which Colt ?

[skeeter]

They are both 2 of the finest arms made. To really be fair the comparison should be between a Python and a Gunsite CCO. The Gunsite CCO is a lt. weight Officer frame and Commander slide/barrel. It has a National Match barrel and Chip McCormick internals and approachs the Pythons famous accuracy. If concealment is a key factor I would go with the Commander or CCO. The 1911/Commander is also faster to get off the first shot assuming it is carried as it was designed to be carried-cocked and locked.
I was very lucky as last week as I bought an 4" Ultimate Stainless Python for $1000. It is in as new condition with no box and if you look really hard you might be able to get a blue or nickel one for this price and in this condition. I do not think I will see another Ultimate (bright) SS Python again for this price but it pays to look and wait. Once in a while I see like new Gunsite CCO's for sale on Gunbroker for $1300 to $1500 which is what an excellent condition Python (blue or nickell) will go for- the stainless ones go for a little more. Right now www.donschofieldguns.com has a like new stainless 4" Python for $1600 and I think he will take $1500 -that is about $500 more than a nice Commander.
If you are not comfortable carrying cocked and locked I would go for the Python. Another factor is the collector factor. A Python well kept will go up in value as it is no longer made and the very finest revolver made, especially since the new S&W's do not have all forged parts plus they use MIM parts and THE lock which I have seen jam the pistol. I have also seen a Kimber snap its MIM slide stop at my local range.
In any case, you can not lose-both are among the best made, especially the Gunsite CCO and the Python. If you are hiking in bear country, while the 357 is on the light side even with 180 cast rounds it is MUCH better than any .45 which will not have the penetration that is needed. Revolvers also do not jam even if the Commander is 99.9% reliable but there is "limp wristing" to consider in certain fast draws or unusual positions/situations.

 

[OJ]

It seems to be a commonly held belief that revolvers don't "jam" - but being a widely held belief doesn't make it true.

While it doesn't happen very often - compared to autoloaders, when a revolver does "jam" - it locks up totally and, frequently is caused by a problem that cannot be fixed in the field - as most jams in autoloaders can be.

DAMHIK

 

[Sharps]

A python, back in the 80's when I was starting to buy guns I wanted a python but never bought one because of the price. Now I could kick myself. One of those guns I should have bought thing.

 

[skeeter]

OJ - I did not mean it was impossible for a revolver to jam , just that compared to an auto it is very, very unlikely. Look at the new American Rifleman's new issue testing 9 new 380 auto's. They find that 8 jammed and only one functioned right out of the box, natural the one costing $1150.
With a revolver you can get unburned powder under the extractor which will cause a jam ( and did happen to me with a S7W 629) or you can certainly have mechanical issues like i have had with a Python that went back to Colt. compared to autos they are way more likely to jam, that is all I am saying. Even a Rolls Royce will break down especially if you do not maintain it.
I have seen bank video of a police officer firing his 380 Walther one handed while lying on the floor with less than an ideal grip - jamming and being shot in response to his fired shots, he would be way more likely to be alive if he had a revolver.