Duke426
Member
Is there really a S&W that is comparable to a Colt Python (snake)?
bob
No...S&W has never let their standards get as low as Colt's so there is nothing as pathetically comparable...
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Why do Colt snakes sell for so much more than comparable S&W's
- Thread starter Paul12644
- Start date
No...S&W has never let their standards get as low as Colt's so there is nothing as pathetically comparable...
66Park
SWCA Member
Well, to be fair, there do seem to be quite a few issues with newer Smiths. Still, nothing like Colts were in the '80s. People that had a clue back then didn't ever trust a production Colt 1911 without sending it to a good gunsmith for a thorough work over.
My first handgun was a six inch Python that I bought new in 1980. I liked it fine, but when I bought my first Smith a year later, which was a 64 snub, I was really surprised to find I liked the action better on the Smith. Go figure. I ended up trading the Python on a Gold Cup that I had done up for IPSC competition.
highpower3006
Member
The slide on my new Colt 1991-A1 makes no noise at all when you shake the gun.
Not to derail the current topic, but I was under the impression that JMB intended for the 1911 to have looser slide-to-frame tolerances for reliability and I don't believe it's as much of a "flaw" as was implied.
I prefer a slightly loose slide to frame fit as a dirty gun is less likely to hang up.As long as the barrel,bushing,slide fit isn't sloppy,the gun will be more accurate than most shooters.
squidsix
Member
I just bought a 2.5" Colt Diamond back with a terrible finish today. Simply because S&W just never made a gun in this configuration.
I think a person would be hard pressed to find any real problems with any new Colt handguns or rifles. I think sites like gunbroker have created inflated prices simply because there are ridiculously high reserve prices and there have been for a long time. Dealers in turn look online to determine what the value of an item is and price accordingly. The internet has given consumers access to really good prices on new guns but has kind of artifically inflated the cost of anything collectible.
I think snakes command higher prices because they are prettier than smiths in most instances.
I think snakes command higher prices because they are prettier than smiths in most instances.
semperfi71
US Veteran
I have a 4 inch Python and several other Colt revolvers in Offical Police, Detective Special, and Police Positive.
I believe the reason that the Pythons and Diamondbacks are selling so well right now is because they are "iconic" Colt revolvers from a time when a Colt was supposed to be a finely fitted and smoothly operating handgun. However I suspect many people are still unaware of the poor quality of Colt revolvers turned out in the mid-1980s due to supposedly union strife.
The interior of my Python looks like they used a rock-grinder to polish the frame. I have had two Colt SAA's from the "bad" time period that would make a Uberti look good. One I had to send off to a gunsmith because it was almost unserviceable. And it had never been fired.
The apperance of the Colt large frame "snake" models is unique. And to many, racy. I think its appearance, the mystique that at one time they were truly finely made handguns (prior to the above mentioned troubles), and the fact that they are no longer made has created a high demand for them. I also suspect that some/many of the "snake" gun" buyers might be lesser knowledgeable gun buyers who are not aware that they can shop around and find them for less. Also the buyers think they are buying a collectible that will only continue to rise in value. That may not happen.
I also have a slew of S&Ws. Almost all of my S&W revolvers have a smoother D/A pull than the Colts. But my Python and three of my Detective Specials have a pretty good D/A pull as well, the "stacking" not as bad as on my other Colts.
However I still like both brands and shoot them as much as I can.
I believe the reason that the Pythons and Diamondbacks are selling so well right now is because they are "iconic" Colt revolvers from a time when a Colt was supposed to be a finely fitted and smoothly operating handgun. However I suspect many people are still unaware of the poor quality of Colt revolvers turned out in the mid-1980s due to supposedly union strife.
The interior of my Python looks like they used a rock-grinder to polish the frame. I have had two Colt SAA's from the "bad" time period that would make a Uberti look good. One I had to send off to a gunsmith because it was almost unserviceable. And it had never been fired.
The apperance of the Colt large frame "snake" models is unique. And to many, racy. I think its appearance, the mystique that at one time they were truly finely made handguns (prior to the above mentioned troubles), and the fact that they are no longer made has created a high demand for them. I also suspect that some/many of the "snake" gun" buyers might be lesser knowledgeable gun buyers who are not aware that they can shop around and find them for less. Also the buyers think they are buying a collectible that will only continue to rise in value. That may not happen.
I also have a slew of S&Ws. Almost all of my S&W revolvers have a smoother D/A pull than the Colts. But my Python and three of my Detective Specials have a pretty good D/A pull as well, the "stacking" not as bad as on my other Colts.
However I still like both brands and shoot them as much as I can.
Aguila9
Member
I'm a S&W man but I got an old Colt Python from a widow many years ago, and I have yet to find lock work like that on any factory smith.
There is just something about Colt that no other manufactuer will ever capture. In the mean time She'll stay a safe queen while my Smiths' continue putting lead down range.
There is just something about Colt that no other manufactuer will ever capture. In the mean time She'll stay a safe queen while my Smiths' continue putting lead down range.
I started collecting smiths after i had accumulated my favorite colts.
629Deerslayer
Member
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2010
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The Python has never impressed me. Full length underlugs are silly. I own a lot of Colts and the fit and finish of the Pre-War DA Colts (and Smiths) put the Python to shame. However, Pythons sure seem to be bringing big bucks these days.
VaRecon
Member
I have never cared too much for the Snakes.
The police revolvers Colt made like the Official Police are much more classy in my eyes.
They go for what they do because some people are willing to pay it due to scarcity.
However like Goony said the price is getting so high on things like Pythons it is creating market resistance.
Even if I had the money to blow and one sitting in front of me I would buy three good S&W's I would appreciate more then a glorified Colt I'd be too worried about damaging to shoot.
The finish might look pretty, It probably even shoots good,but the price is hideous.
IMO you don't get what you pay for these days.
The police revolvers Colt made like the Official Police are much more classy in my eyes.
They go for what they do because some people are willing to pay it due to scarcity.
However like Goony said the price is getting so high on things like Pythons it is creating market resistance.
Even if I had the money to blow and one sitting in front of me I would buy three good S&W's I would appreciate more then a glorified Colt I'd be too worried about damaging to shoot.
The finish might look pretty, It probably even shoots good,but the price is hideous.
IMO you don't get what you pay for these days.
Coaltminer
Member
I own a 4" nickel Python, a Smith 581 and 29 Classic 4". I like em all. As for durability, I put 15,000 rds. thru a Diamondback 38, no issues at all. The Python is a true target gun, will outshoot either of the Smiths, likely due to the very light SA trigger(2.5 lbs.) from the factory. I enjoy shooting them all. Colts are rugged guns, as are Smiths. There just aren't many Colts out there in southern WV, not nearly as many made, I think. Either one will outlast you, I must admit that I prefer the older Smiths, they just seem to be better quality.
hotrod150
Member
I got a hankering for a d-frame Colt snubby, mainly from looking at online pics of doc540's various Detective Specials, Cobras, & Agents. What I really wanted was a late model shrouded-ejector model like the bobbed Cobra he posted a pic of here, but a few months ago I found a good deal on a late-60's DS (short butt, exposed ejector) for $450 so I bought it. Wasn't really what I wanted so I sold it off to a buddy. I do prefer the look and feel of a S&W but I'd still like to buy a later-model d-frame if I could find a good deal.
When I say "good deal", I mean for a Colt. As pointed out, they seem to go for quite a bit more than a comparable S&W. I've seen plenty of shooter-grade DS and variants at gun shows marked at $600 and up, when a S&W in the same condition would be 3 or 4.
When I say "good deal", I mean for a Colt. As pointed out, they seem to go for quite a bit more than a comparable S&W. I've seen plenty of shooter-grade DS and variants at gun shows marked at $600 and up, when a S&W in the same condition would be 3 or 4.
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Ahhh... D frames...
I wish I had a Dick Special but never did bag one. Also want a 4" 22 Trooper (not Mk III).
I wish I had a Dick Special but never did bag one. Also want a 4" 22 Trooper (not Mk III).
Hombre0321
Member
Personally I like them all. I own 17 Smiths, and still am looking for that right Model 53. I also own 22 Colts not really because I prefer Colt ( I don't) but that is just the way it worked out.
It is hard to hold a nice Python in your hand and then listen to some of the remarks against Colt on this thread and not wonder what they have been drinking. Colts are very nice revolvers, very nice, I have one old Python that I have shot at least 5,000 bullets through and it is still going strong and I believe it will continue to do so. I also have a Model 29 that I bought in 1969 ( I think) and that old Smith has been shot thousands and thousands of times killed at least 12 deer and only gets better with age, I do truly believe it is smoother today than it was new.
The why of Colts costing more has been covered pretty well on this thread, it is supply and demand. But folks don't harbor under the illusion that the GunBroker price is "THE" price for anything. Those prices there are much more of a joke than anything thing else.
Now with that said are there Pythons selling for that magical money? OH yea there are, but just how many buyers do you think there are for Pythons with selling prices north of 4 or 5 grand? Not to many me thinks, no matter how many guns there are. These Colt Collector buyers want everything to be just so. To bring that big premium price gun "Must" be unfired in the box, now just the box won't do it with that Colt crowd. You also "MUST" have the outer sleeve that the box came in with the shipping label attached. This sleeve and the matching box ( Both have the gun serial number on them) can be as much as 60% of the value of the gun. To find this combo is a rare thing, that rarity is what brings the mega money.
Roland
It is hard to hold a nice Python in your hand and then listen to some of the remarks against Colt on this thread and not wonder what they have been drinking. Colts are very nice revolvers, very nice, I have one old Python that I have shot at least 5,000 bullets through and it is still going strong and I believe it will continue to do so. I also have a Model 29 that I bought in 1969 ( I think) and that old Smith has been shot thousands and thousands of times killed at least 12 deer and only gets better with age, I do truly believe it is smoother today than it was new.
The why of Colts costing more has been covered pretty well on this thread, it is supply and demand. But folks don't harbor under the illusion that the GunBroker price is "THE" price for anything. Those prices there are much more of a joke than anything thing else.
Now with that said are there Pythons selling for that magical money? OH yea there are, but just how many buyers do you think there are for Pythons with selling prices north of 4 or 5 grand? Not to many me thinks, no matter how many guns there are. These Colt Collector buyers want everything to be just so. To bring that big premium price gun "Must" be unfired in the box, now just the box won't do it with that Colt crowd. You also "MUST" have the outer sleeve that the box came in with the shipping label attached. This sleeve and the matching box ( Both have the gun serial number on them) can be as much as 60% of the value of the gun. To find this combo is a rare thing, that rarity is what brings the mega money.
Roland
I've always admired the Colt Python and almost bought one in the 90's for $500 that was like new from a close firend. I didn't and lusted after them for years but as the prices went through the roof I lost interest because to me they just stopped making sense as a S&W model 27 is a really nice revolver for half the price or less. That said I kind of wished I bought the Python just to flip it now for a huge profit.
Anyway I still like the Colt 1911 Government and the custom Norinco 1911 clone I have and they are great pistols.
Anyway I still like the Colt 1911 Government and the custom Norinco 1911 clone I have and they are great pistols.
