micromontenegro
New member
Thanks for correcting my typo, Winchester. Always nice to see you in Python threads
That's it, in a nutshell. Haters gonna hate, but the market has spoken.
Would a Python be worth it?
- Thread starter lcpiper
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Thanks for correcting my typo, Winchester. Always nice to see you in Python threads
That's it, in a nutshell. Haters gonna hate, but the market has spoken.
Winchester_73
New member
So who buys a '57 Chevy because its a better driving car than a Lexus? Just wondering? No, it is not simple enough to say that they reach their prices because of their legendary quality that some remember better than others. It is mostly because of supply and demand. If a S&W is better than a given Python, it is on the other hand more common most of the time, and a little less in demand, most of the time. Colt for a series of reasons will most likely never make DA revolvers again, and if they do, IMO it would be more likely a target 22 or 38 or a concealed carry gun, a D frame (Det Spec, Cobra, etc).
Pythons are good investments (some of them) and are in demand. They sell for the most part because Joe Blow knows that John Doe is waiting to buy one tomorrow if he ever wants to sell. Its not because Joe Blow can substantiate the claims of the revolver's superiority which are mostly opinion in nature. Its pepsi coke, ford chevy, camaro mustang, etc. I like Coke, S&W, etc and each of us are entitled to have everything we want all of the time.
I like Colt and for that matter Pythons, a lot more than people think actually. I tend to be IMO more realistic and more experience based than others about such subjects. I bought a Colt t-shirt on Saturday at a gun show and the amount of Colts in my collection are second to S&Ws only. Instead of buying another S&W or Colt, I actually bought a Ruger there, go figure (thread to follow). I actually know where a 1950s Python is sitting, and I might make a move on it although the collector I know didn't want to sell the last I talked to him. I do want a good one for my collection, but only just to have one, like my Diamondback, not because I drink the hype-aid. It was a great revolver IMO but also does not live up to popular opinion. What is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular.
Winchester_73
New member
Well certainly John, you would not fall into the "others" category. I was referring to people who have been at this for 3 days or so, when I have been at it for 4 days going on 5. Those guys, should consider my words, but not you.
I read the other day that other revolvers pray to Pythons. I cannot prove or disprove this theory.
superpelly
New member
" Sounds like some Python Envy going on"
"
I bought this a few years ago for 550 as a shooter. This leaves my safe queens untouched. Personally, I would not have paid more for this parkerized Python. I would have looked for a good used, possibly police trade in Smith 586/686. At one time, way back, the Dan Wesson 15 and Colt Peacekeeper were bargain alternatives.
I have three Pythons. Part of the heady feeling I get shooting them is probably just the exhilaration of owning them and being able to do it. (Besides, they have that sexy vented rib on top). Truth is, I enjoy firing my Dan Wesson (Monson) 15-2s and S&W 586 no-dash, 27-2, pre-27, 686-4, Performance Center 686-9, and 28-2 at least as much and perhaps a bit more accurately. Pythons are notorious for going out of time if you shoot .357 mags rapidly and/or on a sustained basis, particularly in DA. I understand those other revolvers (and other high quality ones, of course) don't have that problem--and all of those guns' DA mode is smoother and more shooter-friendly than the Pythons. I'm taking the plunge and having Cylinder & Slide do their "Super Action Tuning" magic on two of the Pythons when my name comes up on their list next summer. It'll be interesting to see, feel, and shoot the results.
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I bought a "pride Python" back in the day when I may have had more money than brains. Shot it some but decided it was too pricey to risk scratching it, so "safed" it and got into other pistols- 1911s and 9mms.... it is the smoothest, cleanest revolver Ive ever handled... and right off the gun-counter. Somewhat unfortunately the prices of these minty revolvers has sky-rocketed and a person can't afford to shoot/carry them anymore for fear of degrading values. Got me a minty N-frame .357 Smith.. real nice full-weight revolver which handles .357 well.. The Python ISNT my favorite carry revolver but it sure turned out to be an investment.
Winchester_73
New member
Funny how many Python "enthusiasts" can't say that because in their accumulation/collection they have a Python, a H&K, and some misc 22 rifle. Well no wonder why the Python seems to be of alien/supernatural quality not found on earth.
I have yet to hear from someone who has a stable of quality revolvers and yet still thinks the Python is the greatest DA revolver.
And btw, unless you want to get into a stupid debate about why a Python is 3x as much as another quality revolver AND worth it, you need to keep the truth to yourself at all times. Also don't question why they were discontinued. They clearly didn't sell because they were the best revolver ever! Don't you get it! Why don't you understand that concept? Don't you understand greatness doesn't sell at all?
I will hear no more of this anti-Python rubbish, do you understand me! Who wants to hear that their $2000 Python is valuable because of supply/demand ONLY not because of its superior quality.
Its valuable because they were so good that when they were made, no one bought them and then they quit making them, damn it! And I'm sticking to it!
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.
I have heard this many times, and I'll certainly not dispute others' opinions on the matter. However, I had a very good experience last year with Mr. Jesse Smith of Smith Gun in TX. He claimed no special insight into the mysteries of Colt revolvers, but he did one heck of a job on my 1922 Army Special. He retimed it, set back the barrel a turn, and smoothed the trigger a bit. A little expensive? Yes, comparatively speaking. The quality of Mr. Smith's work? I have never fired a new-in-the-box pre-1950 Colt double-action revolver, but two acquaintances who have had that rare pleasure have told me that mine now shoots just as well as theirs did when new. I defer to the experts, but perhaps it's true (as I read in a story quite a few years ago), that.....
"There is no secret." He looked at Joe Hill over his spectacles and his eyes were friendly. "Except that you have to know what nice work is and you have to be willing to take the pains to do it."
I have heard this many times, and I'll certainly not dispute others' opinions on the matter. However, I had a very good experience last year with Mr. Jesse Smith of Smith Gun in TX. He claimed no special insight into the mysteries of Colt revolvers, but he did one heck of a job on my 1922 Army Special. He retimed it, set back the barrel a turn, and smoothed the trigger a bit. A little expensive? Yes, comparatively speaking. The quality of Mr. Smith's work? I have never fired a new-in-the-box pre-1950 Colt double-action revolver, but two acquaintances who have had that rare pleasure have told me that mine now shoots just as well as theirs did when new. I defer to the experts, but perhaps it's true (as I read in a story quite a few years ago), that.....
"There is no secret." He looked at Joe Hill over his spectacles and his eyes were friendly. "Except that you have to know what nice work is and you have to be willing to take the pains to do it."
Some people buy art for millions of dollars and all it does is hang on the wall. The Python is a nice chunk of Pittsburgh steel art. The finish is art, the shape is art, the price is art. One of the reasons why this art is so collectible today? Well....look at the revolver art currently in the display case. Saf-T-Hammer? Is that art? Ruger (who I am very fond of) a simpler form of art. Yes, Winchester, your points are valid, but appearance and history to a collector can be the deciding factor.
I can honestly say that the Python is the finest looking revolver ever made. This is of coarse my opinion, and probably not worth much, but sometimes it's more than just a debate over performance.
Winchester 73-- I'm not saying you are wrong by no means. You certainly know more about revolvers than I do, but I believe there is more than one way to look at this high price of the Python. I myself would never pay that much on my salary. I would way rather have 5 Security Six revolvers, but that is my way of looking at it.
I can honestly say that the Python is the finest looking revolver ever made. This is of coarse my opinion, and probably not worth much, but sometimes it's more than just a debate over performance.
Winchester 73-- I'm not saying you are wrong by no means. You certainly know more about revolvers than I do, but I believe there is more than one way to look at this high price of the Python. I myself would never pay that much on my salary. I would way rather have 5 Security Six revolvers, but that is my way of looking at it.
freebird72
New member
While I have never owned one, and probably will not have one until money allows, I will say I believe the Python to be one of the best looking revolvers ever made. Are looks worth $1000+? To some, yes. Now looks plus function? Of course. Now, looks, function, rarity, demand, and a history? Well, that is the reason I WILL have one someday.
However, do I think they are the best .357 revolver? No. I find it hard to believe a company would stop producing the best .357 revolver no matter what. They would fight tooth and nail to keep it in production until they went belly up.
The Python, in my eyes anyways, is basically a muscle car from the years past. MY dream car is a 1970 442. Why? Well if you have seen one then you know. Are they fast? Hell yes, yet, there are many cars today that would leave the old 442 in the dust. Are they reliable? Not more than any other American made automobile from the era. Are they worth $30,00-70,000? I don't know, but they are to me, and one day I will have one.
My point, is, function and form is not the deciding factor when it comes to many things. Especially when it comes to emotional items, which guns and cars seem to be for many people.
However, do I think they are the best .357 revolver? No. I find it hard to believe a company would stop producing the best .357 revolver no matter what. They would fight tooth and nail to keep it in production until they went belly up.
The Python, in my eyes anyways, is basically a muscle car from the years past. MY dream car is a 1970 442. Why? Well if you have seen one then you know. Are they fast? Hell yes, yet, there are many cars today that would leave the old 442 in the dust. Are they reliable? Not more than any other American made automobile from the era. Are they worth $30,00-70,000? I don't know, but they are to me, and one day I will have one.
My point, is, function and form is not the deciding factor when it comes to many things. Especially when it comes to emotional items, which guns and cars seem to be for many people.
Pythons
I got a good deal on a 4"Nickel Python years ago-it's a shooter,but i don't use any really heavy loads in it.I really like older 357's and I have a Highway Patrolman(pre-28);a model 28;and an original Model 27(no dash).I enjoy shooting them all.I stay away from rapid fire on these revolvers because the heavy cylinders can eventually upset the timing if rapid fire is done too often.
The quality of the modern remakes isn't the same.I also owned a 586,but never liked it.The full lug on the Python balances differently in my hand than the full lug Smith.
I got a good deal on a 4"Nickel Python years ago-it's a shooter,but i don't use any really heavy loads in it.I really like older 357's and I have a Highway Patrolman(pre-28);a model 28;and an original Model 27(no dash).I enjoy shooting them all.I stay away from rapid fire on these revolvers because the heavy cylinders can eventually upset the timing if rapid fire is done too often.
The quality of the modern remakes isn't the same.I also owned a 586,but never liked it.The full lug on the Python balances differently in my hand than the full lug Smith.
"there are many cars today that would leave the old 442 in the dust"
I finished high school in '68 and I thought they were fast. But I guess not, really.
I googled this just now: 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W30 455 CID: 0-60, 6.8 seconds.
The 2006 Toyota Avalon I had (a big Camry pretty much with the usual 268-hp V6) was tested by two car magazines. It did 6.1 in one test and 6.2 in the other.
I finished high school in '68 and I thought they were fast. But I guess not, really.
I googled this just now: 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W30 455 CID: 0-60, 6.8 seconds.
The 2006 Toyota Avalon I had (a big Camry pretty much with the usual 268-hp V6) was tested by two car magazines. It did 6.1 in one test and 6.2 in the other.
Winchester_73
New member
Well I never said they weren't a collector's item. That however is also not all that is said about them. In the end, buy what you like, and I will too, and we can all get along
