What Is So Special About The Colt Python ?

[DoubleAction]

Why it shoots so smooth and accurate ?


The Python has exceeded the industry standards since it's introduction in 1955, with a left hand barrel twist of 6 rifling grooves, as opposed to 5 for most others, and a twist rate of 1 in 14 inches, as opposed to the industry standard of 1 in 18 3/4 inches.

The barrel also has an inner surface that is polished to a mirrored smoothness like no other revolver manufacturer.

Another noted feature of the barrel is the bore diameter that tapers by 1/1000 of an inch toward the muzzle, forcing the bullet deeper into the rifling.

The action of the Python has at least six individual hand polishing and honing steps performed. The trigger stroke and hammer fall are longer than those of the S&W, Ruger, Taurus, or Dan Wesson, which some may feel is bad, but in fact, it's good because the longer hammer fall provides a harder strike on the frame mounted firing pin. With a lighter trigger action, this longer hammer fall, provides a more reliable primer ignition, while providing the Python with a positive trigger return, from shot to shot.


Assisting in the cylinder lockup is the "Second Hand", which rises under the first hand, locking the cylinder motionless in place at the moment of the shot.

]

Can anyone name anymore features of The Python ?

[yeti]

Can anyone name anymore features of The Python ?

Just look at that blue /{insert drooling smiley}/ Just looooooooook at it.

[DoubleAction]

Just look at that blue

Colt's Polished Royal Blue Finished

[WhiteTiger]

The python also introduced the full underlug barrel, which is an advantage in several ways to improved accuracy, particularly for follow up shots. Not only is the barrel more rigid (and it's mounting to the frame likewise), but the underlug permits more front weight for stability in a standard length package.



Tiger

[Loosedhorse]

I understand what you're saying, DA. Them's sure are pretty!

But, to be the cretan here, in a world of Smith pre-Model 27s and (old) Dan Wesson Model 15 V pistol kits--why spend that much money on a .357? For the funny pony?

Of course, if you just want to go $$$ crazy, why not get an engraved one, or a Korth, and be done with it.

(If you think my comments above have to do with sour grapes because I never managed to buy a Python, well, it would be impolite of me to say you're wrong. )

[DoubleAction]

Loosedhorse;

From the very beginning, Smith & Wesson understood the importance of building a Combat Revolver of superior strength to handle the energy of the .357 magnum. The introduction of the Registered .357 Magnum on the S&W N Frame, in 1935, remains a landmark in handgun history. The S&W Model 27 picked up where the Registered 357 magnum left off with it's designation Model Number. From today's standards of modern handguns, those features of the Model 27 would not be found in a production grade handgun.

My S&W Model 27-2 / .357 Magnum / 4" Barrel





The Was First Time I Fired This Revolver

Last night I went through the gun, it's bore, cylinder, and trigger one last time before packing it for the range; The last thing I did was test the trigger with pull weights. After going through the weights on the trigger, I found the Double Action stroke to pull through in one single non-stacking 7 1/4 lbs. I went over and over with the weights to make sure this was right, and it turned out to be correct. The Python's factory trigger stroke stacks at about 8 lbs toward the end, and the Weigand Action pulls through at a little less than 8 lbs. I found myself realizing that what I was looking at was Smith & Wesson's Flagship of the .357 magnums, the successor to the Registered .357 magnum Revolver. The checkered top strap and high gloss blued finish only told me of the asthetics of the gun. To proceed, from my jaw hanging ramblings, I packed it up in a rug and went to bed.
The next morning my brother arrived with two Weigand, and one Performance Center Smith & Wesson revolvers. I took him to the back and showed him the pull weight on the Double Action Stroke; He was surprised also.
Range Time; After shooting everything else, it was time to shoot the 27. I took out the 27 and handed it to my brother, who had been shooting the double action revolvers for over an hour. I looked as his shot placements impacted with groups to within 1/2 to no more than 1 inch on the average, with many hits touching. This was without a bench rest at 17 yards, with a man in his fifties wearing bi-focals.
I often heard that the 27 will recoil alot harder than some other revolvers; That might be dependant upon the ammunition, because I found this revolver to be very smooth, which I'll ramble about later.
I had put on a set of open backstrap rubber Hogues for the range, providing me with the grip I prefer. First time I squeezed the trigger, I felt a smoothness like no other revolver I have ever encountered except for my Python. I had a strong feeling that this was to be the gun that would give the Python a run for it's money, especially with it's shorter trigger stroke. Shooting 5 inch targets at 15 yards was pure child's play with this holy grail of double action revolvers; The trigger was so smooth and light, I often caught myself almost double tapping shots out. Not once did I have to adjust the sights for point of aim impact; I did try to bench rest it for 25 yds, but the bench and chair did not match up very well with height. No bad though; I was having the time of my life with the double action trigger and overall smoothness of the gun. This is a revolver that breathes "Shoot Me Alot", and it won't make one ashamed of where the bullets hit. If the bullets miss the ten ring, it's because of the shooter.
My recommendations for this Revolver is to get one before the price goes up, as it did with the Python. For the price,nothing will be as good or closer to Colt's Python, as the S&W Model 27-2. The big difference between the two guns are frame sizes, lockwork, barrels, and other obvious differences. What you will get is a very proficient, expertly crafted, double action .357 magnum revolver which will make your shooting pleasure overwhelming during many years to come. These Model 27s are very strong N-Frame revolvers, and manufactured during a time when skilled fitters took part in their production. Even with factory reloads, they perform with flawless grace.
One other thing on the trigger; This Model 27 is a pure thorough bred Double Action Revolver, no matter how high or low you get on the backstrap, it continues to function smoothly in recoil and accuracy. I wish I could have the Python's barrel on a 27.

[DoubleAction]

The python also introduced the full underlug barrel, which is an advantage in several ways to improved accuracy, particularly for follow up shots. Not only is the barrel more rigid (and it's mounting to the frame likewise), but the underlug permits more front weight for stability in a standard length package.

That's Right WhiteTiger; There was many who referred to the Python as a PPC shooter right from the box.

[Loosedhorse]

Okay, now.

When you posted the pics of the Colts, I sure did admire them, in a kind of detached, intellectual, collector-type of way.

But when you posted the pic of the Smith, I wanted to sidle up and ask it if I could buy it a drink!

To each his own. I can admire the Colts--but they don't make my heart skip a beat like that Smith does. GREAT pistol! Wow.

This is a revolver that breathes "Shoot Me Alot"

And I speak the language!

[DoubleAction]

Loosedhorse; I remember when was I kid, my eyes would drool at the sight of the duty revolvers of the police. They had nickel 27s with stag grips and just stock blue steel 27s, with the S&W N-Frame magnum grips.

This one, which caught me off guard during '82; was the L-Frame 586. I eyes was drawn like a magnet to this revolver, as I entered the shop one day.

Out of a whole glass case of blue steel revolvers, my eyes focused on this one.

Eagle Grips

[james_bond]

I read an entry in a firearm book that said the Python is like the BWM of revolvers, if you have shot a Python or driven a BMW you understand. My dad agreed his uncle had one and he got to shoot it a lot.

[def4pos8]

A buddy of mine loved his Python until he fired my well-used Redhawk. He was truly, well, upset that my (at the time, '85) $350 Redhawk felt better and out-shot his $750 Python.

I admire the Python as a high-end revolver that incorporated some innovative features for its time but, please, don't try to tell me that a slow lock time somehow helps accuracy.

[WhiteTiger]

For a steady handed shooter, slow lock time is an advantage for the simple reason that the disruptive impulse of the hammer drop is milder since it's spread out over time.

"Equal and opposite reaction" holds true even in so small a thing as the response of the revolver to the energy required to drop the hammer.

Of course, it's not a one size fits all situation. For those who aren't rock steady during single action fire a faster hammer fall can be an advantage since the POA has less time to wander between trigger pull and firing.



Tiger

[DoubleAction]

The fall of the hammer is best part of the shot, followed by bullet's exit from the barrel. The Python is the through bred of Combat Double Action Revolvers, everything about the piece reminds me of a precision crafted instrument.

White Tiger mention the full underlug of barrel that is more rigid. There's something else; the tapering of the bore helps to reduce muzzle flip, as the bullet grabs into the rifling one last time before leaving the barrel. If the powder is right, your muzzle flash also be will minimal. With the perfect Python, timing is everything. You can actually feel the bullet pulling toward the end of the barrel as it leaves; that's how smooth it is. This not only prevent muzzle flip, it also improves accuracy as is everything about the bore.

To Fire this Revolver in Single Action, your might as well save your money for a Single Action.

[bakert]

Everyone I know personally that owns a Python(s), keeps it in it's original box for show and tell.
They mostly shoot Smith & Wessons.

[DoubleAction]

Everyone I know personally that owns a Python(s), keeps it in it's original box for show and tell.
They mostly shoot Smith & Wessons.

bakert; This is my "Show & Tell" Most of people outside of my gun room is at the shooting range, and I don't have a time to do a run down as to why I like the Python or whatever. It's all done for my friends on the Internet.

I have no vices about shooting my firearms,,,perhaps only one

The last time I showed this revolver to a friend, he cocked the hammer; no more.

[pmeisel]

Everyone I know personally that owns a Python(s), keeps it in it's original box for show and tell.
They mostly shoot Smith & Wessons.

Well, if we meet up, you'll see me mostly shooting the Python. I take out my Smith 2 or 3 times a year, the Python is the work horse.

[DoubleAction]

About 15 years ago I decided to look through my many periodicals and articles about the Python and as Colt's most desired sought after double action revolver in America.I was intent to show and tell that the Python was not just thing about aesthetics and expression of the beauty.

The Python me taught a lot about how to time my shots with the front sight, the rotation of the cylinder, and the compression of the v-spring to set up my shot. Python also taught me how to have respect the four inch revolvers, over that my of the six inch six shooters, in that it was a lot easier to carry. The four inch Python became my perfect balance for a all round working class revolver.

During my research on the Python, which lead me to a lot people on the subject, those included the writings of Massad Ayoob, John Taffin, R.L. Wilson, and several others.What didn't already for myself, they help to substantiate the facts.

It was during this time that I learned about the two stage double action trigger on the Python and what few men was successful a bringing about a single stage non-stacking pull. First there was Fred Sadowski, and soon was soon to follow, was Reeves Jungkind and Jerry Moran. I have read that Reeves Junking was capable of performing single throw non-stacking double action jobs with no more 5 lbs of pull weight. That is making the best of the Python's long hammer fall.

My timing was already a place of history for seeking such in the Python, as choice of single stage shooters; however, I still had my the Smith & Wesson's

Enter my Weigand Combat Custom S&W 629, 3" barrel, 44 magnum; This revolver would become my carry piece of choice. The double action trigger on this revolver was single single throw non-stacking, butter smooth 7 3/4" lb. pull. I couldn't set up my shots with the rotation cylinder and locking lugs; it was that smooth. It didn't take long for me to see the difference and I was having a good time; that is, until the cylinder face starting fouling up. This was a defensive combat revolver, which meant tolerances to fit around the forcing cone of the barrel to has be tighter in the breech area around the cylinder face. No sweat; after 50 rds, practice sessions was over for that piece.

The only company I know, that currently works on the Python is Bill Laughridge's company Cylinder-Slide; I heard that prefer the The Two Stage actions on their action jobs.

http://www.cylinder-slide.com/python.shtml

[yeti]

The four inch Python became my perfect balance for a all round working class revolver.

I never thought of the Python as working class, in any barrel length. Seems like saying the unfortunate Miss California looks ok.

[DoubleAction]

The Python and unlike the duty pistols we see on the duty belts of police officers today.

Just like most tools of the trade; Most made from Steel.

Just another form of terminology.

[hemiram]

I had my Python for about 3 years, and I liked it a lot, but I never really got into it all that much. I sold it when I needed some cash, and to be honest, I never missed it a day, unlike when I sold my last of 3 Dan Wesson model 15-2's. I found one of those three on Gunbroker a few years ago, but I didn't win it. Worked out ok, as I ended up winning a near perfect 715 about a week later.

[jetman]

I've owned several Pythons over the years and still do.... and after shooting Pythons, I don't even OWN a Smith & Wesson, let alone shoot one.

My '56 vintage 3-digit s/n Python




and my Stainless 6" favorite shooter

[Sunray]

"...individual hand polishing and honing steps performed..." All of which was done in the factory by highly experienced smithies. That's why they were far more expensive than any other .357 revolver.

[Ash]

Smiths, smiths! The smithy is the shop itself.

I don't have a Python, but do have a Trooper Mk III. I ended up liking it more than my Combat Masterpiece.

I, for one, don't care for the full underlug. The partial lug of the Trooper locks the barrel equally securely (more so, because there is less barrel weight forward to work against the lug) as the Python. I like Pythons okay, but am so satisfied with my Trooper (no, I'm not saying its better) that I could see no reason to buy the Python.

[TEDDY]

never had one but they are pretty.problem is not enuf bought them.and now there gone.I do like my mod 10 bull S&W with Bomar rib.the trigger is great and its accurate.colts best wass the 1911 and the pocket auto.I have both.
colt could have locked the market with the 1911 and pocket.but they would not do what was needed.a double stack and ejection port lowered.and tiighten the slide for the commercial market.also make a long slide.

[TEDDY]

never had one but they are pretty.problem is not enuf bought them.and now there gone.I do like my mod 10 bull S&W with Bomar rib.the trigger is great and its accurate.colts best was the 1911 and the pocket auto.I have both.
colt could have locked the market with the 1911 and pocket.but they would not do what was needed.a double stack and ejection port lowered.and tighten the slide for the commercial market.also make a long slide.