Colt python vs. S&W 627 performance center non-comp

[Mr.454]

So I'm looking at a special revolver for my 30th birthday, and having trouble deciding what to get. I would like some feedback from those who have shot both of these revolvers. I love the royal blue finish on the python, but the Smith is a slick pistol. I would like to know if I bought the 627 and later shot a python, would I have a Greek tragedy on my hands? Or is this a case of just thinking the old favorite is somehow better than the new engineered product?

 

[Lucky Derby]

Anything currently made by S&W, even PC guns, pales when compared to the handmade awsomeness that is any pre 1970 Colt I and E frame revolvers, and later Pythons.

 

[heavyshooter]

Yeah, what Lucky Derby said.

 

[Mr.454]

Not really helpful. I really would like to hear the reasons behind such statements. Otherwise it just sounds like that old "they don't make them like they used to". I have a hard time believing that a 30 year old design is the be all end all. Don't you get a hand fitted gun from the performance center?

 

[MrBorland]

Welcome to THR, Mr.454!

Well, I don't own a Python or a PC gun, but I have fondled them and do own both vintage blued and newer revolvers, so I thought I'd chime in.

Would you have a Greek tragedy on your hands after buying a PC gun, but later shooting a Python? I suspect it'll likely depend on you and why you bought the PC in the first place.

As you've already noticed, there's a bit of "they don't make 'em like they used to" sentiment around. Nonetheless, while newer guns don't have the fit and finish of yesteryear, they generally shoot as well and are just as accurate because of modern CNC manufacturing. That said, the Python seems to have set a high bar for all revolvers, even vintage S&Ws.

Speaking of CNC, if the CNC machinery gets out of whack at the factory, they can send some lemons out, as they don't seem to have the know-how to detect and/or fit these correctly before they go out. Fortunately, S&W has great customer service and will make it right if you get one of these.

Bottom line, IMO:

If you wanted something of high quality that you're going to shoot regularly and is easily fixable if it breaks, you'll likely be comfy with your decision.

If you wanted something of high quality that you're going to shoot regularly, is easily fixable if it breaks, and can be tuned by a good 'smith to be Python-accurate and have a match-quality action, you'll likely be comfy with your decision.

If you wanted something that's got great out-of-the-box fit/finish, accuracy, and good resale value, the Python is likely the better choice.

 

[eazyrider]

Go with the Python. Smooth as hell. I might be a little jaded. I have a bit of a Colt fetish.

 

[Morgo]

I have several colts including the Python and several S&W's including a few PC models. The PC models see more range time.

 

[joed]

I've owned both and prefer the Colt any day of the week. For one it's in a smaller package then an N frame. Second reason is the trigger, I've tried to get the triggers on my S&W's to be as smooth but can't.

And I don't know if anyone has explained the Python double lockup to you or not. But if you get a chance to handle a Python, with the gun unloaded cock the hammer but hold it with your thumb and don't let go. Next pull the trigger. Now try to turn the cylinder. It's locked tighter then a bank vault. Try that on a S&W revolver and you'll see the cylinder has slop.

 

[Stainz]

I have to disagree. I have shot several Pythons - and, yes, they had decent triggers. They were not that 'bank vault' tight, either - they were typical used .357M's. Neither their trigger nor their 'lockup' was a match for my '01 5" JM PC627 V-Comp. They also never went bang eight times per refueling, either - and via moonclips, if you like. Then, there is the availability... and how long has it been since Colt made a Python? The only way to get one today is by buying 'someone else's trouble', ie, if they are all of that great, why sell one?

I bought two 2 5/8" PC627 UDR's last year. Both had VG+ triggers and excellent lockup. Their stiffer hammer spring is there for a reason - S&W wants to remain 'p.c.' - politically correct. If you pull the trigger on any new S&W revolver, it will pop anyone's primers - and with the revolver in any reasonable state of cleanliness. Have your new PC gun picked up by S&W - tell them the trigger is defectively stout - and you want it lighter - and sign your request. You'll get back a PC Shop revolver with a great trigger - probably no charge. Shoot it for five years - you will have had a blast - sell it - buy a Python - you'll miss the 627. Of course, cleaning a SS revolver is easier, too. Color me a S&W-guy.

Stainz

PS I have the two PC627 UDR's and a 4" 627 Pro now - keepers, all!

 

[Mr.454]

Thanks for the great replies. This is something I'm picking out as a gift from my wife, she wants to get me something I will keep. Me I would like to put at least 200 rounds through this gun every month. And probably use it for shooting leagues, so durability is important. I've never shot a .38 and I never care to so it has to take full house loads all the time.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

You can always buy a Smith. But Pythons are out of production and the prices are going up and up. Get a Python now.

By the way, my favorite .357 is a Colt M357, identical to the Python, except for the cosmetic features. I've had that gun for over 40 years and never seen a Smith that could beat it.

 

[Armored farmer]

My good friend has a PC Smith. It is a delight to shoot, smooth and accurate. I would be satisfied with it as my "special" revolver.

I have a 4" Python. It lives up to it's legend status, classy, smooth and extremely accurate.......but I leave it in the safe too much....because it is a "special" revolver.

 

[TonyT]

The ealier Colt revolvers such as the Colt Officers Match and Python were highly regarded for their great single action triggers while the S&W revolvers of the same vintage had a better double action trigger. The action of the S&W's is less complex than the Colt's. You might want to consider a vintage S&W Model 19 or Model 27 if you contemplate significant DA rigger time.

 

[WC145]

I owned a Python and two original 627 UDR/Blood Work guns at the same time and, IMO, while the Python and the PC 627 are both revolvers that's where the similarities end. They are two different classes of guns.
I suppose it depends on what you want from a gun but, personally, I prefer the craftsmanship, fit, finish, and feel of the Python. It reminds me of the old Cadillacs and Lincolns, when they were the biggest, most powerful, most luxurious cars on the road. The PC 627 is more like the newer Caddies - still luxurious, still powerful - but sterile, lacking personality, and that certain... je ne sais quoi.

I've owned a number of PC S&W's and still do, though not the 627's. I do, however, I still have my Python.

 

[Guillermo]

To me there is but one choice...Python.

The Smith is a current production gun that they modify. You can (unless they decide to quit making them) always buy one. If not, the work they do can be easily replicated by a decent gunsmith.

Also they are MIM guns with IL. Yuck.

As to the Python it has an incredible trigger, hand-fitted, forged parts, beautiful finish, is a out of production and is very easy to shoot accurately.

Is it more accurate? Depends on what day the Smith that you are comparing it to was built, so the answer is somewhere between "maybe" and "probably".

As to the "don't buy the Python, it is too nice so it will be a safe queen" argument...that depends on you.

When I carry a full size revolver it is usually my Python. My daily carry is usually the little brother, the Diamondback. In my never-so-humble-opinion there are enough safe queens out there so if something ugly happens to mine, we will still have pristine examples in the world. They are not so rare that I am obligated to preserve them.

That argument seems analogous to saying not to marry a great women because you would have to protect her.

Of course some people have that opinion http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NF5XU-k2Vk

 

[earplug]

I have owned and shot both.

It was 1976 my first S&W was a model 27. I could have bought a Python. Several years later I bought two four inch Pythons, traded them away. Traded into a six inch Python and traded it away.
I still shoot and carry S&W.
Consider a S&W 625 in 45 ACP. Thats what many of us have moved into.

 

[DC Plumber]

I have a pre-clinton Smith and Wesson 629 v-comp with a 4" barrel (PC Gun). It is tight, feels crisp, awesome trigger, perfect in my mind. I also have a Smith and Wesson 586 No dash with a 4" barrel. I'd describe the same as the 629. Neither gun is inexpensive and both get used. I have quite a few other Smith's that don't pertain to your question.

I have shot a 4" python. I prefer my Smith's over a python for fit, finish, handling and definitely repairs if needed. I've heard that Colt trigger assemblies are a little more delicate and hard to work on.

If I had to choose between these two guns for only one to keep, it would be the 586. I love the versatility of a 4" 586, but that's me.

Handle both guns, and see how they feel. Either is a good gift to yourself and a fine "investment".

 

[Bill B.]

Nothing to me passes the Python in appearance and it's hard to equal one for shooting. My 627 PC equals the Colt for shooting but not for appearance or action IMO. I could have bought a Python for roughly what the S&W 627 PC cost. As far as my needs go the stainless gun gets used where if I had the Python it would stay in the safe. I prefer to have something I use.

 

[Armored farmer]

As to the "don't buy the Python, it is too nice so it will be a safe queen" argument...that depends on you.

This is true.....If I were shooting at a range or club or competition somewhere, The Python would go for sure....but for atv's, jeeps, river banks, and woods bumming.....It stays home.

(If it weren't for my fear of losing/damaging it....I would only need one gun!)lol

 

[627PCFan]

You seem to be looking at things the same way I was some months back from this thread. http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=504027. Finally, I just bought a S&W 627 PC and it was delivered New Years Eve. I don't regret it one bit. As far as the Colts, I just couldn't get over buying used. After my range trip yesterday, I think my purchase was worth every cent.

 

[Leaky Waders]

"I have a hard time believing that a 30 year old design is the be all end all." Ever hear of an 1873 Colt SAA?

For double action revolvers I lean towards S&W regardless of how poorly their executives are trying to make them. For auto's and single actions I lean towards Colts.

IMHO both are excellent revolvers.

 

[postalnut25]

You can always buy a Smith. But Pythons are out of production and the prices are going up and up. Get a Python now.

By the way, my favorite .357 is a Colt M357, identical to the Python, except for the cosmetic features. I've had that gun for over 40 years and never seen a Smith that could beat it.

I sure enjoy my Colt 357 as well. But I'm not even 40 yet, so I haven't had mine as long

 

[Guillermo]

"I have a hard time believing that a 30 year old design is the be all end all.

the lockwork is actually almost 100 year old design.

handcrafted by men, not made by a computer out of the metal version of particle board.

 

[heavyshooter]

I have a hard time believing that a 30 year old design is the be all end all.

While metallurgy has advanced over the past 30 years, design decisions have not. I own newer S&W revolvers but they lost me due to MIM parts and the Internal Locking System. I prefer durability and simplicity and these Smith innovations deviate from my preference. I switched over to Ruger due to their durability and function. But if I wanted to add aesthetics to the equation I would go with the Colt Python. The trigger is crazy smooth and it is a beautiful, well built revolver.

 

[WC145]

the lockwork is actually almost 100 year old design.

And the S&W action design is at least as old.