I have not handled a new model Colt, But I have had quite a few old models, some unfired, some I shot quite a bit.
The last one was a later model 6 in , and the DA pull stacked bad, single action , great. This was all stock. I don't really like long barrels, so it was " collector gun" yep, I have those.
A real early model, about 1960 was great, no stacking . I think it was original? ie stock.
The best I had, which I sold this spring, in a moment of insanity, was a 4 in 357 model. That was as good as any Python I have ever owned. It would have been late 50"s, never checked.
Tight as a drum, and Colts turn the "Right " way.
I have a tuned 4 in s-w 19-2 that is as good , almost, as that 357, just don't feel as solid., Mind you the 19 has had a lot of round through it. I shot a PPC gun built by a master and Lordy.
The Ruger is a strong gun, and a good trigger if worked on, just don't do it for me.
The Old Dan Wesson's had a great lock up, took getting use to, they locked the crain to the frame, Needed ? , I don't know.
I had trouble with L loaders with the colt, , Python ones O.K. , But that gun had the early target grips, and interfered a bit with the L ones.