What New Revolvers are "Python like"

R

rgkeller

New member
Always been a pistol guy.

Are there any production revolvers today made with the same quality, trigger and accuracy of the Colt Python of yesteryear?
 
I own both the F/A 97 .357 and a new model Python (2002) stainless.
The onlything lacking in the new Python is the old royal blue finish. The trigger is superb in both D/A and S/A. In S/A it is probably 1-1/2 pounds and 'glass rod' crisp. I had a red dot on it for a while for ammo testing. It would group just about anything under 3" at 50 yards and heavy stuff like 180s (win 180 nosler or corbon 180 jsp) would group 2" or less (so would CCI Blazer .38 lrn for some reason). I think thats about my limit at the bench with a red dot and a rest.
The F/A is great, but no serious accuracy tests yet.
The Python has the better S/A trigger, but I don't want an S/A only trigger that light.
I paid about $925 for the Python and $1,400 for the F/A (I traded for some of that with non-10mm Glocks) and don't feel like I overpaid.
I have shot my best off hand groups ever with the Python.
 
I've looked at several new stainless Python Élite revolvers in the past year or so. Without exception, they had terrible single and double action triggers, as well as sloppy finishing. They're no better than Rugers any more.
 
Ummmm...was that Python shipped with a FACTORY SA trigger that low?

I rather doubt it, even in the "Good ol' days"...or that one is a fluke?

Sure, you can get a Python SA trigger down that low. But ditto the FA. And the Python's cylinder isn't line-bored, not even when they were at their peak.
 
I never saw the huge attraction to the Python over any Smith, myself. Seems to me to be a lesser gun at a greater price.
 
I never saw the huge attraction to the Python over any Smith,
Click to expand...
Well the old PPC shooters had the Smythons built for a reason. Then S&W redesigned the K-frame to come up with the L-frame that ironically looks like a Python. You may not care for the action, but the Colt had a stronger frame and a barrel that took no backseat to any revolver in the accuracy department.
 
Mabey mine is a fluke. But regardless, the single action on mine is VERY light and very crisp. Double action is like greased marbles. I don't have a trigger gauge, but I've pulled enough to know it can't be over 1-1/2 pounds.
I have no partiality to Colt.
I was actually expecting to buy a S&W.
I compared a S&W PC .357x8 N frame, a 686 and the Python side by side. The Python had the best trigger of the three. The 686 was very good as well, the PC N frame was not very good. Mabey because of so many cocking notches on the cylinder.
I have heard of others complaining about the new Python, so mabey mine is one of the first 'new' ones and they were paying attention.
 
Well, I've got both Pythons and Smiths. Used to be folks said the Python was stronger and would digest full up factory ammo better than the Smiths. But I found on at least one occasion the person saying that was comparing a Python to a K frame Smith Model 19. The K frame is a medium to light structure relative to the much larger N frame guns. I believe both the Python and N frame Smiths are great firearms, just a designers different take on what makes a good revo tick. I like 'em both. And if you do your own smithing (buy and READ Kuhnhausen's manuals), you can make either gun's actions nice and smooth.
 
IMO, the real attraction to the Python is the look. Those things just look sexy where an exceptional S&W like a Model 27 can have nice craftsmanship and beautiful blueing, but the design itself is still relatively utilitarian looking.
 
I personally think the Python is incredibly unnatractive. Vent ribs belong on a shotgun, for starters, and the finishes have never been what it is touted to be, IMO. Give me a 28, 19, or 586 over nay Python any day. To be honest, I actually like the Colt Troopers a lot better than the ungainly Python.
 
I disagree. Vent ribs belong on Pythons. Shotguns barrels should be nekkid and light.

Nobody ever asks to shoot my S&W. ;) They go straight for the Colt - excellent trigger and excellent accuracy. What's not to like?

John
 
I have a 2 1/2" Python mfg in 1958, no wear. Found it at a gun show about 7 years ago for $450. Only mistake I made was getting rid of the original grips to a collector. I figure the worth to a collector now to be about double what I paid for it. It has a 'glass-rod' break on the trigger and the beautiful royal finish.
 
The Python's rifling has a faster rate of twist than Ruger and Smith & Wesson revolvers. That doesn't make a great deal of difference with full house .357 magnum loads, but makes all the difference in the world with slower lead bullets. The one Smith & Wesson revolver I have that's accurate as a Python has a Clark barrel with Colt-style rifling—and its trigger isn't as good.

Will the attached file go through? Won't it? I'll soon find out.
 

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If I had to buy some off-brand revolver, a Python would be my first choice. ;)

As far as "Standard Production" revolvers today with the same level of fit & finish as a top-of-the-line gun of yore like the Python or the S&W 27? I personally don't think so.
 
Since this is all opion..... I dont think there is anything as pretty as a python
but.... pythons are for pretty and Smiths are for fighting
 
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