S&W Performance Center.........
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I've only got one Performance Center revolver left. It is a 586-5 Pre lock L-comp.
It is a nice revolver, but it is no Python. Every Python I've owned or shot has had a fantastic action, and blue you could see your ancestors in.
Based on my experience, with pre lock S&W Performance Center revolvers.....I'd say I would take a Python.
If you are comparing current production S&W Performance Center revolvers to Pythons I'd say........ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!
It is a nice revolver, but it is no Python. Every Python I've owned or shot has had a fantastic action, and blue you could see your ancestors in.
Based on my experience, with pre lock S&W Performance Center revolvers.....I'd say I would take a Python.
If you are comparing current production S&W Performance Center revolvers to Pythons I'd say........ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!
Hawk
Member
Loaded question, for sure.
Comparing my 6" blued Python to a PC627V one notices:
The triggers are different. S&W claims they've tuned the PC's non-MIM parts and I find the claim plausible. Both triggers are good but my understanding is that the difference is sufficiently profound that you'll like one and not the other. I'm not going to step into the middle of that. I prefer the PC but I'm more used to the S&W.
The Python has been written up on Grant Cunningham's blog as an example of superb aesthetics in revolver design. The PC is, well, a stange mix of Star Wars angular, 1917 rounded, constrasting colors and industrial finish. It would not appeal to a traditionalist.
My specific PC product costs more than a non-collector grade Python. But not enough to really matter. The 627V is 8 round and machined for full moon clips - my personal jury remains out on this aspect.
There's a metric buttload of PC product but basically only one Python. While the PC stuff retains some of the newer "features" many of us would do without, most use forged hammers / triggers, pinned sears and some come with Lothar-Walther barrels.
You'll likely wind up with both. Warrantee issues, should they arise, are somewhat less painless with S&W current production.
All that aside, I was at my favorite LGS over lunch and he'd just gotten a consigned 6" Python in high polish stainless. Yummy. I would've weakened but for the 629-4 and Elizabeth Saunders* he had adjacent. I think that's only the second time ever he had to fill out a "multiple handgun purchase" form on me.
*Don't care for the product but love her attitude.
Comparing my 6" blued Python to a PC627V one notices:
The triggers are different. S&W claims they've tuned the PC's non-MIM parts and I find the claim plausible. Both triggers are good but my understanding is that the difference is sufficiently profound that you'll like one and not the other. I'm not going to step into the middle of that. I prefer the PC but I'm more used to the S&W.
The Python has been written up on Grant Cunningham's blog as an example of superb aesthetics in revolver design. The PC is, well, a stange mix of Star Wars angular, 1917 rounded, constrasting colors and industrial finish. It would not appeal to a traditionalist.
My specific PC product costs more than a non-collector grade Python. But not enough to really matter. The 627V is 8 round and machined for full moon clips - my personal jury remains out on this aspect.
There's a metric buttload of PC product but basically only one Python. While the PC stuff retains some of the newer "features" many of us would do without, most use forged hammers / triggers, pinned sears and some come with Lothar-Walther barrels.
You'll likely wind up with both. Warrantee issues, should they arise, are somewhat less painless with S&W current production.
All that aside, I was at my favorite LGS over lunch and he'd just gotten a consigned 6" Python in high polish stainless. Yummy. I would've weakened but for the 629-4 and Elizabeth Saunders* he had adjacent. I think that's only the second time ever he had to fill out a "multiple handgun purchase" form on me.
*Don't care for the product but love her attitude.
Hawk
Member
On a quality / tolerance basis, the Python would take it, IMHO. They were hand fit, locked up tight, had tapered bores and were lavishly finished.
However, in re-adopting forged hammers / triggers on the PC product I'd assume that S&W had to go back to the "trial fitting" used prior to the introduction of MIM. This may have some bearing on the MSRP. It's my understanding, though, that S&W "trial fitting" was never the same as Colt's "hand fitting".
The downside to the Colt assembly was dicey interchangability and what has now grown to be a real problem getting them serviced, should they need it. My concerns to the contrary notwithstanding, I have not managed to shoot the Python to where it needed service. It seems plenty robust. My personal take is that we tend to worry too much about shooting them loose and not enough about how to get them maintained should they need it.
Here's the obligatory Grant Cunningham blog article:
http://grantcunningham.com/blog_file..._delicate.html
It's routinely linked by both those that feel the Pyton is too big of an ordeal to get serviced and those claiming it's not delicate. It's probably both.
The 627PC has a trigger as agreeable as any of my older S&Ws. It's as nice as any of my Bangor-Punta era products and considerably better than some. The caveat is that my "older" stuff isn't that old - I'm not making any comparisons to pre-27s or "long actions".
The quality on both is excellent. By design, the S&W doesn't require the sort of tolerances the Python needed for its lockup. OTOH, the Python needed to maintain those tolerances. As noted in the Cunningham blog:
I've had local 'smiths, claiming expertise they didn't actually have, ruin Pythons on me. If one needs service either make sure the 'smith isn't blowing sunshine up your dungarees or just sign up for the wait.
However, in re-adopting forged hammers / triggers on the PC product I'd assume that S&W had to go back to the "trial fitting" used prior to the introduction of MIM. This may have some bearing on the MSRP. It's my understanding, though, that S&W "trial fitting" was never the same as Colt's "hand fitting".
The downside to the Colt assembly was dicey interchangability and what has now grown to be a real problem getting them serviced, should they need it. My concerns to the contrary notwithstanding, I have not managed to shoot the Python to where it needed service. It seems plenty robust. My personal take is that we tend to worry too much about shooting them loose and not enough about how to get them maintained should they need it.
Here's the obligatory Grant Cunningham blog article:
http://grantcunningham.com/blog_file..._delicate.html
It's routinely linked by both those that feel the Pyton is too big of an ordeal to get serviced and those claiming it's not delicate. It's probably both.
The 627PC has a trigger as agreeable as any of my older S&Ws. It's as nice as any of my Bangor-Punta era products and considerably better than some. The caveat is that my "older" stuff isn't that old - I'm not making any comparisons to pre-27s or "long actions".
The quality on both is excellent. By design, the S&W doesn't require the sort of tolerances the Python needed for its lockup. OTOH, the Python needed to maintain those tolerances. As noted in the Cunningham blog:
excerpt said:
I've had local 'smiths, claiming expertise they didn't actually have, ruin Pythons on me. If one needs service either make sure the 'smith isn't blowing sunshine up your dungarees or just sign up for the wait.
i've only felt/shot 3 S&W Performance Center M-627s and none of them could compare to my "prime Python"...but then i didn't compare to my "prime" M-27 either. they were definately comparable to my stock Pythons.
the best M-627 i've ever felt was one out of the Apex Tactical shop. of course Randy Lee was cheating with his 627, he's re-engineered the hammer/trigger to get a nicer action
the best M-627 i've ever felt was one out of the Apex Tactical shop. of course Randy Lee was cheating with his 627, he's re-engineered the hammer/trigger to get a nicer action
Ultima-Ratio
Member
More Python MYTHS Repeated Endlessly!
The Colt Python is an incredibly smooth and accurate shooter BUT nobody shoots them in competition simply because they are dead soft and shoot loose at amazingly low round counts.
My first two were bought in the mid sixties and mid seventies and both shot loose at about the 1500 rds of full power ammo of the day.
The Colt Python is an incredibly smooth and accurate shooter BUT nobody shoots them in competition simply because they are dead soft and shoot loose at amazingly low round counts.
My first two were bought in the mid sixties and mid seventies and both shot loose at about the 1500 rds of full power ammo of the day.
devildog66
Member
To me, it's all in the "why" as in "why" do you want to buy it. A Python is immensely more collectible BUT a SW PC would be my choice for a shooter. The COLT DA revolvers aren't made any longer and their starting value is typically too high (my estimate) for routine shooting; parts is hard to come by compared to a SW. That said, the Colts are simply gorgeous.
then why keep repeating them.
my "prime" Python was first a CHP duty gun, then i carried it on my duty belt before converting it to my PPC gun...first as my Open gun (i was poor) and then as my "Leg" gun. after 3 seasons, it wa just as tight as when i started. all i had them do in the conversion was clean it up and screw the 6" barrel back on it. it still shoots just fine
Stainz
Member
Why buy a new S&W, PC Shop or production, over a Python? Try to find a new Python! Then... try to afford it. It may as well be a Korth. We mere mortals are satiated by S&Ws.
Below are my '01-era JM PC627 V-Comp and last year's bargain - a 627 Pro. If I could keep but one, it'd be the 627 Pro. Sure, the 627 V-Comp has a better trigger - but not by much. I guess it's all in what you like.
I have shot a couple of Pythons. They had nice triggers. The cylinder release takes getting accustomed to. I'll keep my newer S&Ws - MIM parts and IL included.
Stainz
Below are my '01-era JM PC627 V-Comp and last year's bargain - a 627 Pro. If I could keep but one, it'd be the 627 Pro. Sure, the 627 V-Comp has a better trigger - but not by much. I guess it's all in what you like.
I have shot a couple of Pythons. They had nice triggers. The cylinder release takes getting accustomed to. I'll keep my newer S&Ws - MIM parts and IL included.
Stainz
The 2 best shooting .357's I have ever fired was a vintage Colt Python 6" & my S&W PC 627 Eight Times revolver. The 627 is the only .357 I have fired that is as accurate as that Python. It is the only S&W PC gun I have ever owned but would have to say it impressed me & it will be kept!
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