Vintage 27-2 vs. Python?

[Jim March]

You know...I'm going to tell you something, and I doubt y'all will believe me, but the finest DA trigger I've ever felt was on a range rental gun, stainless 6" barrel 357, that had had the living snot shot out of it. Thousands of rounds, years of range rental use with no work done on it whatsoever and the gun was tight, solid and laser accurate.

It was a Ruger GP100 "short shroud" 6".

I compared the trigger feel to an S&W performance center 8-shot 357, the 5" barrel slabsides. NO comparison. That damned Ruger was absolutely smooth as glass, no "hitch" at the end, no takeup stroke, not even a variance in pull weight through the stroke...just dead clean.

 

[Heavy Barrel]

The trigger on my 8" Python is what most can only dream about.

 

[SaxonPig]

One of the top FAQs (27 v. Python).

Both are the top of the line models from their makers. Both are deluxe. The Colts have been dropped and prices are outrageous. The good 27s are also out of print and rising fast.

Pick either and you'll be happy with it. Have both and experience true Nirvana.

I have 7 27s and only 2 Pythons so I guess I like the 27 a little better.

But the Colts shoot a little better. Here's a 25 yard group fired with a 6" Python made in the 1980s using full-power .357 ammo. A 6:00 hold was used and it shot about 1" to the left. So sue me.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

Nice shootin' there SP.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[Baba Louie]

Looks like the Pig can shoot a little.

 

[Eightball]

From all i've heard, you can never go wrong with a Python. Get it, and you won't be sorry.

And yes, I love smiths, but I"d trade mine for a python.

 

[Jody Johnson]

Interesting dilemma....ideally, if you can, buy both. But, if you can't, determine your strongest reason for wanting one of these.

As an investment, a pretty stout argument can be made for the NIB Python, particularly in the 6" barrel. In the 27, the 6" as a standard production length was a "later" item and a special order on the older "vintage" guns. If the 27 was...as an example...a 3-1/2" NIB..it would, I'd suspect, give that Python a run for the money. The older 27's, in super condition, are good investments.

For shooting, in my experience, Pythons ( at least those that I've owned ) are quite accurate, with a good single action trigger and, depending on the gun, capable of having a fine DA as well. Of the 27's that I've had, all, but especially the older ones, were slick and accurate. However, there are those who will tell ya' that the Colt mechanism is a bit more delicate than that of the Smith and thus perhaps less durable under extensive use. If you're gonna shoot DA much the torque of the cylinder rotation may be a factor...Colt's rotate clockwise and the Smith in the opposite direction, so if you get a chance, try a Colt or Smith and see what "fits you"...

Best of luck...you're lookin' at quality regardless of which you pick!