Anything Comparable to Python

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // Lots of folks with the same tools/toys and diffferent opinons when comparing them should tell you something.

Other than "Luck of the Draw" you need a great gunsmith.

Right now I have 8 .357s.
2 S&W a 586 nd, 6", 1983 and a 28-2, 4", 1976 both with the triggers smoothed by the same man.

2 DW 15-2s, a 1977 and 1978 PP ,both Monson, no GS work

2 Colt Pythons a 1961 and a 1983, no GS work

2 Ruger Sixes, Security and Service, no GS work

From a purely trigger point of view the 1961 Python of the unworked and 1983 586 overall.
More time carrying and shooting the 586 probably has a great deal to do with this.

Of the unworked revolvers the 1978 DW 15-2 is closest to the Python.

My worked 28 is still probably no comparison to a good 27 but turned out quite smooth. The weight of the 28 just makes for a harder comparison than the Dan Wesson 15-2 to the Python.

The right GS's trigger work can make your S&W( or other) a dream, just like the wrong GS could make your Python a nightmare.

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

older Troopers before MkIII,Colt .357 ,Official Police Match and Official Police have the same action.
Only Colts compare to Colts. Your question was whats like python. thats it. MkIII good sound revolver. MKV not so much.

Colt triggers stack. Smiths don't. So they won't feel alike. All revolvers need to be stroked to be smooth, the Pythons came pre stroked. I dont know what your talking about with a tear shaped sear, I swear I don't. The long action K frames are smoother, but later ones can be greasy slick too. Neither like a Python.

 

[alde]

A range buddy just 2 weeks ago bought a nice 1964 6" Python for $825. They can be found at great prices now and then. They are great revolvers and I would love to own one someday. I have to be satisfied with my Smiths for now though.

 

[benderx4]

I'm partial to Pythons as well, but for a shooter, you can't beat a nice pre-ILS Smith model 627 V-comp massaged by the S&W Performance Center. It is pretty much on par with the Snake.

Good luck and happy shooting!

 

[SwampWolf]

I'd suggest a Smith Registered Magnum-but they probably cost more than a Python in equal condition. An original Model 27, imo, is every bit as nice of a revolver in all respects as a Python-and they fetch a lot less money.

 

[mgmorden]

Ummm, BASIC or maybe C? I mean, BASIC is pretty close to Fortran, but my wife's a computer science PhD so I'll trust her judgement. She knows Python.

BASIC and C are both functional languages. Python is object-oriented, making it closer to Java or C++.

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

You boys need to get out more.


I agree. in fact I might rather have a clean M27,than a python, like 8 3/8 Nickel! I really like em both. I like apples. I like oranges. don't make me pick.

I had a pre 27, transition model, N frame, blue,6", .357.(by serial number, is how you tell) I think it even had a 4 screw sideplate.
A 3 1/2" Registered Magnum, with McGivern bead. would be perfect but a safe queen, I'm afraid.

 

[Archie]

InkEd, it depends...

on what you mean by 'comparable'.

If you mean comparable in looks, to impress guys at the gun store or such, only a Python will do.

If you mean 'shoot as well', then a S&W 586 or 686 (depending on your choice in finish) will do very nicely. A S&W M27 will pretty much outdo the shooting ability of a Python. For that matter, a Ruger Security Six is a far better working and shooting revolver. If you wish to learn the proper technique of double action shooting, all of these revolvers will exceed the abilities of the Python.

However, none of the other guns will go out of time as fast.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

If you want a Python, get a Python. If you don't like it, you can easily sell it later down the road. Unless you grossly overpay upfront, you will likely make a few extra bucks when you decide to sell.

Don't worry about things like it "going out of time". Can it happen? yes. Does it happen often? No. If it does, Colt still works on 'em everyday....There are 50 years worth of Pythons out there that are still working just fine and have never been tuned up. I'd guess my two shooters have never seen a gunsmith. I shoot them as often as I want and have never lost a nights sleep over the possibility of them going out of time.

I wouldn't trade my most well worn shooter for my choice of Smiths, new or used, with a brand new Ruger thrown in as a cherry on top.

 

[Mac2]

I'm with ya ColtPythonElite. Kinda like the old Harley saying...If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand. I'll stick with my Colts, and my Harleys.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I'll admit I broke down and bought my first Smith wheel gun a few days ago........Here she is on the floorboard of one of my Harleys....LOL.

 

[Guillermo]

Colts and Harleys

Ying and Yang

smooth and refined vs crude and rough

Mac is a man of varied tastes.

 

[shaolink9]

Sorry if this is off ...but there is a Dan Wesson .357 for sale at a gun range near me for 350$

 

[CajunBass]

DM is right.

An old Model 27 is was Smith's "flagship" 357 and arguable one of the finest revolvers made.

An old one from the 50's is amazing.

The frame makes it a heavy gun but a dream to shoot.

I admit I have never shot a Python. Don't know that I've ever pulled the trigger on one to tell you the truth, but I do have a 1954 "Pre-27" Smith & Wesson .357 that is a joy to shoot. .357's or 38's. It doesn't matter.

Now I probably wouldn't know a good trigger from a bad one, but this gun even makes me look like I know what I'm doing.



I still want a Python though.

 

[RickMD]

I've owned well over 100 handguns during my lifetime and if I was limited to only one, it would be my 4" electroless nickel Python from the Colt custom shop. I've owned 12 Pythons, shot the crap out of some of them, and found the comments regarding their being fragile and going out of time to be a myth. All my Smiths and Rugers have a small amount of play when they lock up. The Pythons have none. None of the 12 ever needed a repair or adjustment.

 

[DM~]

I have found no Colt that is as finely made as my old 27's, let alone my pre-27. They are in a class by them selves,

From the deep blueing and spl. front sights available,



To the checkered top straps,



To the hand fitting that makes them lock up like a bank vault and feel like the internals are are running on bearings, with no stacking in the unbelivable smooth actions,



In all the years i shot competition, i never fired a Python that was more accurate than my 27's, and was never outshot by a Python user either. I've never handled a Python that was as smooth as my 27's either...

I'm sure i've owned over 100 handguns too, but i no longer have even one Python. I don't believe in safe queens, all of my firearms are for go, not for show.

I'm not saying Pythons aren't good, they just aren't up to pre-27 standards... And if you hunt in the kind of conditions i did, they required too much maintance.

DM

 

[Guillermo]

DM

As a lover of Pythons I can say with no equivocation that you own an incredibly beautiful revolver that is of amazing quality.

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

CajunBass, that's a beaut! I keep telling myself thats a 4" and not a 5". chorus of AHHHs,

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // Love this site, sometimes.

Nice one, DM
Now I am drooling after an M27 and I already have handguns I miss shooting.
I imagine a 27 will be a bit more than the $350.00, 28 w/ box purchased in 2009.


Might be time for me to start looking for a GAA meeting.

 

[bcp280z]

From another POV they have Rossi copycat guns that look like a Python, but chambered only in 38, and I'm sure their handling is sub par compared to the original.

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

content, I've had 3 M28s, the only difference is on the outside. for most things I'd rather have a 28. and a 6" not a 4"

 

[Blue Brick]

Strongest 38 Special (Chambered in 38 Special only) ever manufactured and my trigger is as smooth butter and very accurate. I am not a good shooter and this is my 1st time out with her and at 25 yards!

 

[MtnSpur]

1966 & 1978 Pythons. No issues, shoot smooth as silk.





1978 S&W 66-1. No Issues, shoots smooth but not quite like the Pythons.

Love both platforms.

 

[oldfool]

Colts and S&Ws never were the same, and when they are "the best they can be" the 3rd critical variable in the equation is the hand holding it
(and vintage vs current production vs custom pistol smith ought not count if/when comparing handguns in that class)

we should all be so lucky as to have hands on experience with both
(me, I would settle for a model 27, custom shop or not )

 

[Blue68f100]

I have a 6" Nickle Python from Colts Custom Shop that I bought new in 1977. The custom work was tuning on the trigger and adjustable sights. Every one who has shot my gun just drool all over the trigger in this gun. If I recall the DA pull is between 4-5 lbs. and smooth as STP on glass. The only negating is cleaning the thing. I just plan on spending a hour + to do it right. I've been told to very few Ni went through the custom shop it may sell at auction for around $2000-$2500. I've been watching the auctions and have yet to find a Ni with the custom work to know. I may sell it for that price because I no longer shoot it regularly, maybe once a year.