Which Python for Range Work?

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bushmaster1313

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What Python do I want to get for target shooting not collecting?

Barrel length 4 or 6? (I think 4)
Stainless or blue (I think blue)
Any special models?
Any special serial number ranges?
Wood or rubber grips? (I think wood)
Any indications of abuse?

If there are "undesireable" models I would want to stay away and I want one that has been well used but not abused. No "faint turn lines" for me.

I will shoot budget factory ammo like American Eagle .38 Special.

Thank you
Lou
 
bush,

I have a 6", blued snake. It has original grips, white outline rear sight, only non-original update. I like the 6" barrel for the longer sight radius, I had a 4" barreled snake, curse myself for letting that one get away! The 6" barrel has enough weight out front for balancing the firearm, not unwieldy at all after a long range session! Unless you buy new, and the shop owner doesn't let anyone look at the merchandise, they might have faint lines on the cylinder, everyone wants to feel the cyclic rotation of the beast. I got mine about 25 years ago, less than 500 rounds thru it, no, not a safe queen, but I don't leave it sitting on the garage workbench either. As far as abuse, I don't think anyone who's ever owned one will abuse them, definitely not intentionally, other than firing them and maybe not cleaning them like I do mine!

If you decide on buying one, you won't be sorry, they "are" the Bentley of handguns. Good luck and keep us informed!

I misunderstood your comment about "no" faint lines on the cylinder, sorry.
 
A guy on the IDPA board said pre-85 is to be preferred, but he didn't say why.
Probably because so many of the old DA revolver assemblers had retired by then.
 
Barrel length and finish are a preference. Pick what you like. Basically, you want to find one that locks up tight and is not out of time.

If you want wood grips, great. If you don't, don't pay for them. Nice stock wood grips usually add about 200 bucks to the price of the gun.

It sounds like you want a gun about like my 1974. It has been used, but not abused and has some holster wear on the high spots. Heck, just last week I shot most of a gallon ziplock bag of .357's out of it.
 

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What Python do I want to get for target shooting not collecting?


I will shoot budget factory ammo like American Eagle .38 Special.
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It's none of my business, and a bit of a thread veer, but why does it have to be a Python? For "target shooting not collecting", so for its reputation for accuracy, I suppose, but then why "budget" ammo? :confused: Or are you just trying to indicate you won't be shooting full-house .357mags? :confused:
 
There are no undesirable Pythons. For strictly range use, get a good, old six inch. Even old, well used ones usually lock up pretty good and unless it was shot zillions of times with jacketed bullets it will still show great accuracy. Original Python barrels had a slight amount of taper or choke toward the muzzle, gripping the bullet more firmly as it made its way down, much like the best old muzzle loading slug guns.
I've had several, the last ending up in my oldest son's home, somehow.
Looking for another one, at a fair price. Finding one that the owner doesn't think is made of gold will be the challenge.
 
All of this is personal preference.

In order:

Barrel length 4 or 6? (I think 4)
Traditionally, the 6" barrel is preferred for straight target shooting, due to the longer sight radius and the more muzzle-heavy feel. You almost never saw a 4" revolver in a target match.

Stainless or blue (I think blue)
Blue is nice, looks great.
Stainless has no finish to wear off and rust or get ratty looking. You can restore scratches with Scotchbrite pads.

Any special models?
You might consider the Python Target. This was a limited issue .38 Special model with an 8" barrel.
The only other non-commemorative Pythons were a couple of hunting models fitted with scopes.

Any special serial number ranges?
No. There are no "good" years or "bad" years. You judge a gun on it's own merits.

Wood or rubber grips? (I think wood)
The original walnut Colt Target grips were designed for single action target shooting. They're less good for double action shooting.
Nothing stays stuck to your hand like rubber grips, and they soak up recoil.
 
ColtPythonElite,

Not being smart here, as to the prices on grips, I saw on a web this past Wed. nite, they wanted $320 - $345 just for the original grips for a Python. Glad I still have mine!

bushmaster, Hope we're able to get you some useful info, and not scare you off! Jim Watson has been around this forum for a spell, anything he says I'd be listening to, he won't steer you wrong! Good Luck!
 
For target shooting where carry on one's person is not part of its usage, you might as well get a six-inch. Its longer sight radius is more conducive to accuracy (yours, not the revolver's), and there will be less kick and roar (albeit not really a concern with light loads). Whether it is blued, nickel (relatively rare) or stainless is really irrelevant. If you get one that already has some finish wear, missing its box, etc., but is mechanically sound, you can save some money.
 
Bullseye shooting?

If you mount a dot sight or scope, barrel length will not matter.
I use a four inch S&W with a dot instead of a 8 inch.
 
Lou,

As I write this I have a Cobra on my belt and I am enjoying a big ol' glass of Colt blue koolaid right now. In addition I have a 4 inch blue Python that I love to shoot.

I would not, however, buy a Python to shoot 38s at the range. Too heavy and expensive for the task.

Were that my goal I would look at a very early Smith, perhaps a "pre victory" or something like that (if you can get by without adjustable sights). An early model 15 is a great gun and is essentially a model 10 with adjustable sights. If you can find a Colt Officers Target model, that would be cool. Or for 38s a Diamondback would be a great tool for launching 38's downrange. (while pricey but the same look as the python and a little less money)

For the range a 5 and 6 inch barrel makes you into a hero.

Good luck

Guillermo
 
Just personal preference, but I would prefer a 4". I have a 6" and it is a bit muzzle heavy to suit me. I'll sell it or trade it for a 4" someday.
 
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