S&W Model 27 or Colt Python?

[herbie1]

Although the Python and 27 are great guns, and I would love to own either one of them, are they best choice for your purpose?

If you are looking for a "working" or "field" or "woods" gun maybe a 686 or GP100 is a better choice.

If doubling for concealed carry, maybe a 66.

Which ever you choose, I hope you enjoy it.

H.

 

[n4zov]

Both are great handguns and you will not go wrong with either or both! If you decide to get the Python be sure it is in really good mechanical shape because it is difficult to find somebody who can work on them - or any Colt revolver. If I bought the Colt I would probably return it to the factory just to be sure it was up to spec. I don't know anybody I would trust to work on a Python outside the factory while the Model 29 can be repaired by a lot of good gunsmiths.

 

[Texaspass]

I never had the pleasure to shoot a Model 27 but yesterday I had a gunsmith let me put my paws on a 27 & 28...tell you the truth I would rather have the 28. But I have been real lucky over the past two years picking up used guns. All my pistols are snubbies and the first real deal I found was a blue 15-2. After picking that one up I wanted to find another one. Several weeks later at LGS I found not one bargain but two. Seems there was a guy that wanted an AR-15 so bad he went nuts and traded in a Model 66 and a Colt Python. My lovely wife was with me and she saw me light up like a Christmas tree and said get 'em both. So I did. Took them home cleaned up and went to the range...the 66 is the best but the Python is unbelieveable!!!! I like all brands and I have more Smith's than Colt's but the Python is special.

 

[NavyFrank]

Model 27 or Python

Well I have them both. Love my 3 1/2 inch 27 also have two Model 28's but looking back I should have gotten a Python earlier in my years but alas money becomes the question. Now I have three Python's one 6 inch barrel and a match set called Snake Eyes which someone shot the 2 1/2 bright SS one. I put a set of stag grips on it and I carry it on special occasions on the job. Two weeks ago I had the luck to pickup up three Colt Diamonbacks a 2 1/2inch a 4 incher new in the box and a 6 inch barrel as I was walking out of the shop I seen a 6 inch Diamondback in .22LR in the case. I put that on layaway. The Diamonbacks are down sized Pythons in .38 Special and the rarer .22LR. Fit and finish about the same as the Python. In the double action mode the Smiths win handsdown.

 

[xray 99]

Every revolver man should own a Python. I have a six-inch and the action is super smooth. I traded a 4-inch many years ago and deeply regret it.

 

[Zilmo]

I have to admit that the DA action on my Python is the smoothest of any revolver I own.

 

[hberttmank]

For a gun that will be shot a lot, I'd get the 27.

 

[Magnum 7mm]

I personally would get the Model 27 since I already have 3 Python revolvers. The Python is one of the best creations Colt made. I have a NIB 2.5" Blue, 4" Bright Stainless and a 4" Nickle that are 97-98%. I love those Pythons, but I wouldn't part with my S&W 66, 19, and 637! If I could only have 1 revolver to defend my life with, the Smith & Wesson 66 would get the nod.

 

[GB]

Lots of good advice in this thread. My take on this is: I own a 27 and several 686s and if I could find a good Python for reasonable dollars, I would buy it. But in this part of the country a decent Python will set you back atleast a grand. You can still buy a decent 27 and most of a 686,also, for that amount. My first good pistol was a Diamondback. Can't find one of them for less than about 850.00 in this neck of the woods.. If you find a Python it will be a better gun if it was built in the 60s or 70s (most of us agree that the same can be said of Smiths, I guess) as opposed to the later units, which are not as nice, INHO. GB

 

[Joed49]

I've owned both but the Python gets my vote. If you've never owned a Colt you're in for a treat. You'll never find a smoother trigger on any S&W and once you see the double lockup of the Python you'll know why it's accurate.

 

[1blindref]

I look at my Pythons, but I shoot my M27.

 

[Ditch]

Omg

 

[eagle359]

There are just some things in life that you just have to experience for yourself. You will never be satisfied until you do. Having a Python is one of those. If you have a friend that will let you shoot his-then that may work. If not you will have to buy one. I had a four and six inch some years ago. The six inch Python may be the most beautiful pistol ever made by man. I grew up shooting Smiths. And as great as the Colts looked they never "felt right"-know what I mean. I will not knock a Python but the 27 is a thing of joy.

 

[1blindref]

There are just some things in life that you just have to experience for yourself. You will never be satisfied until you do. Having a Python is one of those. If you have a friend that will let you shoot his-then that may work. If not you will have to buy one. I had a four and six inch some years ago. The six inch Python may be the most beautiful pistol ever made by man. I grew up shooting Smiths. And as great as the Colts looked they never "felt right"-know what I mean. I will not knock a Python but the 27 is a thing of joy.

I agree with you completely.

The 6" Stainless Python was my 18th birthday present from my Dad back in 1982. I've put about 600-700 rounds through it since then, most of them when I first got it. I very rarely shoot it anymore, only on sunny Sundays. While it is a pleasure to shoot, I'd really rather shoot my 6" 19-4. IMHO, it shoots just as nice as my Python. The triggers are very similar and the 19 just feels "right" to me.

The 6" Blue Python was made in 1958 and I just bought it last week. It was put on consignment at my local gun range. One of the guys that works there called me to see if I would be interested in it (I get a call when older Smiths and Colts come in ). I wasn't really looking for another 6" Python, but this gun was just too clean and the was too right not to bring it home. I also have two sons, so my other way of justifying the purchase was now they'd both be getting one some day. I haven't shot it, and I probably won't. It's too nice.

I really do enjoy shooting my Smiths and admiring the Pythons.

If you've never shot a model 27, you've never shot a real wheel gun!

 

[rjh]

Python or 27

I mentioned this in one thread a short time ago. I had a friend who completed the armorer's school from S&W. He was a heck of pistol smith when he took his time. He had a Colt and a 27. I asked him his preference. He was a full time deputy and target shooter.

He said when target shooting he like the Python; when he carried on duty, he wanted the Smith.

I have owned both; shot both. The snake is a thing of beauty as is the 27. If I could only own one, my money would be in the 27. Bob Hughes

 

[fyimo]

I have always lusted after a a 6 inch Colt Pyhton but I just could never pull the trigger to do the deal mostly because of the extremely high cost. Yet, I own 7 S&W 27-2 's in different barrel lengths and finishes so I guess I made my decision by default with no regrets.

The 27-2 is a thing of beauty and my favorite turns out to be the 3.5 inch barrel length.

next favorite is the 4 inch

 

[stiab]

I like both S&W and Colt, but don't own a M27. I do own an extra 6" barrel for a Python, anybody have a use for it?

 

[SM1357]

I like both S&W and Colt, but don't own a M27. I do own an extra 6" barrel for a Python, anybody have a use for it?

How much do you want for the barrel? what shape is it in? What is the finish/what does the front sight look like.
Thank You,
SM1357

 

[Evil One]

Shortly after getting into Smiths, I decided that I wanted a M27.
I ran across a great deal on a nickel 5" 27-2.

Beautiful looking and shooting pistol.
The python never fit my hand right... and the cyl release never felt natural.
I realized that I was a big bore fan... and sold the 27 to someone who would get the enjoyment out of it that it deserved... or keep it clean and pretty.

I would go with the 27 if you are a .357 fan.


Jim

 

[Joe in SC]

I have owned both , presently I have 27's in 3 1/2, 5 and 6 inch. My Python was a nickle 6 inch. As many have noted both are fine revolvers. I would be proud to own another Colt, but in my humble opinion the 27's are more suited for shooting, especially since you have indicated your intended purpose.

In a pinch, for defensive purposes you will more than likely be shooting double action. A Colt cannot compare to a 27 (or any other S&W, for that matter) without tuning.

Then there's the cost factor, as you noted. I do not believe there is enough difference in quality to justify the added expense. To me the Colt Python is no better, in any way, than the model 27.

I cast my vote for the Model 27.

I will agree with those who say the Python is a great looking revolver and I have seen a few with stunning blue jobs. I can say the same about the 27.