I have a shooter grade nickel Colt Three-Fifty-Seven 4 inch and would not trade it for a Python.

 

Given that the 357 was a hand assembled and adjusted revolver and the new Python is basically a machine made revolver, it's not surprising the 357 has an old school feel and look.
The new Python is made to tighter specs using CNC high tech machinery and most people find the accuracy as good or better then older Colt's.

Comparing a 357 to today's Python is rather an oranges to apples exercise.
Both have strengths and weaknesses, and as always it comes down to personal likes.

 

‘Now to be fair, I'm sure a 50's-era Python would probably be equivalent (or better), as I understand that the manufacturing process was virtually the same for both models during that decade.’



The process was not the same.

Source: Al de John, one the men who built the first Pythons.

The M357 was a very nice gun but not equivalent to the Python.

 

I have nice shooter in a 4" 3-5-7 made in 54. It shoots as well if not better than my Python which is twenty-three years newer.

 

I have a former service weapon 1960 3-5-7 and a near new 1979 Python, both 4”. I always get better groups with 3-5-7 shooting the same loads, from 38 Special target loads to .357 Magnum loads. Both have the same grips, Herret smooth cocobolo. I don’t have a Ransom Rest to take the human factor out, but I presume the difference is in the guns. The Python is much more attractive, but the 3-5-7 just shoots better.

 

Damn, now I’m going to have to get a 3-5-7 too?

 

Thinking the same thing 😆

 

I just acquired a 1954 Model 357 with the Dual Tone finish and absolutely love it. Fit, finish, ergonomics, accuracy, and the overall shooting experience are all superb. I made the mistake of bringing a modern Python (post 2020) with me to the range and the 70+ year old forefather beat it in all aforementioned categories, in my opinion.
The older Python and 3-5-7 share the same mechanism. Nice Colt revolver! Enjoy.
Is it just me or do others feel the same way, too?

Now to be fair, I'm sure a 50's-era Python would probably be equivalent (or better), as I understand that the manufacturing process was virtually the same for both models during that decade. But I could buy a couple 357's with what it would cost me to buy a very nice 1950's Python, so I'll never know, LOL!

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I just acquired a 1954 Model 357 with the Dual Tone finish and absolutely love it. Fit, finish, ergonomics, accuracy, and the overall shooting experience are all superb. I made the mistake of bringing a modern Python (post 2020) with me to the range and the 70+ year old forefather beat it in all aforementioned categories, in my opinion.

Is it just me or do others feel the same way, too?

Now to be fair, I'm sure a 50's-era Python would probably be equivalent (or better), as I understand that the manufacturing process was virtually the same for both models during that decade. But I could buy a couple 357's with what it would cost me to buy a very nice 1950's Python, so I'll never know, LOL!

View attachment 989315

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