Is 2 1/2" .357 Python too much snubbie?

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bushmaster1313

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I always thought the genius of the Model 60 was its compact size combined with strength and weight in a 38 Special.

I am now looking at Pythons and I saw a beautiful .357 snubbie. But it seems like too much gun for a 2 1/2" barrel. Also had big wood grips.

How does a snub nosed Python carry and shoot compared to a Model 60?
 
The Python is a fine gun to have. I have a 4" and a 6" Python and they shoot like dreams. For concealed carry I normally choose the 4". The 2 1/2" Python should come with the small service grips with the gold medallions. If it has the target grips with the gold medallion it may have been ordered that way or put on later. Size wise the Python is comparable to the S&W 686 of the same barrel length.
 
The Python is a fine revolver and a completely viable carry gun.

I carry a Smith & Wesson Performance Center 627 UDR. An 8-shot, N-frame .357 Magnum, it is larger and heavier than the Python and I'm still able to comfortably carry it concealed. The trick is to have the right belt, the right holster, and the right clothing. After 40+ years of concealed carry, I think I've got it figured out pretty well. :D

SW_627_PC_9.jpg
 
With smaller grips it should do just fine. I've been carrying [concealed] a S&W Model 19 with 2 1/2" barrel combat magnum with a round butt for years with no problem. It carries well.

When carrying in the summer wearing a T-shirt I carry it at 4:00 IWB and I wear sport shirt not tucked in and unbuttoned. You do have to watch the wind though.
 
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With S&W K-L-N frame and Colt's O and I frame revolvers (which include the Python) I prefer at least a 3" barrel. Depending on how they are carried the "big snubbies" can be concealed, but an inch or so of additional barrel length is just as easy to conceal, and you gain a longer extractor rod, better balance, longer sight radius, and additional bullet velocity combined with slightly less muzzle blast and flash.

Of course they do look cool to some folks, but the Old Fuff doesn't select any of his personal hardware on the basis of the "cool factor."
 
I'm not man enough to shoot a .357 snub with consistent accuracy.

Well, let me clarify that, "not in a small frame".

It hurts my wittle hands.
 
IMO, a Python snubbie with Colt Target grips (the big wooden ones) is no trouble to shoot. Snubbie Pythons usually come with Colt Service grips (the small ones). They are a little more challenging to grip, but are better for concealed carry, IMO. A Tyler T-grip adapter with a set of service grips makes an ideal set up, IMO.
 
It is strickly a matter of personal opinion. Many people like the medium frame snub .357s. These include the Python, S&W K & L frames, and the Ruger -Six series revolvers. Others find them to be to big to have practical use with the short barrel. Generally speaking, I fall into the latter group. While I admit I love the way they look. I have owned a couple of 2.5" S&W M19s over the years and ended up selling them. I did own a Ruger Speed-Six with a 2.75" barrel that I also sold. That one I regret selling.
 
I carried a 686 2.5 for a few years, its doable. The mid frame 357's are easier to control, that said I now carry a DAO sp101 and I dont see myself changing in the near or distant future
 
The .357 snubbie Ruger Speed-Six hurt my widdle hands, too, even with round Pachmayr grips. Then I got a 2-shot .357 derringer and forced myself to shoot it a number of times at the range...now the Ruger doesn't bother me at all.

I got rid of the derringer, though!
 
The 2 1/2" or the rarer (and sometimes counterfeited) three-inch barrel will carry more comfortably IWB as well as "clear leather" faster. For OWB carry it is not substantially easier to carry than a four-inch. I agree about the grips; the factory ones, which are too large, flared at the bottom and sharply checkered, are miserable things to actually shoot with. Put some smooth rosewood or ebony Eagle Secret Service or "Classic" grips on it and it will be just as attractive and much more pleasant to shoot. But be sure to keep and safely store the original grips in case you wish to resell the revolver.
 
I carry a 2.5in Python daily. I have a set of service size stag stocks on it, and it carries great. I am only 5' 8" and weigh 190, and it hides very well if I carry it situated in the front left side or rear left side as opposed to directly on my side....oh, I'm a lefty. I can also carry a Commander or Government size 1911 no problem too. Which is what I carry when not carrying the Python...

l_72c9a82e58f44f048c4e56475124c261.png
 
How does a snub nosed Python carry and shoot compared to a Model 60?
Click to expand...

The Python is bigger and bulkier and easier to shoot well because it has adjustable sights; it also lets you carry six rounds. The model 60 is smaller and lighter and easier to conceal; it also delivers slightly more perceived recoil and noise, and limits you to five rounds. Personally, I greatly prefer the Python, but I'm less concerned about my model 60's finish.
 
I know a guy who pocket carried a Smith and Wesson 500 snubbie for a few months... why? because he could...

So, in short... it is all relative. If you can carry it comfortably and shoot it accurately then there is no such thing as "too much snubbie."
 
I carry a Smith & Wesson Performance Center 627 UDR
Click to expand...

+1 with the exception that 90% of the time I carry an 8 shot performance center 327 2" snub. It's bigger than the Python through the frame but much lighter.

I'm 290# and can easily conceal it under shorts and a T-shirt using a Comptac CTAC IWB holster.

I'm not recoil sensitive but I have a Model 60 Pro & an M&P 360 and felt recoil on either is more harsh than with the 327.

In fact, aside from a little more convenient to carry I'd much rather shoot large frame guns.

YMMV
 
This can definitely get your attention if your not paying attention during a trigger pull and I'm a pretty big guy.

Given that, I'd assume a python would be very similar to the Model 60, .357.

SWModel60357002.jpg
 
x2 on two beautiful looking Colts....If a guy wanted a full size Colt .357 snub, but didn't want to spend the $$ to join the Python club, he could always get one of these...


attachment.php
 
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