micromontenegro
New member
Except maybe Manurhin, IMHO the short answer is no. Equal in performance, yes. Better, no. Regarding fit and finish... see Winchester's post above
Would a Python be worth it?
- Thread starter lcpiper
- Start date
Except maybe Manurhin, IMHO the short answer is no. Equal in performance, yes. Better, no. Regarding fit and finish... see Winchester's post above
Single Six
New member
Don't overlook the Ruger GP-100.
Icpiper, the Colt Python is an exceptionally fine revolver. This does not mean that many shooters would be able to achieve more accuracy with it than with another fine revolver. Its value is in the eye of the beholder.
Whether it is better in an overall sense than today’s fine revolvers is open to debate. Based upon my hands-on experience with fine revolvers (see indicated slide show) , I found with dedicated effort employing a frequent training routine, I was able to achieve the same degree of accuracy with my Ruger GP100 and S&W 686 as I did with a my Colt Python and Smython.
The cost of the GP100 and 686 was significantly less than my yesterday’s classic revolvers.
http://s567.photobucket.com/albums/ss112/shepsan/Revolvers/?albumview=slideshow
Whether it is better in an overall sense than today’s fine revolvers is open to debate. Based upon my hands-on experience with fine revolvers (see indicated slide show) , I found with dedicated effort employing a frequent training routine, I was able to achieve the same degree of accuracy with my Ruger GP100 and S&W 686 as I did with a my Colt Python and Smython.
The cost of the GP100 and 686 was significantly less than my yesterday’s classic revolvers.
http://s567.photobucket.com/albums/ss112/shepsan/Revolvers/?albumview=slideshow
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The Python is a very very good gun.....but so is the N frame S&W model 27...which one is the best .357 mag, best shooter, best all around gun ...my vote goes to the model 27 S&W....
Pythons are up in price ...so are the model 27's ...but the 27's are a little less expensive right now ( older ones ) ...but to me, price is not the issue....it really comes down to which gun fits your hands the best, which trigger do you like the best, esthetically which gun do you like the best....
Pythons are up in price ...so are the model 27's ...but the 27's are a little less expensive right now ( older ones ) ...but to me, price is not the issue....it really comes down to which gun fits your hands the best, which trigger do you like the best, esthetically which gun do you like the best....
micromontenegro
New member
My vote for the best all around .357 must go to the early, good Dan Wesons. Robust, excelent triggers, and probably the most accurate revolvers ever. And they still can be found for less than an arm and a leg.
So-so in the looks department- at least to my eyes.
So-so in the looks department- at least to my eyes.
I've owned two Pythons in my life had large pile of S&W Model 19's and one Model 66. I sold the Pythons in favor of the Model 19's and 66 because I shot them so much better. The triggers on the Pythons seemed mushy to me and the S&W did a better job. It wasn't a matter of economics as I already owned the Pythons. I simply preferred the S&W pistols.
Flash
Flash
Winchester_73
New member
Well if they're that great, at least spell their name right! Dan Wesson*
I suspect most people wouldn't think a Python is "worth it" the first time they buy a .357. I know I didn't. Now, I've never owned a Python. Never even shot one, but the more time that passes, the more I want one. I've owned a number of Smith & Wesson, and Ruger revolvers, and they are very nice. Right now I've got a Model 27 and a Model 28.
I'd still like to have a Python. Just because.
I'd still like to have a Python. Just because.
That's easy. S&W 586/686, or Ruger GP100.
Now before all the flames start, I own two Pythons, and they are a great revolver. They shoot great, and the look very sharp. But the S&W 586 and 686 shoot well, and have the full underlug like a Python to help control barrel rise. I would add a trigger job, and you would still be money ahead. The Ruger GP100 is a good shooter (not great), and is a very stout revolver. Add a good trigger job to it and it will be so slick it will leave you kind of dazed. Neither will ever match a Python, but will get you so close that it won't matter at a price you can live with. Most people cannot shoot as well as a new or well-tuned Python can shoot, so it makes little difference.
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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?"
Yes, but. Yes because I like shooting my Pythons and $1000 or so isn't all that high these days for a revolver. I paid $1100 a few years ago for very nice '67 blue 4" Python that I shoot. It doesn't have holster wear, but I do shoot it.
Yes, but. The but is that the prices are pushing $1500 for nice shooters, the 95-99% guns, and you could probably find 2 nice S&Ws for that.
John
Yes, but. Yes because I like shooting my Pythons and $1000 or so isn't all that high these days for a revolver. I paid $1100 a few years ago for very nice '67 blue 4" Python that I shoot. It doesn't have holster wear, but I do shoot it.
Yes, but. The but is that the prices are pushing $1500 for nice shooters, the 95-99% guns, and you could probably find 2 nice S&Ws for that.
John
Crankgrinder
New member
Always wanted a python, but for 1500$+ its not for me. I know theyre cadillacs and all that but to me its foolishness to buy one gun for that when i could have almost 3. i know their trigger is great and all but my ruger will shoot just as good minus the trigger. so will a 686. Colt python is what amounts to a status symbol to me. People who buy them at their prices do so for collectibility/investment purposes and such reasons. For a shooter no reason not to go with a different gun. At least thats how i look at it.
"For a shooter no reason not to go with a different gun."
What if you already have all those other guns and just want a Python? For example, I know I can get a Ruger Police Service Six for a lot less money. I bought one in 1985 and still have it.
Along the same lines, I haven't needed a new .22 rifle since 1963 when my uncle gave me a Marlin Mountie, but that hasn't kept me from buying them.
What if you already have all those other guns and just want a Python? For example, I know I can get a Ruger Police Service Six for a lot less money. I bought one in 1985 and still have it.
Along the same lines, I haven't needed a new .22 rifle since 1963 when my uncle gave me a Marlin Mountie, but that hasn't kept me from buying them.
They were the cream back in the day. The people that own them seem to swear by their quality and performance. Usually, the more man hours the better the quality. The finish is part of those man hours, and I doubt anybody would question that the finish is below exceptional. Especially when you compare it to some of the crap being pumped out today.
I just put down my Guns & Ammo magazine from 1982 with Korth on the cover. They were $1495 back in 82. That's about what the Pythons are going for right now. I never would have guessed the Pythons would climb this high in such a short time. There seems to be a lot of criticism of the Python, but I don't think they reached this price bracket by being just "OK".
I just put down my Guns & Ammo magazine from 1982 with Korth on the cover. They were $1495 back in 82. That's about what the Pythons are going for right now. I never would have guessed the Pythons would climb this high in such a short time. There seems to be a lot of criticism of the Python, but I don't think they reached this price bracket by being just "OK".
warningshot
New member
The OP is facing the same situation everyone else was facing. It is the same; only the calendar and dollars signs have changed. Pythons have always cost more as compared to some very good to excellent S&Ws.
IDPA...Python no way; Fast Bullseye match...Bianchi Cup or PPC...best money revolver can buy.
IDPA...Python no way; Fast Bullseye match...Bianchi Cup or PPC...best money revolver can buy.
I own a Python and Several S&W revolvers. I shoot the S&W's because Double action is so much better on the S&W's. For single action cocking the hammer on the Colt is like it's got ball bearings, even so I shoot single action with a 6" model 19, not as heavy as the Python. Wish I had an old Colt Officer's Model.
Guess it's on The List.
Guess it's on The List.
I've owned a number of Pythons. Sold them all (wish I knew that they would explode in value like they did, sigh).
The Python is a stunningly attractive gun. Exceptionally well made and, has the little pony on it. The term "bank vault lock up" had to have been coined by a Python shooter.
And, for me, growing up with Smith and Wesson, the Python has a crappy trigger. It feels like squeezing a sponge to me.
Give me a Model 27-28 or a 19-66 or a 586-686 any day.
I have nothing against Colt revolvers. My very first gun was a blued Diamondback in .22 (still have it). And, I have a Colt 1917. An OP. A SAA, and, a nickel Python.
I think if I had shot Colts as much as I shot S&W's, perhaps my opinion would be different. But, for the money, I do not think the Python is an inherently better gun than a Smith Model 27, that draws its lineage from the original 357 Magnum, the RM (or simply, The .357 Magnum)
The Python is a stunningly attractive gun. Exceptionally well made and, has the little pony on it. The term "bank vault lock up" had to have been coined by a Python shooter.
And, for me, growing up with Smith and Wesson, the Python has a crappy trigger. It feels like squeezing a sponge to me.
Give me a Model 27-28 or a 19-66 or a 586-686 any day.
I have nothing against Colt revolvers. My very first gun was a blued Diamondback in .22 (still have it). And, I have a Colt 1917. An OP. A SAA, and, a nickel Python.
I think if I had shot Colts as much as I shot S&W's, perhaps my opinion would be different. But, for the money, I do not think the Python is an inherently better gun than a Smith Model 27, that draws its lineage from the original 357 Magnum, the RM (or simply, The .357 Magnum)