Which Is Better?

is the colt python really better than any s&w .357?

Quality of manufacture: Older Pythons, yes.

Finish: Older Pythons, absolutly.

Accuracy: Maybe, maybe not, depends on the gun.

Durability: NO! Pythons actions are made from many small hand fitted parts that will wear and get out of time much easier than S&W's. The one I had was shot loose in less than 3000 rounds of 38 spcls, and 357mags. S&W's tend to last a lot longer than that.

JMHO~YMMV

I have felt some REALLY nice Python actions, which is exactly why I bought one years ago. Wish I still had it. But Smith .357's are also really nice, and you just can't go wrong getting a Smith- blued for looks, satin stainless for practicality.

Regarding the durability of the Python, I'm under the impression that since the Python's components are 4140 steel and those of the S&W are case hardened, the internals of the Python will outlast a S&W. S&W is easier to work on for virtually any gunsmith and parts are cheaper to replace than the Python. However, when a Python part starts going wrong, it may be corrected by peening (to lengthen) and then refitting. Once an internal part is shot and can't be peened (or welded up and refitted), then it costs a lot more to replace said part than a S&W.

Well....

Quality of manufacture -- Maybe. I'd put a Triple Lock up against any Python any day.

Quality of finish -- Maybe, although the Colt Royal Blue probably was the finest blue ever put on production handguns. I've seen screwed up factory finishes on Pythons, unfortunately.

It's easier and cheaper to get a REALLY good trigger pull on an S&W, but if the planets align, and the Gods favor you, you can come up with a trigger pull on a Python that's almost orgasmic.

Of course, I'm biased--I have never met a S&W I liked. I've shot several, including some that were "worked over", that their owners loved and swore by.

But they all wanted to shoot my Pythons.

Quality of finish -- Maybe, although the Colt Royal Blue probably was the finest blue ever put on production handguns. I've seen screwed up factory finishes on Pythons, unfortunately.

Royal Blue, Nickel, Ultimate Stainless, Realtree Camo...They are all top notch. My royal Blue Python is so deep you'd swear you could walk into it--and it's a 45-year-old shooter!. The Ultimate stainless is so bright I can't get a good picture of the gun. The nickle on my 1978 4" is sooooo smooooth, warm and cozy that I want to take it to bed with me (sshh! I did. Don't tell my wife)

It's easier and cheaper to get a REALLY good trigger pull on an S&W, but if the planets align, and the Gods favor you, you can come up with a trigger pull on a Python that's almost orgasmic.

Well, I'm no expert--just opinionated like one--but I've never met a Smith trigger I liked. On the other hand, every single trigger on every single Python I've shot causes a wet spot in my jeans. And all the Smith afficianados that have handled my Pythons say they have sweet sweet triggers.

My Smith fiend friends say: "Oh but S&W triggers are sooo much easier to work on. You can get a really good trigger job...." So, if I understand them correctly, I can buy a $400+++ gun, get a $200+++ trigger job, and if I'm lucky I can have a gun almost as good as my collectible Python for the same amount of money.

No Thanks!


PT

I've had plenty of both; and I agree with the
majority of the comments, carefully using the
wording "it depend's"! As my friend J Miller
pointed out, those "hand fitted parts"
proved to be VERY delicate. Actually, I've had
fewer problems with most Smith's.

*FootNote- yes, the original Colt Royal Blue
finish was something I can only describe as
emaculate. But in later years, seems like the
QC went south; like in everything else made
in the U.S.A. Maybe I should have said that
the average American worker slacked off in
taking PRIDE in his/her work!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

But then, I'm a Smith sort.

The Pythons are the sexist looking revolver on the face of the earth. And the old blue was magnificent.
The triggers are good and can be made better IN SINGLE ACTION MODE. With 148 grain wadcutters in single action mode, Pythons are really accurate.

Now the bad part.
Internal wear puts the whole thing out of time. And it happens quicker than most think.
The double action pull is execrable. The best thing that can be said of the DA function is the gun will go bang eventually.

I shoot double action almost exclusively. Pythons, Colt revolvers just don't work that way.
Okay, the late Fred Sadowski in Denver and Reeves Junkind make them really nice in DA mode. After much, much work (meaning dollars). There is probably someone else, too, but I don't know of them.

I'll stick to my M27 or M19. Thanks.

"every single trigger on every single Python I've shot causes a wet spot in my jeans."

Well, that takes care of the heebies.

Anyone want to give me a case of the jeebies so I have the matched set? :)


Quite frankly, Snake, you can get an exceptional trigger pull with a Smith for a LOT less than what you've quoted.

And I've also shot more than just a few Pythons with triggers that can only be labeled mediocre at the very best.

And even if you do buy a $400 Smith, and find someone who will charge you $200 for a trigger job, you're still WELL below the price of most Pythons these days. I can't even remember the last time I saw a Python at a gun show for less than $750, and those are the well used ones. New in box? $1k and up.

Anyone want to give me a case of the jeebies so I have the matched set?
Sure. Just for you:

.....something I can only describe as emaculate.

Emaculate: combination of "immaculate" and "ejaculate", the result of pulling your first Python trigger.....


Mike,

I'm sure you're right. The problem with being a "FNG" as opposed to "Senior Member" is that my statistical universe is necessarily substantially smaller than yours. I believe whole-heartedly that there are some FABULOUS Smiths out there. I just haven't found one I liked.

And I might not....they might not "fit" me.

And again, you're right, I have NO idea what a trigger job costs. Since I buy Colts, I've never needed to have one done. ;)

Maybe I just don't know a good trigger when I feel one. Possibly the Colts I have all need trigger jobs and I just don't know. I just know that I like them.

One point I can argue is the Python prices. Yes, there are a lot of people asking a lot of money for them, but I paid $600 or less for 2 of the three I own (and bought both of them within the last two years). And obviously NIB guns are outside of our discussion because we wouldn't be shooting them, we'd be keeping them for collection/investment purposes.

Thanks for the discourse. I learn more everyday I'm here.



PT

$600 or less for within the last two years for a Python? :cool: You did well, Snake Eyes. I've only two myself and the 4" I paid $400 for and the 6" about $330 (back around '85-'86).

Pythons are nice but give me a Smith. Smith & Wesson revolver triggers age like fine wine, getting better the more you shoot it. My Model 15 and Model 28 have triggers that are simply amazing.

The best trigger I have felt on a DA revolver is the S&W Model 19 that gun write Walt Rauch carried when he was in the Secret Service. He shot the snot out of it. It's been back to Smith 3 times, IIRC, to be retimed, but you would not believe how slick the action is.

Believe it or not, the slickest revolver I've ever felt is my Ruger Old Army. It was my dad's. He used to shoot it in competition and dry-fired it a lot (safe to do with the orginal nipples). It almost cocks itself.

"I paid $600 or less for 2 of the three I own (and bought both of them within the last two years)."

Hello, 911? I'd like to report a larceny!

Granted, prices are regional, but I think the prices you got are pretty spectacular for Pythons no matter where you are in the country.

is the colt python really better than any s&w .357?

Short answer. NO!

http://home.earthlink.net/~pkalfonso/s_w627sixandonehalf.jpg

If you like to shoot your guns rather than admire them you will wish you had never heard of the Python. If you offered to *give* me one, the only reason I would say "yes" would be to sell it sight unseen to one of the many people who covet this gun.

JR

i really do like my model 28($250 nib 5 years ago). though the da pulls at 10.8 lbs. it is very smooth and consistant all the way to BANG. a good friend has a python. nice looking, but the da pull "stacks" like a cheap bow. just wondedred if i was missing something.