S&W Model 27 versus Colt Python

[mkk41]

I actually like the way a Colt triggers 'stacks' or 'stages' Great for bullseye shooting. The Python uses the same 'long' action as the old Officers Model Match target revolvers. Once ya get used to it , ya can 'trigger cock' the hammer and hold it there , to the point of a single action final pull. I can't do that with my K-38. The Smith action seems better for rapid fire 'combat' shooting though. The Colt Trooper Mk.III action was more like a S&W pull.

 

[Decker]

I also like the Python's stacking trigger for range shooting or self-defense, but the 27 would probably be more suitable for target or competititive tactical matches.

Let's see, what to do?.... Oh, I know; get several of each.

I have to admit that I sold my 27 because my heart is more into the K-frame 19's and 66's.
But I've got 3 Pythons (Blue/4", SS/6", Halliburton Hunter Set) and 3 K-frames (Blue/6", SS/2-1/2", SS/4"), and none of them are going anywhere anytime soon.
It's nice not to have to choose one over the other.

 

[TxCol]

Python vs s&w 27

Like most, I like the python for single action and the 27 for double action. The python frame is smaller to carry ccw, but with the proper holster either will work. I am confident with either.

Doc

 

[steamloco76]

I owned a 27-2 6.5 inch and an 8 inch Royal Blue Python at the same time in the early 1990's and I own an 8 3/8's 27-2 now. The Python had the glossiest finish and smoothest S/A trigger of ANY handgun I've ever owned. However it also had a shorter than average cylinder and showed pressure signs before any .357 Magnum I've ever owned too. The 27-2 6.5 incher was more accurate and much easier to shoot D/A. I sold them both to raise money for camera equipment when I started an new job. That Colt brought me $750 in 1993, but would be worth $1300 today. I got $350 for the 27, but it was in less pristine condition.

I'd love to have them both back, but I'll NEVER pay the $$$$'s a Python is commanding these days. I'll enjoy my second 27-2 and be quite happy. ( The 586-4 ain't bad either!!)

 

[feralmerril]

I am not a expert at anything, but in haveing to wear a revolver on my humble securitys jobs for over 35 years I owned or was issued every popular 357 you can name. S&Ws in 66-3, 27-2, 28, 19, 586, Colts in old style troopers, several pythons, officers model match, offical police`s and a ruger speed six.
The biggest consideration for me was weight. That and bulk of grip and barrel length is a huge factor in packing them on hundreds of 16 hour shifts.
My biggest favorite of all of em was a old model colt trooper 357. I went to the service offical police grips on them too. It has the same action as the python with less weight without the enclosed ejector houseing and ribbed barrel. The N frames are overbuilt and heavy in 357. The 586 was in the same league as the N frame. Now I also liked the ruger speed six, but not as much as my old colt troopers. I still own a 27, 66-3, and two pythons. Here are two of my old colt troopers. One is in .22lr to practice with. I had stupidly sold my 357 I carried forever, but allenframe sold me this nice nickle one in .38 special a couple years ago. Thanks allen!

 

[mkk41]

Good guns! Got a first year (3 digit) Colt .357 , which is the Daddy of the Python.

 

[Reddog]

I guess I have owned and fired too many 27s, 28s and 686 S&Ws for too long! A Python has a strange looking grip that doesn't fit my hand, and on top of that, the ventilated rib is cheap looking to me. I just like old Smith and Wessons!
Dick

 

[Kavinsky]

Did they make any pre 1980 colt troppers that looked like the old python feral or atleast close to it?

 

[mkk41]

Did they make any pre 1980 colt troppers that looked like the old python feral or atleast close to it?

Not that I know of. In the '80s , they did have the Trooper Mk.V. Had a vent rib , but not a full length underlug.

 

[feralmerril]

Yes, kind of. The lawman and mark whatever had a ejector houseing and a SOLID rib, not vented and tapered. The action was redesigned and they have a shorter grip frame. The action was less complicated but not as nice as the python. They were more similar to a model 19. I had one or two many years ago but just turned them over.
Here are my two pythons. By the way I found the same holsters will fit the troopers, pythons, my m&p and the 66. I also have a 5" 27-2 and a m&p. Forgive me if I am boreing with repeat pictures. I belong to several sites and cant remember which I posted where on similar subjects. Let me add, I agree the large target stocks on the python or troopers are less comfortable than smiths are for me too. However the goodyears on the python shown feel just great. They are flatter. I am ordering some faux ivory from Boon tradeing company that look good. I will try them out and report back. Check out this picture of them. The mustangs on my 2 1/2" feel great too.

http://www.boonetrading.com/Grips-C11.jpg

 

[bgrafsr]

I used to have a Python many years ago, along with a Diamonback in .22 LR, but regrettably I sold both of them. After reading this thread I decided it was time to get another Python, so I bid on this package on GunBroker and won it. It was made in 1978.

 

[4inch357]

Definitely the 27. I had a Python for years and shot it extensively; I had a 27 for a while as well. Finally got rid of them both. I have since picked up another 27; I have not a Python. I prefer the trigger in the 27 and I don't care for full underlug barrels once they get over 4".

 

[Tunachaser]

I don't like the Python grips either, but I never keep stock grips on any of my guns, the stocks go in the safe and I'll get after market grips and shape em to fit my hand. Someone actualy said that the Python did not lock up with the hammer back, that is funny, and someone else said the Python looked cheap, that too is funny. I love my Smiths, that's not right, I love all my guns, but saying dumb stuff about another gun just because you don't like it, or think it is to expensive, well, that's just dumb. Here are 3 of my favorites, though far from the most expensive.

 

[Tunachaser]

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

I am headed that way............

 

[hamr56]

Let me say I think they are both great guns. However when looking at them both today I would by two Smith 27s and go home happy.

 

[Tunachaser]

I have a friend that likes $5 cigars, he says he can buy three boxes for what I pay for one, that's fine, I don't smoke that many cigars, but when I do, I want it to be one I like. I prefer quality over quantity, hell some of the folks are buying taurus, by that same logic. I like my Smiths, but price plays no part. The reason the Python cost as much as it does, is because people are paying that much for em. They are one of the finest production revolvers ever made.

 

[MP1983]

My dad always told me I had "champangne taste and a beer wallet" - and he was right...so I have to go with the Colt's Python as my personal favorite...

I love Smith N-frames (have owned nine - currently am down to three) and have owned two 3 1/2 inch Model 27's (still have one, nickle in presnetation case LNIB)...but my four Pythons are my personal favorites, I even lucked out & scored a well used but not abused 3 inch Python circa 1963, got it in 1993 or so for $450...those days are long gone!! My other three include a bright stainless 4 inch and two 2 1/2 inchers from circa 1977 (one blue LNIB & the other nickeled after years of holster wear had stripped most of the blue - but it's a tight gun with no pitting & the nickle looks brand new - it was done before I bought it & was very fairly priced)...I'd have trouble parting with any of these...

anyway, glad to see I'm not the only closet Colt guy here on the S&W forum...I enjoy the company here better so I don't even bother with the other forum...(never even joined) and S&W is rich with history and made some great revolvers in the 20th century...

 

[blaiwayw]

I've bought and sold several M27's. The 5 screw version, and the -2 I own now I'll never sell. I've only owned one Python. I don't shoot it, just take it out and admire it from time to time.

 

[Art Doc]

Over and over folks mention the "stacking" of the Colt trigger. I must be doing something wrong because when I shoot my Colts I roll through the DA pull and never notice this effect.

I think ya'll are pulling the trigger too dang slowly. Don't be so hesitant. Pull that trigger like ya mean it.

Out in the desert one time my buddy shot a number of handguns with disappointing results. He's not a serious target shooter but was doing particularly bad that day, missing drink cans at 20 feet all day. Handed him my 6" Python and he let rip at an empty soft drink can set out at about 25 feet. Shooting DA he hit it with the first 3 shots. The last scored at a range of about 60 feet after the can was flipped farther away by the first 2 hits. Don't tell me a man can't shoot a Python.

 

[roaddog28]

Over and over folks mention the "stacking" of the Colt trigger. I must be doing something wrong because when I shoot my Colts I roll through the DA pull and never notice this effect.

I think ya'll are pulling the trigger too dang slowly. Don't be so hesitant. Pull that trigger like ya mean it.

Out in the desert one time my buddy shot a number of handguns with disappointing results. He's not a serious target shooter but was doing particularly bad that day, missing drink cans at 20 feet all day. Handed him my 6" Python and he let rip at an empty soft drink can set out at about 25 feet. Shooting DA he hit it with the first 3 shots. The last scored at a range of about 60 feet after the can was flipped farther away by the first 2 hits. Don't tell me a man can't shoot a Python.

Most the time its the shooter not the handgun. I don't know of any gun I have tried that turns me into a sharp shooter. It takes practice and learning gun shooting habits. I have used a S&W,Ruger,Colt and even Taurus. If the gun is operating correctly there is not that much difference.

Howard

 

[.357magger]

Out in the desert one time my buddy shot a number of handguns with disappointing results. He's not a serious target shooter but was doing particularly bad that day, missing drink cans at 20 feet all day. Handed him my 6" Python and he let rip at an empty soft drink can set out at about 25 feet. Shooting DA he hit it with the first 3 shots. The last scored at a range of about 60 feet after the can was flipped farther away by the first 2 hits. Don't tell me THAT man can't shoot a Python.

Fixed it for ya.

(hey, just funnin on ya).

 

[Art Doc]

I shot this group with that same Colt. It shoots good for anybody.

 

[lonegunman762x51]

That group is in the "8" ring. If you buy a Smith and Wesson the group will be smaller and centered in the "X" ring.


Colt makes a nice gun for people who like looking at guns, S&W makes a great gun for people who shoot guns. I've shot both and nothing about a Python ever made me want to own one.

 

[nightshade2x]

I used to have a Python many years ago, along with a Diamonback in .22 LR, but regrettably I sold both of them. After reading this thread I decided it was time to get another Python, so I bid on this package on GunBroker and won it. It was made in 1978.

Very similar to my 99%+ NIB 1978 Python. Bill, for reference what is the serial of your Python?

Have fun and be safe.
Nightshade2x

 

[Art Doc]

The group was low because the sights had not been centered, not because the gun can't hit the X ring.

All I can say is the during heyday of "Bullseye" matches the Colt revolvers ruled. They simply shot better than the Smiths.

 

[feralmerril]

I havent shot as much lately as I did years ago. However I still own two pythons, two old model troopers, and a 27-2, plus I had a few more years back. I used to experiment and reload quite a bit. I shot off the bench with the competeing guns side by side. From a good rest shooting single acton I belive colts more accurate. I understand the barrels are tapered rifled and they used laser beams in fitting them up. Now in the real world shooting off hand and being used to one or the other action the above probley doesnt make much differance. We all are going to buy and shoot what we like. I have a bunch of both.

 

[TinyDee]

I carried a Model 27 for years and knew only one officer in another town who carried a Python. Love the gun but he 27 will always be my choice. Not the 28, but always the 27.

 

[1869]

Colt vs. Smith & Wesson

I have always admired the Colt Python for it's workmanship, and always wished that Colt could make Smith & Wesson's. Colt never cut corners on the Python. It's construction was the same as made in 1908, and workmanship was always top notch, whereas Smith continually tried to find ways to cut costs. If the Python was introduced in 1930, it would have been just another fine revolver. But alas, now all the old masterpieces are gone, even the Python. Today's new guns still make you feel good, but none of them take your breath away!

 

[Mtwoodson]

Blondes or Brunettes? Same difference. Something for everyone. And don't forget redheads. And unlike women, it's socially acceptable to have a couple of each.

 

[Budnjax]

I'll take a K or L S&W any day over a Python

while some old Pythons are beautiful, they are not the gun a S&W is, IMHO. I have owned a dozen or so Pythons over the years and haven't kept any of them. For one thing, you need large hands for a Python....long reach to the trigger. The last Python I bought new was a 6 inch nickel in 1980. The cylinders were so tight that even using factory wadcutters it required a wooden dowel and hammer to get the cases out of the cylinder, it also was not very accurate. When I sent it back to Colt I found out that their accuracy standards for a Python were 3 inch group at 15 yards....mine wouldn't do that good. After they reamed out the cylinder and reset the barrel/cylinder gap (the cylinder had almost no clearance) I put only about 2500 rounds of mostly wadcutters through it til it needed a new hand! Back to Colt.....never had a S&W this flimsy. I used to wholesale S&W and Colt. I once got a shipment of 12 Pythons....the cylinders would not open on any of them. So much for a supposedly hand-fitted gun. Yes, there have also been some awful S&Ws, but almost any defective Smith can be fixed.....Pythons are poorly under-engineered from the gitgo and that can't be fixed. Let me say, though that I haven't found the same problems with the Colt D frame revolvers: Detective Special, Agent, Cobra, Diamondback even though their lockwork is quite similar to the Python.....can't explain it but that's been my experience with a dozen or so D frames I currently have in the safe.