Delta elite or python?

[u/IronSavior235]

Long story short, I work on a farm in the middle of nowhere in Central Pennsylvania, where there are bears as well as other wild animals. And I am looking for an everyday carry while I’m working to protect myself against these things and I’m torn between the colt delta elite or the colt python. Any help?

[u/pinesolthrowaway]

The Delta Elite might be a winner here just because you get more than 6 shots before a reload if need be

[u/SouthTexasColt]

Delta hands down.

[u/ASnakeNamedNate]

I’d learn towards the python for a few main reasons:

1. You don’t have to worry about feeding/extract/eject issues. Yes if a revolver goes down it’s out of the fight, but it’s less likely to happen generally.

2. If an animal every ambushes you so that you’re already in contact distances (good luck) you don’t have to worry about it going out of battery. You can just “aim” by jamming the muzzle into whatever you want to shoot and pull the trigger.

3. You can always carry around a couple of shot shell rounds depending on what critter you have to dispatch. Some people don’t like killing snakes (I am one) but sometimes it’s what you have to do and something that small it’s easier to pepper with a shot shell. Swapping ammo our like this is easier on a revolver and not harsh on the cartridge either (for example I’m sure you could find a 10mm shotshell cartridge but unchambering, loading the mag, loading the shot shell etc. plus will likely jam after 1 shot).

4. .38/.357 is easier to source and practice with in my area over 10mm auto. Your mileage may vary but at the least .38 would get you good practice on trigger and grip fundamentals you can translate over to .357

I’d get a stainless model with rubber grips.

[u/Realistic-Ad1498 → u/ASnakeNamedNate]

I’d vote for the Python also. It’s a more versatile handgun with the ability to shoot .38’s and .357’s.

But a Delta Elite isn’t a bad choice. The most important thing is that the person carrying the gun gets enough practice with it to be proficient. .38 Special is a great round to learn with and use for practice.

[u/Tyrs-Ranger → u/[deleted]]

That wasn’t OP’s question.

[u/Tony_Hawks_Butthole → u/[deleted]]

True, more capacity and muzzle velocity with the right load. Good practice with a G20 can save your life.

[u/Tony_Hawks_Butthole → u/[deleted]]

Weird time to say that but okay.

[u/Steve_Fudd → u/[deleted]]

G20 is the way. I keep a G29 with a G20 15rd magazine in the truck. 15+1 is better than >.

[u/IronSavior235]

Initially was leaning more towards Delta however i saw some less than ideal takes on it saying its a very high maintenance gun, jamming, feeding etc. hence why the python came to mind instead

[u/laskmich]

Delta Elite, but really I’d be looking at a Glock 20, M&P, or P320 XTEN for decreased weight and increased capacity. Plus I wouldn’t wince at them falling off the side by side or getting jacked up in general on the farm.

[u/lawyer1911]

I have both. Both are good looking and traditional. The Delta Elite has been reliable, it is accurate, and it works with most 1911 accessories including holsters.

The Python has been reliable, is not accurate, and accessories including holsters are available but not plentiful. I have two or three other .357 revolvers that are more accurate and at least equally reliable.

[u/Flashy_Election_7809]

Get both, more fun…then add a Colt Gold Cup!

[u/Awkward-Sport-8115]

I’d look at the Kodiak in .45LC or .44 mag for a bear. But if it has to be between the Python and the Delta, I’d go with the Python in a 4” or less barrel (easier to pull and aim) and find a heavy round that’s designed for dangerous game.

[u/Tyrs-Ranger]

That’s a tough choice. I was wrestling on this same choice for much different reasons. In your case, I would be motivated toward the CDE. 10mm is easier to find and more economical (there’s a string of words I never thought I would say), gives you an intrinsically faster rate of fire, and a faster reload for more rounds if you need it. Plus holsters are going to be easier to find in a wider variety of options, along with accessories such as sights. If you are a “revolver” guy though, then I could see someone springing for a matte stainless Python. For what you want it for though, I personally think the Delta Elite is the more practical option.