Hope I don't get beaten up for asking this question.

[Hawkencougar2]

Semi auto pistol manufacturers have top of the line models - match grade models, customs, etc......

Now I have had multiple revolvers, S&W 586, 686, Ruger SRH 44, Vaquero... now I am looking for that perfect revolver. The one that might cost a bit right now but who cares, lets call it one of my fortunes that I can leave to my kids. I do this research and I keep finding the Colt Python as the top/finest revolver ever produced. Before I am beaten I want to tell you what I read. Supposedly its more than just cosmetic its also a fine tuned polished action, a tapered barrel ( they put this barrel on other guns in limited numbers because is was so good), a cylinder that locks up upon pull of the trigger. Now I also read that when this gun gets out of time it starts squirting lead out the side of the gun.

My questions for you experts:
1. Is the Python the best revolver ever?
2. Is there another manufacturer producing revolvers better than the Python?
3. Is there custom shops doing this if the manufacturers are not?

Who is producing the Next top Python style gun?

Oh, I really like my Ruger Vaquero.

 

[41 nut]

The Python is a finely tuned revolver that is a joy to shoot as long as you limit your shooting to mild target loads. The action is a relativly weak one and will not stay in time or fine tunned long if you use heavy or normal 357 loads in it. I had one once and about every other time I took it out shooting it had to be retimmed. Yes they will spit lead when they come out of tune. A S&W model 27 would be a better choice.

 

[Snake45]

The Python is a finely tuned revolver that is a joy to shoot as long as you limit your shooting to mild target loads. The action is a relativly weak one and will not stay in time or fine tunned long if you use heavy or normal 357 loads in it. I had one once and about every other time I took it out shooting it had to be retimmed. Yes they will spit lead when they come out of tune. A S&W model 27 would be a better choice.

Good post.

My 6" Python is probably the most accurate handgun I've ever shot, but it's only ever been shot with mild wadcutters. It's a thing of beauty and a joy to own.

I also have a very used 4" that apparently saw some number of mag loads before I bought it. It's not bad but it's no more smooth or accurate than a typical S&W (not that that's a BAD thing).

Do you plan to shoot it? If so, do you have large hands? The grip frame of a Python is actually bigger than that of an N frame Smith. Not bad if shooting single action but you need a big hand to shoot it DA well.

Pythons are great. But if the truth were known, for actual shooting, I prefer Smiths.

 

[Ia.redneck]

My answer would be Freedom Arms. More money up front but you get what you pay for. I've been shootin handguns since 75 and have had Dan Wessons, Colt Pythons, K,L,N frame Smiths, all good guns. The FA 83 shoots little groups with nearly everything you stuff in it. Sure makes load development easier.

 

[Sugar River]

+1

For guns in production today, you can't beat Freedom Arms. Find one to look at, it's a piece of jewelry!

Pete

 

[Cholo]

I like all my older Rugers, S&W's and Colts. If looking for a new factory revolver that has it all? Freedom Arms and USFA's SA's. I don't own either but know enough about them to know that real craftsmanship is far from dead.

41 nut, sorry you have timing issues with your Python. I've read this so many times I believe there's some truth to it. Several 1,000 rounds thru my '79 blue 6", many of them mid range though, and no issues at all. Lucky I guess...

The one that got away: I was in college in '76 and a co-worker was selling his hardly used 4" blue Python for $150. No funds

 

[Ale-8(1)]

I have known of several Pythons owned by friends. Those that were carefully handled and fired with .38 Special loads were OK. Those that were dealt a steady heavy diet of full-bore .357 Magnum ammo did not fare as well, getting "sloppy" and requiring attention.

Considering the apparent delicacy of these beautiful guns, I could never see the sense in spending the extra money for a gun I was afraid to shoot as I wished.

I consider them a pretty .38 Special, but not a true .357 Magnum.

JMHO YMMV

 

[mcknight77]

I have only one Python to judge against. It's a custom shop 6", nickel plated, with Elliason sights. I've owned it since new in 1981.

It has digested several thousand of its favorite load. 14.0 gr of H110 behind a Lyman 358429 that weighs 168gr cast from wheelweight lead and heat treated. It chronographs at 1220 fps. I've shot lots of three inch 100 yard groups with it over a sandbagged rest, back before I had to start wearing glasses.

It's never been out of time, nor has it loosened up. It's as tight now as the day I bought it. And just as accurate.

It's also digested a thousand or so rounds of 180gr jacketed when I shot silhouette with it back in the 80s. Don't remember the load, but it was stout.

It's also worth about three times what I paid for it.

What more could you ask for?

 

[Robb Barnes]

For a factory gun, you will have a hard time beating the Freedom Arms. That said, there a couple of custom gunsmiths who can produce a wonderful custom revolver that has more "soul and character" than a FA in my opinion.

 

[flatgate]

The Freedom Arms revolvers are indeed about as robust as possible!

flatgate

 

[Snake45]

The one that got away: I was in college in '76 and a co-worker was selling his hardly used 4" blue Python for $150. No funds

I feel your pain. I too was in college in '76 and bought both my Pythons that year. Paid $225 (I think, might have been $250) for the well-used 4" and $275 for the minty 6". I think new retail was right around $300 at the time, and I looked for that 6" for a long time before I found one. These were the days of Magnum Force and Starsky & Hutch and Pythons were very popular, right up there with Smith 29s.

By comparison, at about the same time I bought a brand new Smith 19 and a brand new Smith 17 (K22) for about $125 each (with employee discount--I was working part-time at a sporting goods store at the time).

 

[Ruger1441]

I have owned three Pythons and don't currently own or want one. My Smiths seemed more robust, accurate (for me) and a little faster to get into action. The barrel ramp on the Pythons always seemed to get in the way of my sight picture on the six inch guns. I had a beautiful 4 inch gun that I just couldn't hit anything with. Lucky to stay on the target at 25 yards. I would shoot it along side a 5 inch Smith 27 whitch would shoot the center of the target out.

 

[flattop44]

Totally agree, a S&W 27 or an old less expensive 28 would be hard to beat in the DA revolvers. Fine guns.
FT44

 

[Snake45]

Totally agree, a S&W 27 or an old less expensive 28 would be hard to beat in the DA revolvers. Fine guns.
FT44

The 28 is a great gun (I've owned two, still own one) and very cost-effective (well, it was when they were still making them, anyway), but in no way meets the OP's desire for a "fine gun."

 

[Snake45]

This thread needs some gunporn.

 

[rugerguy]

HC2, good question and as to your answer, as to a "Python type" revolver,last I looked the Freedom Arms are still 'single action'......
that would be the answer to "their" question....
no there are not any "premium" custom Python style made currently, and that is still considered by many to be the "Cadillac' of the DA's, though the Smith collectors will swear by the model 27 ( my 'favorite' also, as a "total" all around), but either way, the 27 or the Python, you get one, and will pay "top dollar" and if you use it, the value drops, and will drop fast...sorry they have become "safe queens.......so next bet is the model 28 ....BUT as for accuracy, I have had all of them, have shot and used , all of them, and to this day, the one I have kept and still use and is still "as accurate" as ANY Python I ever owned ,or shot, is my Dan Wesson 15-2VH6.....LOOKS like all of theothers and is "as accurate, maybe better....",but this is "my go to gun...." as said above, we all have our favorites.........back when gunsmiths were doing the switching of barrels and putting various "other" makes on various 'other' models, Smolts, Cougers, Smythons, and on and on...these parts ( mainly the barrels) were all over the place and very affordable, try and find a Pyhton barrel today and I wonder what it may cost, if you can even find one....so they go the "custom" route, buy Douglas 'air gaged' barrel'blanks' mill the sides ( slab side) and thread for what ever you 'need' and do all the other 'lockup and action work and there are guys out there who can build, YOUR "ultimate" custom double action revolver, based on whichever receiver YOU may want to use...money will buy you ANYTHING............as for "stock", as new in the box Colt Pythons, be prepared to "pay the piper" and YES, to answer your first question, you will get a "classic".........but the two Smiths you already own, the 586 or 686, will do the same job, hold up better, last longer ( look almost the same style, full underlug..) and with practice, can be almost as accurate..............

 

[flattop44]

Snake is right, I got distracted by plain old quality for the dollar.

Heck, one could always save up and buy a KORTH. Hand made one at a time in Germany with less than 100 made a year. A plain-jane Troja retails for around $4,500 or a Target Model at $7,200. Supposed to be the finest revolvers made!!

They have models that go up to around $150,000...of course these are very limited and no longer imported so one may be hard to obtain. :wink:

FT44

 

[Ruger1nut]

FT44 beat me to the smart-ass suggestion of a Korth. Never shot one. The one I saw years ago looked like it was well fitted.

I'd jump the track and buy 2 or 3 Freedom Arms first I think

Other than that I guess I would buy a Smith. Though my heart says early Security Six

Dave

 

[buckeyeshooter]

In double action, the smith and wesson 27 is hands down the best made in my opinion. In single action, I would go with a blackhawk.

 

[GRAMPS 51]

WOW I am amazed at some of the responses I have owned 2 pythons 1 2 1/2 inch that I could hit soda cans all day at 75 yds rested and I still own a 3 inch combat that im not going to shoot its just worth to much but it is one sweet gun

GRAMPS