[wacki]

I hear people ranting and raving about Colt Pythons.

Is there a current production equivalent? Or something that comes close to the quality?

[Guillermo]

Is there a current production equivalent?

nope

the prestige european brands like Korth are too different

S&W is a shadow of it's former self, Ruger has always been "value brand" and no one else is producing anything close.

Dan Wesson is gearing up, and while a really good gun, the best American revolver being currently produced, but nothing like the fit and finish of a Python.

[ColtPythonElite]

Nope and nope.

[MrBorland]

Is there a current production equivalent? Or something that comes close to the quality?

If you're interested in a current factory revolver with the hands-on craftsmanship of a Python, check out Freedom Arms. If it has to be a DA revolver, I'd look to Manurhin or Korth. But if you're interested in a Python for more functional reasons (i.e. because it's a great shooter), I wouldn't rule out buying a newer S&W or Ruger, and having it tuned a bit (see below).

I hear people ranting and raving about Colt Pythons.

Yep - raving and ranting. There's no question the Python is a high quality & accurate revolver, and represents the apex of fit & finish. But, as a shooter, many feel it's overrated; or more precisely, that there are alternatives nowadays, and they include newer production guns. I know a good number of superb wheelgunners, and while a Python might be on their "some day" list, it generally gets a pretty low priority score.

[627PCFan]

Its goes back a while.....
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=504027

Obviously you can guess what I ended up with :)

[snooperman]

The Manurhin 73 would be close. A friend of mine has one of the older 73s and it is a fine gun. That said, I still like my Pythons. I also like my Freedom arms 83 in 357 magnum and if they would produce a double action gun with that kind of workmanship, it would be great.

[SharpsDressedMan]

For looks, and delicaate handling, the Python is hard to beat. For me? I'd find a Ruger GP or Security Six, get it tuned by a master, and have it engraved. Beauty AND durability. The Python is too delicate, and gunsmiths to keep it tuned are few, far in between, and diminishing by the day.

[Guillermo]

Mr. Boreland is absolutely correct that Freedom Arms makes a great single action revolver.

As to the Python, sadly the number of dedicated craftsmen who are familiar with them are few and far between. At some point it will be like having a Patek Phillipe in a quartz crystal world.

Of course, with anything that is of excellent quality there is a cadre of people that want to put it down. It is "weak" and "overrated". "A Taurus Tracker is a better gun" "they shoot out of time every cylinder'. I suggest that you take those comments for what they are worth.

Here is an article written by Massad Ayoob. He quotes some amazingly well respected people and has his own well informed opinion as well.

http://www.grantcunningham.com/acc-rifle.html

[CraigC]

Not even close but I'd rather have a 50yr old S&W anyway. ;)

[Guillermo]

but I'd rather have a 50yr old S&W anyway

it doesn't have to be an "either-or" situation

while my meager assemblage of revolvers is not impressive, the S&W to Colt ratio is pretty close.

[CraigC]

In my case, it really isn't. The Python really holds no appeal for me.

[skidder]

Not still in production, but I picked up a Trooper 357 for $380.
After I took it apart, cleaned and polished the insides, I would hold up to any Python (referring to action not appearance).

[Wil Terry]

IN MY OPINION, the Python was the most overrated hunk of iron ever---EVER!!!---foisted off on the American gun buying public. I had three and if they'd put three foot long barrels on 'em they'd at least made excellent tomato stakes.

[bannockburn]

I have never been a big Python fan myself, though their styling (especially with the 6" barrel), is very classy and timeless.

If I were looking for a production equivalent to a Python it would be a much older S&W Model 27 with a 5" barrel.

[19-3Ben]

IN MY OPINION, the Python was the most overrated hunk of iron ever---EVER!!!---foisted off on the American gun buying public. I had three and if they'd put three foot long barrels on 'em they'd at least made excellent tomato stakes.

Oh, c'mon now. I really hope you just forgot to put a smily there. I think they were over rated, and frankly, I'd take a model 28, or possibly even my Model 19-3 over a python, but they are far from the junk that you describe.

[mljdeckard]

I would buy a goof K-frame and look for a good gun smith.

I drove by Freedom Arms on my way to Yellowstone, I found myself wondering if they give tours.

[lobo9er]

I know nothing of pythons only what I read on the internet so... I have noticed there is a camp that says that they weren't as reliable as their reputation makes them out to be. Wil Terry is that you or are you just trolling? If not please elaborate. Calling them gardens stakes requires some sorta explanation on why they don't make better guns than garden tools.

Korth never heard of them looked them up a couple on gun broker could buy a couple wilson combats for that price. $5,600 for a SS 357. Must be awesome, to awesome for me. I think I could do alot better for 5 g's

[ColtPythonElite]

Colt wouldn't have been able sell the Python priced as a premium revolver for nearly 50 years if they were junk.

[Guillermo]

Bill Jordan, Jeff Cooper, Chic Gaylord, Stan Tryoniec, Grant Cunningham, John Taffin, Larry Wilson, Massad Ayoob all respect the Python as an outstanding revolver.

Wil Terry says it is junk

I guess one has to decide whose opinion one respects more.

It is not a difficult decision for me.

[Guillermo]

BTW

I suspect that Mr. Terry is joking.

[Sergei Mosin]

Guillermo, thanks for that Ayoob article, enjoyed reading it.

[CraigC]

Terry probably wore his three out. Quite honestly, I'd take his word as gospel before ANYBODY else on this forum.

[Guillermo]

I'd take his word as gospel before ANYBODY else on this forum.

I guess I have to agree...Terry's word is final.

Bill Jordan, Jeff Cooper, Chic Gaylord, Stan Tryoniec, Grant Cunningham, John Taffin, Larry Wilson, Massad Ayoob are all idiots and/or paid off to think that the Python was a great gun.

http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m580/itsmeboo93/Demi/demisarcasm.gif

[ColtPythonElite]

I have had my hands on my fair share of Pythons and have yet to see one truly worn out. I have abused one or two, according to some, but never broke them.

[Guillermo]

I have been trying my best to wear mine out.

Failed so far...

If I do I will let you know!!!

[bikemutt]

I'm in the camp where Python is not my favorite to shoot. That says nothing about the quality of the gun or anything else, just not one I care to shoot. If I had to pick a seminal Colt in .357 it would be the King Cobra, maybe even the Trooper.

That said, the S&W 686 is a fine gun. Yes it has a lock now and MIM, and is expensive. They shoot good though.

The OP's question concerning quality is an interesting one. The Python was all about humans crafting a fine product. Those days are all but gone. Now it's more about having a CNC machine "craft" the product.

Quality of design is yet another issue: an integrated lock and hole in a revolver is tragic. Next thing you know is they'll introduce grip and trigger safeties. Can they install a decocker on a wheel gun? Who knows what they'll dream up next.

[CraigC]

If you ask him, Terry can probably tell you how many rounds it took to break his Pythons.

[wacki]

Its goes back a while.....
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=504027

Obviously you can guess what I ended up with :)

Actually I can't.

S&W 686 + gunsmith?

Korth Sport?
http://korthusa.com/revolver_en.htm#

what?

[wacki]

Interesting thread:

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=122799

[45_auto]

Actually I can't.

His user name is probably your first clue .....

[snooperman]

I know quite a few men who shoot Pythons, and only one has had a problem with his that I know of. My brother had a cracked forcing cone but he always shot the hottest loads in his, from his own gun pounding reloads. I agree with Guillermo that Taffin , Ayoob and any others have a high opinion of the Python. That said, our likes and dislikes are inherent too and it is to be respected. As for me, I like quality workmanship, be it a Python or Manurhin, matters little to me. The 3 that I have are good shooters and are beautiful guns..To each his own. Snoop

[Stainz]

I am a realist. Ayoob's excellent article itself is nine years old - with some really old references, too. Many of Guillermo's referenced shooters have been gone a while, too. It's been quite a while since I shot the safe-queen Python a range-friend had then recently bought. My new 6" 66-6, $349 new 9/03 from CDNN + $10 s/h, had a smoother/lighter DA trigger - and balanced better, too - with Ahrends square conversion grips. Both were shot with 158gr LSWC .38 Special homebrews, so recoil/follow-up wasn't an issue. That Python was nice, of course, but used - ANIB - it was marked $1,500 (The owner wouldn't tell us what he paid for it. No one at the range believed he paid that much and went straight to the range to shoot it.). I've fondled two others over the years - even shot one - yielding the requisite 'Ohhhhh' and 'Ahhhh' afterwards, bringing a reassuring smile to the owners' faces. It would be years before I would own and shoot anything from S&W.

Over ten years ago, I got my first S&W - a new 625MG in .45 Colt. The die was cast. It's DA trigger improved with a little TLC and break-in. My Rugers started leaving... S&Ws were fine for me. My finest S&W trigger? A 2001 vintage 5" JM PC627 V-Comp, obtained used, would be my 'best' standard. My 5/08 new 4" 627 Pro cleaned up and resprung, would equal that PC Shop revolver. Later 2 5/8" PC627 UDRs were nice out of the box - and grouped tightly, too. I don't need a Korth, Manurhin, or Colt Python - I am happy with my S&Ws. YMMV. Maybe, if I liked blued revolvers, and a blued Python, scratched or not, is a beautiful revolver, I'd want a Python... but, as for now, I like S&W 627s... and 8-shooters rule!!

Stainz

[Guillermo]

Stainz,

It is true that the guys mentioned are old guys. But the gun hasn't been made in 16 years.

Of course we are happy that you have found some wheel guns to shoot. And better yet...you like them.

But to the OP, there is no equivalent (perhaps Korth, Manurhin or unubtanium).

And it is silly, at BEST, to call them garbage.

[CraigC]

How many guys are really shooting them enough to know how 'good' they really are??? Or are most folks just shooting them a little, if any, and then storing them in an oiled diaper?

Seriously.

[snooperman]

I know 2 people that keep their Pythons as "safe queens", but I do not fall into that category. Mine have been shot so much that one has about 50% royal blue left on it. Heck, I paid for them and they are going to be shot. Since I have my own range I shoot about 4 days a week. At age 72 I care not as the Children and grand children shoot them too. That said , the Pythons are not my favorite revolvers, I like the single action guns the best, always have.

[2zulu1]

Going back in time I had the opportunity to purchase a Python for duty carry. After going through a qualification session, I decided to stay with S&W. Even though the Python's trigger had been worked on, it didn't match up with the M66's trigger that had also been worked on; albeit much lesser in cost.

On a different note, I have a Colt Trooper MkIII (1979) that was/is out of tune. I sent it back to Colt to be fixed. After seven months, I got it back from the factory June of this year, still seriously out of tune and Colt added a cylinder streak free. :mad:

In spite of what the experts have written, there were a lot of LEOs, when given the choice, chose Smiths. The best wheelgun I ever shot was a M27/6", it had a superb trigger and I was accurate with it out to 200 yards.

If Colt were to begin selling Pythons again, I would buy one; however, I can't say it would replace a 686P for carry.

[DaisyCutter]

My pop bought a Python in 1968, he was 18 years old. He said he paid $180 for it then. He regretted shooting himself half deaf only occasionally using hearing protection, and that was typically just a spent case crammed in his ear. About 10 years ago he traded it straight up for a Browning Hi Power.

I was highly irritated. I felt it was a birthright, not because it was a Python, but because it was Dad's gun. The Browning would never be the deep blued beast I beheld as a gradeschooler.

I asked him why he traded it (the man earns 150k/year) and he said he wasn't doing anything with it. I'd a paid him for it. I got over it.

I love my Ruger big bore SBH and KRH. Not Pythons, but they are my own choice for fun.

[snooperman]

The fact that the Ruger super black hawk is still going strong is a testament to the fact that Rugers are fine guns for the money and will probably be around long after others have faded from the scene. They are great hunting guns and provide an excellent platform for custom guns as well.

[Saddlebag Preacher]

I actually had a nickel Trooper Mk III and liked it a lot more than the snakes. I sold it to my deputy Sheriff uncle several years ago. He has passed and his son inherited it. Most of the nickel worn off from years of carrying it, up to his retirement in 2006.

[Smokin Gator]

They are beautiful. As far as how they shoot and stand up to handgun competition, like ICORE, if they were more competitive, shooters would have been scooping them up to use in competition for the last 20 years. Mark

[Shoot66]

Colt Python is my only revolver at the present time. I do shoot it. I shoot only my .22LR (an old competition style semi) more. My SIG P210 is run at the same speed as the Python. The rest of my HGs is used just occasionally. Only accurate guns are attractive to me. I´ll do my best to wear them out, without abuse of course. :)

[Blue Brick]

http://www.ruger.com/products/gp100DE/specSheets/1749.html

Catalog Number: GP-141-P | Model Number: 1749 | Caliber: 357 Mag
Material: Alloy Steel Finish: High Polished BluedFront Sight: Ramp Rear Sight: Adjustable
Barrel Length: 4.20" Overall Length: 9.50"
Weight: 40.00 oz. Grips: Hogue® Wood
Twist: 1:18.75" RH Grooves: 5
MA Approved & Certified: No CA Approved: No
Capacity: 6 Avalable From: Lipsey's

[Guillermo]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
that is funny

[ColtPythonElite]

While a GP may be a fine weapon, a polish job and fancy set of grips will not make it rival a Python.

[Rexster]

In the early 1990's, I owned both a Ruger GP100 and a Colt Stainless Python. As I remember, I bought the GP100 first. Anyway, I never could shoot that Python in DA mode as well as I could shoot the GP100, and over time, I sold or traded the Python. My taste ran toward working guns, and "working" meant DA, as I favored .357 sixguns for police duty at that time, having realized my N-frame .41 Model 58 was simply too big for my K/L-sized hands.

Admittedly, I have since handled Pythons that were much better-fitted than that Stainless, so I probably got a "Monday gun" made during one of Colt's not-so-great eras. Whether its bad fitting affected its accuracy, I cannot say, but the differing (from Ruger/S&W) DA trigger stroke probably played the larger role.

Now, I recognize the Python for what it is, a really good single-action sixgun that can be fired DA. That beautiful Python hammer spur says it all. A GP100 is a really good sixgun, period, though the Ruger is probably a better DA sixgun, and I almost never shoot a GP100 in SA mode. I cannot say whether I will ever want to pay today's inflated prices for another Python, but now that advancing age is spurring nostalgia, I just might own another Python, eventually.

The S&W Models 586 and 686 are much like Pythons, though be careful when you buy, as S&W went through some bad periods, too. I owned a beatifully-made 581 (fixed-sight) in the early 1980s, but the 686 that I ordered sight-unseen to be my first duty sixgun was a good example of a Monday gun, and I divested myself of that one soon after leaving the academy in 1984. Unfortunately, a lean time in the mid-late-1980s resulted in all of my .357 revolvers being sold, along with all of my firearms except those necessary to my job, one duty .41 sixgun, one back-up snubby, and one pump shotgun. One day, I hope to find really clean, well-preserved examples (pre-keyhole) of the 581 and 686, to "replace" the ones that went away, plus a nice 586.

A better S&W counterpart to the Python would be Model 27, though this is built on a larger frame, and normally has a beautifully tapered barrel, not a Python-esque lugged barrel. Before S&W started assigning model numbers, these were simply called .357 Magnums, and the very first ones, pre-WW2, were hand-built as Registered Magnums. I have never owned one of these, as N-frames are really too big for my hands, and I tend to buy guns for shooting, not mere collecting. I may, one day, acquire one to shoot in SA mode, as when the hammer is cocked, the trigger is set far enough to the rear for me to reach it.

[Blue Brick]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
that is funny

While a GP may be a fine weapon, a polish job and fancy set of grips will not make it rival a Python.

A python may have a better finish but the lock work (timing) is far superior on a GP100 not to mention overall design and strength.

[Guillermo]

comparing a cast, value-oriented revolver to a premium gun is analogous to comparing a Ruger .22 to an original Model 41 or a Taurus Tracker to a Model 27.

The Ruger .22 and Taurus Tracker are fine values, but not in the conversation unless the cost is considered.

[CraigC]

Look, I own more Rugers than any other brand, nearly three dozen in total. Most of which have been revolvers and four of them are customs. I have no love for the Python and little use for its cartridge, whatsoever. However, no Ruger is "just as good" as any hand-fitted revolver like the Python. Just as a Vaquero is not "just as good" as a USFA. Fact is, they were absolutely never meant to be. If anything, Rugers have always been intended as the antithesis of hand-fitted and hand-finished guns like the Python and SAA. The finest firearms in the world are built by hand but handwork is exorbitantly expensive. Ruger intended his guns to be rugged, reliable "good" guns for the common man. In that he absolutely excelled. That is what they are, nothing more, nothing less and there is no shame in that.

[snooperman]

Guillermo and CraigC said it well. You can not compare a production gun like the Rugers to the Hand fitting that occurs in a Python or any custom work done on SA action guns. You have to pay for that kind of quality, for which most shooters refuse to do. U.S. Firearms , Freedom arms as well as custom work done by Hamilton Bowen and David Clements on your Rugers, are a fine investment and a real pleasure to shoot

[Guillermo]

Just so there is no misunderstanding, Ruger manufactures, in my opinion, the best valued double action revolver and has for many years.

The world is a better place because of Bill Ruger.

In no way am I looking down on the GP100. Just recognizing it for what it is, which was exactly what it was designed to be.

[ApacheCoTodd]

I guess one way to view the question is:

Is any currently manufactured pistol the equal to a NIB Python?

OR

What currently manufactured pistol holds the position closest to that held by Pythons when they were produced?

Viewed from the latter point of view I'd be answering with the GP100 with no qualifiers.

[Guillermo]

One can only reiterate that a value gun from this era does not equate to a super premium gun from any era.

[snooperman]

I would respectfully disagree . I have several Pythons and have been shooting them for more than 45 years, and I would not utter the word "Python" in the same sentence as GP 100. Like others have said, Ruger makes good solid guns for the money, but one would have to do much custom work to them to bring them up to the standard of workmanship of a Colt Python. You are comparing a "Cadillac" revolver to a Chevy. My 2 cents. Snoop

[CraigC]

Viewed from the latter point of view I'd be answering with the GP100 with no qualifiers.
IMHO, like I said, I've owned three dozen Rugers in my lifetime with many more to come, am no stranger to fine custom guns, Colt's and USFA's. I would rather have a 6" GP-100 with the barrel cut back to four or five inches (can't stand the angle at the end of the underlug), Weigand front sight, bright polish reblue and tuned than any Python or current S&W. I have zero interest in Pythons and don't really understand the appeal. But with all that said, the only correct answer is "none".....from any point of view. The Python had no peers for much of its productions, why would it have any now that it's gone??? There is no market for them.

Now if you wanna talk single actions, that's a different story.

[9mmepiphany]

I can't believe this has gone on 3 pages without a picture...maybe one with several Pythons

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n79/9mmepiphany/Orans%20Pistols/LewsPistols033.jpg

[sgtstryker]

Thanks 9mm for the photo. The blued Python is one fine looking revolver. Back when I lusted after one, they were $400. A Model 19 cost me $219. That was the difference to me. How I wish now, I had gone for the Colt. But, it is what it is..Thanks to all for their posts in this thread.

[hAkron]

The Dan Wesson 715 is still in production, or I guess back in production is a better way to put it. No lock, no barrel billboards, removable swappable barrels. Legendary accuracy. Probably the most under appreciated revolvers ever made.

[Guillermo]

Probably the most under appreciated revolvers ever made.


certainly the best double action revolver on the market but production is so limited, it is a unicorn

[hAkron]

I was reaching by mentioning Dan Wesson for sure, but as a recent convert I have to get my plugs in where can.

CZ removing them from the website probably isn't a sign that they will be going into rapid production any time soon either.

[JohnBT]

"What's the current production equivelant of a Colt Python?"

So, all y'all think that Dan Wesson looks as good as a Python? Really? C'mon, seriously?

I think my father's S&W 647 looks better than a DW 715 and it's just a plain stainless k-frame.

[Stainz]

If you want the best of what's available today, consider a new S&W Classic 27, SKU #150339 MSRP $989. Spend <$200 and have their PC Shop perform the 'Master Revolver Action Job' on it, too. The real price to you may break a grand, but, corrected for inflation, it will likely still be less than a new Python would be today, if available. Of course, high manufacturing costs are the main reason you cannot buy a new Colt Python... and low demand, of course.

That new S&W Classic 27 would come with a lifetime warranty, too... and, ugh, the IL! Being a realist - and not so fond of blued revolvers - I chose 627's... with their 8-shot capacity, too! Of korth, you could always trade your car in on a Korth...

Stainz

[snooperman]

+1 on what Stainz said about S&W 27. I have an older model 27 and it is a beautiful gun and a very smooth action right out of the box, when I bought it about 47 years ago. I do not know much about the new classic but even a good action job on it would be worth the price I would think.

[snooperman]

A Friend of mine had a high polish re-blue to his S&W 586 and a S&W action job , and "WOW" what a beautiful shooting gun that is. There are a number of ways to go to get a beautiful gun without going the Python route in a double action revolver, and cost much less than the Python itself. Just a thought, Snoop

[Guillermo]

There are a number of ways to go to get a beautiful gun without going the Python route in a double action revolver, and cost much less than the Python itself.

no doubt

Heck, some folks do not like the looks of a Python anyway.

[hAkron]

"What's the current production equivelant of a Colt Python?"

So, all y'all think that Dan Wesson looks as good as a Python? Really? C'mon, seriously?

I think my father's S&W 647 looks better than a DW 715 and it's just a plain stainless k-frame.

Maybe not even close on fit and finish, but in terms of overall quality and accuracy and reliability I would call it a close match to the Python...at least as compared to what's available new today.

[9mmepiphany]

If you want the best of what's available today, consider a new S&W Classic 27, SKU #150339 MSRP $989. Spend <$200 and have their PC Shop perform the 'Master Revolver Action Job' on it, too. The real price to you may break a grand, but, corrected for inflation, it will likely still be less than a new Python would be today, if available. Of course, high manufacturing costs are the main reason you cannot buy a new Colt Python... and low demand, of course.

That new S&W Classic 27 would come with a lifetime warranty, too... and, ugh, the IL! Being a realist - and not so fond of blued revolvers - I chose 627's... with their 8-shot capacity, too! Of korth, you could always trade your car in on a Korth...

Stainz
Did someone say Classic M-27
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n79/9mmepiphany/Orans%20Pistols/LewsPistols043.jpg

...compared to a Jungkind Python
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n79/9mmepiphany/Orans%20Pistols/LewsPistols036.jpg

...or

...maybe in nickle with the more original tube length
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n79/9mmepiphany/Orans%20Pistols/LewsPistols040.jpg

...then there are the 627 variations too; these are both from the Performance Center
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n79/9mmepiphany/Orans%20Pistols/LewsPistols037.jpg

[9mmepiphany]

Many folks consider the 6" length the more classic

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n79/9mmepiphany/Orans%20Pistols/LewsPistols034.jpg

...but there is a certain something about the longer 8" tubes

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n79/9mmepiphany/Orans%20Pistols/LewsPistols035.jpg

[JohnBT]

"Maybe not even close on fit and finish"

Then I don't believe it qualifies as the "production equivalent".

[Ky Larry]

CraicC, seriously, some of us actually do shoot our Pythons.Mine goes to the range every time I go. I'm heading to the shed right now to load some .38Spl wad cutters and some .357 140gr Speer JHP's for a Sunday range session. I've had my blued, 6" Python for 7 years and have shot at least 1,000 rounds thru it every year. It's still in time and shoots great,and, IMHO, looks, shoots, and feels better than anything else on the market today. YMMV.

[wlewisiii]

While I never had a Python, I have had Troopers & I've had a "357 Magnum" which was the same as a Python in all but finish. Even a modern S&W K, L or N frame shoots better in DA for me. The staging in the old Colts is hard to learn to deal with unless you want to learn lots of bad habits. Get it worked over by a good smith to bend that main spring properly, then perhaps. But as sold by Colt? I'll agree with Mr. Keith about the better DA shooting revolver instead.

I recently picked up a 625-9 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt. With da ebil MIM parts & IL. I've only been able to go to the range twice since I got it but I can already shoot it better than I ever could every Colt I've ever owned.

Pretty is nice but it's not everything.

[hardluk1]

Scroll down to the photos and then compare to the colt revolvers. No python looks as nice. And get a little history lesson
http://www.sixguns.com/BookOfThe44/bot44c31.htm

[richkratz]

Colt EVERYTHING is the biggest scam perpetrated on the buying public. Are they junk? No. Are they worth the premium put on them? Absolutely not. First off, Pythons are ugly compared to a S&W model 27. That stupid looking vented rib barrel is ridiculous. The bluing is nice and so is the nickel. Other than that...:barf:
Then there is the AR-15 scam. Is the basic model worth $500 more than a Stag? No fargin way. Is an entry level, basic Colt 1911 better in quality/features to a $900 Sig 1911, not in my opinion. Colts are a scam, and the only reason their prices are what they are is because fools fall for it.

[urbaneruralite]

I always thought Colt DA revolvers looked sort of cartoon-ish. Anyhow, these days if you want that kind of quality you are looking at having a gunsmith finish the job the factory started. Its just not happening at a price that will sell.

[Guillermo]

Anything is worth what someone will pay.

In my opinion, you could take Rich's post and swap "new S&W revolvers" for "Colt". They are essentially the same as Taurus at double and triple the price.

That some folks don't appreciate hand fitting and the most amazing barrel ever produced (diameter gets slightly smaller towards the muzzle to improve accuracy) is why there are Smiths and Rugers and Tauri.

Out another way, that is why there is "prime" and "choice". And for the person that says "beef is beef" prime is absolutely not worth the premium.

[hAkron]

Scroll down to the photos and then compare to the colt revolvers. No python looks as nice. And get a little history lesson
http://www.sixguns.com/BookOfThe44/bot44c31.htm

I do agree they are beautiful. I should explain my admission that I didn't think the fit and finish were equal - the new production 715's have an industrial sheet metal look to them which makes them look less lustrous than a well taken care of Python. Older model 14/15's etc often have rust pitting on the side plates, cylinders, and barrel shrouds which I don't commonly see on older pythons. Are DW's more susceptible to rust, or did people just not take as good of care with their DW's? I can't say. The DW fan in me wants to suppose that the DW's remained in service for longer periods without need to be sent off for timing work and that's why the rougher finish, but I know that's not really true.

If we are talking primarily function, and appearance is secondary, on new production I would rank Dan Wesson first, Ruger second, and S&W third. S&W would be second if not for internal lock and recent concerns relating to quality control.

It's a close race though.

I'm not sure about the performance center S&W's, so perhaps they are superior to the new DW's.

All 4 are fantastic guns, and is truly lamentable that the Pythons are extinct, and the DW's are on the endangered species list, but that's the way it is.

[Guillermo]

is truly lamentable that the Pythons are extinct, and the DW's are on the endangered species list

yup

with no decent current production double action revolvers available, some of us are buying all of the old ones that we can.

[CraigC]

It's a good thing we have 'some' choices. I don't find Dan Wesson revolvers appealing at all.

[jj1962hemi]

I don't own one, but I have shot a 4" Python in .22LR. It was a nice shooting gun with a great trigger. It was also a beautiful gun. While I've yet to hand over the cash for one, I can appreciate them as works of art. I would probably buy an old Model 27 before a Python and will probably buy a Dan Wesson .357 before either....so much to do and so little time......(you can replace "do" with "buy" and "time" with "money" if it suits you)

[Guillermo]

I would certainly consider the Dan Wesson or an old Model 29 were I looking for a 44 Magnum.

Model 27, in it's original form, was a great, albeit heavy, revolver.

BTW, the 27, being the flagship of S&W, was the "Smith equivalent" of the Python. Too bad Smith decided to follow Taurus in production methods. The OP would be "Model 27" instead of "nothing".

[richkratz]

In my opinion, you could take Rich's post and swap "new S&W revolvers" for "Colt". They are essentially the same as Taurus at double and triple the price.


The way I read the title of this thread is what is Python's(which haven't been made in years) equal of todays production. Today's S&W's are a pale comparison to yesteryear's, without a doubt. If you were to "swap" the words "new" for "old" S&W, no question I'd take the S&W over a Taurus. However, if I was to be interested in a beater to go shooting, I'd take a Taurus over a Colt, as at least Taurus would service it if needed.

[Guillermo]

at least Taurus would service it if needed.

I have a 40+ year of Diamondback at Colt right now for repair (I bought it broken...losing my posterior on it)

[richkratz]

Years ago, I had a used S&W 686 sent to Smith & Wesson for light primer strikes(this is why I now only buy older Smiths with spur on hammer) and there was no charge for repair AND they paid shipping both ways. Same for Colt?

[Guillermo]

no word yet.

Their turn-around time is probably double S&W's.

Repair may be free. They have to determine if it is abuse or normal wear. I can't argue either way because the gun is "new" to me. If the repair is free, shipping back is.

I paid to ship it there.


If there were any Colt gunsmiths available I would ship it to them. But they have mostly died off.

[Guillermo]

BTW

A smart gunsmith would go hire on with one of the few left, or Colt, and once his own shop was established, his future would be assured.

[richkratz]

If I remember right(which is questionable due to my advancing age and slowing of mind) from time I had FFL ship it to time it returned was around two to three weeks or somewhere inbetween. I intended to sell it anyway as my heart was stolen by this:
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/375574_3038949752162_176455484_n.jpg
At the time, Python prices hadn't gone crazy as they are now, and I probably could have picked one up for the same price. I, however, was raised on Smiths and fell for them early with one of my father's model 28's Highway Patrolman.

[hardluk1]

hAkron Yea I don't thing CZ had much heart for the DW revolvers. They say they built all new machinery for the "new model' But with the fire who knows if they wll ever be seen again. Still to darn many old great revolvers out there at a prices thats more than justafiable. Most I paid was for the .22lr last year at 350 bucks. My newest is a 1978 model my first was bought back in 1976 and was a hog gun for 20 years. many hot 170 and 180gr loads run thru it . I have 2, 15-2 357 a 22lr version and a 44 mag. The man that did blueing for DW is still out there at Blue Ridge Blueing.

[Guillermo]

Rich,

I am a K-Frame guy.

Presently I have at least half a dozen and have given away a couple.

Trust me...I understand your affinity for old Smiths.

[Queen_of_Thunder]

The S&W model 25-2 is an awesome revolver as is the 586. I also enjoy the S&W model 610. Its one impressive hunk of a firearm. Talk about stares. When this grandmother is on the range wearing her S&W model 610 in her race holster all eyes are on the 610. For some reason it draws attention.

[Ky Larry]

jj1962hemi, your're probably thinking of a Diamondback. The Python was only made in .357 mag and a very limited run in .38spl. Also, if someone tries to sell you a Python in .41 mag,run, don't walk away from that deal. Pythons in .41 mag are Bubba specials and are dangerous to shoot.

Sorry for hijacking the thread.

[Guillermo]

Larry is right.

No Python .22s

Diamondback is a mini Python.

Some will say that they were not fitted to the same standards, but I have both and they are...trust me

[jj1962hemi]

Thanks KY Larry. You're absolutely right, it was a Diamondback. A beauty nonetheless. I'm still more of an accumulator than a collector and haven't made the move up (except for my skeet gun, which was still modest by skeet standards) to these types of guns.

Thanks to Larry and Guillermo for keeping me straight!

[Guillermo]

Hemi

I am cheap.

I buy the ugly, good guns

[Boxhead]

I, too, am not a fan of the Python or 357 round. IMO a beater N-Frame Smith sent to Jim Stroh will net you something superior to the Python for about the same money.

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa437/boxhead61/Stroh45019.jpg

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa437/boxhead61/Stroh45024.jpg

[Guillermo]

boxhead,

beautiful gun and 45LC is one of the most versatile calibers available for a handloader. It is hard not to be envious.

Of course the subject was not custom guns but rather the "current production equivalent"

[Bubba613]

Armscor makes revolver that are probably as reliable and durable as Pythons. But they lack the grossly over-hyped reputation and absurd prices that Pythons command.

If you want an actual full sized .357 revolver that performs flawlessly look at Smith's 686SSR. Ignore all the ignorant remarks about Smith going downhill. What they make today is better than ever.

[9mmepiphany]

I trimmed a whole section of this thread.

What started as a difference of opinion turned slightly nasty, was saved and than turned ugly. Rather than take sides or try to edit based on intent, I removed all the post involved.

If you post was removed, please don't cling to and revive the contentious tone of those post

[Thaddeus Jones]

Other than perhaps Korth, there isn't a current production equivelant to the Colt Python.

Rugers are the only current production revolvers worth buying, IMO.

The current company calling itself S&W is nothing more than Taurus North. Exhorbitantly priced junk bearing a famous trademark.

There is a reason that Pythons are so costly and desired. :)