1981 unfired Nickle Python

[Robert B]

I am the guy who posted a thread six months ago about my 686 PC being better than a Python. Just purchased a collector Python yesterday. Now I know how stupid my previous post was. Trigger on the Python is a dream. All forged, perfect finish. Let me know how to post Pics.

 

[highpower]

Sign up on a photo hosting site like Photobucket. I don't know their exact procedure (I use a different host) but they will have a tutorial on how to post.

Then, viola!

 

[Nom de Forum]

Go shoot the same amount of rounds you have in your 686 in your new Python. Take six months to do it and then tell us if you still think the Python is better.

 

[Barry the Bear]

Ive shot maybe one or two pythons, and they were both very smooth operating, Id love to have one but theyve become a little too rich for my blood, especially for something I only shoot sparingly.

 

[Twiki357]

Take it out and shoot it. Look at it this way; How would you like to die a virgin?

 

[Jim K]

Deleted

 

[ACP]

Good Lord, that is an absolutely gorgeous revolver.

Shoot it, don't shoot it, maybe it's better, maybe it's not, who cares?

You have a classic, gorgeous, well-made American firearm. You should be proud and happy!

 

[horsemen61]

Damn that's nice

 

[dogrunner]

Friend of mine used to comment that he'd never seen an old Smith out of time or an old Colt IN time!

Can't say that's always so, but overall, in my experience. it holds up well!

 

[Swing]

Now that is a thing is a work of art!

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Go shoot the same amount of rounds you have in your 686 in your new Python. Take six months to do it and then tell us if you still think the Python is better.

I think my high round count 40 year old Python is better than either my pre-lock or post - lock 686.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Friend of mine used to comment that he'd never seen an old Smith out of time or an old Colt IN time!

Can't say that's always so, but overall, in my experience. it holds up well!

I have probably had my hands on as many Pythons as anyone on this forum and have yet to buy one out of time or have one go out of time....Sure, it can happen.. However, it's not as frequent as some people will lead you to believe.

 

[RON in PA]

Are you comparing SA or DA? Find it hard to believe anything is better DA than a 586/686.

 

[HexHead]

Are you comparing SA or DA? Find it hard to believe anything is better DA than a 586/686.

Have you shot a Python?

 

[StrawHat]

I have had access to a couple of Pythons. Never cared for them, they were a bit large for my hand and since I am very conditioned to the S&W action I never found the Python to be as accurate. In my opinion, overpriced for what they were.

Colt did get the rifling twist correct for the 357 Magnum, S&W stayed with the perfect twist for the 38 Special.

Kevin

 

[Paul7]

Friend of mine used to comment that he'd never seen an old Smith out of time or an old Colt IN time!

Can't say that's always so, but overall, in my experience. it holds up well!

Once you get used to the Colt lock up, everything else seems sloppy. By Colt standards, all S&Ws are slightly out of time with that cylinder wiggle.

 

[Walkalong]

I have a 6" Python, and it is real nice, and the trigger is real nice, but nothing really special, and I enjoy shooting my Trooper Mk III just as much. I suspect I will sell it one day. If it was a 4", I might hang onto it, but at the prices these days, I don't even want to shoot it.

 

[UncleEd]

Robert B,

Just off the top of my head, I'd guesstimate your nickled Python to be worth about $350, perhaps $400 on a good day.

 

[WestKentucky]

I second that, heck nobody even knows if it will shoot or not so it's really just a glorified paperweight.

 

[il.bill]

I second that, heck nobody even knows if it will shoot or not so it's really just a glorified paperweight.

A "glorified paperweight" with spectacular potential.

 

[Nom de Forum]

I think my high round count 40 year old Python is better than either my pre-lock or post - lock 686.

Well you certainly have a better basis of experience to support that opinion than Robert B at this point.

WestKentucky - I second that, heck nobody even knows if it will shoot or not so it's really just a glorified paperweight.

Maybe, depending on whether Robert B. uses it in the manner it was intended to be used. Until then "glorified paperweight" is an inelegant description.

il. bill - A "glorified paperweight" with spectacular potential.

As I said above "glorified paperweight" is an inelegant description. That being said, WestKentucky is close in my opinion to what Robert B. has right now. While the Python may have spectacular potential, it is in today's World as much an objet d' art as practical self-defense revolver. If Robert B. never shoots it, it really becomes neither a practical self-defense revolver or an objet d' art, it becomes an objet de vertu.

 

[Confederate]

I'd love to see photos of the nickel-plated Python. The gun has a small hand (pawl) that wears quickly and throws the gun out of time. If you get it hard chromed, it will substantially increase the time between timings. Also, I don't know if it's still an issue, but don't use Hoppes #9 on any nickel-plated gun. It first discolors, then removes, the finish.

To post a photo, send the gun to me, I'll take the photos, post them, then send the gun back.

Promise.

Seriously, you can create a FREE account on Photobucket.com. You can add your photos and post them wherever you wish.

 

[bannockburn]

Robert B

Confederate makes two very good points: first be careful using Hoppes No. 9 on bright nickel or bright chrome plated pistols. The reason for this is that typically nickel/chrome plating will not adhere directly to the metal surface; what is required is a sub-surface of copper plating being applied to the metal first, then the nickel/chrome plating can be put on top of it. The problem with using Hoppes is that it's a copper solvent, designed specifically to remove copper residue. Using it on a plated gun may allow for some of it to reach the copper plating below and cause it to flake or peel away from the metal, taking the upper surface of nickel plating with it.

The second item is simple: sign up for a photo posting service, like Photobucket. It's still free (I think), and it's easy to use. Looking forward to seeing this nickel plated Python.

 

[Poper]

Take it out and shoot it. Look at it this way; How would you like to die a virgin?

I agree.
I bought a NIB 1978 6" Python about 5 years ago. 4 months later I bought a 4" "shooter" grade that was showing holster wear but little sign of being shot. I love them both.

Literally, for two years I would take the 6" out to the range with the intent to shoot it but could not bring myself to actually touch off a round.

I finally did shoot it and have yet to regret doing so. I love my guns, and I have very few I do not shoot often. Mostly, those are heirlooms that I keep for their sentimental value.

Shoot your Python. It is what it was made to do!

 

[jmorris]

Go shoot the same amount of rounds you have in your 686 in your new Python. Take six months to do it and then tell us if you still think the Python is better.

I have had both, actually several, ever since the 686 came out. The python is smother, the 686 is stronger but not as beefy as the Ruger but it feels like a turd vs the python and 686.