Python Equivalent?

[utc]

Smith and Wesson and get some action work done to it.

[sealocan]

If only Hi-Point made a revolver.

;-)

come to think of it Rock island armory makes copies of old Colt detective (I think it's called a
M- 200.). I wonder if that has the same "type of action" for the trigger even though it is obviously made in the philippines with cheaper materials being that it's only $300 dollars

cheap options and funny options aside you got some good choices from above.

a smith and wesson from their custom shop or Dan Wesson if you want something new...

and then send it to the best gunsmith you can find.

or wait & strike on a used Colt.

If I were you I would give my last Colt to my Dad, or any other material item I owned, even if I just slightly thought he wanted it.

but I can't because He is gone now.

I'm not judging, preaching or telling you what to do.
that's just what I would do.

[C&Rcollector]

Older smith 686. I've got one from the 80's. Amazing trigger. Amazingly accurate.

Why all the Python hype I've never understood. Yes they are gorgeous and yes they shoot well. But at the margin, comparatively, are they really worth the price as shooters?

+1 my 686 No Dash 4" and 6" will out shooting my early 1970's Python 4" all day. The early No Dash and -1 686's have amazing triggers. I mean amazing!! In my opinion, just as good as the Pythons. Plus, the cost of Smith work is cheaper on the S&Ws.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Python, but I think it's just a status thing to have in the safe. Again, I prefer to shoot my S&Ws.

Please note: The new 686's are a completely different story. Their a pile of Sh%#

[C&Rcollector]

If he can't find a Python in his price range, have him start searching for a S&W Model 27. They were Smith and Wesson's premium revolver for many years. The -2 versions can be found for under $900 without the presentation case and even with all the accessories in unfired condition, they can be found for $1200 or so.

Sometimes they can be found for much less if you get lucky. I got this one last summer for about $850 all in at a LGS.

Wow! Nice pick up Sir.

[Erion929]

I sense you have something in your safe that, if given as a gift, would bring a tear to your dad's eyes. (He has probably made a few larger sacrifices for you along the way)

No guilt...

+1 .......that would be an awesome moment! You'd get it back one day......

[jazman]

+1 .......that would be an awesome moment! You'd get it back one day......

Plus 2! Man, what an awesome Christmas this would be for you both. I would give my '81 E-Nickel to my Dad in a heartbeat if he was still alive and liked it.

[heldebrant]

I think I'll start a mission to pick up some older DWs. Love that 15-2 posted

[RedFord150]

...So what else can be had that shoots (and preferably looks) as good as a factory Python?

Get a GP100 and find a really good Gunsmith to do a trigger job. I did this over 20 years ago and have been very happy.
I care more how a gun feels than how it looks. The Vented Rib on the Python looks really nice, but is not much of a benefit.

[Legasat]

I would say one of these one of the older Dan Wesson's.

[Marquand]

The closest thing to shooting my Colt Python is...shooting my Colt Official Police. The actions are the same so the trigger stacks the same. I have two Official Police revolvers and one has smoothed out over time to the point that it truly does feel like shooting the Python. While it doesn't have the Python's finish it certainly has it's outstanding trigger and heft. You can find Official Police models for one quarter of the price of a Python...but you have to restrict your shooting to .38s only.

Can't speak to the other Colt revolvers of that time period (Lawman, Trooper, etc.) but I'd bet you could find one out there that gives your father a Python-esque experience for a lot less money.

[Go Navy]

I've read a couple of outstandingly positive reviews on the Ruger GP100 Match model. You might check it out. I don't have one and have not fired one, though. It is tempting me, darn it.

Here's a reviewer who calls them as he sees them:

http://www.chuckhawks.com/ruger_match_champion.html

[dfletcher]

The closest thing to shooting my Colt Python is...shooting my Colt Official Police. The actions are the same so the trigger stacks the same. I have two Official Police revolvers and one has smoothed out over time to the point that it truly does feel like shooting the Python. While it doesn't have the Python's finish it certainly has it's outstanding trigger and heft. You can find Official Police models for one quarter of the price of a Python...but you have to restrict your shooting to .38s only.

Can't speak to the other Colt revolvers of that time period (Lawman, Trooper, etc.) but I'd bet you could find one out there that gives your father a Python-esque experience for a lot less money.

The Colt Officers Model Match, the Colt "357" and the old model Trooper all use the same lockwork as the Python. The Python has an advantage because the hammer spur is a bit longer, that and the internal polishing makes the Python feel smoother and easier to cock.

All those pistols, including the OM Match made from 1953 to 1969, are C & R eligible.

If the issue is just accuracy I'll go with the Dan Wesson suggestions. I have an 8" light vent version and it beats my 1980's made 8" Python Target pretty much all the time.

[Barbarosa]

S&W model 19 with target trigger and hammer comes really close. You can probably buy 5 for the price of a beat up Python.

I bought a NIB Trooper MK III a while back that is pretty close too, but not much will match the Python.

[JCMILLER]

I have been pretty happy with my Smith & Wesson 27 TRR8 from the Performance Center.

[Canadadry]

S&W model 19 with target trigger and hammer comes really close. You can probably buy 5 for the price of a beat up Python.

I bought a NIB Trooper MK III a while back that is pretty close too, but not much will match the Python.

A beat up Python is still a Python.