Winchester, I am astounded that you would criticize the SA pull. The DA, okay, it IS weird. Some people learn to manage it very well- I am not one of them, and prefer S&W's DA. But almost every Python I have used has had an oustanding SA pull. A paper puncher's delight.
The SA pull has been great on most that I've handled, but on a revolver thats "the best" IMO it should have THE BEST SA pull I've handled as well. The best SA pulls that I've handled have been S&Ws and actually one Ruger Single Six that had springs. I owned a 1969 Python and I own some S&Ws. I had at least 3 or more S&Ws that had better SA pulls. I just think that if the Python lived up the hype, S&W trigger pulls would be noticeably worse since SA pull is a major concern with revolver shooting. Because once again, S&Ws pale in comparison to what "Uncle Billy said" and yet that have better triggers, better sights, better grips and their bluing, esp on older guns (50s to 60s) was magnificent. The Pony logo IMO seems to hypnotize people into deviating from reality IMO. However, I own a decent Colt collection and I do appreciate them, I just am not over zealous about them as some other people are. This could be perhaps because I own or have owned quite a few, which allows me to draw from personal experience rather than reading and repeating what others say.
I got used to their DA, which is 2 stages aka the "stacking". Its probably a matter of preference between that DA and a S&W DA but its not like Colt made the triggers to stack on purpose because they thought it was better, but rather it was a by-product of their vintage trigger system. So either accept it, or get a different revolver I guess.
Sights:The standard Accro ones, IMHO, are good enough. But to really enjoy a Python, you should get the optional Colt-Eliason rear/ partridge front combo. Again, I am talking about a target revolver- which is what the Python really is. Why Colt tried to disguise it as a service revolver is a mistery to me.
Fair enough and I did know that too before I posted previously. Since its "the Rolls Royce" I just think it should leave you wanting for nothing except for another revolver you may own to be half as good. Its kind of like how say a sports car to some is "the best of all time" once you change out the transmission, tune it, change the rear end and increase the compression (if you had to do all that, is it really "the best"). We all define "the best" differently as evidence by this thread.
The stock grips are the worst ever. But I am yet to find any stock DA revolver grips that don't suck- for me. That's why they come with those handy screws, so you can fit ones that, well, fit your hand
This goes back to what I've always said, Pythons look better than they function. The grips look very nice, but for shooting purposes, they are very mediocre at best. A good stock DA grip? How about a S&W K or N frame magna? They fit my hand perfectly. I also like the feel or S&W combat grips. I have a vintage Officers Model Match 22 from 1956 or so with the 1950s full checkered grips as well, and that fits my hand pretty nice. Pythons in the 50s had the same grip type, just with gold medallions.
BTW,I am quite sure that without the vented rib, the six inch would lose its balance- which is another of its great points. The first, unvented portotypes had their underlugs drilled almost to the muzzle to achieve the correct weight. So no, they are not there "just for looks".
I respectfully disagree with the assertion that the rib is not there for looks. Of course I agree with you that it adds weight to the barrel, but on the other hand, there are other ways to achieve added weight. They could have made the barrel wider, had a more plain jane solid rib, or they could have re-designed the lug itself. S&W played with the weights of their K frame masterpiece guns in the 50s, and the result is a more modest look (which is personal preference itself). There is little doubt in my mind when they styled the Python, they wanted the look to be an attention getter. Kind of like how say a 60s SS Chevelle looks very different from a plain 4 door chevelle of the same vintage. They wanted it look sportier, better or maybe just plain different. If the vent rib itself (and not the weight difference) improved the function, I would have more respect for the design than I do. Now don't get me wrong, I don't think Pythons are trash or anything, and I don't they are much worse than S&W, but I do think that they are bragged about too much. I feel the same way about Diamondbacks. The best Colt 22 revolver IMO is the Officers Model or one if its variants.
Not to get into a peeing contest here, but I am curious about the people who think the python is the best, how many revolvers do they own or have owned? I don't know how many I have, but I know this: having or having owned many helps you identify what makes a revolver terrible, average, good or superb. However, when you have 4 guns, and 3 of them are not revolvers, I don't know if that person can appropriately judge why their revolver is better than another.
Much of this is just my opinion, and remember: YMMV. Thank you
Regards 18DAI