What's so great about Pythons?

[scottj]

Ok, I was thinking my small collection of semi-auto hand guns is kind of sterile and what I really "need" is a revolver to round out the collection. After looking in some old threads, I keep seeing the Colt Python described like a demi-god. So what is so great about Pythons and the other Colt snake guns? I admit they do look cool, although I'm not sure what it is about them.

[savasyn]

I kinda wonder the same thing, and I own one!! It's a 4" Royal Blue from 1974 and it certainly looks fantastic. I'm not a fan of the double action pull, though. Compared to my Smith and even a '54 Colt Official Police, the Python's DA pull is heavier and awkward. However, the single action release is 2nd to none. You think "now" and it has fired.

My overall experience of it is that it is a beautiful art piece that really isn't that much fun to shoot. Partially due to the DA trigger and partially due to the drop in value with every shot fired. If you are looking for something that is part of a "collection"(which is why I got one) then it's perfect, but if you are looking for something to shoot regularly, I'd suggest any one of the classic Smiths instead.

[BamBam-31]

Back in the day, Colt's Python bluing set the standard. The metal was polished to a mirror finish, the bluing was deep and gorgeous. Add to that the Python's sexy lines (best looking revolver, IMHO), slick action, and super accurate barrel, and you have a revolver other revolvers are measured up against.

Here's a thread on THR about the Python: http://thehighroad.org/showthread.ph...=python+barrel

[dfletcher]

I can't speak to the Anaconda, but I have (and have had) OM Troopers, Officers Models, Cobra, Diamondback & Pythons & New Service revolvers. In general - and with the Python and Old Model Trooper specifically - the action is very smooth and takes less effort to cock than shorter action revolvers like the Smith & Wesson. That's not a knock on S & Ws, their actions are I think crisper & quicker than the Colt. The price paid on the Colt's smooth action is that it's much longer and the pressure tends to stack as the trigger is worked in DA mode.

The OM Trooper and Python also have a fairly pronounced hammer spur, this gives good leverage when cocking by hand and, combined with the smooth long action, gives the perception of a very light, refined action.

On the down side, long action means a longer hammer fall & I suppose that can diminish accuracy for some. And clearly the single action trigger pull on the Smith is better than any Colt.

And of course the Python blued finish is very nice. That & the rib is probably why people like the Python so much. Personally, I like the OM Trooper or their original "357" model. Same action, no heavy barrel.

[Miltiades]

My opinion

I've owned a blued Python with 6 inch barrel for about 8 years, and shoot it every once in awhile. I also own other .357 guns from Ruger and S&W. The Python seems like an exceptional gun to me, and its strong points include:

1. Very nice finish - lots of hand polishing evident, with a beautiful blue job.
2. Excellent trigger feel, compared to any other revolver I have shot.
3. Attractive design, at least to my eye.
4. Great accuracy - I can shoot it better than most other guns.
5. Increasing rarity - out of production and supply is limited.
6. Reputation - most gun people think very highly of it.

I wish I could afford more of them, but the price has gone pretty high. Mine cost $630 in 1999. I bought it from a dealer in Connecticut just before the "CA Handgun Safety List" became law.

[redcliff]

Pythons rule because their fit and finish and styling is unmatched by any other US revolver. Unfortunately this craftmanship brought a high price so they're out of production.

A well-tuned Python action is one of the smoothest double-action pulls in the world. It actually stacks less than a S&W type action due to the design although it's not as robust either.

I own over a dozen S&W's (j,k,l,n) and used to compete in revolver class with a Model 25, and I like them all very much, but my three Pythons are my favorites.

Any handgun collection would benefit from the inclusion of a Python.

[Wyatt]

A well-tuned Python action is one of the smoothest double-action pulls in the world.
Any handgun collection would benefit from the inclusion of a Python.

You have to try one to really appreciate it. Downside is maintenance, they do require a bit more than a Ruger or Smith&Wesson.

[yellowfin]

I wish they'd put out more .41 Mag Pythons. I saw a couple on GB for mega $...but if I had the money I'd have bought one.

[trashman]

I wish they'd put out more .41 Mag Pythons.

Just goes to show you learn something new on this site every day -- I had no idea that Pythons ever came in anything but .357 Magnum.

Hmmm.........must add to wish list.

--Neill

[jazman]

Colt never made a .41 Python. There have been some jury rigged up by gunsmiths, you hear stories about them every once in a while. They did make .38 Pythons, they are 8 inch barrel target models.
They are the Mercedes of revolvers, with a fit and finish no other gun has. I think they have the sweetest trigger of all revolvers, and due in part to the tapered barrel they are very accurate. The stories about them going out of tune, etc, are just that, stories. Super guns, try one and you will want one. One downside is very few smiths are qualified to work on them; very complicated actions. The best one I have heard of is Grant Cunningham, up outside of Portland, OR. He is so busy he closed his waiting list last November and has yet to open it, by my calculations he is still about 7 months behind.

[dfletcher]

The only weak point (and it's a bit of a stretch calling it a weak point) is that the hand, being a two tiered type, can tend to wear causing the cylinder to be a bit lazy. But that's a trait shared by all the older Colts. I have a few 1917 types and they're still sound after about 90 years of use.

[chickenfried]

They're really really really shiny.

[bwiese]

The blued Pythons have the greatest blueing ever. The "royal" blue has a deep, semi-transparent shine.

The blueing on the blued Colt King Cobras is pretty damned nice too.
I jumped on a used blued KC when I saw one.

[308fan]

Smoooooth....

[MidnightSon117]

I got a chance to dry fire a Grizzly (kinda like a Trooper, from what I understand) just last week, and you can really feel the difference between that and the Python. Both in single and double.

I kinda took the trigger for granted on the Python, since it is what I first learned on. Having learned since then what other actions feel like, I really enjoy firing the Python even more.