S&W Model 27 or Colt Python?
- Thread starter stromfu
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I agree with BC Rider. I have a 6" 28. It ain't as pretty as the 27, but otherwise the same piece. It was my first handgun, and still my favorite. I learned to handload with this gun, and I have no idea how many thousands of rounds I've put through it. It seems like the more I shoot it, the smoother it gets. Felt recoil with it with even the hottest loads is very mild. That N frame is heavy and tough, but I wouldn't consider it for a concealed carry gun. Too big and hard to hide. Excellent field gun!
SwampWolf
Member
DoubleNope.
Is the Python worth the premium it typically commands over a 27? I would personally say no, but that is essentially a subjective decision. Both are excellent revolvers.
The man said that he is "saving up to buy ... a quality .357". So obviously he doesn't have unlimited funds, and cost is a factor. Since the only "step down" from the 27 to the 28 is cosmetic, and since he said that he is not concerned with that issue, the 28 is certainly a viable option.
Well, this doesn't make much sense. Using your logic, we might just as well tell him to buy a Korth.
The man said that he is "saving up to buy ... a quality .357". So obviously he doesn't have unlimited funds, and cost is a factor. Since the only "step down" from the 27 to the 28 is cosmetic, and since he said that he is not concerned with that issue, the 28 is certainly a viable option.
i would suggest that when you're on the "back nine", that if you've always wanted a Korth, you should buy one...i've handled a Korth and passed.
but...i'd wanted a Anschutz 54 from when i was old enough to buy one, but could never justify the cost. a while back i was looking at getting a good quality .22 bolt action rifle and was looking at getting a CZ at a good price. i stopped and evaluated where i was in my life and decided it was time to get the "best" that i'd always wanted...so i apent 5 times what i would have on the CZ. sometimes you just need to reward yourself for a lifetime of work.
i don't think "doesn't have to be pristine" is the same as "not concerned about cosmetics". the thing that will always set the M-27 as their top .357 Mag is the checkering on the top strap and barrel rib...even their M-57 and M-29 don't sport that upgrade
if that example of S&W factory workmanship is worth it to the purchaser is a personal choice...but it just shouts "quality" to me
'You can't take it with you' ... no doubt about that!
But if the OP essentially doesn't have it in the first place - or at least, prefers to spend it on other things - that could be a valid "reason to take a step down to the M-28", no?
Anschutz 54: nice rifle! Which model do you have?
But if the OP essentially doesn't have it in the first place - or at least, prefers to spend it on other things - that could be a valid "reason to take a step down to the M-28", no?
Anschutz 54: nice rifle! Which model do you have?
22-rimfire
Member
No question, I would choose the smaller gun > the Python. Toss in the 686 and I would probably choose the 686 over the Python due to price and ease of getting it repaired should it ever need it.
i wanted a sporter and i really liked the rollover cheekpiece, but i was leaning toward a "clean" barrel to mount a scope. i stumbled across a M-1712 Slihouette during the ISS X-mas sale. i was looking at the Weatherby, but was disapointed that they were built on the 164 action...call me a snob
SwampWolf
Member
Snob! 
That's pretty much how I see it too.
Now, I may be wrong, but I have heard numerous times that the Python was originally conceived as a large frame .38spl target gun. As such it is very accurate but supposedly somewhat deilcate for heavy .357mag use. It's single action trigger is sweet no doubt, however, it's double action trigger tends to "stack" due to the spring type, making it quite heavy toward the end. It is said that a steady diet of full power .357mag loads will eventually give you timing issues(I haven't experienced that with mine...yet). Then good luck finding someone ot put it right. Pythons are very expensive. The company that made them has nothing to do with double action revolvers anymore. Python spare parts are hard to get and costly. Aftermarket accesories are virtually non existent. Gunsmiths experienced in Colt repair are even more rare. If the legendary finish on your Python is damaged, your resale value tanks. So using and carrying it everyday will probably ruin any plans for profit resale.
So what you get is a very expensive, very accurate, delicate, vintage revolver that has a quirky double action trigger, that has to be handled like a princess lest it's resale value be gone.
All in all I feel that the price, lack of service, and general characteristics of the Python make it a very nice specialty bullseye gun, or a collectors piece. For work or everyday shooting I would hang with S&W. It's not nearly as expensive as a comparable condition Python. It's far easier to get spare parts, aftermarket items and service for the Smith. The 27 is just a beefier gun that will handle trigger time better with less headache and worries.
chilly_bill
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Wow! You trying to make me regret buying my new '70 Python? I've got to pass along that I'm absolutely in love with my 4" Python (hmm, starting to sound funny). From what I've seen and understand the delicacy of Python's is way overstated. Sure if you are shooting thousands of rounds of magnum loads out of your gun the Python will need (pain in the butt) tuning sooner, but the amount of extra bliss I experience shooting my Python is more than worth it.
That said, do I need to start saving for a 27?
Where's d.fariswheel on this?
BCRider
Member
Well, given what I've read about parts and good smiths that know their Colts there may be SOME grain of truth to the "27 for shooting..." claim. Isn't it a fact that it's typically easier and cheaper to get a Smith worked on and with less delays for parts? Although like with anything once you're in that community you soon get to know where and who to go to for stuff.
there are fewer pistolsmiths who are qualified to work on a Python...of course that mean that there are many more pistol smiths who aren't qualified to work on a S&W too.
there really are more hacks who think they can work on a S&W...alot like 1911 smiths who are really parts changers and hacks.
there are few really good Python smiths as there are few really good S&W smiths...you just have to find them.
the "delicate nature" of the Python is alot like that of the classic S&W M-29...if you shoot them enough, they'll get loose. it is due to their tighter lockup than the S&W
there really are more hacks who think they can work on a S&W...alot like 1911 smiths who are really parts changers and hacks.
there are few really good Python smiths as there are few really good S&W smiths...you just have to find them.
the "delicate nature" of the Python is alot like that of the classic S&W M-29...if you shoot them enough, they'll get loose. it is due to their tighter lockup than the S&W
I agree. Fact is, most people do not shoot anywhere near enough to come close to wearing out a firearm. If you're shooting, say, a box of .38s once every couple of week and a box of magnums every couple of months, your Python will probably last indefinitely.
The Python and the 27 are both very nice revolvers, delightful to own and shoot.
Good post, 9mmepiphany.
Guillermo
member
the Smith is a Corvette Z06
the Python is a Porsche
Smith is perhaps more durable and Joe the Plumber can work on it
Colt is more finely tuned and made but when it comes time to go to the mechanic it requires a specially trained wrench
One is not better than the other...you get to the same place but the trip is different.
the Python is a Porsche
Smith is perhaps more durable and Joe the Plumber can work on it
Colt is more finely tuned and made but when it comes time to go to the mechanic it requires a specially trained wrench
One is not better than the other...you get to the same place but the trip is different.
madcratebuilder
Member
If you plan to shoot it, get the M27
If you plan to look at it, get the Python.
If you plan to look at it, get the Python.
JohnBT
Member
If you like shooting Pythons, like me, and like the trigger stacking, like me, get some Pythons, like me.
For a knockabout gun I have 4" Ruger Police Service-Six .357 with a factory trigger that some experienced shooters have liked better than their tuned S&W's. Just one of those things you luck into I guess. And it's accurate at 50 yards with match wadcutters, too.
The Model 27s are nice guns, too.
If I want a big carry gun I have an FNP-45 with 15-rd mags.
John
For a knockabout gun I have 4" Ruger Police Service-Six .357 with a factory trigger that some experienced shooters have liked better than their tuned S&W's. Just one of those things you luck into I guess. And it's accurate at 50 yards with match wadcutters, too.
The Model 27s are nice guns, too.
If I want a big carry gun I have an FNP-45 with 15-rd mags.
John
raskolnikov_22
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Another option: King Cobra. Looks enough like the Python, but has a more modern action and shouldn't have any strength issues.
kentucky_smith
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I never warmed to the 27/28 because they're so big framed for what they are and always preferred shooting a k-frame ala the m19. The Python is sized closer to what a .357 mag ought to be.
Love my current Python.
Love my current Python.
sparkyguy66
Member
I'm partial to the notion S&W to 357 magnum is like Colt to 1911's. Everything in 357mag that isn't a S&W is a "clone". 
JohnBT
Member
Even the S&W .357s are a pale shadow of the original Registered Magnum that cost twice as much as a Colt 1911. You might say that S&W is making clones too. The ammo isn't as powerful as the 1935 ammo either.
John
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