I'm picking up a new 686+ PC (5" barrel) this coming week, and am super excited - my first revolver. Hoping to do range practice and use it for home defense (not EDC).

LGS now says they have two Colt Pythons in the store - yipes! I've heard these are legends, and although they'd be 50% more than the 686...am wondering if I should have gone for one instead, or perhaps should get a second (and delay college for a kid or something ).

Anyone shoot both that has an opinion on this? Puts/takes on the two? Thank you in advance!


** EDIT ** the Colt Pythons are 2020 models

If it's brand new Python, pass, and grab the Smith.

If it is an older one ( early 1980s back- mint ) Take the Python..

The new ones are Pythons in name only.

It's not apples and apples, but I have a 1985 Python and a 2015-ish 686+ (not PC) with a polished action. I actually bought one 3" to minimize shooting the other 3". Both are smooth and accurate. I did have to send the 686+ back to S&W to straighten out a canted barrel. Several others have shot both of my revolvers. Everyone liked the 686+ and loved the Python. Not sure how the new Pythons compare. I've dry fired an new Python with snap caps. It has real potential and I'll probably get one some day. My advice is not to regret the bird in hand and look forward to your next purchase.

I have both a 2020 Python and an older Python. The new one is every bit as good as original, and actually has a better DA pull.

I’d pass on the current 686 and go for the Python.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

I have a new King Cobra and it’s a bit nicer than my new PC 500 mag. The cylinder locks up tighter, the fit & finish is better, the DBL action is smoother on the colt.(SA is excellent on both) and the Colt was perfect out of the box whereas the S&W require a trip back to S&W to fix about 5 separate issues and come back with a busted rear sight and a few issues unresolved. That said if my S&W didn’t have any issues, the colt would still be the nicer of the two. I can’t speak for the older guns, just the two new ones I own and have experience with. This is just my opinion from my experience owning both, others may have a different opinion.

I owned two Pythons in the 70s....a 4 and a 6...they were everything everyone bragged about...fit and finish...perfection...deep polished blue...perfection....sold them both when I got my first SS Model 66...the one thing the Pythons came up short....was the arch of the grip frame....my trigger finger could just barely pull through the double action.....single action..was perfect....but I could not consistently fire double action....the S&W 66....fit my hand...double action was just right..single action was perfect.....I retired that 66 years ago...and replaced it with the no dash 686...when they first came on the market...it is still my trusted side arm...never went in for the "M"...never had a single issue with it...

I agree, same here. Obviously there were some teething problems, but if you get a good/recent one, they are indeed quite nice. If S&W comes out with a nicely polished 686 without lock and a tuned action: thank the new Python!

The 686 has been referred to as the "poor man's Python." I have never owned a Python but, do have a no dash 686. Very reliable, dependable, well made, accurate firearm!

I recently bought a new Colt Anaconda (44Mag). Cost more than the 629 I have but wow, what a revolver. Smooth as butter and the finish is way better than current S&W.
I have 7 shot 686. I do not have a python (yet). The 686 works great, I do like it. If the $ delta is not a big deal for you, go Colt.

Respectfully disagree. Can't speak to the Python but my new King Cobra Target is an absolute dream. The action on the new Smiths is a little too stiff for my liking but my new King Cobra is smooth as a baby's you-know-what.

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Bill

If it’s 686 with a hole, any Python, even a beater.

If a pre lock 686, both.

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Sure you did

I owned an original python for about thirty years and currently own a new one. The new is everything the old is. Fit, finish and performance are first class.

I don’t own a 686 but own quite a few other Smiths both newer and vintage. Comparing the Smiths to the Python I’d say the vintage Smiths equal the new Python in all respects. The newer ones are nice but lack consistency in fit, finish and performance. Do I like my Smiths, absolutely. They’re great guns but if I could only have one revolver and it was between the python and 686, I’d pick the python.

100%. I have S&W 686 CS-1, 3 inch barrel and two vintage Colt Pythons, one a magnificent blue from 1968, the other a later model stainless steel. Get any 686 without the Hillary hole and at least one Colt Python.


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Get both.

Problem solved.

"poor man's Python"

I have never heard or read that anywhere

I have both. A new Colt Python, 686 “midnight,” and 686 PC. Go with the new python if you can.

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I had the opportunity to fire a new Python at the Adaptive Defensive Shooting Summit in 2020 when Colt had a demonstration bay at the Summit. I was so impressed that I have vowed that my next revolver purchase (if there is one), will be a Python.

I own a number of S&W revolvers, but only shoot my 4 screw Model 14, a 36-6, and my 686+ 3" double action, all of the rest are shot single action. In my opinion, the Python trigger is superior to that of the 14 and 36, but a close tie with the 686+. The Python, first time out, dropped 6 plates at about 12 yards with 6 shots fired one-handed single action. The hammer spur was close in size to a K frame target hammer and a dream to work. The spur on the King Cobra was way too small, and was not available with a wider spur.

As much as I love my Smiths, I'd jump at the opportunity to own a Python, but not at the expense of my children's education.

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Judge control not gun control!

There will never be a consensus on which model is "better" as a general propisition. It's no different than Chevy vs Ford. I've also had one good one and one bad one of each Chevy and Ford SUV. The one thing which has not been mentioned is that some individual models of one may be better than individual models of the other. You should closely inspect the lock up, trigger, barrel - cylinder gap, barrel cant, etc before purchasing either. Then enjoy whatever you purchase.

I don't think you buy a Python because you want "a" 357. There are other guns that cost much less that will put rounds downrange so well I doubt many people could tell the difference. Smith and Wesson, Ruger, even Taurus all make good 357's.

I think you buy a Python because you WANT a Python and nothing else will scratch that itch. I believe this because for 45 years or so I bought "just as good." But I still wanted a Python in the back of my mind. Then Colt stopped making them, and the prices shot out of the roof. When they reintroduced them last year, I had my chance again, and I was right at the head of the line. Shut up and take my money.

I've got three of them now. At least my wife and I do. I've got both 4" and 6" models. She's got a 4" of her own. Full disclosure. The first one got, I had to tighten the sideplate screws when they worked loose (That was a very early gun. S/N <3000). Took less than a minute with a screwdriver. No more problem. The other two, later production, no problems at all.

Are they better than a 686? To be honest I doubt it. But I don't think the 686 is any better either.

Is it worth it. Only you can decide that.

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John 3:16 .

I have found either can be better than the other. I had a Python that shot 3” groups at 25yds and a 686 with canted bbl.

Having a couple PC Guns from Smith, I was under the perception Colt was not capable of making a double action that did not stack up. I bought an Anaconda that went through their Custom shop….wow, myth dispelled. My father bought a 4” 686 from retired Leo, it had gone through their armourer, and had a silky da pull. Before the jump in Python prices, I was able to pick up a nice 1961 6” that I won’t be selling anytime soon, even with its value appreciation.

Short story long, you may be missing, or you may not. Sometimes the windshield, sometimes the bug.

Thank you all - wonderful insights, awesome posts. I learned a lot!

I'll be visiting my LGS on Monday, and saw they boosted their website Colt Python price from $1599 to $1699. Ugh. Perhaps they'll honor prior price since I expressed interest at that time, perhaps not. At least I'll get a chance to hold it, dry fire, and decide (to many of your points) if it's something I pine for!

I’m waiting on a 2 1/2 or 3 inch Python to go with my 4 and 6, to be released. Hope springs eternal.

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Sure you did

Get both you will not be sorry. Buy now because the price will not go down. I pray the price will go down but it has not happened yet.

I've had both back in the 70s. The problem I had was I was shooting heavy loads and the screws would get loose. Smiths keep firing. Colts jam.
No more Colts for me.

You are entitled to your opinion but IMO the new Python is better than the older ones… I bought one last week after a close examination and can say the finish is perfect and the action is smooth with a positive lock up. No doubt it will stay timed a lot longer than any old Python I ever owned.

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S&W factory revolver armorer

I have a new King Cobra.

It is an absolutely stunning revolver.

So far, the consensus is a new Colt Python by a wide margin, although that could change.

I hope some smart lad at S&W is looking at the runaway success of the re-introduction of the Python and Anaconda and has the nuts to say: There is no reason we can’t make a 686 without the lock and with a hammer mounted firing pin and with properly marked barrels. No one but us will stop us.

Yes, I know. “The lock will never go away!”

Everyone said “The Python will never come back! Colt will never make DA revolvers again!”

Until they did.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

If wanting a 686 , I would only buy an older one . I have a no dash , 4" that came from a retired LEO . It's a wonderful piece . Would I buy a new one , No ? If someone gave me a new one would I keep it , No ?
I have often thought about saving my $$$ for a new python . But , I have to remind myself it has a shorter cylinder than my 686 . I shoot the Keith 173 gr swc quite a bit . In my 686 , I can crimp the bullet in the crimp groove loaded in a 357 magnum case . With the python you either crimp over the front driving band or load it in a 38 special case . No , I'll just keep what I have and forget about the python . Regards Paul

Actually, the "poor man's Python" is the old Colt . 357, or Trooper . 357 ( not the later Mk III or Mk V). These had the Python action but not the barrel. In fact, the . 357 was the basis for the Python, came out a year or two earlier. Paid $650 for mine last year.

Wayyyy over rated in my view. Let the little ******s pay their own way-they'll appreciate it more

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Forum consigliere

Very true.

People still going with the idea you need an expensive education to be someone?

Don't waste your money on the college fund.

I bought my 2020 Python last year as soon as they were available, and actually had it in January of 2020. I paid right at MSRP for it, and never felt I overpaid or felt buyers remorse.

While I do love the gun for the most part. I would opt for a S&W first, but that's only because I grew up shooting a lot of them. As for the opinion of which gun is better. The Colt hands down for not having a stupid lock, and it wins for that alone.

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Today I saw my first 2020 4" Python. Real pretty at $1499. Another reason why I love my Pre-lock 686-4, and the six other ones I have.

I have fondled the 'new' Pythons several times. While they are certainly nice, they still have an action that feels different enough from a Smith/Ruger to leave me wanting. Having no forward lock to the cylinder has always given me pause, also. Likely a fine 'target' gun, but Smith/Ruger all-day, and twice on Sundays.....

New Lust: Colt Python 2021 | Video

Handle them both.
Inspect them so you don't get a lemon.
Decide on what is best for you.

Later you can buy a second chance if needed.
College of hard knocks!

Sorry, my dad often said, "I might not leave you much, but you will have the best education I can afford."

I appreciate it just fine, thank you. I did the same for my kids.

lrrifleman, I admire and agree with you.

I watched a tv gun show about the new Colt.
The guts were changed to improve the action, triger pull was improved
and even beefed up a little more in spots.
Of course they had to say it was as good or better than the old one but the
person that shot the revolver did state that the trigger pull was great and..
that it was back for those of us that never grabbed one of the old ones.

My 686 6" is a great weapon also.
They are great right out of the box or there are a few that have to go back to the shop
to fine tune asomething that was not just right when shipped.
I had to send my .357 back to get the cylinder timed, due to JHP fragments cutting my left cheek,
in a shooting session, beneath my safety glasses.

I do have a sweet spot for the old M19, though.

Buy both! I'm a Smith man but the new Pythons are very nice. If I could only have one, it would be the Colt.

One of the classic arguments, well more Model 27 vs Python.

The new Colt revolvers are excellent in my opinion for fit, form, and function.

Some people have a preference based on brand, appearance, geometry/angle of grip/length, single action and double action differences...but this has mostly been the case the whole time.

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Rather be outdoors

I haven't shot a new Colt. I haven't shot a new 686 either. If talking the older of both I strongly prefer the 686 due to the trigger. Pythons are prettier for sure and always have been. In the past it was also way harder to find a competent Colt gunsmith. It's now hard to find a competent revolver smith period.

As far as a competent gunsmith , I know your frustration . I struggled with this for many many years . I lucked out in moving to the DFW area . I found a true gunsmith . Been smithing for 40 yrs , is an expert in S&W . I have a couple of older colts that needed " the oil changed " as he put it . He said , no problem --- worked on them before . He did an excellent job .

I would look for an pre lock 686 or a 27. The new Pythons look great and the DA trigger pull is nice. The SA trigger pull leaves a lot to be desired. I have an older Python and its action will never be as good as any of my older S&W's. I'll admit I did a little work on the S&W's polished them up and changed some springs. Their actions are far better than any Python I have ever handled including mine

If someone offered me a gift, I'd take a Python (new or old) due to value reasons, but I've always preferred the 686 for shooting. I've never owned the new Python, but have have owned several of the old ones over the years.

I have a 586 no dash. I like the looks of the Python better though I have never fired one. I love my 586 but if I didn't already have the 586 and they were both on a table, I would probably pick the Python first.

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Shield 45, SW40VE, 586, 1000

I have a new 4" python, a few old pythons and had current productions Smiths. If I was you I'd grab a new Python and never look back. The new Pythons are very well made, fit and finish are excellent, there's no silly lock and the concerns of the old Pythons have been eliminated. Some of first 3500 Pythons released into the wild had issues related to the side plate coming lose when the screws backed out, this problem was quickly dealt with.

The original Pythons are iconic, but they required more maintenance (Rolex v. Timex), these have all been addressed and improved upon with the new Python. The only 686 that I like as well is my 2.5' dash 4 + because it's a 7 shot, however, I think the new Python is built to tighter tolerances and overall product is of higher quality. YMMV

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213th FBINA

I am biased as a 686-1 owner, even so I can see the arguments in favor of the Python having slightly better lock-up and the mystical silver ball treatment.

All that said, with two guns that perform so similarly, I certainly wouldn't pay that much more for the Python. Maybe to some it is worth it, but I actually prefer the push release over the pull of colt, and don't think most shooters would even notice the very slight difference in lock-up or supposed superiority in terms of accuracy. Hicock45 has a great video shooting both and actually shoots the 686 better. Just go with what you like, at the end of the day both are great guns.

I've had both and both are fantastic. Edge in all ways except durability goes to the Python. I've also had an Anaconda and it was nice but just didn't grab me.

For daily or hard use go with the 686. For class and accuracy, go with the Python!

Difference in parents. I wanted a new car and my mother said " if you want new car quit college and pay for it yourself. " I quit school and bought a new Corvette. Have never regretted it for a minute.

On the new Pythons I have coon-fingered, the double action was very nice but the single action made me wonder if I had left the safety on.

WILDPIG

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I ain't from around here.