I was always a S&W guy, but admired the Pythons. Even back in the '70s though, when I bought I don't know how many new S&Ws, there was concern about the V-spring Pythons going out of time. I shot a Python or two, and while beautiful guns, didn't care for the DA trigger pull that stacked for about the last 3rd. of the trigger pull. FWIW, my V-spring gun at the time, a pre MK III Trooper, did go out of time. My current V-spring type Colt, a 3 5 7 model, is still in time but leads an easy, non-endurance testing, life.
I know the Pythons are considered .41 frame guns, and have the massive appearing lugged barrel. But did anyone notice they have a relatively thin forcing cone, similar to the K-Frame S&Ws, minus the flat cut across the bottom. Back in the day, I did see a fellow officer's Python with damaged forcing cone, as well as a S&W Model 19 or two. We were issued the now infamous 357 125 grain JHP ammo. After some of us started carrying L-frame revolvers, I never saw or heard of a damaged forcing cone with any of those guns. I admire the Pythons, and expect their ruggedness is similar to the S&W 19/66,etc. I don't believe the original Pythons are as durable as the S&W L-frame guns.....ymmv
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