Smith and Wesson Model 19 or Colt Python

[Styx]

Here's one that went for $1,600: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/918940035

Absolutley worth the extra $500 over a comparable 19, they aren't the same guns.

Yea that is my point. Some shops and venders are selling over MSRP while others are selling under. They can be fond under MSRP. That an instant $200-$600 resale value off the bat over S&W. I had a few opportunities to buy under MSRP from online venders, but I didn't have the funds.

 

[RA40]

The OP

Is it better to get an old 4 inch Smith and Wesson Model 19 or an old 4 inch Colt Python, or get both? Will be shooting gun at a range, not for locking up in a safe. I do LOVE the looks of the Python but think the 19 may be more practical. I should also stress funds are an issue.

To me this is pre-lock S&W. Enough from $450-$1100 depending on condition with box, papers, etc. Have the GS clean it up/fix as necessary and a decent shooter should be sub $1K with $ left over to buy some ammo even at the current crazy prices.

 

[Lnf Crzr]

Ra40

Nail-head-hit

 

[Paul7]

The OP


To me this is pre-lock S&W. Enough from $450-$1100 depending on condition with box, papers, etc. Have the GS clean it up/fix as necessary and a decent shooter should be sub $1K with $ left over to buy some ammo even at the current crazy prices.

So where do you get a Model 19 for $450?

 

[Lnf Crzr]

I believe even at $850 for a 19, The point is-

$3150 would be left for ammo

Because old Smith or old Python was op required guns.

Beat up Police trade in models can be found cheaper

Not sure how that’s difficult to understand

 

[RA40]

So where do you get a Model 19 for $450?

This was before covid in summer of '19. The K an L framed S&W generally were $750+ range but these were with lock. I'd brought in my 686-3 long ago before all the covid craziness, the shop offered $375 for it. They would list it $750'ish range. I didn't handle that $450 S&W 19. The overall condition was not good and would likely take significant gunsmithing to rehab.

One of the local dealers I talked with a week back said that a pre-lock 686 could range $800-$1,800. With matching box and wrapping paper +$100, off CA roster 10-15% added, then based on condition.

 

[Styx]

I believe even at $850 for a 19, The point is-

$3150 would be left for ammo

Because old Smith or old Python was op required guns.

Beat up Police trade in models can be found cheaper

Not sure how that’s difficult to understand

I may have missed it, but when did the OP state he only wanted an old Python?

 

[rs525]

I may have missed it, but when did the OP state he only wanted an old Python?

Because If I wanted to get a Python, it would be the old Blued 4" model. But thanks to all of you, I've decided to forgo the Python and just go with the Model 19.

 

[Styx]

Because If I wanted to get a Python, it would be the old Blued 4" model. But thanks to all of you, I've decided to forgo the Python and just go with the Model 19.

Oh I missed that. In that case, yes I agree the 19 Classic is the way to go. It's between $800-$900.

 

[Old Dog]

I'm still wondering why some here are so vociferously arguing against the notion of buy an older Python while trying to make a case for buying an older Model 19. Like the one member who stated, "I don't care enough" yet has about 38 posts in the thread.

It's great that some of you want to save another member so much money, but it's not as though the guy can't decide between an old Porsche and a Trabant or Yugo...

Both models can be very worthy handguns, or complete beaters. It's all just preachin' to the choir.

Well now, the OP returns with a decision (while I was typing this post). Hope ya get a good one. (Let us know how much you pay, for sure, 'cause I'm pretty sure you can't score one for $450-850 unless it's a real beater).

 

[Lnf Crzr]

The Very first post of this thread

I may have missed it, but when did the OP state he only wanted an old Python?

 

[Lnf Crzr]

It’s Just a bit silly when looking at the financial part of it and how much ammo cost, reloading or Factory.

 

[Styx]

The Very first post of this thread

I missed the word "old" when I first read it...

 

[Styx]

I'm still wondering why some here are so vociferously arguing against the notion of buy an older Python while trying to make a case for buying an older Model 19. Like the one member who stated, "I don't care enough" yet has about 38 posts in the thread.

Umm when I thought we were talking about the newer Pythons, my vote was for the Python over an old or new S&W 19. If we are talking about the older Pythons, they are way over priced for what they are. Paying that premium only makes sense for true collectors.

 

[Lnf Crzr]

“Old” Python. Yes Many ,many people missed that also. Hence the Length of the thread.

I missed the word "old" when I first read it...

 

[Styx]

“Old” Python. Yes Many ,many people missed that also. Hence the Length of the thread.

Yea well I am not the only illiterate one it seems lol.

 

[Lnf Crzr]

Lol

 

[Snake Plisskin]

Why not have both...!!!

 

[cfullgraf]

110 and 125gr was the result of the cracking.

Stay with 158gr or 180. Less ear cracking alsoView attachment 1045387

A steady diet of 357 Magnum loads in a Model
19 will potententially result in a cracked forcing cone. Do not grt get duped that it only happens with 110 pr 125 grain magnum loads.

I cracked the forcing cone on my Model 19 shooting 158 grain full power loads in bowlng pin matches and then later IHMSA silhouette.

If you have a Model 19, shooting magnum ammunition once in a while is ok, the revolver is capable. Just keep your loads at hot 38 Special or less for practice or range plinking.

I got lucky and S&W replaced my barrel on their dime around 1980. It ain’t going to happen today as barrels are not avaliable.

Besides my first 6” Model 19, I’ve added a 4” and 2” to my collection. When I shoot them, they will not see full power 357 Magnum ammunition.

I have a hot 38 Special load in a 357 Magnum case that I pretty much only shoot in my 357 Magnum revolvers these days.

The current Classic Model 19 has been tedesigned that it should be able to handle a steady diet of full power 357 Magnum loads.

I recently bought a new production Python. It shoots well but time will tell if it can compete with an S&W 586/686 revolver.

The Python shoots well but I am not sure the extra cost is worth it over a S&W Model 686 or 586.

The Python is my first Colt revolver. I’d like to get an Anaconda, and then I’ll be done buying Colt revolvers.

Colt 1911’s are a different story.

 

[Paul7]

I believe even at $850 for a 19, The point is-

$3150 would be left for ammo

Because old Smith or old Python was op required guns.

Beat up Police trade in models can be found cheaper

Not sure how that’s difficult to understand

Where are you getting $4K for an older Python? I just posted a pristine older one that went for $1,600 this week on GB.

 

[Lnf Crzr]

Ok- I’m glad you found one. Perhaps that was bidding price. None others on there rite now that are older are less than $3400

 

[Lnf Crzr]

A steady diet of 357 Magnum loads in a Model
19 will potententially result in a cracked forcing cone. Do not grt get duped that it only happens with 110 pr 125 grain magnum loads.

I cracked the forcing cone on my Model 19 shooting 158 grain full power loads in bowlng pin matches and then later IHMSA silhouette.

If you have a Model 19, shooting magnum ammunition once in a while is ok, the revolver is capable. Just keep your loads at hot 38 Special or less for practice or range plinking.

I got lucky and S&W replaced my barrel on their dime around 1980. It ain’t going to happen today as barrels are not avaliable.

Besides my first 6” Model 19, I’ve added a 4” and 2” to my collection. When I shoot them, they will not see full power 357 Magnum ammunition.

I have a hot 38 Special load in a 357 Magnum case that I pretty much only shoot in my 357 Magnum revolvers these days.

The current Classic Model 19 has been tedesigned that it should be able to handle a steady diet of full power 357 Magnum loads.

I recently bought a new production Python. It shoots well but time will tell if it can compete with an S&W 586/686 revolver.

The Python shoots well but I am not sure the extra cost is worth it over a S&W Model 686 or 586.

The Python is my first Colt revolver. I’d like to get an Anaconda, and then I’ll be done buying Colt revolvers.

Colt 1911’s are a different story.

I agree that Lite mags around 1000 fps would be best suited to the K frames. I Shot some Skeeter Skelton 13.5 of 2400 in mag brass other day (Check books) Man, that was a lot- only 2 cyl fulls. Yet from what I’ve learned, excessive magnum rounds are the Culprit for the cracked cone… and the 110-125 even increased the Speed of which the Cone got cracked.
Example would be 20k 158gr mags…. Or 12k 125gr ammo.

Either or, I’ll stick with 6.5 of Unique and a 158gr for around 1000fps. (Check your books) They are comfortable and Give a recoil of a similar feel as my 180gr Winchester carry ammo. I reload so obviously I can shoot a lot and adjust what ammo my K gets.

Or spend $3400 on a old Python and Shoot it on rare occasion with whatever ammo ya want.

 

[AustinTX]

None others on there rite now that are older are less than $3400

There are numerous Pythons currently listed for less than $3,400, and many have sold for less than that over the last 90 days.

Make all the arguments against an old Python that you like, but if price is going to be one of them, at least try to be accurate about it.

 

[Ethan Verity]

I had the opportunity to shoot a Colt Python 6" the other day as a range rental option, with 50 rounds of 38 Spl and 50 rounds of 357 Mag.

The gun is smooth in operation, and tames those 357 mags beautifully... I could shoot it all day with full loads! However, that thumb latch is still a deal breaker for me. It just feels so awkward to me, and I need to break my shooting grip to get the leverage to pull it back. My S&W revolvers feel just as good in operation, with the added benefit of a better more ergonomic thumb latch.

I'll pick a classic S&W any day of the week over the Colt.

 

[Lnf Crzr]

I’m looking Rite now on Gunbroker- At “Old Pythons” don’t see any under $3400. Tho I do
See 2 things.

Bids that are less than that. Not “Buy now Prices”

And

Prices are still above $1200 for a prestigious S&W 19…. By a considerable amount.

There are numerous Pythons currently listed for less than $3,400, and many have sold for less than that over the last 90 days.

Make all the arguments against an old Python that you like, but if price is going to be one of them, at least try to be accurate about it.