Good Python Article

Ha Win73 stop fighting with these guys! The Python was in COD man!:p

Win does speak somewhat the truth. I own Old lock work colts, also some smiths from the same time periods. The some colts feel great while others are just so-so. It really depends on the gun. I have a worn colt that I need to re time and a worn S&W that has a better trigger now because of it.

I would venture most that hold Pythons in such high regard (this isn't directed @ anyone here) have never seen, held, or even fired one.

So what Win73 is saying is true to a degree. The reason Pythons are so expensive is they are a finite resource and the demands continues. Not because they are some sort of mythical super revolver. But they are a fine, handcrafted, beautiful gun that most would be proud to own. Treat it with care and respect and like any other quality firearm it will last lifetimes.
 
Back in the early 70's, my partner carried a nickel python that was the prettiest gun ever saw. We went to the range and fired and my partner slid all of his misfires over to me. I had a blue S&W 19' I shot all his misfires without missing a stroke. I liked the looks of his but would not trade him mine.
 
I still have my grandfathers python, that was his service pistol. I still remember him and all of his leo buddies talking and all of them including him considered their smiths much nicer guns.
 
I bought a NIB blued 6" model in 1975 or 6 for $425 plus tax. It was beautiful, and nice and tight. Just reeked of precision. I definitely enjoyed the pride of ownership. Very accurate also. The tight bore was probably respnsible, not my mediochre marksmanship. It made me look good when my friends and I engaged in some spontaneous and amateur contests.

A few years later, and 2000 125 grain magnum loads through it, I found myself making scotch tape shims to put between the frame and crane to keep it from rattling so embarrasingly. And putting a little bevel on the bolt to make it force the cylinder into lockup on slow cock.

I even considered having a precision machinest drill holes for some magnets in the frame to keep the cylinder crane pulled into the frame. It might have worked, I just never followed through.

I think the rear-only lockup was what made it so prone to looseness in the action.

I did manage to sell it to a Python loving coworker in 1982 for $400. Overall, I enjoyed the Python experience, and have few regrets.

I'm not just picking on the Python. Every S&W revolver I had back in that time went out of time on slow-cock also. This includes a 28, a 29, and a 25.

It wasn't until I started shooting Rugers that I found revolvers that don't go out of time shooting hot loads.

Just my observations and experiences.
 
Interesting posts about the Python. I'm a Smith guy, I have lots of them Model's; 10, 13, 16, 19, 20, 24-3,27, 29-2,57,60,63, 65,66, and a few more. I just bought a Python, shot it about 100 times. The Python is by far has the best trigger pull (double action), best hammer pull (cocking) and the quietist ( is that a word?) movement of any of my Smiths. Accuracy? I'm no crack shot, but it shoots straight just like my Smiths. I guess some of those Pythons that were lemons, were made on either Monday or Friday:eek:.
 
I just bought a Python, shot it about 100 times. The Python is by far has the best trigger pull (double action), best hammer pull (cocking) and the quietist ( is that a word?) movement of any of my Smiths.
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Same here. I love my Smiths to bits, but both of my Pythons just feel better. Not, not twice as good. But better anyway. And have never given me any grief, and I have had one since the early 80's... not pampered at all.
 
A Python was my third revolver purchase (H&R 999, Colt Diamondback, then the Python). Never regretted buying it and never really fell in love with it. Nothing wrong with the gun. Great trigger and balance. Kept it for about 20 years and then sold it. Bought other Pythons during that 20 year period, short barrel, long barrel, blue, nickel etc. But always kept the first until finally I shot a Trooper Mark III (357) and decided I liked it just as well.
 
I have lots of them Model's; 10, 13, 16, 19, 20, 24-3,27, 29-2,57,60,63, 65,66, and a few more
Click to expand...

I just bought a Python, shot it about 100 times. The Python is by far has the best trigger pull (double action), best hammer pull (cocking) and the quietist ( is that a word?) movement of any of my Smiths. Accuracy?
Click to expand...

Some Pythons will be found with trigger jobs and some were just better than others even when stock.

Regarding those S&Ws, the 4 screw and 5 screw versions were made a little better and to me are better shooters although a 1970s bangor punta is usually a fine gun as well. I imagine most of those guns you named are made post 1970. I know about half of those by model were made after 1970. A S&W trigger can be greatly improved by greasing the internals (the grease dries with age) and replacing the mainspring.

My best Colt trigger I've owned is a 1954 Colt trooper 38 special (over the Python, Diamond back, OMM, 357 model, Trooper MKIII, etc). With S&W, I have many that are close, and a few that are better triggers than the Colt. I do however have more S&Ws than Colt.

No one says EVERY Python, or EVERY S&W - there will always be exceptions to the rule. My posts are more of an "on average" view of it all.
 
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