S&W Model 27 vs. Colt Python

[STCM(SW)]

Model70hunter, were going on 30 years now but she still says it's her Python.....

 

[Jaymo]

I would yake the snake first and the 27 would be a very close second. As in, bumping the Python in the butt, close.
I could be happy with either one.
They both shoot better than I.

 

[Joe in SC]

RobC2, nice looking revolvers you have there. I agree that the Python is generally the better looking gun. Take a 3 1/2 inch 27 and compare it's looks to the snake and you have a different deal. That short barrelled 27 has no rivals in the looks dept. That sucker oozes testosterone. It reminds me of a square shouldered linebacker or maybe a 60's to early 70's muscle car with a crouching cat stance.

Having both and having fired many examples of each I make this comparison: from the factory with no alteration to either, the snake can more often than not match the single action of the 27 and be a bit better. Double action the 27 wins, no question about it. As far as I'm concerned that's what will win the day, all else being equal. That fast first shot in a pinch ain't gonna be fired single action. The snake stacks up and gets heavier and more difficult to shoot accurately while the 27 is one smooth continous, linear movement that won't cause you to pull off or pause.

Both are great revolvers and a joy to own and shoot.

 

[beemerphile]

...Those two are probably the finest production double-action revolvers ever made.

Of Korth they are!

 

[perrazi]

for those who want to experience the trigger feel of the python without spending python money, buy an official police made before ww2,or an army special. basically same gun with different stampings.either will give you that special feel of a colt dbl action trigger at their finest. get the prewar versions due to the fact that those guns has the highest quality of manufacture. as a person with over 40yrs of practice through each type, i have formed my opinions about both years ago.

 

[Dennis The B]

Of Korth they are!

I didn't want to omit Korth, but I always thought the Korth was more of a custom revolver, than what you'd call a "production" revolver.

I've had the opportunity to fire a Korth in .357 Magnum, and it was superb.

 

[fyimo]

I must confess that I have lusted after a Colt Python since I was interested in guns and that is almost 50 years. I came close once to buying a 6 inch barreled Python but my friend died suddenly before we could complete the deal. Now with the price of Python's through thru the roof I will probably never own one.

 

[A10]

I couldn't warm up to my python so it went by the wayside. I think the trigger on the pre-27/28s (and particularly the prewar 38/44s) are superior to the Colt. I do like the way the cylinder on the Colt locks up like a bank vault though.

 

[dewey]

I HAVE to agree with an above poster. I've had both-pick and choose.

For Post war Smith's, I adore the looks of a blue/black preModel 3 1/2 inch .357 with ivory stocks.

Best shooter was an early 8 inch Python. It would out shoot any Smith I've ever had. I think it's one in a million gun, perhaps a factory team gun.

 

[vilhelm]

I have a Python and it is a great revolver.

A model 27 is on my list.

Of course the ultimate goal is to get SaxonPig to write me into his will

 

[bmcgilvray]

Having a Python and a Model 27, both blue 6-inch guns, I favor the Model 27 for looks and shooting characteristics.

 

[gunfan]

Having a Python and a Model 27, both blue 6-inch guns, I favor the Model 27 for looks and shooting characteristics.

I prefer the Model 27 too, Bill... I prefer it too!

Scott

 

[S&W627]

I have a few of each, and like them both, but I still shoot my model 66 the most. Now if I could find a reasonably price 3 1/2" model 27 that all might change.

 

[5-Shot]

I have had two Pythons over the years. While they were beautifully finished, were extremely accurate and had wonderful triggers I could never shoot them as well off hand as I could Smiths. I never did any scientific tests but it "seems" to me that Pythons have much longer lock times than Smiths and that would allow me to wonder off target before the gun fired. Anybody know?

Ed

 

[treed]

The following happened several years ago, when I was a little younger and a lot dumber. I worked with a lady whose State Trooper husband had passed away. A mutual friend took me to her house to help with the disposition of his gun collection. I bought several guns at a very good deal. The last gun was a 6" blued Colt Python in MINT condition. It had been a safe queen all it's life. She said: "I'll take $150 for it". Being a true blue S&W man, I passed on it. I have regretted that decision every day for the rest of my life. From this I have determined I have a serious mental deficiency.
Tony

 

[brokenprism]

This is what money is for.

 

[longranger]

Two exact opposite revolvers that are the pinnacle of each makers art.To compare the actions is a useless endeavor,they are so completely different from how they work why would it not be different ? If Colt had not invented the counter clockwise lock up and S&W did would the comparisons still be valid ? Compare S&W against S&W and Colt against Colt from their perspective eras.I have heard all the "they go out of time"forever, 20 + years of collecting/shooting Colt and S&W and have had not one with a timing issue not single one not a Smith or a Colt.Thousands of rounds through pre-war Colts and S&W they both do exactly the same thing differently. I have no preference one over the other, I know they are different and appreciate the finest revolvers made at a time when a man was proud to be good at his job. It is reflected in the quality that both S&W and Colt mastered at a time when time was cheap.

 

[[email protected]]

The only thing wrong with the Python was that Colt could never make enough of them, essentialy a target revolver made famous ( I think ) by David Soul in Magnum Force. I'm a Smith fan (owner) and a Colt admirer.

 

[mkk41]

The only thing wrong with the Python was that Colt could never make enough of them, essentialy a target revolver made famous ( I think ) by David Soul in Magnum Force. I'm a Smith fan (owner) and a Colt admirer.

David Soul also carried a Python in Starsky & Hutch. A 6 in with Pachmayr grips.