Python or Model 27?

[kamagong]

I want to get a wheelgun, and I've got it narrowed down to two choices, the Colt Python and a pre-lock S&W Model 27. I know these guns are discontinued and they'll be hard to find, but I would some help in deciding which gun I should put on my wish list.

Which would you guys choose and why?

 

[Hawk]

The 27 will be orders of magnitude easier to service.

I've got both and the difficulty of finding qualified Colt 'smiths is a factor in the 27 being used more but that's just me.

 

[Randyc74]

I currently have a Python and had a 27 in the past. Both are excellant revolvers. The 27 probably had the smoothest trigger of any of the other N Frames I've owned.

I agree with Hawk, The S&W is easier to work on.

Randy

 

[SaxonPig]

Both were the premier models for their respective makers. Both are top of the line. Most shooters tend to prefer the feel of the S&W trigger to the Colt. The Python is more hand-fitted which makes it deluxe but swapping parts, even the stocks, can be a problem as they were fitted to that one particular gun.

The 27 is likely a tad stronger and will hold up better. Most people don't shoot their guns enough to notice. The Python tends to be just a bit more accurate. The 27s and variants are getting pricey. The Pythons are already Godawful expensive.

I like them both. I have more 27s than Pythons but I wish I had a few more Pythons.

One of my 27s:





Some Pythons:

 

[KyJim]

I have both. I wouldn't let the service issue scare you away from Colts. The 27 is like a fine Cadillac. The Python is like a Lamborghini. If I had to choose one over the other, I would keep one of my Pythons.

 

[madcratebuilder]

I've always like the vented rib barrel on my Python, but I like my 5" 27, all around better revolver. Just a subjective opinion.

 

[pogo2]

Get both

I have one of each, and it is hard to choose between them in terms of shooting ability.

 

[earplug]

What are you going to do with them?

My Pythons were somewhat more accurate with mild lead loads.
The M-27 was better with hot lead loads. If I recall the Pythons barrel was .356 the M-27 was ,357. Hot lead loads were happier in the M-27.
I had two four inch Pythons and one six inch. The four inch guns were fun to snap shoot DA while moving. I lived up a dry river bed and was able to shoot out my car window at prepositioned cans. They pointed well. The six inch was accurate but its SA trigger was not as nice as most S&W revolvers.
I prefer the DA action on S&W guns. I think most active game shooters agree.
I sold all my Pythons and the M-27's neither had any real use for me.
I kept my big bore N frame Smith and Wessons.
Tonights fact is I was beat at our local ISPSA match by a well used moonclipped four inch M-28. I shot a five inch 625.
There was a eight shot 627 that did a wonderfull job for a fine shooter.
If you intend to shoot you next revolver, and want a .357 get a modern moon clipped S&W 627.
If Pythons were so good who shot it in competion? Why did they stop making it?

 

[SwampWolf]

Get both

There's always somebody.

 

[Trebor]

Since they both are getting rare and more pricey everyday, I'd keep them both on your list. Then just grab whichever you find first at a good price.

The Colt does have the disadvantage of being harder to find parts and smiths to work on it, but it's up to you how important that is.

 

[lonegunman]

I'd go for a Model 27, they have the best single action triggers you can find anywhere. Colts are over rated, over priced and I think they are far less attractive than S&W's

 

[BCRider]

Don't pass up a nice condition Model 28 either. It's the slightly stripped down version of the 27 that the law officers got to save a bit of money.

 

[Ala Dan]

I've owned several of each, the Colt Python and the Smith & Wesson
model 27. Both, are extremely nice guns; but for me, the Python just
never did fit~! Its girth from front to back was way too large. for my
hands. The S&W model 27 fits like a well fitted golf glove. I no longer
own any Python's; but I do own a beautiful NIB 3.5" barrel Smith &
Wesson model 27-2 made in 1977~!

FWIW, who says that all S&W firearms made from 1977-1978's Bangor
Punta era are junk? I strongly disagree, as this model 27-2 is as good
as it gets fit and finish wise~!

 

[wnycollector]

I own a 6" model 27, I recently sold a Colt OMM (the grand dad of the python). I could never get used to the "stacking" trigger pull found in colt I frames (OMM and python) nd thefore never shot it that well DA. For me personally, I would get the model 27.

 

[Master Blaster]

If you want to look at it, fondle it, and not shoot it, Get a python.

If you want to look at it fondle it and shoot it get an M27, there are far more fired M27's than fired pythons. Most folks regard a python as a collectors piece, they buy it unfired and never fire it because it will lose $400-600 the minute you pull the trigger. Most M27's out there for sale have been fired, so firing it some more will not lead to a drastic loss of value.
You can do a good bit of servicing on an M27 yourself with the right book and a little caution. The same is not true of a python.

The python will cost you 2x to 4x as much as the M27, depending on age, condition and accessories. You will have no problem finding an unfired Python, since there are lots of them for sale complete with a wire tie on the hammer. An unfired M27 will be a bit harder to find.

 

[harmonic]

If it's either/or, I'd go with the 27 simply because they're more reasonably priced. They're also easier to work on as is evidenced by the fewer parts.

If you were to go for a 27 with a 3 1/2 inch barrel (one in high demand currently) you'd pay about the same as for a Python.

But 27s also come in four inch, five inch, six inch and 8 3/8 inch barrel lengths.

Here's guy selling a five incher on the S&W forum. (You have to be a member to view their classifieds.)

Model 27-2, 5" barrel, blue with wood target stocks. Gun comes with the wooden presentation case,original accessories(screwdriver, brush, and cleaning rod) also the warranty card and instruction sheet. Slight turn ring, no rust or freckles.

The five inch barrel is something of a premium, but it also comes with all the accessories, paperwork and a wooden presentation case. I've seen the cases alone sell for $125. He's asking $650 for the package.

 

[Flame Red]

Get both, but if that is not possible, I recommend getting a shooter Python. Recently, with the tough economy, I see quite a few more of shooter Pythons at the fun shows with 'reasonable' prices. I have found a couple that were below $800 in decent condition. NIB ones go for $300 or $400 more, depending.

You will not regret it.

 

[AKCOP]

At one time in the past I owned both a Python and a Model 27.
I regret selling the model 27 to this day. I do not regret selling the Python. Both nice guns but that model 27 sure was sweet.

 

[Rio Laxas]

They are both wonderful revolvers and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. I would say go for the 27 first. They are easier to come by and much less expensive if you look around for a shooter model.

 

[CSA 357]

The 27 hands down! I have owned both, the 27 will hold up better, i have had 4 5 and 6 inch 27s, realy want a 31/2, but my 4 is a tack driver with my cast handloads, csa

 

[Hawk]

FWIW, who says that all S&W firearms made from 1977-1978's Bangor Punta era are junk? I strongly disagree, as this model 27-2 is as good
as it gets fit and finish wise~!

Well, I certainly never said all 'Nam era Bangor Punta are junk, though I have been known to counsel a little extra attention in check-out and personally won't buy another sight unseen.

In fact, I don't think I've ever read or heard of anyone, even on the internet claiming all such S&Ws were junk. Most are just fine.

It's a matter of odds. 'Nam era Bangor Punta S&Ws are like 3" barrel 1911s: clearly, most mini-1911s work just fine or they wouldn't be in common production but the odds of getting one with issues, as opposed to a 5" model, are higher.

Point is, if someone uses PINNED AND RECESSED as a guarantor of quality, he might be profoundly disappointed if he buys more than a few without using the "check out" sticky.

 

[krs]

But all of them made during the 19 year Bangor Punta era are sweet thanks to the Alegre Sugar Corporation.

 

[Phil DeGraves]

Python or Model 27?

That IS a dilemma! I have more 27s than I do Pythons. The 27s are easeir to find. You really can't go wrong with either.

A word of warning though. Whichever one you buy will not scratch the itch of wanting to own the other.

 

[kamagong]

This gun will be a shooter. I wasn't born with the collector's gene--the moment I buy a gun I have an overwhelming urge to head out to the range and fire it off.

I'll keep them both on the wish list for now. I don't really favor one over the other, so I'll pick up the first one I can get a good deal on.

 

[Cougfan2]

I worked for a disti in the Bangor Punta era of S&W's. I don't think they were all junk, but their quality control did suffer during that time.