One of my best friends has the Colt revolver he bought back in the early 1960s just out of high school. He just didn't have the extra cash to spring for the Python, so he got the Trooper - which is exactly the same internal works, but lacks the ribbed barrel.
It is a very fine action, "slick" would be a good word to describe it.
I used to hang out on the Smith & Wesson forum, and the term that is used for Colt's there is "off brand". Guy's would do a post saying: Hey, I got a nice off-brand! And then have a picture of a nickle plated Python that you knew they must have paid $2000. for. I always found that a cute term, and have taken to referring to Colt's as "off-brands" ever since.
For me they are. I have several S&W revolvers in various frame sizes and configurations, and one Ruger Blackhawk, but no Colt wheel guns.
My favorite "off-brand" revolver: the Colt Anaconda 6".
They don't make these anymore, or I'd probably have one.
I think Smith & Wesson's function great, and are lovely when appointed correctly. I may be influenced by Jerry Miculek, who explains why he prefers S&W on a few videos. (Yes, he's sponsored by them.)
But, I have to give Colt their due, they made the best looking double action revolvers ever, and they had some of the nicest finishes on their guns, too. The high-polish Stainless (that they put on some Anacondas and even some 1911s in the 1980s) was incredible.
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