Question about Colt Python...

R

Rival

New member
I was looking at different available .357 Magnum revolvers, and stumbled across the Python. I saw those guns before, I was told it is an extremely nice revolver, and I was completely unaware that Colt still makes those. Somehow I was under impression that those guns are not produced anymore...

What I do not get is why exactly those darn Pythons are so freaking costly? Can someone tell me why, maybe I will be able to motivate myself to dish out $1000 for a new one.
 
The Colt Python while beautiful, is not worth $700
more than a good ole Smith & Wesson 19/66/586/686;
at least not in my book.:eek: :cool: :D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
I have a mid 70's 8" python, and a mid 70's S&W Model 57 (N frame)4", and given the choice, the Model 57 is a much better feeling gun for me, the cylinder release is easier to use, the blue is almost as good as the snake, and most importantly, the trigger feels just as smooth, if not smoother than the python.
If I had the python in 4" and had to choose between the 2 which I would carry every day, the S&W would win every time.

Of course, it could be because I like the .41mag a whole lot more than the .357.

Are the new pythons worth 1K, I don't know. I know that when I last had that kind of money to spend on a gun I got a DE .50, is it worth that much...hard to tell, it is a very personal thing. If you desire something enough, I guess price is no object.

But, I will tell you I paid less than 1/2 for the python than I did for the DE.

bob
 
Personally, I don't think a new Python is worth $1000. Especially when you can get used Python's, with far better triggers, for far less than $1000. I have a mid-1970's six inch and an early 1980's eight inch, both blued. The 1970's gun has a better trigger than the 1980's model. I am really surprised by the rapid increase in price of used Pythons. I paid less than $1000 for the pair just four years ago. Now, people seem to want scalpers prices for these guns. I also find the trigger on my Smith & Wesson 19-3 to be better than either of my Pythons. The Smith has a shorter lock time.
 
Is a $70,000 Mercedes really worth $55,000 more than a Chevrolet?

To people who buy Mercedes, I suppose it is. They can sight many reasons why Mercedes is better... but in the end both cars can take you from point A to point B, and there really isnt that much difference.

Now I think a $450 S&W 686 can do anything a Python can do, at least as well, and may be a more durable weapon. From a functional stanpoint, there is not $500+ difference in price.

But its not all about function. Aesthetic considerations, product image, and other esoteric factors play into price and desirability as well.
 
"The Python is expensive... and it should be."
-Jeff Cooper

In old days the Python had a better finsh because more time was spent on polishing. Also, the guns required more hand-fitting than did other revolvers. Maybe that made them better and maybe it did not. Do not know if this is still the case with current guns.

Some shooters don't like the feel of the Colt trigger system, others love it. You have to decide. Some shooters love the look of the Python, others do not. Again, you have to decide. Colt traditionally bores its barrels .001" tighter than the S&Ws so they tend to shoot a tad better.

I have had a number of Pythons over the years. I kept going back and forth between the 6" and the 4" until I wised up and bought one of each.

About 15 years ago I took a neophyte shooter out to the hills for some plinking. He tried a variety of handguns on the tin cans with limited success. I finally handed him a 6" Python. He drew down on a can at about 25 feet and sent it spinning into the air with the first shot firing in single action mode. Just as the can touched down he cranked off a second shot in DA and the can went flying again.

Perhaps Colt lovers are born, not made.

Is a $20,000 Harley four times better than a $5,000 Honda? In my opinion, yes. Is a $100,000 Merceds five times better than a $20,000 Chevrolet? In my opinion, yes. Is a $1,200 Python four times better than a $300 Ruger? In my opinion, yes.

But you have to decide for yourself when it is your money being spent.
 
Well put Saxon Pig and I'm glad you came to the same conclusion regarding 4" and 6" barrels. Getting both solves a lot of the debate. Like Stans, I bought both my Pythons used and have no regrets on either gun.

Concerning the finish, the Python of the '70s was a better finished product than the current gun. Deep lustre blue that shined highly because of an excellant polishing job. It put the '70s S&Ws to shame and the Rugers, well, they were functional. Quality in finish tends to vary with mfgs and sometimes they're better than others. Not to ressurect the thread on the old v. new 629, but the older S&Ws had a superior trigger & finish than the newer ones.
 
I might one day buy a new stainless Python for $900+, more for pride of ownership than real utility. However, one would be far better served with a S&W 686 and a top-notch trigger job, because that gun will match the Python in shootability and accuracy and surpass it in durability. And if you only shoot single-action then there's not much reason at all to prefer the Colt.

I love my Python, but it's a beater and cost $400.
 
i paid less than $400 (each) for both of my shooting pythons too...they were both used duty guns and had the wear to prove it. i also have a pristine one which i paid just under $500 for. you could get a m19 or 586/686 back then for <$300. i put $100 into each for a tune before i even fire a round in either.

is the python twice the gun? sure is, at least for me...they served me as both a duty gun and in competition...saved my bacon more then once.

i can't even consider anyone comparing a GP100 with python...one is a tool, the other is an example of a craftmans skill.

i'm not sure the new one's are worth $1k either. what you are buying is the limited availability and hand workmanship in a industry where it is a dying skill.
 
I have four Pythons, and have started to commence to begin to look for a fifth. They're wonderful shooters, and I dearly love the way they look and heft, but I buy them because a.) I like them a lot for aesthetic reasons, and b.) as a young man, short on common sense and ambition both, the Python was out of my economic reach.

If you're looking for a shooter to shoot, there are plenty of revolvers that will do just as well and cost considerably less; on the proverbial "other hand," if you're looking for a Python, there's really no substitute.

The Python Elite I bought for about $750 two or three years ago--the week Colt announced it was tip-toeing out of the civilian firearms market, in fact--isn't as good a gun as the used Pythons I've bought since, unless, of course, you think a revolver ought to have a single action pull in excess of six pounds. I haven't seen any of the Pythons since issued by the custom shop, but have seen them offered for prices of $1,250 and more.

As soon as I've left the People's Republic of California, I'll be in the market for a four-inch Python in very good, but not necessarily mint condition. With age, I'm becoming at least a little more discriminating.
 
All you have to do is slowly pull the hammer back on a Python, and gently let it back down. Pick up the best S&W made. Do the same thing. Now aim both guns (same barrel lengths, same caliber) at a target, squeeze off a few rounds, measure the groups.

You now have the answer why.
 
I have a 1980 made 6 inch nickel Python, and a 1985 S&W 686. Both are excellent guns. If I were to compare them, I'd compare the Python to an AR-15, an F-15, or a Corvette, while the 686 is more like an AK-47, a Mig, or a Ford F-150. The Snake is prettier, nicer, tighter, smoother, and probably more accurate (though I'm comparing accuracy of a 6 incher to a 4 incher). The 686 seems tougher, stronger, and more utilitarian. It really depends on what you're looking for.

Regarding prices, shop around. I bought my 686 and Python on the net. The 686 was 375 new a few months ago, plus shipping and transfer fee. The Python was 675 in like new shape a year ago, plus shipping and transfer. You don't have to spend a grand on a snake. I'm told the older ones (both Smiths and Colts) are better than the new ones, but haven't compared the two personally.
 
Python - No Thanks I'll Pass

I have owned some Pythons over the years and even being a committed lover of S&W (old ones anyway) revolvers I have to say a Python is a splendid example of the revolver maker's art.

Having said that, the Python is not really a "working" gun. It is prone to timing problems and will shoot loose with heavy .357 loads fairly rapidly. It's beautiful finish will wear quite rapidly when carried and the grips are a disappointment when compared to the rest of the workmanship on the revolver.

Considering the fact I can buy 2 to 2.5 N frame S&W revolvers for the price of a Python (when you buy a Python you pay a portion of the price as tribute to the UAW.) In fact for the price of a modern Python I could probably buy a decent pre WW II S&W .357 Magnum... and there is simply no contest between the two of them.

My views...YMMV.

V/r

Chuck
 
I am sitting here with both my Colt Python (6" bbl., bought new in 1987 for about $450) and my S&W Model 19-5 (4" bbl., acquired two weeks ago) right in front of me. After DA dry firing both side by side, I have to say I like the S&W's crisp trigger and faster action better than the Python's. That does not mean, however, that I don't love my Python; I surely do. Its buttery-smooth action reminds me of a comfortable, well-worn pair of favorite shoes.

In the accuracy department, I can only speak about the Python; due to my wife's minor knee surgery, I have not had a chance to get to the range to try the Model 19, and you'd better believe I'm itching to do so. The Python, at least in my hands, is a pretty accurate gun, particularly when I try hard.

Now, to answer Rival's question. They MIGHT be worth the money if you want one badly enough, but I, personally, wouldn't pay $1000 dollars for one. I believe I could be satisfied with a less-expensive revolver today, especially if I did a little work on it.

The power of suggestion is strong and the mystique of the Python is enduring. The Python IS a good gun, but I don't know if it's as good as it's legend.

Let's face it, buying a gun is often a gamble. Believe me, I know. If you do get the Python, I hope it works well for you and you shoot many thousands of rounds through it accurately and happily.
DAL
 
Chuck,

I for one share your views about the Python to the letter. I would much rather have a S&W over the snake any day.

I HATE the old Colt lockwork that stacks when shooting, loses time easily and is prone to breakage.

When I shot PPC years ago the Python was NOT the revolver of choice for the majority of serious shooters.

Just my opinion of course.
 
Gentlemen, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.:) It is a very different trigger than the S&W or Ruger. A very different feel. Good or bad, it's different. :) I say, enjoy both of them. Don't limit yourself to only one type of gun.:)
 
Python

I still think a 6 inch nickled Python may be one of the most beautiful firearms ever manufactured, ever since I first saw one in about 1977 or so. I wanted a Python so bad I could taste it, but couldn't afford it. I went to the academy, and learned the S&W K-frame. In about 1981, I borrowed a blued 4 incher and shot it. "WHAT? This trigger is WEIRD!" That stacking at the end really bugged me (Okay, I bug easily). Never regretted not having a Python after that.
Does the action work Reeves Jungkind do on Pythons take out the "stacking?" If it did, a matched pair of Pythons ( a three incher and a six incher, nickel, thank you, while I'm dreaming) would be great.
Should have bought that damn Smolt I passed on a few years back....
 
I would go with S&W or Ruger

I've had examples of all the medium frames and several examples of each. The Pythons do have the look and the older ones the finish. To tune a Python to get out the stacking (Reeves Jungkind or Walt Sherman) you are looking at $200+ vs. about $100 for a top flight S&W tune. When you are done you will have the lightest double action pull but a very long lock time due to the hammer arc. The Smith tune d to fire the same rounds will only probably be 1/2 pound heavier double action and at least as light if not more so in single action and the lock time quicker.

For the cost of the Python one can have a highly tuned 686 Mtn. Gun and Ruger Security Six (or fill in the model) and not have to retime the gun so often. John Taffin on his site says the Python is the only gun he ever broke the firing pin dry firing so I guess the pin is fragile.

Finally, if you have small hands another medium frame would be better. The Python has the longest trigger reach of any revolver, even more so than an N frame or Anaconda.

In the end choose that which gives you what you want. If you go Python I would highly recommend the older model. I think at $675 or so used one can justify the cost but at $1,000 new one is just paying the cost of Colt's inefficient manufacturing.

Jim
 
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