wrdwrght
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If you have both a Colt Python and a Monson-made Dan Wesson Arms Model 15, do you judge one to be "better" than the other? If so, what separates them (apart from current market price)?
Python and Monson-made Dan
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RUT
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Pythons are made for looking at whereas Dan Wessons are made for shooting. 
CleanHarry
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Python vs. Dan Wesson
I have both, and there is a world of difference. The ______ has a much smoother action and lighter trigger. The _______ costs a LOT more. The ______ often has the ability to swap barrels. The _______ is more accurate in my hands. Looks are a personal preference thing, but to me the ________ is more pleasing to the eye.
I have both, and there is a world of difference. The ______ has a much smoother action and lighter trigger. The _______ costs a LOT more. The ______ often has the ability to swap barrels. The _______ is more accurate in my hands. Looks are a personal preference thing, but to me the ________ is more pleasing to the eye.
RUT
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Yes, I always preferred the _______ over the _______.
I don't own a Python but I have shot several and have had several D frame colts. The Dan Wesson will never match the double action trigger pull of the Colt. The Dan Wesson may be a little more robust in the long run. Hard to say on accuracy, thy are pretty close in my hands.
wrdwrght
Member
Thanks for the thoughtful response. I've been trying to understand the discrepancy in asking price between the two.
If the difference is just in the Python's "better" looks and "better" DA, I remain mystified, and quite content with my Dan (not to forget my 686-4 and my GP100).
Messed around with a fella's Python in Vietnam during '68. Wish I'd been more attentive...
I have two Monson DW .357s, one stainless, one blued. I don't have a Python, but I have a Colt Officer's Model Match in .38 spl, a very similar pistol. The only comparison is the accuracy, all are extremely accurate. Other than that, the double action pull on my DWs is closer to my GP100s, whereas my Colt's action is butter smooth.
The key advantage to the DWs is that parts are readily available, as is factory support. The Colt's are relatively fragile, and it's extremely difficult to get them worked on.
Basically, if you want a shooter, get the DW; a collector piece, the Colt.
The key advantage to the DWs is that parts are readily available, as is factory support. The Colt's are relatively fragile, and it's extremely difficult to get them worked on.
Basically, if you want a shooter, get the DW; a collector piece, the Colt.
wrdwrght
Member
Strange how a beautiful and finely-triggered revolver--one prone to going out of time--can fetch a thousand (and sometimes more than several thousand) bucks more than a good-looking one that does very nearly the same thing yet more durably.
RUT
Member
Most of its just a bunch of hype.
If you had them side-by-side you'd understand the difference between beautiful and good-looking. The DW is closer to a S&W...although the 2.5" VH barrel shroud is my favorite
If you ran the triggers side-by-side, you'd understand that "does very nearly the same thing" isn't really true and "yet more durably" is over played. There really is no comparison between the feel of the two actions. The DW is closer to a Ruger GP-100
The Python is accurate due to it's rifling (twist and choke) and it's pre-locking of the cylinder. The DW makes up for this with the double tensioned barrel and locking at the yoke.
The Python will throw mid-range bullets more accurately, the DW will throw heavier bullets better
doubleh
Member
I used to have one of each. Python was really something but the D. Wesson was more accurate. Still have the Wesson. The Python is long gone. I'll admit the Wesson had it's trigger tweaked. Still not as good as the Python but close.
C5rider
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I can afford DWs!
Uglyducky
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Hahahahhahaha. I like that.
wrdwrght
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I had hoped this thread would not stop at pointlessly declaring which gun feature is best on which gun, but rather might go on to explore how a difference in perceived form/fit/function gets not simply reinforced by market price, but magnified.
I mean, really, is the Python's DA (or combination of features) several thousand bucks better than a Dan's, or a 686's. A 686's DA (or combination of features) is certainly better than those of a bunch of second-tier revolvers, but evidently not by more than maybe several hundred bucks.
What other guns (long or short) are disproportiately priced like the Python?
I mean, really, is the Python's DA (or combination of features) several thousand bucks better than a Dan's, or a 686's. A 686's DA (or combination of features) is certainly better than those of a bunch of second-tier revolvers, but evidently not by more than maybe several hundred bucks.
What other guns (long or short) are disproportiately priced like the Python?
Korth revolvers, Freedom Arms SA revolverswrdwrght said:
Actually it is...if you understand and appreciate the engineering of the action.
It isn't horrible if you don't/can't, as many folks don't understand why a Beretta shotgun is worth $5000 more than a Remington 1100 either.
It is funny that you mention the 686, as I find it easier to justify the difference between the price of a Python and a 686 than between a Python and a DW. The DW introduced many cutting edge features to production revolvers, when they came on the market, that really impacted the industry
C5rider
Member
Now that surprises me. Not disagreeing, just surprised as I've not thought about it like that. Now, so far as the actions, the first thing you'll notice is the difference in stroke between the two. If you use a DW and get used to that short-stroke of the hammer, I'll bet that the Python's will feel like a mile.
Likewise, if you are used to the Colt, the DW will feel like dragging a rusty bolt through a box o' rocks. (some may disagree). Truth be told, they're both good. Just different. I think you get more for your $$$ with the DW, but unless you get a good deal, you may not get the return on the $$$$. No telling where the Python bubble will burst- if it ever does. My .02, but what do I know.
BobWright
Member
For whatever its worth Department: I've never owned a Dan Wesson, but my two sons-in-law have, and I've shot Dan Wassons considerably. I have owned a Python, plus numerous Officers Model Match revolvers, from which the Python descended. I loved my Python, but when S&W introduced the Model 586, I forsook the Python and never looked back. To me, the Model 586 remains the very best DA .357 Magnum revolver to come out yet.
Bob Wright
Bob Wright
Red Cent
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What C5rider said. Smooth and lighten that short stroke on the DW and watch the eyes of someone who has never pulled the trigger on a DW.
The Python is revered in most handgun circles. It is difficult to look at a Rolls Royce and the Camaro and decide which one is.......................
The Python is revered in most handgun circles. It is difficult to look at a Rolls Royce and the Camaro and decide which one is.......................
I wouldn't say a Freedom Arms is disproportionately priced given the amount of hand-fitting and precision that goes into them, and the relatively small production volume. It isn't like you are paying a ton and getting nothing in return. I believe Hamilton Bowen himself is purported to have said something to the effect that you can put a lot of money towards a Ruger to make it like a FA, but it's still a Ruger.
The Colt python I bought new with the 6" barrel was very barrel heavy and out of balance. I got fancy grips for it but they were not enough.
When the barrel's forcing cone split I went up to colt they put a new barrel on free in the shop while I watched.
I sold it. Glad it's gone!
When the barrel's forcing cone split I went up to colt they put a new barrel on free in the shop while I watched.
I sold it. Glad it's gone!
I HAD two 6" and one 4" Pythons. They were beautiful ! Smooth action, fine workmanship. I loved to just work the action and listen to the sound of the clicks. Was like music. But, the one 6" factory tuned target gun would not reliably fire double action, even after a trip back to the factory. The 4" nickel plated one was so inaccurate the factory replaced the barrel, to no avail. None of them would shoot good groups with lead bullets. The 6"'s were very barrel heavy, to the point I had a hole drilled in the under lug of one to lighten it. I really, really liked them, but sold them all due to poor accuracy. The nearest one to them is my 4" S&W 586, which is a superb firearm and has excellent accuracy. But my Dan Wesson beats them all in the accuracy dept. I like the DW action best also.
If you enjoy fine things, and shoot mostly at a range, the python is a joy to own.
If you enjoy fine things, and shoot mostly at a range, the python is a joy to own.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
There's nothing disproportionate about FA's pricing. They cost what they cost because they are so well made.
Pythons cost what they cost due to the legend of the Python specifically and the Colt name in general. Doubled because they are not made any more. Not necessarily because they are 'that' much better. Have a good gunsmith tune your S&W and you'll forget about the Python.
Pythons cost what they cost due to the legend of the Python specifically and the Colt name in general. Doubled because they are not made any more. Not necessarily because they are 'that' much better. Have a good gunsmith tune your S&W and you'll forget about the Python.
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