What's the current production equivelant of a Colt Python? Any brand....

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Is there a current production equivalent?
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nope

the prestige european brands like Korth are too different

S&W is a shadow of it's former self, Ruger has always been "value brand" and no one else is producing anything close.

Dan Wesson is gearing up, and while a really good gun, the best American revolver being currently produced, but nothing like the fit and finish of a Python.
 
Is there a current production equivalent? Or something that comes close to the quality?
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If you're interested in a current factory revolver with the hands-on craftsmanship of a Python, check out Freedom Arms. If it has to be a DA revolver, I'd look to Manurhin or Korth. But if you're interested in a Python for more functional reasons (i.e. because it's a great shooter), I wouldn't rule out buying a newer S&W or Ruger, and having it tuned a bit (see below).

I hear people ranting and raving about Colt Pythons.
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Yep - raving and ranting. There's no question the Python is a high quality & accurate revolver, and represents the apex of fit & finish. But, as a shooter, many feel it's overrated; or more precisely, that there are alternatives nowadays, and they include newer production guns. I know a good number of superb wheelgunners, and while a Python might be on their "some day" list, it generally gets a pretty low priority score.
 
The Manurhin 73 would be close. A friend of mine has one of the older 73s and it is a fine gun. That said, I still like my Pythons. I also like my Freedom arms 83 in 357 magnum and if they would produce a double action gun with that kind of workmanship, it would be great.
 
For looks, and delicaate handling, the Python is hard to beat. For me? I'd find a Ruger GP or Security Six, get it tuned by a master, and have it engraved. Beauty AND durability. The Python is too delicate, and gunsmiths to keep it tuned are few, far in between, and diminishing by the day.
 
Mr. Boreland is absolutely correct that Freedom Arms makes a great single action revolver.

As to the Python, sadly the number of dedicated craftsmen who are familiar with them are few and far between. At some point it will be like having a Patek Phillipe in a quartz crystal world.

Of course, with anything that is of excellent quality there is a cadre of people that want to put it down. It is "weak" and "overrated". "A Taurus Tracker is a better gun" "they shoot out of time every cylinder'. I suggest that you take those comments for what they are worth.

Here is an article written by Massad Ayoob. He quotes some amazingly well respected people and has his own well informed opinion as well.

http://www.grantcunningham.com/acc-rifle.html
 
Not still in production, but I picked up a Trooper 357 for $380.
After I took it apart, cleaned and polished the insides, I would hold up to any Python (referring to action not appearance).
 
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IN MY OPINION, the Python was the most overrated hunk of iron ever---EVER!!!---foisted off on the American gun buying public. I had three and if they'd put three foot long barrels on 'em they'd at least made excellent tomato stakes.
 
I have never been a big Python fan myself, though their styling (especially with the 6" barrel), is very classy and timeless.

If I were looking for a production equivalent to a Python it would be a much older S&W Model 27 with a 5" barrel.
 
IN MY OPINION, the Python was the most overrated hunk of iron ever---EVER!!!---foisted off on the American gun buying public. I had three and if they'd put three foot long barrels on 'em they'd at least made excellent tomato stakes.
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Oh, c'mon now. I really hope you just forgot to put a smily there. I think they were over rated, and frankly, I'd take a model 28, or possibly even my Model 19-3 over a python, but they are far from the junk that you describe.
 
I know nothing of pythons only what I read on the internet so... I have noticed there is a camp that says that they weren't as reliable as their reputation makes them out to be. Wil Terry is that you or are you just trolling? If not please elaborate. Calling them gardens stakes requires some sorta explanation on why they don't make better guns than garden tools.

Korth never heard of them looked them up a couple on gun broker could buy a couple wilson combats for that price. $5,600 for a SS 357. Must be awesome, to awesome for me. I think I could do alot better for 5 g's
 
Colt wouldn't have been able sell the Python priced as a premium revolver for nearly 50 years if they were junk.
 
Bill Jordan, Jeff Cooper, Chic Gaylord, Stan Tryoniec, Grant Cunningham, John Taffin, Larry Wilson, Massad Ayoob all respect the Python as an outstanding revolver.

Wil Terry says it is junk

I guess one has to decide whose opinion one respects more.

It is not a difficult decision for me.
 
Terry probably wore his three out. Quite honestly, I'd take his word as gospel before ANYBODY else on this forum.
 
I'd take his word as gospel before ANYBODY else on this forum.
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I guess I have to agree...Terry's word is final.

Bill Jordan, Jeff Cooper, Chic Gaylord, Stan Tryoniec, Grant Cunningham, John Taffin, Larry Wilson, Massad Ayoob are all idiots and/or paid off to think that the Python was a great gun.

demisarcasm.jpg
 
I have had my hands on my fair share of Pythons and have yet to see one truly worn out. I have abused one or two, according to some, but never broke them.
 
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