighter because sans rib.
I do agree the smith with service grips fits my hand better, but the cheap rubber colt/packmyer grips are far better feeling than the standard wood ones. I have both for it.

 

[MakeMyNight]

Lot's of good advice has been posted here, already.

I'm both a Colt and S&W owner, and if you can lay Your hands on either of the DA revolvers mentioned, You'll be in good company.

I'd have to give the edge to the Python as far as collector value, and precision action. The S&W model 27 will be a bit more controllable under full recoil.

Go for it, and buy both!

 

[skeete]

SWID - I am willing to bet you do not own nor have owned a Python. Right?
I do stand corrected that one certainly can have pride of ownership in the 27, it is a beautiful gun just the Python has it beat in all areas except very long term durability. The 27 has a frame made for the 44mag so no surprise here. The only one who should and does work on Pythons is the factory.

 

[Old Griz]

I have neither.

I've got three N-frames (more to come I'm sure): a 57 was my first, a 25 followed, lastly a 24. I would love to have a 27, or 28, but none have come along so far. Five K-frames in various calibers, but they don't count in this discourse.

I have two Colts: a .357 Grizzly, and a 4" Anaconda. I do love them both, but they do not get shot very often because their value just keep going up, and up.

Between getting a Python or a 27, I'm sorry, but I would never turn down a Python if I had the opportunity to get one. I know I wouldn't shoot it very much at all, but I think the Python with the Royal Blue finish is the most beautiful handgun ever made. For a combat gun I would rather have the 27, but a Python is a work of art.

S&Ws work great. Colts just look better doing it!

 

[SWID]

Hi Skeete, don’t bet too much, as Python # V38793 has been living in my safe for about 20 or so years. I bought it from the original owner’s widow. As far as I know it has never been shot (it appears that way) although I would think it has since he probably did. Because of this discussion I now know what that yellowish-green label on the end of the box is for. Thanks folks.

(I’d post a picture on here if I knew how.)

Now as to the desirability of the gun vs. a Smith. This Python is a six inch, and it is way too muzzle heavy for my taste. I have N frame .357s in four, five and six inches. All feel better in my hand. A long time ago some friends and I played a game where we shot at tin cans and the idea was to hit it every time with all six shots. A buddy with a Python I don’t think ever made it to six shots, and I with my 28 (which cost less than half) did. Now was that the guns or the shooters, probably the latter, but my point would be that any accuracy advantage the Colt may have had was negligible. His was the only Python I ever shot and I thought it was muzzle heavy then and I still do and I did not care for the trigger pull in either single or double action. Sort of felt mushy to me as I recall.

A Python may be more accurate from a Ransom rest, but that’s not how I shoot.

The N frame was developed for the .44 special, not magnum.

The term that somebody here used to describe a Python is “over styled,” and I agree. If you like that vent rib then go for it, but maybe you could do it without denigrating the tastes of those of us that don’t care for it.

As to your “fit and finish” statement, as I said, hogwash. I have a 29 I could use (as a mirror) to shave; I have several Smiths that have almost invisible side plate seams. I just don’t know how you could have a better single action trigger pull than a Smith does. Have you ever shot a single action 14? Not to say that some Smiths never came out of the factory looking less than stellar, especially in the late seventies, but that’s not the norm and I own none.

A lot of this is subjective, but I like what I like and it’s perfectly OK with me if others care more for something else, it’s part of what makes life interesting.

 

[Mr. O]

The only one who should and does work on Pythons is the factory.

As a shooter, I prefer a 4" 586 that has been 'tuned' for competitive shooting. Not that it has any edge over the Python, but it feels a bit heavier. Many of the internal parts of the Python are hand-fit, and do require a Python specialist; if a part breaks, you may not be able to just drop a replacement in. There are not many Python experts, but there are some besides the Colt factory. Frank Glenn of Accuracy Unlimited is a master pistolsmith, and Python expert. A master trigger job by Mr. Glenn on either Python or Smith are amazing.....I know.
Mr. O

 

[Dennis The B]

I've owned a 6" blue Python, V306XX, produced and purchased in 1978. It's had at least 25K rounds put through it, and it locks up as tight today, as it did the day I bought it.

At the time, I compared it to both a Model 27, and a Dan Wesson Model 15. The Python was, by far, the best of the three. Those were the top three .357's at the time.

The Model 27's trigger was not nearly as smooth out of the box, and the Model 27 was far superior to the Dan Wesson.

The Model 27 would have needed about $75 dollars in gunsmithing to bring the trigger up to the smoothness of the Python. The Model 27 would not lock up as tight as the Python, and that was the tipping point for me. The fit and finish on the Python was visibly better than either the Smith, or the Dan Wesson.

As to those who keep their Pythons in the safe - Get them out, and put ammo through them. They only get better with age. They were designed to be shot, and they're very durable.

The above written, the better buy may very well be the Model 27. Pythons are somewhat over-priced, and they're not particuarly rare. However, that's a function of the market.

If you have the money, buy the Python and enjoy it.

 

[SWID]

Oh boy, it just keeps getting better and better. Where to start? Well, $75.00 was about half the cost of a 28 in 1978, I don't know for sure but I think a 27 was about $200.00, if you could find one. My trigger jobs back then cost about $20.00, and took about 20 minutes or so, I can't remember exactly. Most guns really did not benifit from one. I really don't know how you can improve on zero creep, crisp letoff and no preceptable overtravel.

I don't know where you guys live but if it's anywhere near southwest Idaho just let me know and we can do some shootin'. I have a number of no trigger job N frames and I would love for you to tel me just what is wrong with them. I have a Ransom rest if you have the Colt grips we could really get serious. Bring any ammo you want. (For your guns.)

I bought my first Smith in '67, because it was half the cost of the snake and felt better action wise. It was a 28 and I still have it.

Just how many matches have been won with Colt's?

 

[Dennis The B]

Oh boy, it just keeps getting better and better. Where to start? Well, $75.00 was about half the cost of a 28 in 1978, I don't know for sure but I think a 27 was about $200.00, if you could find one. My trigger jobs back then cost about $20.00, and took about 20 minutes or so, I can't remember exactly. Most guns really did not benifit from one. I really don't know how you can improve on zero creep, crisp letoff and no preceptable overtravel.

I don't know where you guys live but if it's anywhere near southwest Idaho just let me know and we can do some shootin'. I have a number of no trigger job N frames and I would love for you to tel me just what is wrong with them. I have a Ransom rest if you have the Colt grips we could really get serious. Bring any ammo you want. (For your guns.)

I bought my first Smith in '67, because it was half the cost of the snake and felt better action wise. It was a 28 and I still have it.

Just how many matches have been won with Colt's?

In 1978, the Python and Model 27 were nearly identical in cost. Both listed for well over $300, and both were the "Cadillacs" of their respective companies.

Out of the box, the Python trigger pull was superior to that of the Model 27. And it took quite a bit of stoning, and emory paper to to get the Model 27 as smooth as the Python. My brother owned a gun/cop shop at the time, and his gunsmith detailed what he did to slick up the S&W actions.

I will grant that S&W actions do smooth out over time. It's the nature of S&W's design. I own S&W Models 14-4, 17-2, 28-2, 625-9, 49, and a 686-6. I have no complaint about the actions, and all are fine revolvers. I've also fired and handled a number of 57's, 29's, 25's, 14's, etc. None of them were ever as smooth as a Python, and I shot and handled a number of them from different years. The triggers on the ones produced prior to 1990 are superior to the ones produced post-1990.

 

[SWID]

OK, the nearesst Shooter's Bible I could find without digging is a '74, and here are the prices:

Python $214.00
Trooper 159.00
S&W 27 175.00
S&W 28 131.00

That's all six inch barrels and target stocks on the 28. I bought a 29-2 in '85 for an MSRP of 325.00 if I remember correctly. But you could still pay $70.00 for the unnecassary trigger job and be ahead with the 28. And you would have a better gun.

So I was wrong the Python isn't twice as much as a 28, but that's ok considering it's only half the gun.

I have a 29-2 and a 27-2 that are like new, and I pulled a lot of triggers today trying to find out what it is you guys are so excited about. I cannot tell the difference between a Smith and the Colt in single action, and in double action the Colt is so goofy feeling I can't compare, but those Smiths are quite nice. Like I said, they're here if you want to try them your self.

My favorite Smiths are the old long throw, but no more of them. I have a lot of Pre model numbers, and my newest is that 29-2. All told over thirty of them and none of them need any trigger work.

Anyway I'm off to do some mountain stuff in the Sierra Nevada for a week or so and no internet. It's been fun. I'm going to celebrate my 67th birthday on a peak, but I haven't decided which one.

 

[m657]

Personally I have a favored 4" nickled Python that's treated me very well for 30 years.

Recently I was introduced to a 4" 686. Side by side they are virtual clones....except the Smith turns the wrong way!!!

They even use the same speed loader. I can not tell any significant differences in them....except I shoot the Python with tighter groups.

Just had springs & a slight slick job done to the 686....my my....

Mighty good choice IMHO. Either. I don't see how a man can actually live deprived of a Python at least once in his life....but the 686 sure is sweet.

Then you asked about the 27. Only one I have is the 5" 627 V comp PC. Decidedly a race machine.

Can't go wrong whichever you choose.

 

[Dennis The B]

...I cannot tell the difference between a Smith and the Colt in single action, and in double action the Colt is so goofy feeling I can't compare...

SWID - The Colt and S&W, in double action mode, are apples and oranges comparisons. The actions are different in design, and most folks like one or the other.

My late younger brother always believed there was nothing wrong with a Colt, that a Smith & Wesson couldn't fix. I always believed the other way.

Like I stated in my earlier response, I like Smiths, but I like Colts better.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

This thread does not have enough Python pictures.

 

[Dennis The B]

This thread does not have enough Python pictures.

How's this?

 

[another41]

I had a stainless 6" Python. What beautiful piece of workmanship. There is nothing wrong with a S&W revolver. But the Python.....Forgetaboutit. Will always regret selling it.

 

[Mr. O]

Python is circa 1974. Paid $374.95 retail. My duty revolver as a deputy sheriff in Arizona. Because of the cold/wet winters, it was Parkerized with a first generation, self-lubricating finish applied sometime in the late '70's. Many 1,000s of rounds through this one. Still used in ICORE competition today. Frank Glenn 're-cut' master trigger job. Colt/Elliason target rear sight, Herrett's on top and Pachmayr at the bottom. After 35 years and much use, finish is still as seen in the photos. This one is for shooting.