re: Got a Colt Python today

No, the Trooper Mk III is a completely different action.

The original Trooper (pre-Mk III) is a V-spring.

BTW, V-spring refers to the type of mainspring.

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I know people's criteria differ, but the colt Python is by far the best DA revolver ever built by my standards.

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It is a consensus, although it comes with lots of caveats.

Among your big 3 "American" revolvers - Ruger, generally, wins the single action title, almost uncontested. Ruger revolvers, overall, kind of have the Glock vibe for semis - rugged, durable, no nonsense.

Smith is Smith - they know they own a certain segment of the revolver market - ironically, at both ends - their big bore 29/629, as well as their compact J-frame - to this day a highly popular choice for small hands, concealed carry, backup and a SHTF bugout bag gun (although I think the Ruger LCRs have really dented Smith's share of that market).

And then we have the full-size service .357. A crowded market, to say the least - Smith even has an N-Frame (27/627 - Mrs. Midnight has one that holds 8 rounds) - and Ruger probably dominates the "small" .357 market - at least to a degree.

But there is a legendary one - the Python - a paradox in that, for a gun that was originally brought to market with the average state trooper in mind - it is a masterpiece of American engineering - and while it looks robust, it is almost fragile/delicate compared to offerings from Smith and Ruger - while at the same time commanding respect from it's shootability and accuracy rarely seen from a high-powered revolver.

I'll probably never own one, but I give respect to this wonderful weapon.

My Katrina damaged 4" Nickel Python...

Lost a 2" blued python as well. It was still in my old bedroom at my mom's house in Chalmette when Katrina hit.

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and while it looks robust, it is almost fragile/delicate compared to offerings from Smith and Ruger

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A Colt isn't delicate. It is a precise design with different characteristics than Smiths and Rugers. That point is lost on many who don't understand the Colt action.

A Colt V-spring that is slightly out of time after thousands of rounds will still lock the chamber in perfect alignment with the bore prior to ignition. A brand new Smith and Wesson is not capable of doing that ever.

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for a gun that was originally brought to market with the average state trooper in mind

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Colt's marketing and employee comments from 1955 do not support this assertion.

Yea I would say the lock work is a little more robust than smith's. It's very well put together and will still lock up in alignment after being "shot out." Heavily shot smiths are notorious for sending jacket shavings out of the cylinder gap. It is less robust than ruger's coil spring setup, but it's a good example of precise not equalling delicate.

My Dad has a nickel Python with a 4" barrel. Super sweet shooting pistol. Very accurate.

Congrats on the purchase, and enjoy!

S&W also copied colt's design, much like most of their other designs....

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Dude! NSFW!





Seriously, that sucks...

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You've never seen me post all the guns I lost in Katrina?
Here's a link to an album with all of them. (WARNING! NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART OR EASILY DEPRESSED!)

First, I'd be happy as could be if one in very good shape was worth 10K$.
Secondly I'm headed to check the safe.