Python and Monson-made Dan

[Uglyducky]

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.

LOL.

 

[CraigC]

All this talk about Dan Wessons has me wanting a .445!

 

[Dr.Rob]

I have several DW's They shoot great but on every one the frame has turned plum colored.

That doesn't happen to Pythons.

 

[hemiram]

My .44 mag DW is a "Barney", AKA "plum". It doesn't affect it's shooting in any way, so it doesn't bother me. None of the dozen or so DW 15-2's I've had have turned any colors. They have all shot great. My Python was really pretty, but the hand broke (and it's a very delicate part), and it was a hassle to get fixed. I can fix almost anything on a DW in seconds. I have a large box of parts, and have used only a couple of them over the years, a hand spring, and a couple of frame screws that looked better than the ones on the used guns I bought. I have kept and keep buying DW's, the Python was my first, and only Colt revolver and I had no second thoughts about selling it.

 

[Saleen322]

The Python is a collector so shooting it can effect value. The Dan Wessons are very accurate and I still have 3 that I doubt I will ever part with. They are shooters so you can use them, keep them for some years and still make money selling them if you are so inclined.

 

[Hookeye]

Unless it's NIB, shoot it.
Got rid of my Python this yr, but before then I hunted with it.
Shot great.
Blued E series.
If I ever get another one it'll be a reg 6" stainless, dual pin front sight.
I'd be just as happy running a 686 Smith.

 

[sw282]

Guys in my IHMSA matches that shoot revolvers are mostly using Freedom Arms Silh model. Behind door #2 are the Dan Wessons. l head up the rear with my Smith & Wessons. Colts are never seen. But the Python is #1 in my voting.. l had to let mine go during A jobless stretch in my life around 2009.

 

[ljnowell]

And yet, with all the praise the colt trigger gets, bullseye shooters flock to Smith and Wesson revolvers.

 

[Longhorn 76]

Bullseye shooters did not always prefer S&W. I suspect that has more to do with Colt no longer being made. The Python barrel was always considered more accurate.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Given the price of Colt DA revolvers right now, I just break it down to do I want an investment, or do I want a shooter?

I'd be a bit to inclined to just put the Colt in a safe. Actually, I wouldn't buy one at all at the current prices. A DW I would shoot a lot.

Good luck! I look forward to the pics when you go for it.

 

[wrdwrght]

Given the price of Colt DA revolvers right now, I just break it down to do I want an investment, or do I want a shooter?

I'd be a bit to inclined to just put the Colt in a safe. Actually, I wouldn't buy one at all at the current prices. A DW I would shoot a lot.

Good luck! I look forward to the pics when you go for it.

Not sure if this is meant for me, the OP. I'm not in the market for a Python. I don't collect queens for the safe, just amass shooters for the fun of discovering what makes them different...

As the OP, I had imagined chiming in just about now to summarize this thread's comments, but I now think that's a fool's errand, given all the drift.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Woops. You're right.... thread drift. My apologies. I guess I've read one too many "should I buy this or that" threads.

 

[wrdwrght]

Apologies hardly needed. We're all cats here, not inclined to be herded.

 

[CraigC]

Been looking at Dan Wessons online since last week. Partly due to this thread. Now who's gonna take the blame when I buy one and the wife founds out???

 

[Ky Larry]

Back in the late '70's I had a DW Pistol Pack. Wish I still had it but I do have a Python, a S&W Model-19, and a -686 with BSquare mounts and a Millet red dot.

 

[AJumbo]

Want to start a real good fistfight at a gun show? When somebody starts waxing nostalgic about those "lovingly hand-fitted Pythons that they just don't make anymore," shaking their heads and getting all misty-eyed, say something like ''Yeah, thank God for today's consistently-produced parts, huh?"

 

[9mmepiphany]

say something like ''Yeah, thank God for today's consistently-produced parts, huh?"

I've heard that before.

The obvious response is to shake you head slowly, from side to side, bemoan the death of the value of craftsmanship, and say kindly, " You've never listened too records, have you?"...pause a moment and then add, "You must be a fan of MIM"

 

[Bama Drifter]

Hey KY Larry, sorry to thread-jack... but which has the smoothest trigger b/w your Smith's: the 19 or 686? I really am looking hard @ 19-3 but if a 586 or 686 trigger is equally good or better, then that would influence my decision. Thanks!

 

[Esoteria]

I have a Monson DW. A coworker has an unfired nickel Python in the box. I keep telling him to sell it because it's so valuable having never been shot, but he wants to shoot it. He's not really a shooting / gun enthusiast in general.

Anyway I've fiddled with it at some length. I honestly think if I handled both of them side by side -- dry fire only -- I wouldn't have a strong opinion one way or the other.

I prefer the look and single action hammer cocking on the DW, and being able to swap barrels is a major asset in my mind. The first barrier when I buy any gun is the aesthetics. But I think both the DW and the Python look good, so once you add the functionality into it... I really have to side with the DW.

I don't fully understand the Python's astronomical price, despite the rarity and clearly high quality. But I'm glad the DW is so affordable, because otherwise I'd have neither.