.357 Magnum Revolver Smith and Wesson or Colt?

For the Colt fans.... When your vintage Python breaks & it will sooner or later.... where are you sourcing parts & a 'smith to get it running again?

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NAA.
 
Save your money up and buy a good used old Python. Then only shoot .38 spl. loads out of it and it will last forever. However if you do break something it might take a while to find a part. I know someone who bulged a barrel with a squib and it took 3 years to find a replacement barrel. And he still hasn't replaced it yet as he wants to find the right smith.
 
COLT, not the best for lead. Smith, N frame in 45 colt are awsome, 5 inch triple "T". Ruger GP 100 are over heavy unless you need MAGUM loads all day for getting your sock blown off.
Ruger, Security six is nice balance or Smith Wesson 19 in 357Mag.
 
There are improvements through polishing the internals of a S&W. If you can find a pistol smith to do this, you can make significant improvements in smoothness.
 
Visious if you want a 38spl buy one. If you don't shoot 357mag why buy one? The GP- 100 and 686 weigh the same and have the advantage of shooting both high end 38spl &. 357mag loads. The K Frames just don't stand up using. 357Mag loads. Being heavier both. 357 rev absorb recoil better as well.
Take Care
Bob
 
I'd go Smith & Wesson M&P R8. Couple extra shots, light, durable , well built. Good for quality time with your son at the range. I've shot lots of 357 magnum and 38 special through it. Holding up just fine.
 
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I believe the new K frame model 19s are much stronger than the old ones and worth a look if you want something a little more classic.

I'd steer clear of older K frame 357s or older Pythons if you want it more for shooting than collecting, unless you stick to 38 power levels. There might be some nice samples of those available on the market but it can also be a crapshoot.
 
billbmcleod said:
Save your money up and buy a good used old Python. Then only shoot .38 spl. loads out of it and it will last forever. However if you do break something it might take a while to find a part. I know someone who bulged a barrel with a squib and it took 3 years to find a replacement barrel. And he still hasn't replaced it yet as he wants to find the right smith.
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"Buy a REAL NICE gun. Then just shoot mouse fart loads so you don't hurt it." lol I've never understood that mentality. I get not wanting to shoot your gun apart with super hot 357mag loads, but if the gun can't handle a steady diet of regular 357mag then why would you want to spend Python money on it?

OP I think you already know what you want: A nice vintage S&W.
 
A .357 N Frame S&W is a beauty and a beast. No worries about wearing one out!

The craftsmanship on the the older ones, well it's from another time. The sharpness of the top strap and barrel knurling, smoothness of bluing. Hand built. Hand fitted.
 
lyle1 said:
I am enlisting my fellow CGN'ers for some help. I have taken a break from Restricted Firearms for two or three years. I sold off most of my collection as I thought I was done with the hobby.
However, I recently got the "bug" again, but only want to pickup one very nice .357 revolver that I can shoot, and be proud to pass down to my son some day. In the past I have had many vintage Smith and Wesson K, L, and N frames. My preference for this caliber would be the L frame first, and the K frame second.

Another thought to consider is a new Python. I do have reservations as the new 2020 version had some teething issues as the start, but apparently they have been rectified.
Also, are they really worth more than double the price of a nice vintage Smith and Wesson?

So my question to my fellow CGN'ers is, do I try and find an excellent example of a Vintage Smith and Wesson or save up the extra money for a new Python?

Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated.
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Any reason you are not considering a GP100? I looked at everything available, and because of the quality of manufacture and and the double action triggers, I decided on either the S&W or the GP100. The GP100 came along first at a a good price. No regrets and everyone who shoots it, loves it.
 
I picked up a new 686 recently and am very happy. The one thing though was the trigger. The factory trigger return spring is 18lb and is a struggle to shoot well. I swapped in a Wolff Spring kit and the improvement is amazing. Lots of videos on line and easy to do with proper fitting screwdrivers.
 
Meroh said:
Any reason you are not considering a GP100? I looked at everything available, and because of the quality of manufacture and and the double action triggers, I decided on either the S&W or the GP100. The GP100 came along first at a a good price. No regrets and everyone who shoots it, loves it.
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My GP100 is on the "never sell" list. Great revolver and after i put a Hogue hardwood stock on it, all the better.
 
My 12(6) Security Six has the nicest action and is the most accurate revolver I have ever handled but the OP seems set on 2 specific routes.
Edit to add and I got it at a very good price on the EE.
 
On my GP100, I installed a Wolf spring kit and very happy with the result. I also tried out some 190 grain jacketed with full power loads that I made up for my carbine and those worked with no issues at all. Did have a huge burst of flame which was a bit tacky.
 
Dave in Calgary said:
On my GP100, I installed a Wolf spring kit and very happy with the result. I also tried out some 190 grain jacketed with full power loads that I made up for my carbine and those worked with no issues at all. Did have a huge burst of flame which was a bit tacky.
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Dave go one step further and install hammer and trigger shims as well. The improvement is slight but noticeable.

Take Care

Bob
 
NAA said:
For the Colt fans.... When your vintage Python breaks & it will sooner or later.... where are you sourcing parts & a 'smith to get it running again?

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NAA.
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My Python, made in the 70's, has been regularly fired since I got it and I have yet to have to repair it other then to replace the barrel I shoot out.
 
Dukester said:
My 12(6) Security Six has the nicest action and is the most accurate revolver I have ever handled but the OP seems set on 2 specific routes.
Edit to add and I got it at a very good price on the EE.
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Picked up one of those for a truck gun when I was working in Nebraska years back. Paid $125 US if I remember correctly. Good revolver. - dan
 
Thank you everyone that replied to my original post. I am still deciding which direction to go. A lot of good information here.

One more question I have is, since Murray Charlton has retired, who do we send revolvers to for action/trigger jobs, warranty work and general maintenance?
And this goes for S&W, Colt, or Ruger revolvers?
 
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