Python Equivalent?

[Renegade1]

Buy a Python online and have it sent to an FFL that does single action exemption. If you're near Huntington Beach we can do it at Headhunters Firearms.

Will SAE go away along with SSE?

[coachrv]

Consider a Smith & Wesson 686+ pro series. It shoots extremely well and is on the roster.

[alex45auto]

Love my Pythons and the rest of my Colt revolvers, but there is a reason why I have a lot more S&W revolvers. S&Ws are my workhorses while my Colts are trophies. And yes, I do gunsmithing on both....

[drdanno84]

Pythons, the "gold standard" of revolvers!

[Spyder]

Dan Wesson Model 15-2

This. I absolutely LOVE mine. I sold both my 2.5" and 6" Pythons, and my 686+, and plan on keeping this thing forever.

[trashman]

The closest thing to shooting my Colt Python is...shooting my Colt Official Police.

Ding ding ding....this is the correct answer. The Python was the "heavy barreled target version" of the Colt .357; which had a slightly down-market brother, the Colt Trooper. Along withe the Colt Official Police, they all share the same action.

The Python "look"...is well, only found on the Python. It is a completely iconic look. Some of the later Dan Wesson guns came close but that's about it. (And I'm a S&W guy...)

--Neill

[The Gleam]

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

As far as reasonable goes, and available, without a doubt, a Smith 586 or 686. Both have excellent triggers and a full underlug as does the Python. Get something warmed over from Lew Horton or the S&W Performance Center and it's just that much more refined.

If you can find a "Smolt" - even better; essentially a Model 19 frame fitted with a Colt Python barrel. They come up from time to time, even here on Calguns.

Older Colt Troopers and Lawmen guns will do a fine Python impersonation as they were predecessors.

Dan Wessons are quite close as well with their underlug design, sturdy builds, and interchangeable barrels.

I like model S&W 27s but they are not as direct a comparison to a Python, as the N frame is much chunkier and the barrels are not full underlug.

I would like to get my hands on the new Ruger GP-100 Match Champion - Turners was taking pre-orders on it in early November. Sturdy, 3-locking points, recessed barrel crown, target sights and trigger - sounds rather well made. I will probably buy one in the coming year.

[Garand1911]

I dont know why people are so hot and bothered over Pythons, they act like they are anointed with the jizz of Sam Colt, and are willing to pay way over $2000.
They are beautiful guns, and i fell in love with them as a youngin myself. But the smarter move is get a S&W 686 and have it tuned up. You will have a better, stronger gun, just as accurate, and cost less.
ive shot PPC revolvers that shoot better than Pythons and cost less.

Colt revolvers are a bit delicate with their internal parts, dont break any parts, cuz finding and fixing it will be a ***** and expensive.

[Excitable Boy]

I love my GP-100 and really appreciate S&W revolvers, but one day, I really want to own a 6" Royal Blue Python. To me, there is no substitute.

[beerman]

Pythons are the coolest looking Revolver of them all...But there are a lot of guns as, or more accurate. Folks have mentioned the S&W models 19, 27 and 581...But don't forget about the Pythons little brother the Trooper! I've owned several,theyre every bit as accurate..When you'll only notice the Pythons superiority when you shoot it double action.

[marengo626]

As mentioned earlier, you cannot go wrong with a Smith 586 and Colt Trooper, I have both and they are a joy to shoot, especially the 586, probably the best DA trigger out of my revolvers while the Trooper does feel a bit heavier in terms of pull for DA in my experience, but has a fantastic SA. Regardless, I have to admit, once I pulled the Python's trigger, it's just like glass and I don't believe I felt that same feeling on other revolvers. I do have a Python listed for sale, if you're in the area PM me if you're interested.

[Sunday]

S@W performance revolver.

[Sunday]

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.

No other Colt is like the Python if that is what is desired.