Trooper VS Python

[03Lightningrocks]

I am thinking I would like to pick up a Colt in 357. I am looking for a shooter more than a collector. I have noticed the Trooper seems more available and cheaper than the Python. I like the style of the Python better but the trooper feels nice and balanced.

I am looking for opinions on one over the other. thanks in advance.

[RocTrac]

Dang and I was looking for a Trooper vs Python video. Man your no fun.

[03Lightningrocks]

I'm sorry.... I hate to disappoint folks.

[WildBill]

There is no choice. The Trooper looks and feels a little bit like a Python, but the action doesn't even come close. A Trooper is a Python wannabe.

If you really don't want to or can't afford the extra cash for a Python, buy the Trooper. It is not a Python, but it is still a fine firearm. If I could afford to, I'd buy a Trooper to keep my Python company.

[glbedd53]

Like he said. No comparison. Colt revolvers are not like Smith revolvers, all kinda the same quality. A trooper ain't even in the same league with a Python. I've always wanted a Python but I've never wanted a Trooper. I would rather have a Python than a Smith. But I would whole lot rather have a Smith than a Trooper.

[RocTrac]

not quite what I had in mind.

[BADBUBBA]

I like my trooper. bought it new back in about 1980

[03Lightningrocks]

I have been doing some research the past couple hours. The Python is the one I would prefer but they are fewer available and more money. I will probably hold out for a nice Python since that was what I originally wanted.

[glbedd53]

You won't regret it. I've never had one but I have shot 2 different ones. I had to wipe the drool off both of them. They both had the smoothest action I've ever felt on any handgun.

[eddieconcarne]

In my opinion, Pythons are prettier than they are great guns. There are some great ones out there, but also a lot of lemons. They tend to hold value because of their (relatively) small numbers and exceptional looks more than their functionality. Many have or quickly develop timing problems when they are shot frequently, and for every tack driver, there is one that can't put two in the same hole to save it's life. In my opinion, that kind of inconsistency makes them more a novelty shooter -- for those guys who glorify a long-gone era of revolvers and want to go back in time and shoot what used to be considered an upscale gun. I know a lot of guys with super pretty Pythons. They rarely shoot them, they keep them looking really nice, and they never fail to make gun lovers weak in the knees when they pull them out to show off - that is one aesthetically pleasing weapon. But guys I know who shoot them relatively often tend to complain when the guns fail to meet the consistency they expect from a gun with that kind of pricetag, especially when there are so many Smiths from the same era that just seem better as shooters. If you're a collector, someone who likes safe queens, or someone like me who finds the design lines of certain weapons to be downright sexy, then by all means get the Python. If you want to go to the range with it often, I think you can spend less on an equally gorgeous and equally upscale Model 27-2 that will have a better trigger pull, better accuracy, and a lot less likely to blow out the timing.

[glbedd53]

I am a Smith guy and have never owned a Colt revolver. The Pythons I have experience with are older ones, early 70's and I have never heard of the problems you talk about, must be something with the newer ones. The Pythons I've shot are far smoother than any Smith I've ever had my hands on, including mine, and I have some smooth ones.

[Mike1951]

The Pythons have always been compared to a Swiss watch because of the precise lockwork. For that reason, there have always bore warnings about shooting a lot of magnum loads in them. Their innards just ain't up to it. I would not want to own one for that reason.

OTOH, the Model 27s are built to stand a lifetime of heavy loads.

I owned a couple of Trooper MKIIIs and would rank them below any S&W. Long ago, I bought a Colt New Frontier .22. The barrel was not screwed in properly so that the front sight was canted way to the left. Later, I bought a Lawman .357 snub with the same problem. I figured if Colt's workmanship was this shoddy, I'd take my business elsewhere.

[03Lightningrocks]

I have to say, I have not heard a lot of complaints about the Pythons either but appreciate the heads up on the timing issues. I do want to shoot it, but have so many different guns it won't be getting beat to death. maybe 500 rounds a year or so. Again.... thanks for the heads up. I will watch for the issues you folks mentioned.