Would a Python be worth it?

L

lcpiper

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Is a Colt Python such a nice gun that it would be worth buying as a shooter at today's market prices where in general $1,000+ is a common asking price for non-collector grade shooters?

Actually, maybe I should ask the question this way;

Does anyone make a better .357 Mag then a Colt Python that is still in excellent condition?
 
For a shooter, I think you would do just as well with a nice S&W Model 586 or 686, and save a few hundred dollars for ammo or another gun. Pythons are great guns, and beautifully made, but the shooting experience itself won't be much if any different. I enjoy collecting and shooting (a little) old Colts knowing that they won't be "made like that" any more.

Ruger also makes a perfectly good and very rugged full-sized .357 (the GP100), I just don't care for the looks of them.
 
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The Colt Python is a great revolver, well made and of superior finish. But, as far as putting rounds on target, again and again, I'll go for the Smith & Wesson Model 586. I believe it is equally accurate, more rugged and capable of handling the long OAL handloads I often use.

I've owned one Python, shot seveal others, and I wouldn't pay the going price for one now. Not a collector, myself.

If you have your heart set on owning a Python, go ahead and buy one, you won't be disappointed in pride of ownership.

Bob Wright
 
Does anyone make a better .357 Mag then a Colt Python that is still in excellent condition?
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In DA, keep an eye out for a S&W Model 27, or a pre-27. Of course, there's the French Manurhin MR-73 and the German Korth. Even if you found one of these stateside, a Python will look like a bargain, though.

In SA, check out Freedom Arms. Doesn't get any better.

Personally, I'd get a Python for what they represent, not for how they shoot. The thing is, I can't afford safe queens, so a Python has remained waaaay down on my priority list.
 
Yeah, the only reason I'd be buying one with the market for them being what it is would be as a collector's piece. They just seem to have gone nuts.

For a shooter, there's several other medium frame sized .357s that are priced more reasonably, and for what even an "OK" Python would get you are talking new in box with warranty. Some (Rugers) would be a fraction of that. For what these Pythons are going for you can even get a S&W Performance Center 627 and have a fantastic shooter, lifetime warranty, and enough money left over for ammo and a reloading press.
 
Years ago I bought a nickel plated Python and a nickel plated Diamondback because that was what I wanted. And, I assumed that they'd appreciate in value. If a fellow just wanted to own and shoot a 357, there are many good choices other than a Python. I got them both for about $350 each, so I'm doing pretty good. The bad news, if it's bad news, is that I don't plan to ever sell them, so any appreciation in value is never going to be collected by me. I doubt any kids or grandkids will really appreciate those two pistols. But I do....
 
A Python is high on my wish list,but so is a S&W Model 686 Plus 357 6" barrel for a gun to put a lot of rounds through.

The Colt would be for lookin' at, and shooting on occasion.
I'll probably get the S&W before the Colt.
 
I am not interested in keeping one in a safe and it isn't for collector value. pride of ownership yes, so I can enjoy it for what it was made for, shootin.
When I look at the Python I see prices running from $1,000 to $6,000 or more.

But let's forget about price and concentrate on function, I want to know if the Python is still up to it's reputation or has time and other models actually caught up and passed it?
 
Colt took time to make a premium revolver. Their barrel accuracy criteria was 25% tighter for Pythons than regular production and the actions are very smooth.

Hold one, double action the trigger, try the single action. You have to decide for yourself whether you will pay extra for a Python.

Ruger and S&W both make excellent 357 revolvers, not going to bad mouth them, they will do the job.

If you want a Python, get one. They are not being made anymore and they won't be less tomorrow.
 
Slamfire said it all,,,

If you want a Python, get one. They are not being made anymore and they won't be less tomorrow.
Click to expand...

Kind of like what Will Rogers said about real estate:

"...out here I had been putting what little money I had in Ocean Frontage, for the sole reason that there was only so much of it and no more, and that they wasent making any more..."
Click to expand...

If you want one,,,
You should probably not hesitate too long.

But before you buy a Python,,,
Handle and hopefully fire a S&W Model 586 or 686.

Aarond

.
 
I want to know if the Python is still up to it's reputation or has time and other models actually caught up and passed it?
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I haven't spent much time thinking about it. The thing is, revolvers aren't immutable. Even if a stock Python is "better" than, say a stock 686, the 686 can certainly be tuned to be at least as good a shooter. And, even with the tuning, cheaper in the end. Much easier to work on and fix, too, which hasn't been mentioned yet.
 
I recently purchased a Colt Trooper 357 for $380. The action is really smooth and the guys on this forum told me it has the same guts as the Python. I really enjoy shooting this gun. The closest I'll get to the Python with my budget.


ColtLeft.jpg
 
I have 2 Pythons and 1 S&W 686. I love the Pythons and shoot both very well but, I also shoot the 686 just as well. The main difference for me is the triggers. The Pythons have a stacking trigger (gets heavier as you pull until let off). The 686 has a steady and consistant trigger pull. As far as accuracy goes I can't tell if there is a practical difference. Another thing to consider is that the Python is no longer made and people who really know how to work on them are few and far between as well as possibly expensive. Only you can say if the Python is worth the expense.
 
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ok, a biased, unsolicited and unabashed final plug for the 586/686 :rolleyes: :

I bought a new 686 a few years ago and eventually had it tuned and started shooting IDPA. With that 686, I went from novice to master in about a year - that's quite a beating on any gun, but its accuracy & reliability remains top-notch, and I'll be shooting the IDPA Nationals with it in a few weeks.

Here are 2 vids to check out - the 1st showing how smoothly they can be tuned, and the 2nd to show how they can really run. The target is from a postal match I recently shot with it and my IDPA load. If a Python suddenly appeared in my safe, I wouldn't put it on the curb, but I don't feel I missed out without one. ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmy5mkjpUNI&feature=channel&list=UL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNFerCV3W4Y&feature=channel&list=UL

May2012Postal686.jpg
 
Pythons are worth it. So are N frame Smiths that don't have a lock.

You know what you never hear?
"Gee, I really wish I hadn't bought the Python."
 
If you're buying the gun to shoot, get a Smith & Wesson or a Ruger.

If you're buying the gun to keep in your safe so each time you look at it, you can scratch your head in amazement over how much you paid for it, get a Python.
 
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