Colt Python: Best .357Mag ever?

[SaxonPig]

Hmmm...

Some observations in reply to some of the comments I have seen in this thread.

I agree that "best" is subjective if one is discussing the overall impression of a gun. Is best the most accurate? The strongest? The most compact for carry? What are the criteria for determining best?

But "best" certainly CAN be discerned when discussing fit and quality of finish and clearly the Python is superior to any other mass produced revolver. The Python was treated to substantial hand-fitting and polishing and that makes it look nicer. No way around that fact. I understand if you like your S&W or Ruger or whatever better than the Colt. But the Python was the most deluxe production revolver made in terms of quality of finish and denying it won't change the truth.

The Ford/Chevy argument doesn't work. It's more like Ford/Cadillac.

I do not understand why some people want to compare the 586/686 to the Python. Perhaps it is because the S&Ws use a vaguely similar barrel contour. But the 586/686 models were never, ever meant to be deluxe grade revolvers. They were built as service revolvers and are not in the same class as the Python. They are not even in the class directly below the Python. They are several rungs down the ladder in fit and finish. Again, if you like your 586/686 that's fine. But it simply does NOT compare to the Python.

The S&W "Register Magnum" was mentioned as competition for the Python. Problem is the RM was not a regular production gun. It was special order, only, and that disqualifies it from this discussion.

I love how some folks claim the Python is fragile but make no comment regarding the M19 when it is mentioned. I don't see the I frame Colt as weaker than the K frame Smith. Both are plenty strong. Yes, the Colt lockwork can go out of time due to the way it locks up. But this isn't the case with every Colt (I have only had 1 or 2 that suffered this malady) and when they do generally they still function OK, it's just irritating.

IMO the DA Rugers are just about the ugliest guns ever made. But that's just my opinion and Ruger owners swear by their guns so they must be good. Someone noted the massive design of the Ruger parts. They have to be bigger as they are cast rather than forged so they must be thicker to be as strong.

The Dan Wessons are noted for strength and accuracy. Again, is that what's best?

When someone asks which gun is best, and does not specify if he means best in terms of strength, or accuracy, or any other exact feature, I think in terms of fit and finish. That points to the Python in my book.

 

[roaddog28]

In short, if by "best" one means that if given a choice of which .357 one would personally choose if dumped out in the wilderness with 15,000 rounds of hot magnum ammo and had to depend on it all for the rest of his life. Not many, in my view, would pick a Colt Python or even a 686. Having said that, I think the Python is a bit more accurate, but I could hit clay pigeons at 100 yards with my Security-Six, and though cosmetically I preferred my 686 and probably would love a Python, I'd have to say that the 686 is a better gun than the Python in almost every respect except cosmetically, and even that is only a matter of taste.

If dropped into the wilderness with 15,000 hot magnum rounds of ammo, I don't think you would ever make it past 5,000 rounds without a Python going out of time. The frame would take the pounding just fine, but as that tiny pawl, or hand, began wearing, things would degrade rapidly. The cylinder would loosen considerably and the ratchet also would wear, making the problem worse.

In fact, if one person took a Ruger Security-Six and another person took two or even three Pythons, I suspect all three Pythons would not last as long as one Ruger. Now what some people have done is this: they have the pawls of their Pythons, as well as the ratchets, hard chromed. By doing this, neither the pawls or the ratchets wear significantly.

I tend to agree with Confederate on his above statement. Of all of my revolvers I have two choices if I was in the wilderness with 15,000 of magnum rounds. That would be my Police Service Six or Ruger GP100. They are durable and can take the pounding better than just about any revolver. Plus you can field strip them and to clean. Other revolvers I would not do.

And maybe again, if I was out in the wilderness I might rather have a Ruger New Model Blackhawk 357 in 4 7/8 inch barrel. That is even tougher than the Security Six or GP100. Again, best 357 revolver means different things to different folks.
Regards,
roaddog28

 

[yeti]

All Colt would have to do is follow Ruger's and S&W's leads.

Just goes to prove, there are fates worse than death.

 

[brabham78]

[QUOTEI'm thinking of a Ruger Blackhawk or GP100. Is the Python worth the extra $500+ used? ][/QUOTE]

I ownd a Python or many years, and I've did some shooting with a GP100. The Python is a nice gun, but given the choice, even for equal money, I'd pick the GP100.

 

[oldbear]

The Python is an excellent revolver,good looking with the full lug barrel, vented rib, and the Colt Royal bluing. Yet the Python never fit my hand, the target grips were to large and the standard sized grips were to small.

The Smith M- 27 is the best built revolver ever produced, the N frame Smiths of the 19th and 20th century were the high point of the metal workers art.

 

[SwampWolf]

The Best? Smith 'Registered' Magnum.

Yep, best in every sense of the word: finish, workmanship, material, design, handling, trigger pull-whatever category you choose to compare it with, the Registered is simply the best.

 

[918v]

Why, oh why, did the man polish the frame with the sideplate off??? Now the sharp edges of the frame and sideplate that form that perfect hairline fit are gone. Who did this?

 

[CWO USN]

For the money, the S&W 27-2 in a five or six inch. Engineering design, as in exotic for its time, the Colt Python. Affordabability when new and nowadays, the S&W Model 19 or 66 (depending on the finish you like) along with the Colt Trooper Mk V. I wouldn't snob the Ruger .357 Magnums either. Great value and solid rock dependabiity. IMHO.

 

[syr74]

The Colt Python was the pinnacle of the classic colt lock-work and that lock-work was arguably the revolver counterpart to the 1911 semi-auto. To wit, there may be simpler designs that will take more abuse without complaint, but nothing else works so well in the hands of a knowledgeable owner.

The Python was truly a legend among legends.