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

[Mr.454]

I wouldn't call the python weak, but let's say not as reliable as some other loose guns. There are mechanical trade offs for tight tolerances, one of the reasons why some of the best battle weapons are a bit loose. Now it may be a great gun, and great looking but obviously all the fanboys out there were not buying them. Otherwise they would still make them, hey I'd like a brand new Corvair but I'm not willing to pay for it. If the market could sustain the Python it would still be in production. From what I have gleaned from these posts it is the Pythons finish that sets it apart, not any mechanical advantages. Believe me I have appreciated this discussion with all of you, but the purchase has been made.

 

[Bubba613]

The idea that the Python is somehow weak, and gets easily out of time is false. It's just as rugged as the S&Ws. Mine is a Colt M357, the predecessor of the Python, and I've had it for over 40 years.

My gunsmith is a Colt-registered gunsmith. He agrees Colts have weak actions and frequently go out of time, especially if shot with .357mag ammo. They are in no way as rugged as a modern-made Smith. Nor will they shoot as well.
The Model 357 was the predecessor of the Trooper,not the Python. I had one once that looked like hell but had the best trigger of almost any revolver I've touched.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

My gunsmith is a Colt-registered gunsmith. He agrees Colts have weak actions and frequently go out of time, especially if shot with .357mag ammo. They are in no way as rugged as a modern-made Smith. Nor will they shoot as well.
The Model 357 was the predecessor of the Trooper,not the Python. I had one once that looked like hell but had the best trigger of almost any revolver I've touched.

Better talk to that gunsmith again -- the M357 hss the Python action, not the Trooper action. The Official Police, M357 and Python are all the same action and frame.

 

[john wall]

It never ceases to amaze me that one with internet access knows more about a product than one who was trained by, and performed work for the maker of said product.

I performed warranty service and repair for Colt's when they were at the top of their game. I know the internals of the pre-70 Colt's 41 cal frame revolvers all too well. NONE of them are up to shooting maximum loads in their caliber for extended periods.

No Python ever made will hold up to a Smith 686. Most Pythons will not out shoot it. Simple fact. Shoot your Python with 38's and it will last a long time. Shoot a case of factory 357's through it, and good luck finding a 'smith who is familiar with it.

I have retimed dozens of Colt's double action revolvers that looked new. I still have the mallet I used, per factory method. The crane is very easy to bend.

If you think the 41 caliber frame Colt's are stronger than a Smith, well dream on.

If I were going to buy a revolver to exclusively shoot mass quantities of full power 357's through, I would likely look for a Ruger Redhawk in 357. With a spring kit and practice, they can be shot VERY quickly, and will hold up virtually forever. The JEEP (GP-100) will also hold up for many, many years of factory 357's.

I cannot imagine shooting factory 357's for any reason.

According to the fellow I work part-time for, most genuine Colt's registered gunsmiths familiar with the Python are,,,,, dead.

 

[jmastick]

"The Official Police, M357 and Python are all the same action and frame."

So if I put a second hand python barrel, and possibly a new trigger and hammer on my OP, would I functionally have a .38 python?

 

[jmastick]

...

 

[Vern Humphrey]

So if I put a second hand python barrel, and possibly a new trigger and hammer on my OP, would I functionally have a .38 python?

Correct -- it would be functionally the same. It would not, of course, have the hand fitting and deep royal blue of the Python.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Just the other day, I did a good bit of damage to a gallon zip lock bag of .125 gr JHP ..357 ammo. with my 1974 Python. If and when it ever needs a timing tune-up, I'll just send it back to Colt. Their Custom shop still services them.

 

[bragmardo]

Here is the canonical explanation by Grant Cunningham. Enjoy.

 

[Guillermo]

It never ceases to amaze me that one with internet access knows more about a product than one who was trained by, and performed work for the maker of said product.

It is also important to remember that anyone with internet access can make unsubstantiated claims.

While you may be genuine please understand why some might be skeptical. There have been so many Colt gunsmiths on The High Road that one wonders why anyone ever has problems finding someone to work on their Pythons (which go out of time ever third cylinder if they shoot anything stronger than 38 special target loads).


It is my policy to read someone's posts for a while before I begin to trust their assertions.

That neurosurgeon that you think you are chatting with might actually be a pimpled faced teenage in their mother's basement that happens to have the ability to search webmd.com.

 

[Coal Dragger]

Too bad you can't get Cunningham to actually work on your revolver if you own a Python since his backlog is so large.

I'd still like to own one, so how about it Colt? Put the Python back into production, it costs what it costs (kind of like a Freedom Arms). Make improvements if needs be. I don't care, but bring back the Python and Anaconda.

 

[JohnBT]

Just buy a NIB gun off the 'net and shoot it. It will probably be cheaper than what Colt would have to charge to build a new one.

John

 

[Coal Dragger]

Well here is the problem with buying used guns off of the internet..... you never really know what you're getting. It might look nice on the outside, and have a ton of ammo down the pipe and be completely out of time. It is possible to shoot quite a bit and not fudge up the exterior of a handgun if you are careful and take care of it.

I also am fairly certain that if Colts were to implement some modern manufacturing techniques to their production they could bring back the Python at roughly the same cost as what half way decent used examples are going for. If they CNC machined most of the parts from heat treated forgings, they could keep labor costs more or less in check leaving final fitting and finishing to skilled craftsmen. Kind of like what semi-custom shop 1911 makers do. Would the product be in the same price range as a Ruger or S&W? No it would cost more, but would actually be higher quality than the competition or the older guns for that matter.

Oh well a guy can dream can't he?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I agree on just buying a NIB one if you want it. There are still plenty of them out there and can be found for reasonable money if you look in the right places. I found a guy with several NIB Colts a few miles from me not long ago. I brought home one and probably will go back for another or two....Now is the time, they aren't gonna get any cheaper.