The two major revolver actions: N Frame and Python .357

[jhcii]

SW above, Python below:

The L frame came after I found the N frame and so I still liked the N frame over the L frame .357. The Python has always been about since the 60's when I remembered hearing of it. The N frame 27 was always out and for a time the 28. The 19 was too light for me to shoot jackrabbits in the Nevada desert so I settled on the 28 and 27s for serious .357 magnum shooting. I never had a Python of my own and I bought my first Python about a couple or three years ago. It was almost $4,000.00 and there it is below a simple N Frame 29-10 50th Year Anniversary (1956-2006) that I have shot out of "unfired" and "brand new out of the box" as well as "pre-owned" category. I have shot this 29-10 as many times as my other 29-10 which is a machine engraved 4" that shoots better than the other two 6.5 and 8 and 3/8" models. No kidding. I have witnesses and targets.

The Python is not my favorite action in a DA/SA revolver to me for two reasons:
a) the SA trigger is not as nice as the SA trigger on an SW N Frame from yesteryear to today.
b) the balance and hand grip with the sights are all wrong for me. I need the SW red ramp front white outline rear target hammer target trigger stuff to turn a 4" .44 Magnum into a sharp shooting revolver for me. The Colt action is against my instinct which requires a light and precise SA. Colt sights are not as precise as SW sights because they are smaller and lower than the SW Patridge type.

I adore both Colt and SW. I don't like my Python as much as all of my 29s from 1985 to present but when I get it out I realize it's my first Python. Perhaps I should just take it for a trip to an outdoor range is beyond indoor lighting. The Colt Sights are much harder to see in dark or tunnel light.

Now it comes down to the cartridge and SW has frames from J to X today but only K, L, and N for .357.

The L seems the SW to the Python.

My problem is I have trouble liking either and just get the N frame instead.

And then since I have the money for an N Frame I get to choose .357, .41, or .44 Magnum.

I choose to be easy on my self and just go to the .44 Magnum in the 29. All the magnums are equally loud. All the magnums can jump in a human hand with recoil.

The best N frame is the one with Goncalo Alves original grip and .44 Magnum.

 

[SilentKnight]

I prefer the S&W trigger because it stages (indexes) nicely for accurate double action shooting. My 4 inch 29 is very accurate... just wish it had a round butt.

 

[jhcii]

sk,
I like the SW double action in rapid fire.
The Colt Python is smooth DA but for my self the staging of the SW DA trigger in an N Frame is the best DA revolver for me to fire live fire in a police range in Reno.

That was 1980s beginning then. The 19 4" was very popular for those wanting 4" barrel without the weight of a 28. Barrels were confined to 4 to 6" revolver .38 Special (for the old cops in Reno) or .357 Magnum in Colt or SW.
I like my Python and I should since it was a lot of $ but Colt tried producing the Elite Python that I am well familiar with and I don't know why the 60's Colt Blue Python shoots recoils feels better than the recent Elite Pythons in stainless.

On the other hand the SW 29 keeps marching on from 29-1 to 29-10 and 629 to whatever.

I was never disappointed with an SW .44 Magnum revolver. One did blow up in my hand without injury: the .44 Magnum Titanium PD in 4" barrel. I was unhurt. I took it back to Brian Murphy of Murphy's Guns in Tucson. He sent it back to SW and SW sent back another gun for me to have but I just told Brian to trade it for another gun he had I wanted. I just lost confidence in the light titanium scandium revolver and went old classic.

To date.

For me the N Frame Square Butt w/ SW Goncalo Alves is the best hold on the machine the 29 is.

 

[BigBill]

Well my python 6" had 100yds pinpoint accuracy with my 140gr Speer jhp reloads. It was a fine quality piece of colt machinery. I regret selling it. I like my Rugers and Smith's too.

The python isn't an N Frame and the N Frame isn't a python. The L frame is closer to a python. There still worlds apart.

The colt trooper mkIII is another awesome 357mag revolver too.
The colt officers target model revolver that's built on the 41 frame is another fine 22cal revolver too.

As far as s&w go I like the K and N Frames.

 

[Art Doc]

A comparison made many, many times. Most people think the 27 (top of S&W line, not the 29) is nicer. I am certain they are wrong. The fit and finish on the Python is beyond comparison.

Most people prefer the S&W action. Both are fine with me but I believe the Python to be minutely smoother. May be just me.

The Python is on what's called a 41 frame while the N frame is a 44 size frame.

My 6" Python using full power 125 JHPs at 25 yards...

The gun with its little brother...

 

[DD357]

I thought the 2 major actions were K frame and N frame!

I've had 3 Pythons over the years and never got on to the double action triggers on the things and I had about 100K rounds on them. Sold all 3 - don't miss them.

 

[at_liberty]

The L seems the SW to the Python.

My problem is I have trouble liking either and just get the N frame instead.

And then since I have the money for an N Frame I get to choose .357, .41, or .44 Magnum.

I choose to be easy on my self and just go to the .44 Magnum in the 29. All the magnums are equally loud. All the magnums can jump in a human hand with recoil.

While the 357 was first sold in an N-frame, the 44 does get you the most power for the size. Not many pack a 44 Magnum every day though. N-frame is a BIG gun with a BIG bulge.

Sounds like you have nearly convinced yourself to sell the Python.

I get what you mean, but "actions" are usually associated with a brand and group of guns within a brand rather than a frame size. In any case, the two guns in question are not necessarily the primary representatives of the mechanics of a certain action design and result.

SW has frames from J to X today but only K, L, and N for .357.

There is also a J-Magnum frame 357, but perhaps you meant just the frames that featured your 4" barrel options.

 

[OLDSTER]

Colt and Smith

Years ago shooting lots of Bulls-eye and PPC on our local PD team; of our 8 man squad, six of us shot a 6" Python for Bulls-eye because of the balance and wonderful single action. And we all shot a Combat Masterpiece for PPC because of the superior double action and robust feel of the Smith. Interesting enough, as I recall, of the remaining two members, one shot a Python for both events, and one shot a Smith 27

 

[jhcii]

Another thread is alive about selling a couple N frames to get a Python and I of course couldn't keep my mouth shut over there.

Over here I won't sell my 1976 Python Blue 6" because I can tell it is closer to a Swiss Watch than an N Frame; however, the N Frame in .357 up to .44 is fine in a 4" barrel. Yes it creates a wide bulge wider than a J frame but if the tinier pistol doesn't fit your hand then why carry a self defense gun?

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I thought the 2 major actions were K frame and N frame!

I like that!

***

The commonly accepted wisdom is that the Colt Python is simply the most spectacularly well made handgun ever and then it goes on from there. Okay, that's just great. I'll buy that story.

BUT!

There are other considerations if you're not buying Pythons as investments (plenty of people are doing just that). I don't buy guns JUST as investments. I buy them to use as well as collect. So, okay, when you start to have a lot of guns you don't use them all, anyway, so they are, arguably, investments kinda sorta. That aside, Pythons were made to be shot. But that's another story. My point is that (1) I think the stocks on Pythons are ugly compared to S&W stocks, (2) S&W revolver triggers just plumb work for me!, and (3) Pythons are pretty but that have that weird ventilated rib which, on its own, ain't so bad but (4) since the Model 27 is GORGEOUS why would I want a Python, anyway?

 

[bigfatty]

That ventilated upper rib was one of the biggest factors in the Python's beauty, IMO. God, how I regret selling my unfired, pristine 6" stainless Python for $350 @20 years ago.