What's up with the Pythons

[ironhead7544]

This is true. Considering that The Walking Dead is one of the top watched shows right now, it's main character (Rick Grimes) is responsible for a lot of the current demand in the Colt Python. I say it's both good and bad. Good that younger guys are getting interested in revolvers but bad that prices are going up.

Maybe this season Rick's Python locks up and he goes for a 686. Then I can sell mine for triple what I paid

You can also get his holster for only $200.00 or so.

 

[BearBio]

I have had both (and an Anaconda).

Yes, the Python is better. Is it THAT much better?.......Personal decision. I sold the S & W and the Anaconda but I will always have a Python. Are Pythons worth what they are asking for them??? Probably not!

 

[S. Hammer]

The Python was a status symbol especially for some police officers. Carrying one denoted an elite status, if you will.

Worked for me.

 

[Saigon1965]

I enjoy being the current guardian of these -

 

[PA Guns & Ammo]

I grew up in a S&W family, but I own one Colt revolver

I bought this Austin Behlert tuned Python in 2007 for $600. I wanted one because my dad had a four inch Python in the early 80s, and because of the movie "Electra Glide in Blue". I'm glad I bought it when I did; the prices have climbed to a point where "average" guys like me just can't afford one. The value of my revolver may have doubled, but my salary hasn't. Although it's a beautiful revolver, I'd put the fit & finish of my 27-2 up against my Python any day.

I went on YouTube to check out that movie you mentioned. Looks pretty good. A lot of old cars, bikes, guns and probably other things I cannot mention. After watching the trailer, I have to see the movie. Thanks for mentioning it. ~James

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q-hSSks9fU

 

[gmiller0737]

I have Both a 686-M1 2 1/2" & A Stainless Python 4" As Far as Smoothness the Python wins hands down The Python is the more accurate of the 2 however some of that is likely due to the longer barrel length,I plan on keeping both but if 1 had to go it would Not be the Python!

 

[BigBill]

I didn't know my early pythons cylinder didn't loc up till the trigger was pulled. I got rid of a very accurate 357 magnum.
Stupid, ignorant me. I regret getting rid of my two colt 1911's too.
I should of had them repaired. I admit I made mistakes.

I just found an awesome series 80 colt 1911 in nickel. I bit the bullet and purchased it. Nobody, nobody does nickel like s&w and colt so far anyhoo. I just seen a nickel 6" python my buddy has.
We need to agree on a price. I do regret losing my python.

I think about the high priced python in one hand equals three s&w revolvers???

 

[model70hunter]

Amazing how some old threads resurface, just like the Walking Dead.
I remember how Bill Jordan put a Colt Python BBL on a SW and out shot one of his friends.

I have also read Colt used choke boring and the Python BBL decreased in diameter towards the muzzle which gave increased accuracy.

I sold my SAA's, 3-5-7 and extra Pythons keeping one 6" Blue Python.

I like both S&W and Colts. But I can still afford the occasional S&W.

A few years ago when Pythons were bringing a thousand bucks folks thought they were too high. Now many S&W's bring 1K and a Python will bring 2K and up. The difference I see is, folks who thought a 1K Python was too high are now buying S&W's for a grand.

 

[Andyd]

Whether someone is preferring a S&W action and grip over a Colt is mostly personal. There can be little doubt, though, that the earlier Colt Python is better finished and has had the action tuned better than any S&W 686 that I have owned or shot. I bought my Python pre-owned back in 1985 when it was almost twice as expensive as a comparable S&W M27, the gap has not widened very much.

As to the statement of the Colt Python being the pinnacle of revolver production, I am glad to have a wider experience that allows me to disagree.

The Korth has a set of five rollers that can be changed for a very exact stacking, the MR73 is also a little bit more advanced than the Colt Python action - and considerably more durable.

 

[thardgrave]

I only have two .357 magnums.....a no-dash M27 that I bought in 1964, and a Python that I acquired several years ago. Would I trade my 27 in on a Python? Not a chance....I will never sell or trade that gun.... Do I regret buying the Python? No way.....to me, it is one the most iconic guns ever made....like no other, and beautifully made. You will never get agreement on the relative merits of these two guns, much less convince a group of diehard Smith fans that the Python is in any way better or even equal. To me, I have the best of both worlds, and I am very happy that I do not have to argue over them......






But still my favorite handgun....

 

[model70hunter]

Whether someone is preferring a S&W action and grip over a Colt is mostly personal. There can be little doubt, though, that the earlier Colt Python is better finished and has had the action tuned better than any S&W 686 that I have owned or shot. I bought my Python pre-owned back in 1985 when it was almost twice as expensive as a comparable S&W M27, the gap has not widened very much.

As to the statement of the Colt Python being the pinnacle of revolver production, I am glad to have a wider experience that allows me to disagree.

The Korth has a set of five rollers that can be changed for a very exact stacking, the MR73 is also a little bit more advanced than the Colt Python action - and considerably more durable.

Of korth you would say that.

 

[cobretti]

I think about the high priced python in one hand equals three s&w revolvers???

I found two 4" BSS Pythons at a shop and had to real quick sell off my 8 3/8" Model 25 and a Walther PP, both in like new condition, plus $300 to buy the one Python that was luckily still left when I got back there. As I've seen the same gun selling for almost $1000 more, I figure I did pretty good. So as for the 3 to 1 ratio, I can only shoot one at a time...

 

[silentflyer]

Supply and demand, Colt stopped production,people want them. Checked the price of say a S&W Model 53 lately?
Pre 1964 Winchester model 70's?
The Pythons/Diamond Backs are fine firearms with a beautiful finish.
Preference? Sort of like Blondes,Brunets and Redheads, to each his own,personally I like them all.....

 

[kbm6893]

I think the Colts are ugly and not just the snakes. Wouldn't own one. If I was given one I'd sell it and buy 2 smiths and keep the change

 

[Andyd]

I think the Colts are ugly and not just the snakes. Wouldn't own one. If I was given one I'd sell it and buy 2 smiths and keep the change

Well,

I kept the Python and my nine Korths and just bought yet three more S&W revolvers.

The Python is not a classic for its looks. The early ones are just well made and shoot well. I shoot all my guns, even the Korths. If you judge guns by looks and not performance, you are in a different class than I am.

If I want something nice to look at, I have some original paintings.

 

[kbm6893]

Well,

I kept the Python and my nine Korths and just bought yet three more S&W revolvers.

The Python is not a classic for its looks. The early ones are just well made and shoot well. I shoot all my guns, even the Korths. If you judge guns by looks and not performance, you are in a different class than I am.

If I want something nice to look at, I have some original paintings.

I'm not judging them for their looks. But I DO buy guns for their appearance AND their functionality. If I don't like how a gun looks, I don't buy it.

But let's say I set aside my opinion on the Colts and bought one for the stupid price they are at now. What do they do better than a S&W or a Ruger? They fire a bullet that hits the target. I fired a Python once. Nice, but I couldn't really tell the difference between that and the 66 I was shooting. Sure, it felt different, but not better.

And if they were so great, why did Colt stop making them? S&W, Ruger, Taurus, Rossi, Charter Arms. They ALL make revolvers. So there's a market for them. It's not like Colt is out of business. Just out of the revolver business. Could it be that people realized that triple the asking price for a Python wasn't worth what they got for it?

 

[BigBill]

I really want to take a few different brands revolvers in 357 mag and have my own shootout comparing them with my reloads. I knew what my first python did at 100yds. with my Speer 140gr reloads which I still have some left. I figure the contest will be with all of them with 6" barrels probably at 25 yards.

 

[bc1023]

The Python is a great revolver, I own quite a few.

However, the Manurhin MR73 is unquestionably the superior gun, in my opinion. Manufacturing processes were far better and the MR's strength and durability leaves the Python in the dust. It exceeds the refinement of the Python with a strength greater than a Ruger GP100. I think the Manurhin is one of the best revolvers ever produced.

 

[Maximumbob54]

WELL !
Colt Pythons, and other Colt Revolvers are "High Price" plus Smith and Wesson Revolver are also climbing higher and higher in price.

**** Has anyone noted the prices on wood revolver grips lately ?? and the grips are just two pieces of carved wood with a screw.

I hear that. And the best part is while they are of decent quality it's not like they are top shelf quality. They have a rather cheap finish that tends to crack and chip free, the fit is hit or miss on many of them but for the oldest that were still hand fitted and numbered to the frames, the checkering sometimes has flaws, and it seems like a lot of the wood doesn't match all that well. It sound like I'm knocking them more than I mean to but it does shock me how some people elevate them. But then I could say the same about Colt wood grips and double so for Python wood grips. I know there is something to be said for the original grips but to pay an absorbent price for grips just because they are from the same era as your gun and they aren't even fitted to your gun… Just ouch. And just for kicks they used a screw that isn't even easy to find if you lose it.

 

[clang444]

Colt 357 Model

I've got a Colt 3 5 7 too:


I also had a 4" Python but sold it some years ago. I held onto the 357 because it felt more "Coltish" to me.

Since the Python is quickly becoming unreachable for many people who would at least like to try out this revolver, there are a couple of options that are still relatively affordable. Find a 3 5 7, Officer's Model Match, Trooper (not MK III or V) or even an older Official Police. These guns have the same action and same size frame as the Python.

The Colt E/I frame size was designed to handle the Colt .41 caliber cartridge back when Colt still offered .41 caliber guns. That's why it is beefier than the S&W K frame.