New python vs 3” k frame

[Corse]

So, it seems I like 3” K frames like everyone else. The problem is the price and availability of the older pre lock guns. Does the new 3” python make a good replacement for the older smiths? Or is it better to try and locate a good example of an older K frame?

[Tamara]

At a certain point we’re picking fly poop out of pepper.

Does one or the other make you happier?

[Crazy Dane]

Python equals L-frame/GP100 in size and weight, I have multiple examples of those < in 3 inch. My favorites are the GPs.

The Python is more of a BBQ gun though I do carry it time to time. It shoots well and with Wilson sights all the shortcomings are gone. Its too purty to be drug through the woods and muddy creeks that I put the GPs through.

I do have one K-frame but I've never been a fan of them, so you can have my share.

[Stephanie B]

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A Python is a heavier gun (think L-frame). A 3" 686+ is very close in dimensions and weight.

Model 65 3" are getting pricey, but they've not reached new Python levels yet. Yet.

A 3" Python is very similar in dimensions and weight (except for width) to a 1911.

I find a 3" K-frame to be easier to carry than a Python. YMMV.

[Zeke38]

I love the look of a Python but the trigger reach is a bit too far for me. A k/L frame trigger reach is perfect and the GP with compact grips is very similar to the K. My favorite is a 3" WC.

I have 2 K frames both four inch and they are like old lovers, sweet and responsive.

[rathos]

If you like shooting magnums, a python/L-frame/GP-100 is going to be better. Out of the bigger frames the GP-100 carries the best for me. The K frames can disappear even under a t-shirt in an OWB, not so much for the other frames for me. I have a 3 inch WC GP-100 that carries pretty well AIWB.

[oregon45]

If you want optics capability, a modern K-frame is the way to go. I have a 3” Model 66-2 and have a 3” Python on the way. I see them as complementary to one another rather than direct competitors because the Python is a larger and heavier gun.

[UpDok]

I hate to be a party pooper but compact revolvers sure are big compared to compact auto pistols

Even the small little 3" S&W Model 66 looks big compared with a handy little Glock 19 sized CZ P01

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[Duelist]

I hate to be a party pooper but compact revolvers sure are big compared to compact auto pistols

Even the small little 3" S&W Model 66 looks big compared with a handy little Glock 19 sized CZ P01

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All of that is true, and they hold more rounds, too, but we’re in the revolver section to talk about revolvers, not why semiautos might have advantages over them.

If I were inclined to get a 3” Colt right now, it would be a Cobra, not a Python. Much more packable.

I have a stable of K frames, all 4”, and a 60-9, so I don’t feel a big need for a Cobra or a 3” K.

[MK11]

Not comparable, IMO. If you want a slick, handy carry gun, I think a 3-inch GP100 is a better analog, especially with the compact Lett grips.

I carry the Python more than I thought I would--strong side, OWB. I can conceal the Model 13 AIWB under a T-shirt comfortably but I wouldn't carry the Python AIWB except for desperation or punishment. The Python is a treat at the range.


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[03RN]

All of that is true, and they hold more rounds, too, but we’re in the revolver section to talk about revolvers, not why semiautos might have advantages over them.

If I were inclined to get a 3” Colt right now, it would be a Cobra, not a Python. Much more packable.

I have a stable of K frames, all 4”, and a 60-9, so I don’t feel a big need for a Cobra or a 3” K.

Due to the grip, cylinder, and barrel the m66 is much more comfortable and concealable

[HCM]

So, it seems I like 3” K frames like everyone else. The problem is the price and availability of the older pre lock guns. Does the new 3” python make a good replacement for the older smiths? Or is it better to try and locate a good example of an older K frame?

A replacement for what purpose ?

Mostly shooting .38 or strays diet of Magnums?

For a range / woods/ occasional carry / revolvers are cool gun - 3” Python (or GP100 or L frame) is great.

To actually EDC - K frame. A 3” K frame was the “Glock 19” before the Glock 19.

[Corse]

I haven’t shot a K frame in 357 since I sold my 6” Model 19 years ago, but I like the weight and size of the L frame while shooting 357.

The only K frame I have now is a 4” heavy barrel Model 10, and it is such a nice shooter with 38 spec that I started looking for a 3” 357 and found out that nice examples are approaching the cost of a new Python. I thought the Python fell between the K and L size, but it definitely looks bigger.

Maybe the King Cobra would be closer to the K. The Cobra I have been shooting isn’t too bad for a DAO.

[Malamute]

If one is looking for a general purpose carry gun id suggest not getting hung up on an older 3" 19 or 66, they made a lot of 2 1/2" 19s and 66s and they are substantially less money than a 3". The extra 1/2" of barrel isnt that important to me to pay the required tariff over a 2 1/2" gun.

For carry I like the 19, the L frame is enough heavier that its not as nice to carry. I dont shoot many magnums but like the ability to shoot them and they are what I mostly carry in the gun.

[FrankB]

Maybe the King Cobra would be closer to the K. The Cobra I have been shooting isn’t too bad for a DAO.

I’ve bought and sold 3 Pythons in the past year. They’re fine revolvers, but I owned a 2” and 3” King Cobra already. The King Cobra is fine for magnums in my hands, but the Python certainly handles the extra power with ease. I came to the conclusion that I don’t want to shoot magnums without hearing protection, so that is not a deciding factor for me. Every handgun I own has to have a practical carry application.

The Colt Cobra is smaller than a K frame. A friend has a 3” M19 Carry Comp, but it required work Dave Olhasso’s skills to get the cylinder turning properly. It’s pretty much impossible to buy a Colt factory part for their new revolvers, so that’s a huge advantage for S&W. The Python’s internals are a thing of beauty, while the Cobra looks like a Yugo under the hood. I’ve not had a single problem with a King Cobra, and its size and weight makes it easily pocketable.

[Coal Train]

The Python’s internals are a thing of beauty, while the Cobra looks like a Yugo under the hood.

So about that……

Changed the grips on my Python this weekend to find this. Checked my second Python and while not as bad as this one it was similar. They shoot well but this is rather ridiculous.

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[Tamara]

So about that……

Changed the grips on my Python this weekend to find this. Checked my second Python and while not as bad as this one it was similar. They shoot well but this is rather ridiculous.



Downright Bangor Puntian. :eek:

[TGS]

If one is looking for a general purpose carry gun id suggest not getting hung up on an older 3" 19 or 66, they made a lot of 2 1/2" 19s and 66s and they are substantially less money than a 3". The extra 1/2" of barrel isnt that important to me to pay the required tariff over a 2 1/2" gun.

Agreed.

If the goal is a full time EDC/training gun, get one of the current production 2.75" Model 66 or Model 19 Carry Comp guns.

[Coal Train]

Downright Bangor Puntian. :eek:
Perhaps it is an artistic critic of our image obsessed culture?

White washed tombs and all that.

[FrankB]

So about that……

Changed the grips on my Python this weekend to find this. Checked my second Python and while not as bad as this one it was similar. They shoot well but this is rather ridiculous.

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They’re all like that in my experience, but that’s the semi-internal portion. 😳🤣

[Archer1440]

At a certain point we’re picking fly poop out of pepper.

Does one or the other make you happier?

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[1slow]

I hate to be a party pooper but compact revolvers sure are big compared to compact auto pistols

Even the small little 3" S&W Model 66 looks big compared with a handy little Glock 19 sized CZ P01

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It depends.

Assuming similar size handguns.

If you are carrying FBI forward cant, the upper back of slide corner and bottom front of the grip corner of an auto loader stick out more than a 3” revolver with round butt grips.

This is because of the angle.

[Dave Williams]

It depends.

Assuming similar size handguns.

If you are carrying FBI forward cant, the upper back of slide corner and bottom front of the grip corner of an auto loader stick out more than a 3” revolver with round butt grips.

This is because of the angle.

The Safariland 28 with a 2 1/2” K frame is really concealeable.