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Joined: Aug 2006
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Remember, this is the same action found on 1917 military revolvers, which served quite well in two World Wars, and many other conflicts; this isn't a "delicate" action.
The lockwork might be the same design, but the parts in the New Service are larger and have correspondingly larger wear surfaces which would account for your having seen fewer out of time 1917's. I don't consider the Python "delicate," but I do believe that they are less durable than their S&W counterparts and are more likely to go out of time with high volume shooting.
Last edited by Oregon45; 08/26/11.
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Joined: Jan 2011
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I think one has to compare like for like-- When it came out the Python was Colt's large frame double action revolver. Compared to Smith & Wesson's large frame revolver (the legendary, built like a tank, N frame) the Python wasn't as robust, and according to the anecdotists amongst us, they did seem to see more repairs than a Model 27 or 28 Smith. My personal experience was that S&W's held their timing better the Colts, and for that reason alone I would rate them superior to the Python.
Life is hard. It's even harder when you're stupid. --John Wayne
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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The only out of time Smith I have seen was an N frame...out of time Smiths and out of time Colts are two different beasts; an out of time Smith has a serious, expensive disease and generally caused by the user/abuser (as are most things). No doubt the fix for honest use in either is going to be harder for a Colt.
But I've also never considered an N frame Smith "built like a tank"; revolver smiths have fixed stretched cranes on them forever.
What makes Smiths more attractive is you can essentially rebuild the guts easily, if needed.
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My S&W Model 28 Highway Patrolman or my S&W model 27 fill the niche for me. I have a Colt Python too but for some reason the accuracy comes up short against my Smiths. the Python grip is a bit uncomfortable to me also. Nicest blue job ever on that Python though, doesn't shoot that great for me. YMMV
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Joined: Aug 2003
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Yep... so by your definition; the Python is "delicate". I just think your definition is wrong. So if my Ford will go 50k miles before a tune up, and someone's Chevy only goes 35k before a tun up, the Chevy is "delicate". When I think of the word "delicate", I think about something that breaks, not a wear item. Python's dont break any more than a S&W does. Remember, this is the same action found on 1917 military revolvers, which served quite well in two World Wars, and many other conflicts; this isn't a "delicate" action. It's obvious that none of the people who disagree with your definition of delicate has ever owned a Ferrari or a Porsche. 
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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a few years ago i was commenting to a friend i wanted a smython.
So he had one built. Took a model 19 frame, had it tuned, and had a colt python barrel screwed on it. Then it was sent back to fords for refinishing. The day it was taken to the range, a rather well known gun writer, lots of N.R.A. articles from that guy, got a chance to shoot it, and it went home with him.
The only issue is have with the 27/28 is they are bulky and heavy. But will take a lot of punishment.
The 19's are much better in the carry department, but not really designed with the idea of heavy and continuous 357 loads.
I have a number of 19's new in the box that have never been fired, and probably never will at least by me. I like that model of revolver. But i have progressed to those shooting the .4 caliber more. I would much rather have a .41magnum, .44 magnum, or .45colt than a .357
THE BIRTH PLACE OF GERONIMO
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Joined: Oct 2004
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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I don't consider the Python "delicate," but I do believe that they are less durable than their S&W counterparts and are more likely to go out of time with high volume shooting. Well the hand is designed to wear and be replaced periodically, but that's by design. For any other part, I don't see Python's needing repair any more than a S&W. And yeah, the Colt's will go out of time sooner than a S&W, but again, it's a design difference. The Colt's are typically more accurate than S&W's, most certainly so in the case of the Python, and that's what you get from the Colt's design. I personally don't think the difference is worth it, and I remain a dedicated S&W guy to the end, even though I have a great deal of respect for the Colt's Python. Yeah, a Python is more accurate than just about any S&W, but not so much more accurate that it really makes much of a difference. Mostly, I'm just so used to the DA trigger feel of a S&W that I just don't find myself happy with the Python. Now, the Colt's Trooper Mk III is an action that is really easy to tune and the end result is a very S&W like trigger action; I really like the Trooper Mk III. Just a touch bigger than a S&W 19 and just as strong as a 27/28.
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![[Linked Image]](http://onfinite.com/libraries/1698532/cb6.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://onfinite.com/libraries/1698533/95b.jpg) Speed Six 2 3/4 in 357 mag .this gun has had extensive trigger and action work done ..very smooth its grips are factory rubber Ruger grips I've been looking through this post...they are some amazing looking revolvers...It really shows you the versatility of the great 357 mag....from J frames to single actions....self defense to hunting side arms...my self i usually keep a few 357 mag revolvers in my safe..even a 16in barreled levergun in 357 mag... I look at the 357Mag as the top revolver cartridge for self defense... and in a carbine the 357mag is a Whitetail getter..and a great self defense choice in a 16in barreled lightweight fast handling levergun.. As for the finest 357 mag ..made..it all is determined what the attended use of the firearm is ...S&W ,Colt..and my favorite Ruger 'Six" models they are all fine firearms...it just depends on the ,what the owners use is .... I like Rugers because they seem well built...and the "Six" series ,( Police Six ,Security Six ,and Speed Six) are built on a frame size similar to the S&W K frame which is a handy size of revolver especially with the 357 mag..
Last edited by Buckeye; 08/27/11.
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![[Linked Image]](http://onfinite.com/libraries/1517755/58e.jpg) This is a picture of my Ruger Blackhawk 50th Anniversary in 357 mag..a great Mid Sized single action...a great hunting companion...
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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![[Linked Image]](http://onfinite.com/libraries/1516204/382.jpg) This is a picture of my Police Six in 357 Mag.. 4 in barrel and this gun as also has had action and trigger work done on it ..it is very smooth another great carry option for defensive carry...
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Campfire Outfitter
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I am very wheel gun ignorant, but I lovd my Smith and Wesson 686.
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I'd take a Pythong just because I could change out the fireing pin if needed.
Bob
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Joined: Nov 2010
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2010
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The finest ones that have ever been made are probably the Registered Magnums of the '30's. The last one I saw was $4200  If one defines "modern day" as current production, S&W is still building 27's out of the Performance Center, and an 8 shot version in the N frame. S&W has excellent quality control, but pesky design decisions, like the silly lock. The smaller K, L, and J frames .357's all fill a niche, depending on what you're doing. Freedom Arms very likely has the highest precision of anybody today, but it's a single action, which doesn't work for me, for anything that might shoot back. I also prefer handgun calibers that begine with "4", but if I was buying a .357 today, I'd probably look at an early 50's N frame, with 5" barrel, which is smooth, strong, and great handling. Early Pythons are also something special, but if I bought one it would be for general use, plinking, snakes, etc. I would not shoot anything heavier than current factory loads in it. About 20 years ago S&W did run some 627's with 6 shot unfluted cylinders and full lug barrels. That's probably the strongest (and heaviest!) .357 revolver out there. I'm not sure today I'd shoot any Keith-equivalent loads in a .357, no matter how beefy the gun. Tex, I was going to chime in, but you made most of my points. I would agree that the "finest" .357 and one of the most expensive, even including the Korth, would be a mint condition Registured Magnum in the box. I have a Freedom Arms and they are very tight and well made. Also have a Python and they, too are well made guns. When someone starts talking "finest", he needs to bring his checkbook. DF
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Joined: Dec 2002
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Campfire Ranger
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Well, after posting that, I scored one of those '50's N frames with 5" barrel - a 5 screw "pre 27". It has a little finish wear, so I see it as a knock-around the deer lease gun. The price was pretty reasonable, I think. I have a 5" 629 full lug barrel, but this one will weigh a bit less.  I'm supposed to pick it up tomorrow.
"...the designer of the .270 Ingwe cartridge!..."
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Campfire Outfitter
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I generally like my Colts better than my smiths, but I do like my S&W29-4 and my K-22 as much as I like my Colts.
And there are people who know more than I do about it, that REALLY like Smiths.
Still, I love Colts.
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. -Ernest Hemingway
The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.-- Edward John Phelps
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...if you go to the "Hunters Campfire" forum and find the thread "ABC's of bra size" you can see some pictures of one of these I think.....  --sorry, it was just too good of a set up. 
The blindness from subjectivity is indistinguishable from the darkness of ignorance.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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have had 2 Pythons and one 586, all in 6 inch barrel, which to my mind is the best barrel length for those as to balance, sight radius etc. Have also had 6 inch and 4 inch Sec. Six
my 586 was in too good of shape to let it go for what I got for it, wish I still had it, though I don't now why, have moved on from .357's
guess it would be a good companion piece to the trapper in .357 that my 13 year old dotes upon.
I have a hard time gettin past the wart on S&W's, but believe in these days I too would give the nod to their 8 shot version.
I'm pretty certain when we sing our anthem and mention the land of the free, the original intent didn't mean cell phones, food stamps and birth control.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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speaking of Smiths, wonder whatever happened to General Stuart?
he used to post here and that dude had some serious S&W porn
a really beautiful and extensive collection
I'm pretty certain when we sing our anthem and mention the land of the free, the original intent didn't mean cell phones, food stamps and birth control.
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Joined: Nov 2010
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Posts: 37,219 Likes: 9 |
Well, after posting that, I scored one of those '50's N frames with 5" barrel - a 5 screw "pre 27". It has a little finish wear, so I see it as a knock-around the deer lease gun. The price was pretty reasonable, I think. I have a 5" 629 full lug barrel, but this one will weigh a bit less. I'm supposed to pick it up tomorrow. Just to show that a blind hog occasionally finds an acorn, a good friend, now living in Louisiana, raised in New York City, picked up a pre-model 28, 5 screw, 4" S&W, early '50's vintage N frame in great shape for a little over $300. He just liked the gun, but didn't know what he had. His eyes lit up as I educated him and showed him what the Blue Book said about his gun. Now, that he knows what vintage 5 screw S&W's are all about, he's on the hunt for more. DF
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![[Linked Image]](http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y196/tlfw/IMG_0784-1.jpg) I like my 686 more than my Python...however, the Python sees more trips to the ranch.
The land of the free because of the brave.
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