Compare a S&W PC 627 to a Colt Python

[yotehunter]

I just purchased a S&W PC 627 8 shot 357 mag. Its not the comped version. I was wondering about how they compare to a Colt Python. They dont cost as much as a python, and the action feels very smooth and slick.
I know the pythons are very nice but I kinda like the racey look of the PC 627 and the fact that it holds 8 rounds.
Which would you prefer?

 

[GunNut]

I was eyeballing one of the S&W PC 627's yesterday, they are a very attractive gun..

For me, I'd take it over the Python, but then again I'm not a Colt lover like a lot of people.


Steve

 

[Majic]

I am a fan of the Colts and would choose the Python, but really you are comparing a medium frame revolver against a large frame revolver. A big difference all the way around.

 

[Checkman]

There was a time when I thought the world began and ended with Colts. I owned four of them at one time, but now I'm down to a Detective Special. Ironically I traded a couple of my Colts for a S&W Model 28. Personally I just prefer S&W revolvers. I can't really give a reason because I'll readily admit that the older Colts are well made, but if I had to choose I'd go with the 627. IMHO - and of course you know the old saying about opinions don't you?

 

[Sean Smith]

It depends on which Python, to be honest. Go back 30+ years and I'd take the Python. In fact, I have.

A current Python Elite vs. a S&W PC gun? I'd probably take the S&W. But I'd skip the 7 & 8 shot guns.

As for weight, a Python is not much lighter than an N-frame 'Smith, if at all. The frame is marginally smaller, since the Python frame was designed for .41 caliber while the N-frame was designed for .44 caliber (really, .429ish). But the Python has a fat underlug and large vented rib that add weight to make up much of the difference. Best gun to comapre it to would probalby be a S&W 27 from the same time period in terms of overall "niceness" in bigger-than-average .357s.

 

[444]

This would be a very hard question to answer without narrowing things down a little.
I own a S&W PC627 and am not all that impressed with it. Don't get me wrong, it is a fine revolver, but to me, not worth the money. The action is not as smooth as some of the older, off the shelf Smiths that I own. Accuracy is fine, but nothing spectacular................... in other words, I don't think it has anything to offer over a used Smith from the golden years that cost a fraction as much. Although the eight shots is a nice plus.
I have never owned a Python. I have played with some in shops over the years. All the ones I have handled had the smoothest actions I ever felt. Never having shot one, I can't comment on accuracy or long term durability but they seem to have a good reputation.

For me, if it came down to buying a 30 year old python or a new 627PC, I would take the python. But the 627PC is certainly a nice revolver.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I had no allegence to either Colt or S&W when I chose my revolver. I looked at the S&W 627x8, 686, Python. I was not impressed with the 627x8 at all. Double action pull was not as good as the 686 and nowhere near the glass smooth Python. The 627x8 seemed inconsistant from cylinder to cylinder. Single action the Python is the clear winner, though the smiths were very good, the Python has the best trigger I've ever tripped. I know new Pythons are not supposed to be as good as the old ones, but mine is sweet. Another consideration is twist. The Python has 1:14" twist and shoots heavy bullets extremely well. S&W uses a 1:17.5" twist. I bought a B-Square scope mount and put a Trijicon reflexII 'scope' on my Python to test ammo. At 50 yards, 180 grain Win supreme Nosler's group about 2-3", garden variety 158 jhp's about 3-4", and the big suprise was CCI blazer .38 lrn's grouping consistantly at 2-1/2". The scope is off now and the exellent trigger of the Python gives me my best off-hand groups I have ever fired. I paid $975 (new 6" stainless), and I think it was money well spent. If you choose a S&W, take a long look at the 686, it seemed better than the PC 627x8.

 

[shooter.45]

I have a S&W 627PC and love it. The one I have the action is very smooth and shoots great. I have never owned a Python handled a few but my vote would go with the Smith..

 

[Standing Wolf]

It depends on which Python, to be honest. Go back 30+ years and I'd take the Python. In fact, I have.

Amen! Current production stainless steel Python Élites are grossly over-priced, under-built, and under-finished. Older Pythons are unmatched.

 

[yotehunter]

I think I may have a answer to my own question.
For starters, on my new PC 627 the grip fit is terrible with either the wood or rubber grips that came with it. Second, I took it out today to fire it for the first time and it wont fire. I tried the moon clips that it came with and a extra set I bought. It just puts a small pimple on the primer.
For a performance center revolver I expected much more, I atleast expected it to work.

 

[Sean Smith]

Sorry to hear that your PC revolver isn't working. I'd call S&W ASAP and make them fix it, if only so you can sell it with a clear conscience.

My '71 Python had an action job that took the DA pull down to single digits, but it still ignites magnum primers 100%. There is no reason a S&W PC gun shouldn't do the same.

 

[Standing Wolf]

For a performance center revolver I expected much more, I atleast expected it to work.

It's a Smith & Wesson tradition. My 1978 model 27 shot waaaaay to one side. I sent it back for a new barrel. It never was a very accurate shooter until I had that barrel removed and replaced with one from http://www.clarkcustomguns.com It's nearly as accurate as a Python now, although the trigger, even after my own and a gunsmith's attentions, isn't quite the equal of a Python's.

 

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

Python Pistols

As the retired owner of Fitz Pistol Grip company selling hundreds of python, trooper and Officers Model Targetm Compat and olympic grips the pythin is unmatched by any other cold because the Python takes a 38 caliber bullet, squeezes it down to 9mm and spits it out very accuratly and no other pistol does that to my knowledge. The Python and other models are the best in the MK1 and 2 Models and many men care a little less for the MK3 Python.

Olympic grip attachment enclosed

 

[Rich357]

My mid 1980s 6" blue Colt Python is much better looking, IMHO, than my S&W PC 627 8 shooter. However, I am much better shooting in DA mode with my 627. I really don't know why. Ragged one hole groups at 10 yards are not unusual with the 627. OTOH, I'm better with the Python shooting in single action.

Rich

 

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

Smith VS Colts

I have always been a Smith man and still have a new 5 screw K38 Masterpiece, two 58s, 60 and 66. However all of my Python MK1 & 2 customers loved them and they were known for their accuracy. Very few of the officers I taught had one as they normally carried the lighter weight Smiths. I knew one officer that walked a little lopsided with his Python. He did get teased about it being in his head.
Fitz

 

[Majic]

Mr. Jones, exactly what are you refering to when you say Python MkI, MKII, and MKIII? Are you talking about the Pythons built during the era of the Trooper/Lawman/Official Police and the following MkIII and MkV?