Colt Python? Color me unimpressed

[trigger945]

[cantdance]

Those early blue Pythons (I have none) and p&r nickel 29s (I have 2 in 6")are things of beauty. I prefer the Smith just because of the caliber. I do however cherish my Colt Deltas and Double Eagle in 10mm and a 1991A1 45.

[AFTII]

See post #19. My brand new 90's era/version didn't make it through a 50rd box of American Eagle before it went out of time.

For sure, Pythons certainly weren't all created equal - especially the 80's and 90's vintage guns. Only relating what I know and what I have heard. My uncle used to shoot a lot of .38 Special (and a lesser percentage of .357 mag loads) through his late 60's era Python. It never went out of time.

FWIW, I saw brand new Ruger Super Redhawk that had its frame tweeked so bad that it's cylinder wouldn't rotate. It also failed before 50 rounds went through it. (It's been a while, but IIRC, it ceased up during its second cylinder. However, I suspect that "remanufactured" ammo may have played a part in its demise.

[tomrkba]

I hate them except for their collector value.

[BigPimping]

Does not seem like a fair comparisim. Your revolver is newer and pimped out.

[Crumbles]

That's a popular misconception as to why someone would drop 3-4 grand on such a gun. I often buy such vintage or rare guns in NIB condition, just to have the chance I didn't get in my youth to enjoy and shoot those guns I dreamed about then, as if I were getting them new now. The cost is irrelevant to me, the condition in order to shoot those particular models just as if I got them new from the factory today means more.

Those who place a value to them in that way that they become exhibit pieces only, or revere the cost as a hurdle, are likely limited by income.

Call them 50 year old virgins if you will, and then I break them in and shoot them no different than any current production gun.

I've always looked at is as being able to afford the luxury of time travel. If i bought a mint-condition Duesenburg Model J, you can bet I would drive it to work as often as I could!

While some of the opinions may reflect sour grapes, I'm sure there are also many people who don't want to shoot these expensive toys for the same reasons that some people don't drive their expensive cars as much as they otherwise might (concerns of visible wear, mileage, etc.). Glad you shoot your "virgins." I do too. I view the wear as pride of ownership, i.e. enjoyment.

[Revoman]

Brad --=--
I will agree with you. While the workmanship and bluing were superb, you don's shoot workmanship and superb, you shoot better action. The Smith & Wesson action is much shorter than the Colt, allowing much less 'hang time' from hammer cock to hammer fall. I hadda mid 70' Python that got shot when new to see how it worked, then safed for 30 + years because my Smiths were better to shoot.
Beauty or shootability, I'll take shootability every time.

[cantdance]

Ask me if I'd trade my unfired, once turned, Magna Classic 29 for your Python.

[Erion929]

The Colt company story and flagship Python model rank with the best of the best in American firearms HISTORY. The development, design, hand fitting, and polishing/bluing are legendary.

So there’s that

There are two different issues here....history and trigger snobbery. Both valid, but distinct, discussion points.

.

[Sky_DiveR]

I still have my E-Nic Python. Don't think anybody would buy it since it has been used. Smooth but it does stack.

IIRC back when I had bought/built my Smythons its cuz the S&W action could be smoothed up and timed better than a Colt and the Python barrel had a better rifling twist than the S&W. I think I even shot more accurately with them.... or it was psychological. Dunno. Still miss my Smythons built by Davis Co. though.

[kurac]

I share your sentiment. I have to admit I was quit disenchanted with the Colt Python after I finally got my hands on one. I will keep it because I only paid $800 for it, but if I bought one like it in today's market, I would probably trade it in for 3 good S&W's

[HUTCH 7.62]

IMO Smith and wesson or go home

[DrewN]

I'd bet there's more like new Python's floating around than shot out ones. Everyone I knew in the day had one, but very few shot the crap out of them. And the Royal Blues really were too nice to carry. No one wanted to scratch one up.

[Citation650]

I've had three. Still have this one.

[Novak77]

IMO Pythons are only popular (read expensive) because of TWD.

Personally I prefer a S&W K,L, or N frame any (and every) day of the week.

^^ This ^^

Thats not to say that I don't like Colt snake guns. I just think they're overpriced.

The S&Ws are a bit more intuitive as far as cylinder release goes IMO and their actions are just as nice, if not nicer.