Posted: 1/24/2010 1:41:01 PM EDT
| I currently have a S&W mod 28 highway patrolman with a 6 inch barrel and it does everything I can think I would need it to do but here's the question. I have been having a hankering for a Colt Python since I have read and heard for a long time now that they are the top of the heap. What says you hive? Im currently looking at one thats new in the box for $1800. Any chance Colt will start production of the their DA line again and bring the prices down? |
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Don't hold your breath for production to resume. Labor intensive hand fitting would keep the prices way too high. Best to get a good used one for half that, then shoot it for awhile and make your mind up before you invest 18k in something youknow little about. You may love 'em or not. I like all things Colt myself  and have a few Smiths I play with
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If Colt starts production again, they will likely rely heavilly on advanced CNC manufacturing methods. This will drive the price of "pre––cnc" or "pre-2011" guns even higher. Much like the "pre-lock" and "pre-MIM" Smith's now.
I have a couple of Pythons and i will say that they definitely help me make the most of my rather poor marksmanship ability, but i don't think they really re-invent the wheel. But just a couple of smooth DA trigger pulls and to feel the SA trigger break like a 3 pound glass rod–– i was hooked for life. Plus , for me , i think they are the most attractive DA revolver out there. I'd probably look for a well taken care of specimen for $1000 - $1300 or so, in lieu of a NIB one if i wanted to shoot it –––– they are only NIB until you crank the first round through her, but that said, it would be a real treat to pop the cherry on an unfired 20 year old handgun as well 
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I own several Colt revolvers and have nothing against them. But I can't see why Pythons should cost so much other than hype. JMO maybe a bit of hype, (but is hype the same as legend? ––- firearms such as the Colt SAA have transcended "hype" and are now legendary –– the Python is darn close to this status ) but we live in an age where a semi-custom 1911 costs 2 grand (Wilson, Nighthawk, etc) and some AR variants are in that ballpark as well. Almost makes a Python for 1300- 1500 or so seem like a bargain |
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I own several Colt revolvers and have nothing against them. But I can't see why Pythons should cost so much other than hype. JMO maybe a bit of hype, (but is hype the same as legend? ––- firearms such as the Colt SAA have transcended "hype" and are now legendary –– the Python is darn close to this status ) but we live in an age where a semi-custom 1911 costs 2 grand (Wilson, Nighthawk, etc) and some AR variants are in that ballpark as well. Almost makes a Python for 1300- 1500 or so seem like a bargain I guess it all depends on the opinion of those who have the money and will to purchase one. |
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$1800 - you can find better than that. I owned a Python for many years and had as many round through it as any handgun I own/owned. I still prefer the Smith triggers over it. yep, a lot of people like 'Smith triggers better (i'm not one, but i have never fired a "tuned Smith" either, just stock ones) ––- one of the posters here said some of the competition shooters used to machine Python barrels to fit their K-frames to give them the best of both worlds |
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Not for 1800 it's not, unless it's an un-fired all original paperwork, box, etc. In which case, the advantage of owning it goes out the window to be able to shoot it.
You should be able to find a shooting Python somewhere in the 900-1200 range. I see them listed for more than that a lot, but they seem to always be there, and you HARDLY ever hear of any going for under 900. I wanted one for over 20 years and finally got one about 3 years ago. It doesn't get shot as much as my S&W's, but I'm glad I finally got one. 
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THE handgun that I had in the past (prior to the UK ban) that I htink about & miss the most is the Colt Python (6" blued)
IF UK law ever changed (yeah, as if....) & we could have only ONE handgun - it'd be a 6" Python It may be worth you also shopping aound for the 6" Colt Diamondback in .38spl - make a nice companion to the Python - as does the 6" Diamondback in .22 |
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Quoted: I like mine, it's heavy though, feels like 1.5-2x my model 19 smith. But with the pachmeyer grips and magna porting it's incredibly controllable and nice to shoot. Man card. NOW. Pachymeyer grips?  Magnaporting? Give me the gun, and I'll buy you a Taurus .22 revolver .. something more suited to you methinks.  |
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$1800 - you can find better than that. I owned a Python for many years and had as many round through it as any handgun I own/owned. I still prefer the Smith triggers over it. yep, a lot of people like 'Smith triggers better (i'm not one, but i have never fired a "tuned Smith" either, just stock ones) ––- one of the posters here said some of the competition shooters used to machine Python barrels to fit their K-frames to give them the best of both worlds Those guns were called "Smolts" generally. The Python barrel is choke bored and has an optimal twist rate for 148 grain wadcutters. |
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I like mine, it's heavy though, feels like 1.5-2x my model 19 smith. But with the pachmeyer grips and magna porting it's incredibly controllable and nice to shoot. Man card. NOW. Pachymeyer grips?
Magnaporting?
Give me the gun, and I'll buy you a Taurus .22 revolver .. something more suited to you methinks.
Pachmyers generally fit the human hand better than the factory stocks. Porting though.... 
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The Colt Pythons are one of the nicer looking revolvers out there and would love to own one eventually.
Hard to justify the cost as I can buy two new revolvers for the price of one Python, but I continue searching with the hopes of finding that one deal out there. |
| I have a 6 inch blue Python made in 1961 and I also own a S&W 27. They both have their place as neither one is junk. Far from it, they are both pieces of craftmanship. If I had to give one up? Reluctantly it would be the Smith. And it would hurt... a whole lot. But it sure wouldn't be the Colt. I truly believe it is one of the finest examples of a revolver out there. it's not hype. |
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Here's mine, a six inch stainless. I've had it for about 16 years. It's time for it to go back to Colt, for some double action timing adjustment. The gun when it's on step is just amazing, shots on a ten inch circle at 100 yds are doable. If it's within your means, you should definetly get one.  |
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I have a 6 inch blue Python made in 1961. Does this have completely checkered grips???? I have a 4 inch made in '69 that has the partially checkered grips that are most common, but I really want a 6 inch with the FULLY checkered grips that were built in the late 50s early 60s... |
| I would certainly say a Python is worth owning. In fact, I was just fingerfucking one and talking about investing in one recently. I don't think I'd give up a S&W L frame or N frame to have one as my "only handgun" though. They require more maintenance and care to produce those amazing results, something the S&Ws can do without. |
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Most folks do not know what goes in a Python. Barrel gap tollerance is half of what a Smith is. The action locks the cyl tight on the last bit of the trigger pull. And the barrel is unlike anyother barrel and Colt's process for cutting a Python barrel is a trade secrete.
If you can get one, do it. |
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The Colt Pythons are one of the nicer looking revolvers out there and would love to own one eventually. Hard to justify the cost as I can buy two new revolvers for the price of one Python, but I continue searching with the hopes of finding that one deal out there. Yeah, me too. I'm kinda wondering though, since these aren't in production anymore, prices are just going up right? I'm wondering if I should pick one of these up sooner or later. |
| I own a Colt Python since 1985, paid $400 plus tax for a used Python then. At the time a S&W M27 was about $235 to 250. I absolutely had to have that cool looking gun! It is in the back of the safe since many years and for ISSF matches I have always preferred the shorter hammer fall of the S&W, or Korth. |
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I have a 6 inch blue Python made in 1961. Does this have completely checkered grips???? I have a 4 inch made in '69 that has the partially checkered grips that are most common, but I really want a 6 inch with the FULLY checkered grips that were built in the late 50s early 60s... You mean like this? my 3-digit s/n '56 vintage Python 
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If you look around, deals can be found. About 6 months ago, I picked up a "shooter" 6 inch python, w/ pach grips, for $500 OTD. The gun has holster wear, but is mechanically perfect.
Sorry for the crappy pic, still learning. http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac227/KrAzBoY/python4.jpg After wood grips added. |
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The Python is a nice revolver.
Owned several over the years. I will say this: DO NOT shoot .357magnum ammo in it. Every one I've owned has been knocked out of time by full power 357 usage. +P 38's and lower are fine. They're usually extremely accurate. The action is a joy to shoot. Just stay away from 357mags. |
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Was told 25+ years ago by an excellent, knowledgeable, experienced, police department armourer, "S&Ws are made for shooting and Colts are made for collecting."
Buy the Colt and keep it NIB. BUT, make sure you still have your S&W to keep you alive when the chips are down!
Just mine (and his) humble opinion......
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I took the plunge, you all twisted my arm and made me do it I bought 2 Pythons 1 used in excellent shape with less than 100 rounds thru it and a 2nd that is a virgin unfired in box with all the paper work to set back in the safe. Both have 6 inch barrels and both are bid to late 80s production.
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Was told 25+ years ago by an excellent, knowledgeable, experienced, police department armourer, "S&Ws are made for shooting and Colts are made for collecting." Buy the Colt and keep it NIB. BUT, make sure you still have your S&W to keep you alive when the chips are down!
Just mine (and his) humble opinion...... Back in the mid 80's I shot Police competition. S&W was widely used because of..........wait for it..................................................................shorter lock time. They cylinder cycles faster, as it's hammer travels a shorter distance. Although there were better shooters than I shooting Colts. I own both, neither is necessarily better than the other. |
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I took the plunge, you all twisted my arm and made me do it I bought 2 Pythons 1 used in excellent shape with less than 100 rounds thru it and a 2nd that is a virgin unfired in box with all the paper work to set back in the safe. Both have 6 inch barrels and both are bid to late 80s production.You have been here long enough you know the rules. Pics or it did not happen!
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Was told 25+ years ago by an excellent, knowledgeable, experienced, police department armourer, "S&Ws are made for shooting and Colts are made for collecting." Buy the Colt and keep it NIB. BUT, make sure you still have your S&W to keep you alive when the chips are down!
Just mine (and his) humble opinion...... I think that is true to a large degree. Replacing worn out parts on a Colt revolver and making it work correctly is far more difficult than doing the same on an S&W. |
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I took the plunge, you all twisted my arm and made me do it I bought 2 Pythons 1 used in excellent shape with less than 100 rounds thru it and a 2nd that is a virgin unfired in box with all the paper work to set back in the safe. Both have 6 inch barrels and both are bid to late 80s production.Awesome ! (and in the immortal words of Jeff Spicoli ––- Totally Awesome ! ) I know the NIB is nice, but your shooter sounds like its in excellent shape as well –– hope you enjoy it as much as i like mine 
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The Python is a nice revolver. Owned several over the years. I will say this: DO NOT shoot .357magnum ammo in it. Every one I've owned has been knocked out of time by full power 357 usage. +P 38's and lower are fine. They're usually extremely accurate. The action is a joy to shoot. Just stay away from 357mags. This is my primary complaint about Pythons. They're delicate, and it's not just shooting them that will do it to them either. If you knock the end of the barrel against something, that can do it too. Then the mechanism... whatever crack fiend came up with that ought to be flogged. Beautiful guns, though. |
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Was told 25+ years ago by an excellent, knowledgeable, experienced, police department armourer, "S&Ws are made for shooting and Colts are made for collecting." Buy the Colt and keep it NIB. BUT, make sure you still have your S&W to keep you alive when the chips are down!
Just mine (and his) humble opinion...... Back in the mid 80's I shot Police competition. S&W was widely used because of..........wait for it..................................................................shorter lock time. They cylinder cycles faster, as it's hammer travels a shorter distance. Although there were better shooters than I shooting Colts. I own both, neither is necessarily better than the other. S&W locks up at the front and the rear, plus it has a non stacking DA pull. Cult's lock up only at the rear. As you mentioned, the travel is shorter too. The only real advantage the Cult has is the choke bored 1-14" twist barrel which is optimal for wadcutters. I read something the other day about Cult considering a return to the DA revolver market, possibly with older designs but something entirely new was possible. Maybe they learned previously that hawking overpriced and inferior products won't keep them in the market. Then again, I tend to believe they're only looking at it since they no longer have pretty much exclusive rights to produce the M4 for gov't contracts. |
I've shot TONS of .357 rounds through several Pythons over the years and NEVER had any timing issues with ANY of my Pythons! I don't know what kind of .357 rounds you're shooting but the Python delicacy is a myth. I've owned a 4" nickel Python dated from the mid '60's, and 6" blued from the late '70's, and a 2-1/2" blued snubby Python. All were shot extensively with no issues. My current favorite shooter is a stainless 6" Python and it's been PERFECT no matter what I feed it. I also have the previously pictured '56 but I intentionally keep the rounds through it to a minimum mainly due to it's collectibilty status, and why I bought my shooter stainless gun. I also recently purchased a 3" Combat Python and it will be shooter too. No sense have the best made revolvers ever produced and not shoot them. Like anyfinely tuned machine like a Ferarri or Lamborgini, they are meant to be used, not abused, but maintained. I don't ever abuse any of my guns but do shoot them. Here are a couple pics of my other Pythons.
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I've shot TONS of .357 rounds through several Pythons over the years and NEVER had any timing issues with ANY of my Pythons! I don't know what kind of .357 rounds you're shooting but the Python delicacy is a myth. I've owned a 4" nickel Python dated from the mid '60's, and 6" blued from the late '70's, and a 2-1/2" blued snubby Python. All were shot extensively with no issues. My current favorite shooter is a stainless 6" Python and it's been PERFECT no matter what I feed it. I also have the previously pictured '56 but I intentionally keep the rounds through it to a minimum mainly due to it's collectibilty status, and why I bought my shooter stainless gun. I also recently purchased a 3" Combat Python and it will be shooter too. No sense have the best made revolvers ever produced and not shoot them. Like anyfinely tuned machine like a Ferarri or Lamborgini, they are meant to be used, not abused, but maintained. I don't ever abuse any of my guns but do shoot them. Here are a couple pics of my other Pythons. http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/27018/2543382020010258782S600x600Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/20979/2997518480010258782S600x600Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/23126/2547465050010258782S600x600Q85.jpg WOW! That stainless one is one of my dream guns. If I could only find one... |
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nothing beats a M-28 Have won a lot of hunter sil. with mine. I would not trade mine for any python. just saying.  Ok ok, As stated in my original post I have a 28, but I have since bought a few Pythons and I have to say after shooting a Python their is no comparison. I would indeed trade my model 28 to a fool that was willing to trade me a Python for it being as the Pythons are bringing in on average around $1400 or better depending on condition and I can buy a 28 for $550 all damn day long. The action on the Python is far smoother than my 28 and sorry to say but it will shoot rings around my 28 as well. Just saying
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The Python is a nice revolver. Owned several over the years. I will say this: DO NOT shoot .357magnum ammo in it. Every one I've owned has been knocked out of time by full power 357 usage. +P 38's and lower are fine. They're usually extremely accurate. The action is a joy to shoot. Just stay away from 357mags. Early Pythons did not have these issues. On some later builds their were some issues of shooters experiencing it and IIR most were E range builds. To say that it is a problem across the board is not accurate IMHO. YMMV |
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Ok ok, As stated in my original post I have a 28, but I have since bought a few Pythons and I have to say after shooting a Python their is no comparison. I would indeed trade my model 28 to a fool that was willing to trade me a Python for it being as the Pythons are bringing in on average around $1400 or better depending on condition and I can buy a 28 for $550 all damn day long. The action on the Python is far smoother than my 28 and sorry to say but it will shoot rings around my 28 as well. Just sayingAgree. I am not a well practiced revolver shooter and i can only shoot maybe once a month tops due to other time constraints ––- My 6" nickel Python is the only pistol in my arsenal that will guarantee kills on 4" clay pigeons at 50 yards ––- the accuracy potential makes me feel like a journeyman sometimes, while my Trooper and open sighted Blackhawks make me feel like the King of Fools at that distance
Is a Python worth the cash to everyone? I don't know, probably not, but they are worth it to me––- i consider it one of life's indulgences. I can't swing a million dollar yacht or a vacation home in Fiji, but i can put back the cash to shoot what i want within reason, plus just looking at it puts a smile on my face
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