Smith and Wesson Model 19 or Colt Python

Hmm. I have 2 blued pythons from the late 60's and early 70's and, 14 k frames ranging all over in age. I gotta go with both. They are all accurate, and each has their unique points. Mechanically? The python is the "heavier" of the two and will likely stand up to a steady diet of .357 longer. However, who really does that still? perhaps it's just me thinking that way. I was going to feed a steady diet of 357, I would get a model 28/29 or a GP100. All my older guns only see lead and moderate 38 level charges, regardless of the case loaded. My 357's pretty much get saved for the GP100. (mostly because I won't feel like it's irreplaceable if I do manage to actually wear one out)

Someday I may wear my pythons out and they will likely be non-repairable at that point. But until that point I will enjoy them to the fullest.

a year or so ago I would have said get a K frame since nice copies could be had for 6 bills and sometimes under. Just looked at the prices on GunBroker now, and have no clue what's happened to the price. insanity. So now I will say get whichever ones suit your fancy and budget.

rs525 said:

old 4 inch Smith and Wesson Model 19 or an old 4 inch Colt Python

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Pythons are priced out of sight, way beyond their shooting utility. And I am speaking as someone who has shot my Pythons for a variety of events.

M19s are out there at inflated prices, but are changing hands regularly.

For the "range gun" you should also consider other models that might turn up.
S&W Models 14, 15, 66, 67, 68, 586, and 686 will all work.
You might even see a Colt Trooper or Officer's Model Match for lots less money than a Python.
The New Python seems a reasonable buy; the one I saw side by side with my original looked good and shot well.

rs525 said:

Is it better to get an old 4 inch Smith and Wesson Model 19 or an old 4 inch Colt Python, or get both? Will be shooting gun at a range, not for locking up in a safe. I do LOVE the looks of the Python but think the 19 may be more practical. I should also stress funds are an issue.

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rs525 said:

Thanks for all the replies so far. Right now, it seems I'll have to forgo the Python since I'm not made of money. It is a beauty of a gun, but damn those prices. Also I do not intend to carry either one, both too big. If I had to carry a .357, it would probably be a S&W Model 13 3 inch, but those things have become scarcer then hen's teeth.

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rs525 said:

I actually intend to eventually acquire a Model 10, a Model 15, a Model 13 and a Model 19 because I've always wanted the old K frames.

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Since funds are the main issue, the M19 is the obvious choice. Even those are getting expensive, but a Python is just outrageous.

Careful as you start adding to the "herd", it gets addictive (and expensive) in a hurry. I started out with a 4" M19-3, to replace a M66 I had for many years and foolishly sold. I decided to focus my buying on magnum guns of the late P&R era, and now have 8 of them. A M13 is on my list to find, as well as a M65, and my Grail Gun, a M520
And for a good K-frame carry gun, look around for a round butt 2-1/2" M19 or M66. They are very concealable, not overly heavy, but pack a good punch if needed. Here's a comparison shot showing relative size to my Ruger SR40c and a Ruger LC9, both on the small end of the semiauto spectrum.

SIMPLE........Buy the one you like.

Back in the mid 70's I bought both a Python and a Mod.19 with all the target bells and whistles. The Python is long gone but the 19 is still here. It was strictly personal preference just as your choice should be.

I have both, a python and a 66.
Both are excellent revolvers. I consider myself fortunate to have both...
The python is smooth as butter. The finest revolver ever made IMHO...they are a rare snake..
The kframe is definitely more available to own., and also very smooth action. An excellent accurate shooter....but the small issue with the forcing cone weakness.....
I would suggest buying the first that becomes available to you...
You won't go wrong, or be sorry.

As has already been said, I've had both. Still have one little Model 19, a 2 1/2" model. Its the bottom gun in this photograph:



As a matter of interest, neither the Coly Python nor the N-Framed Models 27 & 28, could contain my heavy bullet loads in .357 Magnum, their short cylinders allowed the bullet noses to protrude. The Model 19 did accommodate these, but sure wasn't built for the load itself. for my heavy .357 loads its either the S&W Model 586 or the Blackhawk.

Bob Wright

Model 14 for range gun.

BobWright said:

As a matter of interest, neither the Coly Python nor the N-Framed Models 27 & 28, could contain my heavy bullet loads in .357 Magnum, their short cylinders allowed the bullet noses to protrude. The Model 19 did accommodate these, but sure wasn't built for the load itself. for my heavy .357 loads its either the S&W Model 586 or the Blackhawk.

Bob Wright

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Right. Elmer Keith commented on that. He also said, upon trying the then-new Model 19 that he would stick to factory loads, then only at 158 grains, or "my heavy .38s."

19 for carrying if you intend to.

686/586 for absolute joy while shooting.

Corpral_Agarn

686/586 for absolute joy while shooting.

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That's for sure! My Model 686-no dash came right out of the box with the best DA/SA trigger on any DA revolver I have ever shot!

bannockburn said:

Corpral_Agarn


That's for sure! My Model 686-no dash came right out of the box with the best DA/SA trigger on any DA revolver I have ever shot!
View attachment 1045127

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my experience as well

4" 19 no dash and 6" 19-3, both are fun!

I have a 4inch Model 10 and have been using it for a long time as a carry and for target shooting. Very Nice, but for a little less price as a Model 19 I got a 6 inch Model 586 and it is a dream shooting at the target range.

I’ll take my 686 over a Python any day. To each his own.

Original colt python! I should have bought one in the late 80's, I couldn't afford one now.

M-19.

Pretty near perfection.

I have both, but if I was forced, I'd keep my 19's (three of them, and a 66, too).

P5 Guy said:

Does S&W still make blued firearms ?

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Yes, but modern S&W bluing is less attractive than it used to be, and it is weaker (I have weirdly acidic hands that have eaten bluing right off recently-made blued Smiths, while my older blued Smiths are totally fine).

I have had S&W and Colts, I still have the Smiths, sold the Colts, I didn't like them after I bought them.

Now days the Rugers have caught my eye and a new appreciation for them. I love my GP-100 Match Champion in any caliber.

I couldn't afford the Colt at the time so I went for the Model 19.

Now that my wallet can afford the Colt, I am getting too old to go to the range every week and shoot.
Nice pictures of the Colt's guys.

30 years ago I held both in my hands going for roughly the same price I am glad I picked A 686 over the Colts

flightsimmer said:

Now days the Rugers have caught my eye and a new appreciation for them. I love my GP-100 Match Champion in any caliber.

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You are extremely wise.

A registered magnum from pre war, a triple lock or a 5” mod 27

I’d much prefer them to a Colt PileOn