Battle of the Colts

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Sharps '74

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Shot my virgin OLD model 4" Python today against my equally virgin Colt Officers Model Target. OK - the OMT has had 50ds thru it to date, so it wasn't quite virgin.

The Python was a disappointment. I attribute that to the heavier SA trigger pull. Not only that, the ejector rod literally fell out of the Python when I ejected some empties! The Colt ejector rods do not bear on a stud as do those of the S&W's. I regard that as a design flaw.

I was shooting both off hand at 15m. If I did my part, the OMT could put several rds in clusters well within the size of a nickle. A "flyer" would be out of the group by 1/2".

The Python is a flossy gun, but not one of my better shooting revolvers. We'll see how it performs with more shooting ..... ;>)
 
I’m always surprised how I get sucked into buying these Pythons but never really have much fun shooting them. I thought that was gonna change with the 2020 Pythons but nope, the trigger on mine was terrible and I sold it after 2 trips to the range. They are the epitome of safe queens for me which I guess is why I’m down to just one (that I’ve never fired and don’t really have any desire to). I would way rather shoot my OMM or my Colt SAA’s. Anytime I get the urge to shoot double action wheel guns the MR73 is always first in line.
 
Ya I was going to mention my 3-5-7 from 1954 was way better than any Python I ever owned. That being said I never owned a Python from the 50’s, I’m guessing that’s as close as I will ever get.

If you’re serious into wheelguns and want the best, I can’t recommend the MR73 enough. In my opinion it is worth selling whatever Pythons you own to buy one. Not sure about the collectors value in them but man are they ever a joy to shoot. Very different then the Python, they beg to be fired in double action but are so smooth and accurate that you’ll never want to go back to single action again. Keep in mind though that they set the bar very high and you might not ever look at your standard Smith and Wesson’s the same ever again.
 
You do realize that it is regarded as heresy to say anything negative re: Colt's masterpiece revolver, don't you? One is supposed to wax eloquent over it's fine fit and finish, timing, lock up, etc. And to overlook that they come with arguably the worst quality grips ever on a handgun.

Right now I rate any of my S&Ws higher than I do my sole Python. I don't have any of the old 'long action' S&Ws, but I do have several 'short action' types and a current pro-series 686-6 from the Custom Shop. Not as flossy as the Python, but a superior revolver from a shooting aspect where it matters.

Oh well, I suppose one needs a Python in the herd to round out the collection. However, the offer of a trade for another Colt Officers Model Target or 3-5-7 might be regarded favourably ......
 
...If I had a 12.6 license!!!!!

I have some nice Pythons and some really nice 3-5-7’s. In my experience you always get a decent revolver with Colts (accept for the 2020’s) but some were tuned better than others. All of them can be set up to that legendary feel and performance. Just for the price, you’d expect them to come that way.

As for the MR73, no doubt they’re amazing but for the price a $2K 2020 Python with a $300 trigger job and you’d be amazed how sweet of a double action you can get. And it’s Colt which won’t drop in value after the first year. Plus they’re so damned pretty!! :)
 
JohnnyMac said:
Ya I was going to mention my 3-5-7 from 1954 was way better than any Python I ever owned. That being said I never owned a Python from the 50’s, I’m guessing that’s as close as I will ever get.

If you’re serious into wheelguns and want the best, I can’t recommend the MR73 enough. In my opinion it is worth selling whatever Pythons you own to buy one. Not sure about the collectors value in them but man are they ever a joy to shoot. Very different then the Python, they beg to be fired in double action but are so smooth and accurate that you’ll never want to go back to single action again. Keep in mind though that they set the bar very high and you might not ever look at your standard Smith and Wesson’s the same ever again.
Click to expand...


How is the accuracy? Can you post pictures. Thanks.
 
MuthaFunk said:
A $2K 2020 Python with a $300 trigger job and you’d be amazed how sweet of a double action you can get. And it’s Colt which won’t drop in value after the first year. Plus they’re so damned pretty!! :)
Click to expand...

After investing in a Python, it's an insult to have to invest another wad of cash to make it perform the way it should have out of the box.

To get my S&Ws to perform well I installed after market hammer and rebound springs - done.
 
Unfortunately I couldn’t find any targets from the 3-5-7 but did find one of an OMM in 38 special that I had:



Most of my shooting with the MR73 has been at steel plates. I did find this picture though with the new Python and MR73. What this picture doesn’t show is how much easier it is to shoot the MR73 faster and more accurately then the New Python:

 
Sharps '74 said:
After investing in a Python, it's an insult to have to invest another wad of cash to make it perform the way it should have out of the box.

To get my S&Ws to perform well I installed after market hammer and rebound springs - done.
Click to expand...

I have 4 Smith and Wesson’s with the “distinguished tune” treatment from Murray Charlton and they are all super sweet guns to shoot but the MR73 still beats them all as is from the factory. I guess it really should for the price but the same could be said for the price of the Pythons unfortunately it’s been my experience that they don’t. And don’t get me wrong I am one of the biggest Colt fans out there it’s just that for me the performance of the Python’s leave a lot to be desired.
 
These posts only just confirm Jerry Micleks personal opinion:
-You desire slow fire bullseye accuracy 25-50 yards buy an older Colt

-You desire DA perfection buy a good S&W revolver
I have a 1940 S&W Heavy Duty five inch barrel fixed sights. Makes me regret selling the S&W 1937 in 45 ACP.
 
If that OMT target was fired off hand at 15m I'm impressed! Mine does as well.

Nice when a 'flyer' is out of the group by a fraction of an inch.

I read of a test where each chamber of a revolver was tested by firing a group from each to see if a gun that occasionally shot flyers had an out-of-spec chamber. The conclusion was that it didn't justify the cost of the ammo and the time it took!
 
JohnnyMac said:
Unfortunately I couldn’t find any targets from the 3-5-7 but did find one of an OMM in 38 special that I had:



Most of my shooting with the MR73 has been at steel plates. I did find this picture though with the new Python and MR73. What this picture doesn’t show is how much easier it is to shoot the MR73 faster and more accurately then the New Python:

Click to expand...

That's superb gun handling friend.

Kudos to you....

Edit: There was one Colt OMM in 22 LR on our EE pre Xmas. Looked like Pre-WW2 sights. Exactly the model DND kept for decades in inventory.
 
Sharps '74 said:
If that OMT target was fired off hand at 15m I'm impressed! Mine does as well.

Nice when a 'flyer' is out of the group by a fraction of an inch.

I read of a test where each chamber of a revolver was tested by firing a group from each to see if a gun that occasionally shot flyers had an out-of-spec chamber. The conclusion was that it didn't justify the cost of the ammo and the time it took!
Click to expand...


I can’t remember any of the details around these targets just pulling from some of the pictures I have. And trust me my bullseye shooting skills also leave a lot to be desired!
 
JohnnyMac said:
I can’t remember any of the details around these targets just pulling from some of the pictures I have. And trust me my bullseye shooting skills also leave a lot to be desired!
Click to expand...


Thanks for the pictures, what distance are the targets? Been jonesing for Korth with a 9mm cylinder, but the price..geez:p Maybe that M73 will scratch the itch.
 
johnl said:
Thanks for the pictures, what distance are the targets? Been jonesing for Korth with a 9mm cylinder, but the price..geez:p Maybe that M73 will scratch the itch.
Click to expand...

I think the MR73 and Python targets were from 25 yards and from a rest as I was testing some different loads for the 2 guns. As for the Korth I’ve been tempted too but for much less money I really don’t think you’d be disappointed with one of these MR73’s.
 
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