The S&W Revolver sought after like the Colt Python...?
- Thread starter Katty
- Start date
- Status
Just an FYI
since there was a lot of talk about SW27. The 2008 catalog and SW web site show that SW has now added to their CLASSICS line the fabulous 27. Blued or Nickel and 4" or 6.5" barrel. I have not actually seen any for sale yet but would love to have one.
since there was a lot of talk about SW27. The 2008 catalog and SW web site show that SW has now added to their CLASSICS line the fabulous 27. Blued or Nickel and 4" or 6.5" barrel. I have not actually seen any for sale yet but would love to have one.
Last edited:
Hawk
Member
I'd tend to agree that the 27 is probably the one most applicable to the OP - the trigger on my olde one is nice. As much as I've been drawn to 57s, the trigger just "isn't there". Both the -1 and -2 have very gritty triggers right at the last portion of DA travel. The "no dash" isn't as gritty but neither does the cylinder rotate into position - an unacceptable compromise IMO.
In fact, the modern 27 PC 8 shot I was messing about with while waiting on my West Texas Holster had a disturbingly nice trigger - not light but very smooth and consistent. The one I was playing with naturally had the hole in the frame but the hammer and trigger appeared to be case colored so I presume they're the current "forged part" upgrade. This may have had something to do with the nice action but I thought the MIM to forged difference wasn't apparent until relatively far into custom trigger work. I'll defer to those more knowledgeable on this. I actually rather liked the angular aesthetics of the thing.
-Thanks, Fuff. I'm pretty sure the 57-1 was assembled underground during the seige of Troy but it might be older judging by what I believe to be rust on the sear (I still haven't screwed up my nerve sufficient to remove a sideplate). I like it nonetheless and will spend the balance of the evening greasing it up - it is, without a shadow of a doubt, the "dryest" firearm I've ever taken home.
My apologies to the OP for the hijack.
Fuff, I'll hijack another when the saga of the no-dash progresses.
Thanks again!
In fact, the modern 27 PC 8 shot I was messing about with while waiting on my West Texas Holster had a disturbingly nice trigger - not light but very smooth and consistent. The one I was playing with naturally had the hole in the frame but the hammer and trigger appeared to be case colored so I presume they're the current "forged part" upgrade. This may have had something to do with the nice action but I thought the MIM to forged difference wasn't apparent until relatively far into custom trigger work. I'll defer to those more knowledgeable on this. I actually rather liked the angular aesthetics of the thing.
-Thanks, Fuff. I'm pretty sure the 57-1 was assembled underground during the seige of Troy but it might be older judging by what I believe to be rust on the sear (I still haven't screwed up my nerve sufficient to remove a sideplate). I like it nonetheless and will spend the balance of the evening greasing it up - it is, without a shadow of a doubt, the "dryest" firearm I've ever taken home.
My apologies to the OP for the hijack.
Fuff, I'll hijack another when the saga of the no-dash progresses.
Thanks again!
The model 27 was the flagship of S&W's line until they discontinued it in 1994, and a higher price bought among other things, more attention to the trigger pull. As for your other model 57's, it would take an experienced smith about 20 minutes each to get rid of the gritty feel. Should you send the first one back to the factory have them tend to that.
The sear could be rusted on the other one, but it might also be a brown stain left by the heat treating process, and if so it's harmless.
Not popping the sideplates is a good idea. More revolvers have been ruined then fixed by owners who didn't understand how to do it, and more important - how not to. Do take off the stocks, cock the hammer, and spray some CLP into the back and down the hammer shot. This should improve things, and you won't get into any trouble.
The sear could be rusted on the other one, but it might also be a brown stain left by the heat treating process, and if so it's harmless.
Not popping the sideplates is a good idea. More revolvers have been ruined then fixed by owners who didn't understand how to do it, and more important - how not to. Do take off the stocks, cock the hammer, and spray some CLP into the back and down the hammer shot. This should improve things, and you won't get into any trouble.
Stainz
Member
If you want a modern revolver with a 'cult' following, well, here it is:
Yep, the 'heresy' of SS, MIM parts, and a frame-mounted fp - on my -1 shown. Originally made 12/96 (no dash) with hammer mounted fp & CCH hammer & trigger, the final units made 12/02 (-2s) even had the IL. Folks will pay for this what a Python would cost. Don't! At 6 oz more, a 4" 629 is a far better revolver. I have both... and both came here new - the 629 even has the IL - but it'll be here when the 696 is gone.
I have shot a Python - not bad, but too much hype had preceded it. It didn't live up to the years of buildup. My used pristine JM PC627 V-Comp, now, there is smooth shooter! It amazes me every time I shoot it. JMNSHO.
Stainz
Yep, the 'heresy' of SS, MIM parts, and a frame-mounted fp - on my -1 shown. Originally made 12/96 (no dash) with hammer mounted fp & CCH hammer & trigger, the final units made 12/02 (-2s) even had the IL. Folks will pay for this what a Python would cost. Don't! At 6 oz more, a 4" 629 is a far better revolver. I have both... and both came here new - the 629 even has the IL - but it'll be here when the 696 is gone.
I have shot a Python - not bad, but too much hype had preceded it. It didn't live up to the years of buildup. My used pristine JM PC627 V-Comp, now, there is smooth shooter! It amazes me every time I shoot it. JMNSHO.
Stainz
71Commander
Member
Yep.
Stainz
Member
Ah, 'Bloodwork', another great, although geriatric, Clint Eastwood movie!
Drool!!
Stainz
Drool!!
Stainz
wundudnee
Member
I can't speak to the comparison of the 27-2 to the Python, but this 27-2 is the very finest shooting S&W that I have.
But I have figured out how to shoot a Colt, you put it in the middle of your Smiths.
But I have figured out how to shoot a Colt, you put it in the middle of your Smiths.
dagger dog
Member
The smiths in the know used to graft the S&W barrels onto the early Pythons and create SMYTHONS, were claimed to be the best of both makers.
K-38 Masterpiece is my S&W dream gun LNIB with sales slip.
K-38 Masterpiece is my S&W dream gun LNIB with sales slip.
Ya' got that backwards...
It was a practice in some quarters to put Colt barrels on S&W revolvers. S&W uses a slow 18.75-1 twist and a .358 bore, where Colt used a 16-1 twist and .356 bore. Target shooters sometimes went to a 14-1 twist custom barrel because the faster twist stabilized 148-grain wadcutter bullets at 50 yards better.
I question if many (any?) shooters could hold well enough at 50 yards to tell the difference, but if one thinks there is a difference that may be enough...
It was a practice in some quarters to put Colt barrels on S&W revolvers. S&W uses a slow 18.75-1 twist and a .358 bore, where Colt used a 16-1 twist and .356 bore. Target shooters sometimes went to a 14-1 twist custom barrel because the faster twist stabilized 148-grain wadcutter bullets at 50 yards better.
I question if many (any?) shooters could hold well enough at 50 yards to tell the difference, but if one thinks there is a difference that may be enough...
dagger dog
Member
Fluff.
DUH!
DUH!
clem629
Member
Model 27. 
BamaHoosier
Member
Highway Patrol 27
I always liked this model.It was a .357Mag,6-shot.We had one at the gun cellar for a few years and I should've bought it when I had those numerous chances.It was old back then(1980's)but looked like new! It was a rugged,muscular-looking wheelgun.Not as beefy as the Combat Mag,but it would stand up next to a Python.
I always liked this model.It was a .357Mag,6-shot.We had one at the gun cellar for a few years and I should've bought it when I had those numerous chances.It was old back then(1980's)but looked like new! It was a rugged,muscular-looking wheelgun.Not as beefy as the Combat Mag,but it would stand up next to a Python
.Actually, the Highway Patrolman is the Model 28. Trigger is not as good as the 27. Finish and other details also not as refined. The 28 is a good gun but it is not a 27.
I have a pre-war (late 20s) SW pre-MP target model in .38 special. It has an incredible trigger, fits my hand like a glove, and is a natural pointer. I have a number of post-war SWs and none of them has a trigger like my Pythons. Most of the people who knock the Colts just have Python envy.
Last edited:
Starter52
Member
Heresy!
Every Model 28 I've ever shot was internally as smooth as a Model 27.
Model 28 lovers, back me up!
Every Model 28 I've ever shot was internally as smooth as a Model 27.
Model 28 lovers, back me up!
cherryriver
Member
Speaking as a guy whose safe holds mostly sixguns, and way the major proportion of which have ponies on the side, I'm going to go along with the Registered Magnum as the grail-iest Smith.
The other poster mentioning the Triple Lock .44 is right there, too.
Both of those make me break out in a sweat.
Too bad about the Pythons being so much trouble to keep running- I just put 700 rounds through mine in the last three days and it's going to pop another hundred in the morning at an IDPA match. What a clunker! Just dopey two-alphas and zero-zero-zeroes. Good for pounding fence nails, though.
And, as a guy who bought a Model 28 Highway Patrolman as one of his first guns back in the early '70s, I'm afraid the 28s I've handled don't match the 27s. Sorry, and I'm still shooting my original, but the trigger... nah.
The other poster mentioning the Triple Lock .44 is right there, too.
Both of those make me break out in a sweat.
Too bad about the Pythons being so much trouble to keep running- I just put 700 rounds through mine in the last three days and it's going to pop another hundred in the morning at an IDPA match. What a clunker! Just dopey two-alphas and zero-zero-zeroes. Good for pounding fence nails, though.
And, as a guy who bought a Model 28 Highway Patrolman as one of his first guns back in the early '70s, I'm afraid the 28s I've handled don't match the 27s. Sorry, and I'm still shooting my original, but the trigger... nah.
I own a 6" 586 manufactured in 1984. I'm very impressed with the trigger on the 586. I've fired my 586 along with a friend's 6" Python (mfd. 1974). The Python is nice, but it was no more accurate than my Smith. However the Python is very pretty. I think elegant is a good description.
Pa.Bill
Member
I own 5 handguns. S&W Combat 19/.357-6bl was the first I ever owned.
If I ever had to sell any, it would be the last.
~BEST~
Bill------------->
If I ever had to sell any, it would be the last.
~BEST~
Bill------------->
- Status
