Saving up to buy either a 4 inch Colt Python or a 5 inch S&W Model 27. Neither needs to be pristine...I'm playing the back nine of my life, and no longer am in awe of the perfectly presentable. A little holster wear is fine. Just want a quality .357 for a companion in the woods and occasional winter concealed carry. Side by side where I hail from, the Colt is commanding a steeper price, about $200-$300 more than the Model 27. Opinions? Thanks.
S&W Model 27 or Colt Python?
- Thread starter stromfu
- Start date
- Status
earlthegoat2
Member
I wouldnt pay the python premium. Go for the 27.
Purely from a monetary perspective...get the Python. Prices continue to rise a quite bit faster than comparable post-war pre-lock Smith N-Frames.
I'm partial to Smiths and prefer their double-action trigger pull. On the other hand, I think the Colt I frames have a better single action let off.
My Python is more accurate than any of my K, L, or N-Frames. I think it is the prettiest revolver ever made...except for the future 3.5" 27 I haven't yet treated myself to.
Shooter grade Pythons can still be had for ~ $750-$850.
I'm partial to Smiths and prefer their double-action trigger pull. On the other hand, I think the Colt I frames have a better single action let off.
My Python is more accurate than any of my K, L, or N-Frames. I think it is the prettiest revolver ever made...except for the future 3.5" 27 I haven't yet treated myself to.
Shooter grade Pythons can still be had for ~ $750-$850.
BCRider
Member
Concealed carry? I can't speak on the Python but I've got S&W models 10,19 and 28. The 28 being the same gun but without some of the fancy details as a 27. The 27/28 are slightly but noticably both larger and heavier than the 19. I'd definetly give a 19 the nod for concealed carry over the bigger gun. But it's your nickel.
What I can tell you is that if you're shooting .357 Mag on a regular basis for fun and practice that the 27/28 soaks up the recoil well enough that you can shoot them all day and enjoy them. Meanwhile the 19 tends to smack the palm a bit hard and is really at it's best with .38 +P for longer range sessions. But again it depends on your own tolerance to recoil and what you're hoping to achieve.
I will just add that since you're not worried about all the window dressing add the 28 to your list. For all that it's supposedley a "simplified" version of the 27 it's still one finely made gun and if you find a tight one it'll last for many years to come. And since they go for less than the more highly sought after 27 you'll have some extra money left over for a nice holster or ammo. Maybe both.
What I can tell you is that if you're shooting .357 Mag on a regular basis for fun and practice that the 27/28 soaks up the recoil well enough that you can shoot them all day and enjoy them. Meanwhile the 19 tends to smack the palm a bit hard and is really at it's best with .38 +P for longer range sessions. But again it depends on your own tolerance to recoil and what you're hoping to achieve.
I will just add that since you're not worried about all the window dressing add the 28 to your list. For all that it's supposedley a "simplified" version of the 27 it's still one finely made gun and if you find a tight one it'll last for many years to come. And since they go for less than the more highly sought after 27 you'll have some extra money left over for a nice holster or ammo. Maybe both.
cottonmouth
Member
I think you'd have a better built gun with the 27 and you'd likely spend less money.
J.B.
J.B.
snooperman
Member
- Joined
- May 4, 2009
- Messages
- 2,143
Cadilac or Chevrolet
The S&W model 27 is a fine revolver, but the craftmanship of the Colt Pythons are far superior and will bring a greater price when one wants to sell it. That said, I do like them both but for different reasons. Try to shoot each and go from there. Have fun on your search, and as always, good shooting. Snooperman
The S&W model 27 is a fine revolver, but the craftmanship of the Colt Pythons are far superior and will bring a greater price when one wants to sell it. That said, I do like them both but for different reasons. Try to shoot each and go from there. Have fun on your search, and as always, good shooting. Snooperman
I love all things 27.
And I love my Pythons. Both are the top of their respective lines and either would serve as a top-flight deluxe grade revolver.
Some folks prefer the S&W trigger system over the Colt. I can live with either. The Smith is a little more robust but that's not to say the Python is flimsy. IMO the Colt is a tad more stylish but does cost about 1/3 more than the 27. There are more options (like barrel lengths) to be found with the S&W.
Try to shoot both and decide. You will be happy with either.
Here are a couple of my Pythons.
Here are some of my 27s.
I might suggest an alternative to the Python. The early (pre-1968 "Mark III") Trooper and "357 Magnum" have the same lockwork as the Python. The only real difference is the early guns lack the heavy lugged and ribbed Python barrel. I picked up this 4" Trooper 357 (also seen in 38 Special) a couple months ago complete with the valuable early target stocks for $425. I see decent early Troopers at $400-$500 all the time. Something to think about?
And I love my Pythons. Both are the top of their respective lines and either would serve as a top-flight deluxe grade revolver.
Some folks prefer the S&W trigger system over the Colt. I can live with either. The Smith is a little more robust but that's not to say the Python is flimsy. IMO the Colt is a tad more stylish but does cost about 1/3 more than the 27. There are more options (like barrel lengths) to be found with the S&W.
Try to shoot both and decide. You will be happy with either.
Here are a couple of my Pythons.
Here are some of my 27s.
I might suggest an alternative to the Python. The early (pre-1968 "Mark III") Trooper and "357 Magnum" have the same lockwork as the Python. The only real difference is the early guns lack the heavy lugged and ribbed Python barrel. I picked up this 4" Trooper 357 (also seen in 38 Special) a couple months ago complete with the valuable early target stocks for $425. I see decent early Troopers at $400-$500 all the time. Something to think about?
i also have both the M-27 and the Python. my M27 has the 8.375" barrel and serves a different purpose than my 4" or 6" Python.
while i'd prefer the 5" M27 (my favorite lenght) to the 4" python... for pure style and craftmanship, i think you'd be better off getting the Python. i carried my 4" as a duty gun and it has some serious wear on it...but after what we've been through, it's my pet.
when you're on the "back nine", there's no reason to take a step down to the M-28
while i'd prefer the 5" M27 (my favorite lenght) to the 4" python... for pure style and craftmanship, i think you'd be better off getting the Python. i carried my 4" as a duty gun and it has some serious wear on it...but after what we've been through, it's my pet.
when you're on the "back nine", there's no reason to take a step down to the M-28
I've got both and if I had to choose I would take the S&W. Must be my N-frameitis.
The Python is really closer in size to the S&W L frames, so if it makes a difference for carry, the Python mught be a better fit. But then again, you could always find yourself a nice nickle S&W 586...
On added benefit for the S&W - if it ever needs service, you will find a lot more people who know how to work on a S&W than a Colt.
The Python is really closer in size to the S&W L frames, so if it makes a difference for carry, the Python mught be a better fit. But then again, you could always find yourself a nice nickle S&W 586...
On added benefit for the S&W - if it ever needs service, you will find a lot more people who know how to work on a S&W than a Colt.
cyclopsshooter
Member
27 is better quality
earlthegoat2
Member
you are going to get what you pay for regardless, so pay for what you want
This is my favorite, too. I really like the looks of the S&W over the Python. That was what settled it for me. And the 3.5" is just the best looking in my book.
I would NEVER criticize someone for buying a Python if that's what they like. And if I ever stumble across a Python at a stupid low price, I'll buy it, too. But at relative market prices, I like the 27 more.
cottonmouth
Member
Pre 27
Here is one of my 3-1/2 inchers, it's actually a pre 27 made in 1954. I love these guns!
J.B.
Here is one of my 3-1/2 inchers, it's actually a pre 27 made in 1954. I love these guns!
J.B.
sparkyguy66
Member
S&W model 27 5" all the way!
Call me biased, but I just loooooove the model 27!
Call me biased, but I just loooooove the model 27!
Both are top notch revolvers as most people that have shot/have both know.
Either one will be a nice investment that you will enjoy.
Good luck to you with either one.
Since there's starting to be an over run of S&W pictures, I'll add one from the other side of the fence.
Jeff (GUNKWAZY)
Either one will be a nice investment that you will enjoy.
Good luck to you with either one.
Since there's starting to be an over run of S&W pictures, I'll add one from the other side of the fence.
Jeff (GUNKWAZY)
sgt127
Member
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2003
- Messages
- 2,113
I've owned a handful of Pythons. Always believed they were the best of the best. And, I was always dissapointed. They look stunning. The craftsmanship is flawless and the accuracy is as good as it gets. I just never warmed up to the DA trigger and never could shoot one to its full potential. I still have one, just because I think every revolver guy should have at least one Python, but, when it came down to a carry gun or just plain old shooting, I never found an equal to the Smith M-27. So much so that I own 5 of them, two of them being RM's (for the sake of argument, I consider them M-27's) and one M-28.
Truth be told, I would rather own a Model 28 Highway Patrolman than a Python. I'm not talking about resale value, collector value or anything other than just a great shooting revolver.
Gotta remember too, the M-27 is the direct line decendant of the original Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum, the first real Magnum ever made...
If you like the looks of the Python...if the trigger works for you, I doubt you will be dissapointed. Its a fine gun in its own right.
If you are in the DFW area, holler at me. You supply the ammo, I'll supply the guns and you can figure it out for yourself.
Truth be told, I would rather own a Model 28 Highway Patrolman than a Python. I'm not talking about resale value, collector value or anything other than just a great shooting revolver.
Gotta remember too, the M-27 is the direct line decendant of the original Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum, the first real Magnum ever made...
If you like the looks of the Python...if the trigger works for you, I doubt you will be dissapointed. Its a fine gun in its own right.
If you are in the DFW area, holler at me. You supply the ammo, I'll supply the guns and you can figure it out for yourself.
Last edited:
CSA 357
Member
Cotton, ill flip you for that pre 27?
messerist
Member
I really like my 27 but have never owned a Python so am biased due to inexperience. I would think a Python would be more expensive, if that is an issue. Reports from owners laud both revolvers so I think either would be a winner
And there you have it stromfu...the classic forum answer:
Obviously, you'll simply have to get both.
This thread has the potential to turn into one of the better eye-candy gun porn threads. It's like comparison shopping Ferraris and Maseratis.
Great topic and great photos.
Obviously, you'll simply have to get both.
This thread has the potential to turn into one of the better eye-candy gun porn threads. It's like comparison shopping Ferraris and Maseratis.
Great topic and great photos.
1KPerDay
Member
dang that's pretty...
sterling7c
Member
- Joined
- May 1, 2009
- Messages
- 71
Original Model 27 in 5" or 6" for me. I was probably just unlucky but out of the three pythons I've owned since the first model I got IIRC sometime back in the 60's (and I will forever regret selling it) one and a half of them developed timing issues ... i.e. one bad and one not quite on. Oddly I've never owned any of the Trooper series (including the not often seen or mentioned model II) that was anything but excellent. Love all the posted pics, especially of the 3.5" 27 !! Darn it he says as he checks out his deflated wallet one more time just in case the tooth fairy's called
Last edited:
- Status
