Becoming revolver fan in new age of semi-autos

Rival

Rival

Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2002
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284
Location
Los Angeles
My first few guns were all semi-autos, but I always wanted at least one revolver, just to have one. When opportunity presented itself, I got pre-lock 686 with 4” barrel. I was not a big fan, until I decided to read up on proper techniques and watch number of in-depth training videos specific to double action revolvers. I was doing a lot of things wrong prior to learning about the new platform, but I picked up a few things, especially how to properly shoot it double action only and properly reload it. I started to really like using revolver, and it started to get most time at the range.

Not long ago I got myself a 3” Python, because when I first saw it in the store and handled it, I just felt it was my kid of firearm. I liked a lot of things about the Colt when comparing it with S&W. At first the release catch felt weird, but I learned to like it and appreciate the design behind it. Unlike Smith, Colt does not lock cylinder release when hammer is cocked, so there is less complexity in the lock work. The double action pull feels smoother. The complaints about the quality and reliability of new Pythons don’t have merit in my eyes, I did have to tighten a couple of screws with blue Loctite, side panel and rear sight loosened up after few hundred shots, but that took care of it. Calling it a manufacturer fault is a bit of a stretch, zero issues since I tightened two screws.

I qualified and added Python to CCW rotation, and surprisingly this gun carries pretty well in quality leather IWB holster. It would not work with 4.25” barrel, I would have to go OWB and it could become a problem with summer all year around here and just a shirt over it. I find this gun to be a rather unique hybrid of favorite carry/range/target gun, all in one.

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This is one of those Ford vs Chevy kinds of questions, but you have mighty nice wheelguns there. The 3" Python is an especially nice version.
You'd be better served with smaller grips for carry.
Moon
 
I started with semis, thought I needed 10+ rounds on deck. So, my first several pistols were semis.

However, my first time out with revolvers was love at first blast. I liked the cadence of six or five shots. I found that I slowed down, just a bit. I liked dumping the shells into my hand, saving them into my pocket.

I blame my first revolver being a smith 586 no dash! What a sweet gun. 350 otd at gander mountain! Different times. 38s are fun, but 357s were very fun from a 4 inch 586.

The accuracy is what sold me. And I figured, if you can out them exactly where you want with a platform, like a laser...just point your finger and there goes the hole, maybe you don't need 20 in the mag. Maybe that's just extra weight. Maybe you won't need to lay down suppressive fire as a civilian.

I got a feeling a few times firing certain guns where it just clicked for me. The 586. The 1911. The winchester 30 30 and 1300. These are old school, heavy blued steel and wood. They were made to handle the rounds they are chambered for, they are made to last and to work- self defense, hunting, etc.

I was a capacity hound for a very long time, but now I mostly only carry and use revolvers. Even on long trips, hiking, camping, etc.

I've camped in the mountains among bear with a model 60 and hardcast. For civilization, a 642 with jhp. I usually carry reloads, just in case. I keep a pack of 50 georgia arms 38 special plated wadcutters that should run well in any revolver I pack, and is a pretty versatile round.

Yep...revolvers rule, but I have friends who feel the same way about their glock, or cz, or sig, etc. Different strokes.
 
@Rival , congratulations for getting two very nice revolvers!

When asked why I prefer revolvers over semiauto pistols, I avoid big, long discussions, but usually give these reasons:

1. SA trigger is usually way better on revolvers, out of the box, no takeout.
2. When reloading, revolver cartridges are longer, larger, and much less sensitive on powder charge variations than short pistol cartridges.
3. If I want powerful handgun while hunting or hiking, revolvers could be chambered in much more powerful rounds.
4. When shooting on the range, I do not have to chase brass.

I am not saying that semiauto pistols do not have certain advantages over revolvers, it is just my way of shooting that revolvers for me work better. When asked for preferred cartridge, for someone who likes to shoot a lot, and would like to have a single revolver that it will do everything, I suggest 41 Magnum in a large frame revolver.
 
Rival said:
The complaints about the quality and reliability of new Pythons don’t have merit in my eyes,
Click to expand...

You have a sample of one. Don't discount the many reported and documented cases of Python (or other model) problems. Colt criticisms have been earned.
 
Onty said:
When asked for preferred cartridge, for someone who likes to shoot a lot, and would like to have a single revolver that it will do everything, I suggest 41 Magnum in a large frame revolver.
Click to expand...
Personally, I believe .357 is the better choice, just because 38 Special is so available and relatively cheap for range practice.
 
fxvr5 said:
You have a sample of one. Don't discount the many reported and documented cases of Python (or other model) problems. Colt criticisms have been earned.
Click to expand...
I do have a sample of one, but I read up about problems in general, and majority align with my own experience. Side panel comes loose, the screw is behind the grip, shooter does not know to tighten that screw after removing grip - this results in lock work sticking and gun sent back to factory for repairs. That’s how I learned how to fix mine in less than 5 minutes. Another common problem is rear sight coming loose, again fixed with a vertical fix screw. That right there is vast majority of reported issues coming from people that work of those problems.
 
defjon said:
I started with semis, thought I needed 10+ rounds on deck. So, my first several pistols were semis.
…
The accuracy is what sold me. And I figured, if you can out them exactly where you want with a platform …
Click to expand...
This mirrors my experience.
defjon said:
I got a feeling a few times firing certain guns where it just clicked for me. The 586. The 1911. The winchester 30 30 and 1300. These are old school, heavy blued steel and wood. They were made to handle the rounds they are chambered for, they are made to last and to work- self defense, hunting, etc
Click to expand...
1911 did click with me. Wonderful firearm when manufacturer gets it right. A bit bulky to carry in hot climate, for whatever reason 3” Python carries better with same weight. I guess long flat handgun does not work with my body in the same way. Awesome range gun though.
 
Rival said:
I got pre-lock 686 with 4” barrel. I was not a big fan, until I decided to read up on proper techniques and watch number of in-depth training videos specific to double action revolvers. I was doing a lot of things wrong prior to learning about the new platform, but I picked up a few things, especially how to properly shoot it double action only and properly reload it.
Click to expand...

Congrats on a nice piece. It looks to be a 686-5, which happens to be my preferred version. Learn to run & reload it well, and you'll be able to do something that's quite rare (your 686 is perfect for IDPA matches, btw, and there's nothing like a little runNgun competition to learn how to run a speed-loader-fed wheelgun well).
 
My first handgun was an old, not well taken care of Colt Official Police. Shortly after that was a purchase from a local PD of a S&W Model 19. I was 21 then. Many years and several handguns later, semi autos as well as revolvers, I still am a fan of revolvers and usually carry a j-frame. I will admit a fondness for 1911s and my Smith Model 39-2.
 
I’m a wheel gun guy period. But, I’ve been open minded to bottom feeders. When I got started in shooting as a young man the 1911 was the pistol. Lots of government surplus knee deep in some gun shops. The other semi automatic was the Ruger 22 pistol. So I’ve been a revolver guy. After moving to Alaska semiautomatic’s definitely were not a consideration. The need for power just isn’t there.
I do have a 92 FS which I can shoot pretty good, I should mention I just can’t shoot the 1911, I’ve tried.
Currently I’m looking at an Sig 365 and the Hellcat, both look promising. I carry a 2” 5 shot Smith in 357& a Ruger SP 101 3” 357. If you need more than 5 rounds you have more trouble than you would be able to deal with. Unless maybe law enforcement or security. I’m considering the Sig because it is slim and would carry easy.
 
I think I shoot semi-autos better than revolvers and I sometimes like them better, too, because they have more historical interest in terms of use in 20th century wars. But a revolver is more elegant and if I could only have one recreational gun it would probably be a revolver rather than a hundred year old semi.
 
No Offense to the OP…

But anybody else think the New Colt Python is not cool anymore because EVERYONE and their grandma got one now?

Colt did a good job marketing this gun.
 
While I remain a huge 1911 fan who also likes Glocks and some “classic” SIGs, sometime back I found myself shooting DA revolvers better than anything else. I’m not saying I’ll never buy another semi-auto, but I’m sticking with revolvers now.
 
Never totally judge the popular "Big Three" revolvers solely on first impressions
of their triggers out of the box. The "Big Three" in my mind are the new Python,
current S&W 686s and the Ruger GP100s, all in .357.

Out of the box the Python has the softest feeling double action trigger; the S&W
triggers are stiff but smooth; the Ruger triggers come close to feel of the
S&Ws.

I look on the S&W and Ruger triggers as easily "adjusted" downward in trigger
weight but still give reliable ignition. From the factory both companies stress
absolute reliability in popping primers from ALL manufacturers and makers.
Rightly or wrongly I don't think the new Colt Pythons offer that reliability.

But in the end, if you train properly and accept the differences between
company triggers, a shooter will do fine in double action.

Whether it's from decades of experience and sometimes "adjusting" triggers,
the S&W remains my favorite. Perhaps if the OP had someone familiar with
his S&W, it could become if not his favorite but definitely equal to the Python.
Actually, I'm sure of it.
 
Mark_Mark said:
No Offense to the OP…

But anybody else think the New Colt Python is not cool anymore because EVERYONE and their grandma got one now?

Colt did a good job marketing this gun.
Click to expand...
You know, the first indication I had that Python is back was when I noticed it in the local gun store when I was buying ammo for range. Yeah perhaps I was living under a rock, but when I took it in my hand that was enough to put a deposit down.
 
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