Colt Python instead of an HK P9s 9mm

[rs525]

I've been thinking about eventually one of these two guns. I initially decided not to get a Python (the original not the newer one), but I recently changed my mind. The problem is I wanted to get an HK P9s is while it's cheaper, they're almost non existent now and impossible to find. The Pythons are more expensive but there's more of them out there. I know this is a very apples and oranges question but for this is for those who have actually shot or owned one or both guns. Are they both worth getting or should I just save my money and buy the Python?

 

[tarosean]

The problem is I wanted to get an HK P9s is while it's cheaper, they're almost non existent now and impossible to find.

Dont forget you also need magazines that are just as hard to come by..

Original Python or Reissue?

 

[rs525]

Original Python

 

[SwampWolf]

Apples and oranges; olives and watermelons. That said, get the P9s now while they're still relatively affordable and available and the newer (and arguably better) Python later.

 

[Meeks36]

Get the HK you will regret it later when they are more expensive. Pythons are everywhere.

 

[Armored farmer]

I say python.
Reloading is almost certainly going to be more and more important. I never have been much of a 9mm fan anyway.

 

[rs525]

Basically what the whole thing boils down to is this: Do I get the gun that almost impossible to find now but less expensive, or the gun that's more expensive but easier to find?

 

[jeff-10]

At one time I was looking for a HK P9s in 45 ACP. Impossible for me to find one in excellent condition. If you can find one, I would jump on it. Pythons will be here forever. HK isn't the type of company to bring back an old pistol.

 

[Rock185]

I've shot the original Pythons, and owned several P9S, and one P9. Were I in the Python market, at today's prices, I would not take a chance on an old original Python due to the scarcity of repair parts, persons qualified to do repairs, reported potential for timing issues, etc. I recently handled one of the new Pythons. Seemed like a very nicely finished and very solid gun to me. DA trigger was different than the old Pythons, but still very smooth. And if there was an issue, Colt would take care of it...

As to the P9S, I've had 9mm and .45, standard and Target models. Certainly very interesting, high quality pistols that I enjoyed owning. That being said, I would view them as more a collector type pistol now days due to the scarcity of magazines, parts, etc. I had a .45 P9S Target model refinished by HK years ago. But even then, HK seemed a bit reluctant to work on my gun, and I don't know if they would even touch a P9S if one had an issue now days. I accumulated a number of new P9S parts over the years, but sold them with my last Target model. I would hate to have to try to replace those parts today.

All that being said, I have managed to hang on to one of that series of HKs, a P9.

 

[PzGren]

The HK P9 came as a P9, P9S, P9S Target and P9S Sport. Both in 9x19 and .45ACP. I find the 9mm version nicer to shoot than the .45, even with reloads but the German DSB championships were long dominated with the P9S Sport in .45. HK gave recommendations for reloads with lead bullets in the polygonal barrel and I have one of those letters.

Get the P9S in 9mm and change the buffer before shooting the gun.

 

[PzGren]

RS525,
if you get the HK P9 or P9S you will need to check the buffer housing. If the gun was shot with a bad buffer, the housing can break and they are almost impossible to find in .45, hard to find in 9mm and while a 9mm buffer housing will work in a .45, the slide will not go back far enough for the slide to lock back without modifications.
Besides of that, the P9S is so overbuilt that it will last very, very long.

Pythons are a dime a dozen .

 

[Anchorite]

I say python.
Reloading is almost certainly going to be more and more important. I never have been much of a 9mm fan anyway.

I agree. The Python (357) is just so much more versatile. The 9mm is like the 38Special of the semi-automatic pistol world. Don’t limit yourself.

 

[JT-AR-MG42]

My vote is the Python as well.
Without knowing the round count you intend, I have to agree
that making a P9 a regular shooter may not be for the best.

I have one in .45acp

but I do not shoot it on a regular basis. It just has a slab sided feel to me, so I find myself taking out 1911s instead.

As to the Python for a shooter.
I'll mix things up by stating that they (in any of the barrel lengths) are not in my regular rotation either.
The short front sight blade the Python employs makes it difficult for taking longer shots using an elevated front sight.

I shoot the Colt Model 357s (in the 4 or 6" version) more than any other .357 revolver for this reason.


Here is my worn 4". Lots of rounds through it and, believe it or not, the timing is still spot on - six for six. (in spite of all the internet lore out there)
The taller front sight blade allows hold over without looking at the F.S. base which is what happens with the Python.
Not trying to de-rail your thread, just pointing out that there has always been a top quality Colt alternative to the Python.

JT

 

[Styx]

One seems like a safe queen and something that you bring into the light just to look at, take pictures of, and pride of ownership. Maybe you shoot it almost never too, but it will be of little use. After the newness wares off and all the pictures you need have already been taken, I see it just sitting.

The Python on the other hand seems more like a shooter, and it will check all the other boxes as the P9s. The only downside is that you may have regrets in the future over not picking up the HK when you could have.

 

[earplug]

SIG 210

 

[redcon1]

Get them both.

 

[rs525]

SIG 210

What does that have to do with this discussion?

 

[Styx]

What does that have to do with this discussion?

To his credit, at least he didn't say Glock 19.

 

[PzGren]

What does that have to do with this discussion?

It is just another option to consider. The Colt .357 was also not mentioned by the OP but is a good alternative to a Python. In my opinion the Swiss P210s are better made and finished than both, the HK P9S and the Python. I bought my first Python pre-owned in 1985 and shot it until I gave it to my youngest son when he graduated police academy. The HK was given to a very good friend and I taught his son shooting a handgun with it. I still have the Swiss SIGs, shoot them regularly and enjoy them every time. Spare parts are easy enough to find but rarely, if ever, needed.

 

[ms6852]

I like wheel guns and I only own two 9mm that belong to my wife so I vote python, given that I have two pythons and several 686's my first choice would be smith and Wesson 686.

 

[bannockburn]

I had a P9S in .45 a number of years ago. At that time I wanted to try something different than just your everyday Colt Government and the P9S was highly thought of by some other shooters that I knew. I was also fascinated by the unique delayed rollerback action.

Only problems I had with the gun was that the trigger in double action mode was a bit of a reach for me as was the thumb safety, being mounted on the slide. I also had some difficulty getting use to the magazine release being located in the heel of the gun. Speaking of which factory magazines were still about as hard to find back then as they are today!

Accuracy was alright meaning that it wasn't lights out nor was it hard to get a decent group with. I thought it was somewhat above average, pretty much what you would expect for a service pistol with fixed sights.

As for your three choices (an HK P9S, a vintage Colt Python, or a new, currently made Colt Python), I would go with the new Colt Python.

 

[Thomasss]

Are you a semi-auto guy or a "closet-type" revolver person? I started with and still have a semi 9mm, but in the last 5 years, I have also picked up .357 Trooper, S&W Model 10, .38 special and a S&W .357. See where I'm going. There's just something intriguing about wheel guns.

 

[Jimbo80]

Not counting SP5/MP5 the only HK pistol I would take over a Python is a P7.

 

[PzGren]

I had a P9S in .45 a number of years ago. At that time I wanted to try something different than just your everyday Colt Government and the P9S was highly thought of by some other shooters that I knew. I was also fascinated by the unique delayed rollerback action.

Only problems I had with the gun was that the trigger in double action mode was a bit of a reach for me as was the thumb safety, being mounted on the slide. I also had some difficulty getting use to the magazine release being located in the heel of the gun. Speaking of which factory magazines were still about as hard to find back then as they are today!

Accuracy was alright meaning that it wasn't lights out nor was it hard to get a decent group with. I thought it was somewhat above average, pretty much what you would expect for a service pistol with fixed sights.

As for your three choices (an HK P9S, a vintage Colt Python, or a new, currently made Colt Python), I would go with the new Colt Python.

On top of that, the trigger overtravel stop eliminates the double action function.

 

[PzGren]

Not counting SP5/MP5 the only HK pistol I would take over a Python is a P7.

Unfortunately the P7 is already priced out of the ball park.

I had a friend shoot my HK P9S, he was a former GSG9 member and was one of the guys that shot the targets for SIG Sauer in Eckernfoerde. He mentioned how the P7 was a little noisy in room clearings. I liked the guy and shot with him for years but he was not someone I wanted to see when there was a competition; it automatically put me one place lower.

The HK MP5, or in my case rather the licensed MKE product is the only HK gun or derivative I have, besides an HK4 in .22 that will soon go to one of the kids and a P7 that was issued in the military for the Personenschuetzer. The last is more of a collectible that I keep for its rarity.