Diamondback vs Python??

l98ster · March 28, 2010, 02:06 AM

Hi everyone,

I have a 6" Python that is DEFINITLY the nicest revolver that I own. Since I primarily shoot .38 special, I was wondering how the diamondback compares Uto the python?

is it as well made? Is the action as smooth and crisp asthe python? Ultimately, should I get a diamondback, or another python??

Thanks!!!
-George

Standing Wolf · March 28, 2010, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Ultimately, should I get a diamondback, or another python??

Yes.

I prefer the larger framed Python to the Diamondback, but they're both outstanding revolvers.

**4V50 Gary** · March 28, 2010, 10:22 AM

The fit and finish on the Python is superior to the Diamondback. That said, the smaller frame Diamondback is not to be scoffed at. The action is very similar to the Python's and both require a skilled assembler to build and a skilled gunsmith to tune up (if they ever go bad). Besides two Pythons, I have two 4" Diamondbacks myself (.22 LR and .38 Special).

BillCA · March 28, 2010, 11:14 AM

The Diamondback was Colt's top-of-the-line .38 Special revolver. It received more attention to the finish than the other .38 revolvers. But it's action wasn't tuned as nicely as the Python and while fitment of parts was usually excellent, it didn't match the more expensive Python.

Back when I purchased my 2.5" Diamondback for $236.50, I could have purchased a Python instead... for $499.50. With that price difference, the Diamondback was no Python, but it was certainly a very nice .38 special.

Accurate, reliable a nice size for carry or shooting and pretty all rolled into one.

SatCong · March 28, 2010, 11:27 AM

I98ster,

Since the guns you are considering indicate that you have some budget "horsepower", look for an original Colt Trooper in .38 special.
It has the same action as the later introduced Python, ie: buttery smooth with a very clean break and little discrenable stacking. My circa 1954 model is every bit as nice, action wise as my Pythons.

SatCong

KyJim · March 28, 2010, 11:28 AM

I would agree with BillCA. My Diamondbacks (.22 and .38) are very nice but the actions are not as sweet as my Pythons.

Added: I don't think the Trooper's actions were hand fit as nicely as the Pythons. However, Colt's Officer Model Match revolvers had actions every bit as slick as the Python. Of course, individual guns very and you may find a particular Trooper that fills nicer than a particular Python.

Nasty · March 28, 2010, 03:23 PM

*Any* of the older Colts -Pythons, Diamondbacks, Troopers, etc will beat the heck out of anything on the market today in my opinion.

22-rimfire · March 28, 2010, 09:02 PM

Get two: a 4" Python and a 4" Diamondback. Better yet, get three, 4" Colt Python, 4" Diamondback (38spl), and 4" Diamondback 22. Fine revolvers. I think you will find that you will probably prefer the Python, but the Diamondback has a smaller frame and is a very nicely put together package.

357 Python · March 29, 2010, 11:40 AM

Should you get a Diamondback or another Python? Only you can answer that. Which do you want more? The Diamondback was used as a police gun by departments that did not allow officers to carry a 357 Magnum revolver. The Diamondbacks I have seen in the gunshops over the years have been very good to excellent. If possible why not get both? Should you get a Diamondback? Why not? I know of no reason you shouldn't. Should you get a Python? Why not? You already know about Pythons. The Colt snakes come in many varieties. Each seems to be as good as the next within reason. Enjoy whichever you get. I have two Pythons made in 1978 (one 4" and one 6") and hope to find a 2 1/2" Python made in 1978. I have other Colts but the Pythons are my only Colt revolvers, although I would not feel undergunned with a Diamondback in 38 Special.

March 28, 2010, 02:06 AM	#1
l98ster Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2010 Location: Hopewell Junction, NY Posts: 454	Diamondback vs Python?? Hi everyone, I have a 6" Python that is DEFINITLY the nicest revolver that I own. Since I primarily shoot .38 special, I was wondering how the diamondback compares Uto the python? is it as well made? Is the action as smooth and crisp asthe python? Ultimately, should I get a diamondback, or another python?? Thanks!!! -George

March 28, 2010, 10:22 AM	#3
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 22,287	The fit and finish on the Python is superior to the Diamondback. That said, the smaller frame Diamondback is not to be scoffed at. The action is very similar to the Python's and both require a skilled assembler to build and a skilled gunsmith to tune up (if they ever go bad). Besides two Pythons, I have two 4" Diamondbacks myself (.22 LR and .38 Special). __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

March 28, 2010, 11:14 AM	#4
BillCA Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2004 Location: Silicon Valley, Ca Posts: 7,116	The Diamondback was Colt's top-of-the-line .38 Special revolver. It received more attention to the finish than the other .38 revolvers. But it's action wasn't tuned as nicely as the Python and while fitment of parts was usually excellent, it didn't match the more expensive Python. Back when I purchased my 2.5" Diamondback for $236.50, I could have purchased a Python instead... for $499.50. With that price difference, the Diamondback was no Python, but it was certainly a very nice .38 special. Accurate, reliable a nice size for carry or shooting and pretty all rolled into one.

March 28, 2010, 11:27 AM	#5
SatCong Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2004 Location: Twangtown Posts: 175	I98ster, Since the guns you are considering indicate that you have some budget "horsepower", look for an original Colt Trooper in .38 special. It has the same action as the later introduced Python, ie: buttery smooth with a very clean break and little discrenable stacking. My circa 1954 model is every bit as nice, action wise as my Pythons. SatCong

March 28, 2010, 11:28 AM	#6
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,149	I would agree with BillCA. My Diamondbacks (.22 and .38) are very nice but the actions are not as sweet as my Pythons. Added: I don't think the Trooper's actions were hand fit as nicely as the Pythons. However, Colt's Officer Model Match revolvers had actions every bit as slick as the Python. Of course, individual guns very and you may find a particular Trooper that fills nicer than a particular Python.

March 28, 2010, 03:23 PM	#7
Nasty Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2008 Posts: 323	Any of the older Colts -Pythons, Diamondbacks, Troopers, etc will beat the heck out of anything on the market today in my opinion.

March 28, 2010, 09:02 PM	#8
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 5,323	Get two: a 4" Python and a 4" Diamondback. Better yet, get three, 4" Colt Python, 4" Diamondback (38spl), and 4" Diamondback 22. Fine revolvers. I think you will find that you will probably prefer the Python, but the Diamondback has a smaller frame and is a very nicely put together package.

March 29, 2010, 11:40 AM	#9
357 Python Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2007 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 941	Should you get a Diamondback or another Python? Only you can answer that. Which do you want more? The Diamondback was used as a police gun by departments that did not allow officers to carry a 357 Magnum revolver. The Diamondbacks I have seen in the gunshops over the years have been very good to excellent. If possible why not get both? Should you get a Diamondback? Why not? I know of no reason you shouldn't. Should you get a Python? Why not? You already know about Pythons. The Colt snakes come in many varieties. Each seems to be as good as the next within reason. Enjoy whichever you get. I have two Pythons made in 1978 (one 4" and one 6") and hope to find a 2 1/2" Python made in 1978. I have other Colts but the Pythons are my only Colt revolvers, although I would not feel undergunned with a Diamondback in 38 Special.