Alternative to a Python

[loneviking]

Alternative? Actually, there is and it was made by Colt! A Colt Peacekeeper looks a lot like a Python, is every bit as accurate and very similar in feel. But, the Peacekeepers had a rough, matte black finish. So, if you're looking for pretty, the Peacekeeper isn't it. If you're looking for very functional with a finish that you can't wear out or wreck with a Python like feel/design--then it's a good choice. Wish I had a picture of mine handy, but mines at the gunsmith having the action slicked. Look 'em up online and you should be able to find a picture.

 

[Lucky Derby]

Peacekeeper?
Weren't those built on the Trooper Mark V? A very different gun.
There is an alternative to a Python
The original Colt 357. or the original Trooper (not to be confused with the Trooper Mark III or V).
It both the 357 and the Trooper have the same hand fit action and frame, just no full lug, vent rib barrel. In the case of the 357 it even has the nice Royal Blue finish, the Trooper has a more utilitarian finish.
There was a time when I had both a Trooper and a Python. Both 4". After much shooting with both I decided that I didn't need the Python. Both guns were equals, but the Python would bring a ridculous amount $$$ if sold. It was sold at a substantial profit over what I had paid.
The Trooper OTOH is currently in my safe, and often serves bedside duty, and occasionally gets carried. It will be one of the last guns to go should that unfortunate circumstance come to pass.

 

[Lovesbeer99]

I don't own a Python but I've handled them and shot them a few times. I do love the fit and finish and I also love the action (in single action). The double action is nothing too special.

Anyway, I will claim that the Python is not more accurate then a 586, 686, or GP100. It's also not more reliable, it's just smother due to all the hand fitting.

With that said, if you get a good deal on a GP100 and find a good smith to work the action, the GP100 would be as nice, as reliable and as accurate.

Now for the record. I do have a Python on my short list of revo's but I also already own a GP and a Smith.

 

[JohnBT]

"I will claim that the Python is not more accurate then a 586, 686, or GP100."

I will claim it is.

John

 

[Bubba613]

And I'll claim it doesn't really matter since most people don't do all their shooting off a Ransom Rest.

 

[Sniper X]

Loves said,
I don't own a Python but I've handled them and shot them a few times. I do love the fit and finish and I also love the action (in single action). The double action is nothing too special. I beg to differ on the DA attributes of the Python, which stock is better than MANY if not almost all totally tricked out other revolvers.

Anyway, I will claim that the Python is not more accurate then a 586, 686, or GP100. It's also not more reliable, it's just smother due to all the hand fitting. Yes it is....

With that said, if you get a good deal on a GP100 and find a good smith to work the action, the GP100 would be as nice, as reliable and as accurate. MAYBE as accurate, but not ever as NICE, nice is a subjective thing but to compare GP100 which I love BTW, to a Python on the nice scale is like saying a tricked out Yugo is as nice ad a Lambroghini Diablo.

Now for the record. I do have a Python on my short list of revo's but I also already own a GP and a Smith. When you finally get a Python, you will agree with everything I said in my responses....


here's mine.

 

[Lovesbeer99]

Comparing a GP100 and Python is not a Yugo and Diablo. Seriously that's just biased.
Are you really going to claim that a gunsmith like Grant Cummingham, Bowen Custom or Jerry M will not smith a S&W or Ruger to shoot as accurate as anyting else anywhere in the world that is bone stock? Honestly?

We all have our favorites (Ford vs. Chevy) but let's not be unrealistic.

 

[MCMXI]

Are you really going to claim that a gunsmith like Grant Cummingham, Bowen Custom or Jerry M will not smith a S&W or Ruger to shoot as accurate as anyting else anywhere in the world that is bone stock? Honestly?

This is a criterion vs. criteria discusion isn't it. If accuracy is the only criterion for comparison then don't buy a Python since many, many revolvers that cost a lot less are capable of sufficient and possibly superior accuracy. If on the other hand you like a superbly crafted, hand-fitted piece of American history that also happens to be incredibly accurate then perhaps you should buy a Python.

 

[Sniper X]

Love, please find where I said accuracy in my post when refering to the comparason. I was and will continue to say a Python is like a Lambo or Ferarri compared to a utilitarian gun like a GP100. There is no comparason when it comes to "nice". On the other hand since you mentioned accuracy and made your comparason, I will say why yes, a great smith can make a GP or Smith as accurate as a Python, and as slick, BUT that isn't what I was talking about.

Let me add this, lets just compare the Python (A Rolex) to the GP ( a Seiko).

 

[Phydeaux642]

Let me add this, lets just compare the Python (A Rolex) to the GP ( a Seiko).

That doesn't help the argument any in my eyes, since all of the Rolex watches that I have known people to have will not keep time and are terribly over priced. I guess maybe I am a Timex sort of guy.

 

[saturno_v]

I absolutely love the Python which I consider the most beautiful looking revolver ever built.

I had the chance of shooting it and it felt very good in my hands (but no better than my S&W 29).

That said, I would never buy one at current prices...and I can comfortably afford one any time of the day....as much as I like it it is mentally hard to justify a difference in price of basically double (at least in my local market) between a Python and a S&W equivalent in the same conditions....prices really went into orbit....

I'm blessed that I can keep my sanity and rationality intact even when I like something very much....I'm a "practical" collector and I liek to shoot my pieces..not into safe queens...

 

[Lovesbeer99]

SniperX - I'm with you on how "nice" the Python is. That's why it's on my short list but I'm just trying not to exagerate to the point of negating my point. I'm not just talking accuracy and I'll provide some links to show examples of what a gunsmith can do with fit and finish along with accuracy.

http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/NEW/Projects.htm

http://www.pinnacle-guns.com/revolver_gallery.asp

I know a Lambo is sweet, fast and, Sweet, but so is just about any car that was customized by Boyd Coddington. Check out this link too.

http://www.boydcoddington.com/car+gallery.aspx

SniperX - it's all good.

 

[Sniper X]

ell, as much as I love Hot Rods and as cool as they are....I can't think of one I would rather have than a Merchialago. That doesn't mean of course they are not as cool or neat to drive as a Merch, but they are different and nice. I'd love to have a BC Hot rod. But I would much rather have a Merchialago, but would definitely not like to have the repair bill!

 

[Sam1911]

With cars, just like guns, the more subjective aspects of quality and value are in the eye of the beholder.

Unfortunately, cars aren't on-topic for THR and we've spent more time talking about cars than guns here.

Sic terminus.