S&W Model 27 versus Colt Python

[Broker50]

Don't care for the DA trigger of the Python, Don't care for n-Frames in 357. N-Frame caliber should start with a "4". L-Frame for me please, prefer a 686 over both to actually use & shoot. I know that both Python & S&W 27 are worth more, but that's my story & I'm stickin' to it.

 

[Kavinsky]

My $0.05's worth. I have both. A 6" python from the custom shop in 1980 and lots of Smiths. My Python went of time and I had to peen the legs on the 2 stepped hand to bring it back in time. Twice I've had to replace the V-shaped main spring due to getting light primer hits(miss fires). Its a beautiful gun, abeit a bit delicate if you shoot it alot.
Never had those problems with any of my .357 Smiths. My vote goes to Smith & Wessons 27's/28's.

from what I understand of Smith and Colt both companies started cheapening out on their manufacturing processes (crush fitting the barrel of the gun into the frame on the Smith 19 in particular and I remember reading somewhere that colt started doing the same thing)
Use of Magnum Loads in S&W Model 19 and Other K-Frame Magnums

and that the tooling for the guns started to wear out and it seems like the date that all of that cra-p started happening was about 1980, so chances are if you traded that thing in for one from 1966 or so you wouldnt have any trouble with that particular python vs the one you have

basically try and go for a pre 1980's gun, the earlier the better and you can track the serial numbers for the colts here:
1965 Colt Python

and the reason why I know this is because I've played around with the idea of getting one but $1400 for a python in MA is WAYYY too much money, especially when the ones I've found are post 1980 guns and I know of one other person who mentioned they had a post 1980 gun and had it go out of time on them too.

FYI I did still try to buy it off him at the time (didnt know about that rule of thumb at the time) wouldn't budge though.

I am however thinking of playing the C and R game and trying to get one in for a sub K price that was made in the 50's but my to do list is kinda building up on me, plus I got a Dan Wesson as a stop gap till I find one.

although the model 27 is kinda an unappreciated classic right now and half the price so its kinda a coin toss between the two for now, but first that 645 project I've been barking on about for awhile.

 

[red9]

Two reasons for the Smith:

1. Timing. If you watch the cylinder while firing, the Smith locks up before the hammer falls. The Colt doesn't. When I started in law enforcement, we bought our own Smiths or Colts. The range officers always said that 90% of the guns on the line were Smiths, 90% of the malfunctions were Colts. When in time, the Colts are great actions. Incidentally, this timing issue does not apply to the Colt Mark III action.

2. Grips. The raised checkering pattern on the Python grips can get downright painful after a while. This, of course, is correctible.

Bob

 

[jdickson397]

That's a good idea about posting this question on the Colt forum. I am not active there so I will ask a friend to do it. I have been impressed, however, about the even-handedness of most of the responses in this thread. The only thing to do is to acquire at least one of each.

 

[Cpo1944]

this thread could be called 'Colt v. S&W'. the python exhibits everything that is wrong and right with all colts and the same with a 27. except if the question is just about polishing.

colts- always finely fitted, great looking guns. the cylinder turns the right way and they shoot straight. but, my God the DA pull- its part of the program for colt owners when they get to Purgatory. like a ferrari, they need special attention when they break. people have always been proud of their colts, so they are spendy. high maintenance trophy wife.

s&w- about the opposite in almost everything but fit and finish. a little bit less well fit, but way good enough. and they shoot straight. serviceablity paramount. college sweetheart raising your kids.

interesting aside- less than a month ago i was refused a trade of my 4' .22 diamondback for a 17-2 in equivalent condition by a local dealer. he had $750 on the smith and told me that diamondbacks don't sell that well anymore!


robert w.

My Dad taught me to never call a man a liar, but that dealer darn sure sounds like one.

 

[roaddog28]

It comes down to what purpose a person is going do with the revolver. For me buying a Colt Python is strictly for investment. Buying a model 27 is for shooting 357 magnums all the time. That is where the Python falls short. A person will have to have the Python worked on if the revolver sees lots of 357 magnums. In my area I don't know of any gunsmiths that will work on a Colt. A lot of people will say shoot 38 specials in a Colt Python so it will last longer. I would say forget it. If I am only going to shoot 38 specials then I have a model 10 or several K frame magnums that will shoot unlimited amount of 38 specials.
Bottom line: For me it only makes sense to buy a Python for a investment.
Howard

 

[Rio Vista Slim]

That's a good idea about posting this question on the Colt forum. I am not active there so I will ask a friend to do it. I have been impressed, however, about the even-handedness of most of the responses in this thread. The only thing to do is to acquire at least one of each.

There is, indeed, this same topic on the Colt Forum. And, like in this thread, the responses have been reasonable and polite.

My hand size doesn't allow me to comfortably shoot an N-frame S&W. The grip on my six inch Python fits me quite well, and I'm able to shoot that revolver accurately. I do agree that the Python double-action trigger is much harder to master than the triggers on Smith & Wesson K, L, and N-framed revolvers.

My favorite .357 Magnum revolver to carry and shoot is my S&W 686+.

The revolver I like to shoot in single-action mode, and admire the most, is my 1979-manufactured Colt Python.

 

[pmhayden]

I prefer the M27. Mine is a "shooter grade" 5-inch that I found in a pawn shop for $275 or so about 5 years ago. It has some cosmetic wear - but not a lot. I would be fine with a 586 as well.

I had a 4" Python, but traded it (for an M14 clone). I still have a Colt Official Police in 6" which is a nice Colt. I keep it because I love the pre-war workmanship. It makes me weak in the knees, it is so nice. But the M27 design makes a better pistol for shooting.

 

[mkk41]

Much has been made of each guns D/A trigger pulls , but in all honesty , I'd bet 99% of my shooting is done S/A.

 

[SW357Addict]

Python's are very elegant and pretty but I can buy 3 28-2's or 2 27-2's for the price of one Python. And still have a little bit of money left over for ammo. Definitely a 27-2 or 28-2 for me.

 

[Kavinsky]

My Dad taught me to never call a man a liar, but that dealer darn sure sounds like one.

Indeed and the diamondbacks to my knowledge are about as sought after as the python, which makes sense since they pretty much look the same.

 

[buckeyeshooter1]

own a bunch of 27's --- never saw the need to buy a python. 27 all the way.

 

[Dave T]

Back in the mid to late 1970s I was shooting PPC (police revolver competition) and there was a guy shooting then who did excellent work on Pythons. He let me shoot one of his guns and I thought I needed one like it. Took a while to find a 6" snake I could afford on a deputy's pay. After acquiring the gun I had to start saving up again for the custom tune-up. While doing so I shot the Python. Unfortunately that ruined the deal for me.

I can't imagine there's anyone out there who's hand actually fits the Colt's grip. I also couldn't abide the stacking DA trigger on the Python. I shot a PPC match with it just to see how it went and my score dropped about 20%. Yea, I suppose I could learn the trigger but why bother. It just wasn't worth the trouble. Sold the Python and haven't been tempted by one since.

To those who like them, more power to you but they just aren't of any interest to me. The 5" Model 27, or better yet a pre-M27, is the pinnacle of the 357 Magnum revolver development for me.

Dave

 

[oldeddie]

I like both but.....

It's really hard not to fall in love with a 27-2. I have a 627-0 and a PC 627-5 that I like to shoot but my 5" 27-2's give the Python a run for it's money. The Python really is much closer to a K or L frame as these pictures show.

 

[M29since14]

Never liked the grip shape or angle on the Python, not to mention the DA pull...

That's my opinion. Someday I am going to buy a Python, just for orneriness, but I have never been able to do that to date because I just didn't think they were worth the extra bucks. Always ended up buying another S&W.

But there is no denying Pythons are pretty guns - once you get used to the looks of them.

 

[snake charmer]

I have to say the gun I own most of is my favorite, 2 M-27's and 14 Pythons.

 

[mkk41]

Python's are very elegant and pretty but I can buy 3 28-2's or 2 27-2's for the price of one Python.

And ya can buy 2-3 Taurus for the price of an S&W.

 

[David LaPell]

And ya can buy 2-3 Taurus for the price of an S&W.

You could. But why?? Like taking a kia over a Cadillac.

 

[GoHogs]

I couldn't abide the stacking DA trigger on the Python.

I love to look at and coon-finger the Pythons (and Diamondbacks).
But just like you, that stacking Colt DA trigger pull just always turned me off, and I eventually sold them all off (bad $ move it seems now).

 

[Kavinsky]

And ya can buy 2-3 Taurus for the price of an S&W.

not to mention the quality of there firearms are all over the place, specifically with the Taurus PT 92. plus its only about $200 - 300 more for a smith that you KNOW will last you a lifetime

truth be told though I do like the look of the 608 they make that's sort of python like but thats about it.