I recently bought a 1981 model 586. I think it's a beautiful revolver in its own right. I put it next to my 1972 Python for comparison (I am the original owner of the Colt.), and took these photos. I still prefer the Python, but what do you think? I'm now going for the popcorn.

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Nice, very nice. The Pythons are great although I don't think they're worth three times the value of the 586. Mine are all gone now, except for one four inch, traded for S&Ws and other toys. Traded a six inch stainless for a 8 3/8 27-2, a 5 inch pre-27, and a 4 inch 25-5 and never looked back. Enjoy them both!

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I like them both for different reasons.
I can’t comment on the 586 because I’ve never owned one.
I’ve owned a nickel 4” python and still own a 6” Pre-27.
Sold the Python because it was so pretty I couldn’t bear to shoot it and I can’t abide a safe queen.
This Fall I intend to hunt whitetail deer here at the farm with my S&W.
Daddy loves a good farm implement.

I paid $198.00 for the Python in 1972 and $800.00 for the 586 (with the combat stocks) two weeks ago. I think the prices of the older Pythons are nuts considering the huge number that were produced, but it's nice know that I can at least double my money, LOL.

Interesting. Never saw them side by side like that.

To my eyes, the S&W looks more svelte and refined. On the Colt, all the frame profiles around the cylinder window are too thick and blocky.
The sculpted crane profile on the Smith looks better.
The narrower top strap on the Smith looks better.
Even the continuous radiused edge at the top of the trigger opening looks better on the Smith, over the Colt's bump protruding at the screw.

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Slava Ukraini!

Externally, the Python has no rival; internally, the 686 wins. Ergo, the Smolt.

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213th FBINA

I have a 6-inch Python and a 4-inch Model 586 on hand. I vote none-of-the-above for neither are as appealing in appearance as a Smith & Wesson Model 19 or Model 27 is. Now those two are a couple of real beauties.

Considering the Smith & Wesson Model 586 and Colt Python, the Model 586 is the best looking. I'm not fond of the look or the balance of the full lug on either revolver and, on the Python am not keen on the appearance of the vent rib.

I vote for the S&W. I recently got a New Old Stock 586 for the same price you paid. I am not a fan of ventilated ribs; Not even on shot guns.

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"Don't Give Up the Ship"

It's extremely easy for me to admit bias. If I am finding the absolute #1 thing I like about the Python, most Pythons and most Colt revolvers, it is the quality and beauty of the luscious blue polished finish.

Beyond that (speaking visually only), I cannot find much that I like. I believe the vented rib is gaudy and unattractive. I'm sure of this because the King Cobra is a far more attractive revolver, in my opinion. I also don't care for the wood stocks, they look extremely dated to me and not in a nostalgic way.

I don't like the shape of the trigger guard, specifically the top of it where it shows the swoopy humps. I don't care much for the long ramp front sight or the blocky rear sight. I don't like the way that the cylinder seems as if they tried to "melt" absolutely every edge that it has. It looks like they dropped it in a rock polisher and left it in there for a week.

I will say that I do like the crown or slightly proud muzzle at the end, but overall, I've always found the Python to be a gaudy looking thing.

The S&W is where I'm at and where I've always been at. The 586 is a truly gorgeous revolver.

I think both the Python and the 586 are very beautiful guns. That said, when it comes to the .357 Magnum, the original N-Frame ones is where my heart will always be...


Agree:

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

The Python was the most beautiful handgun I have ever owned by far. Wish I still had to sell. The 586s I have owned did not have anywhere near the mirror like bluing finish of the Python. Aside from that if the surface finishes were equal it would be more of a toss up.

But when it comes down to whats really important I can shoot my current 4" 586 better than I could the old Python.

Python all the way, sorry…….

For durability, especially during rapid double action fire, the S&W wins over the old Pythons (the version introduced in 2020 is a whole different animal internally). When it comes to sex appeal, there is something about the Colt Python that draws attention.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

While the vented rib is iconic, I prefer the S&W. The bluing and Finnish might go to the Colt. But as mentioned the Colt frame is blocky. I prefer S&W rear sight arrangement and grip frame area.

I am equally attracted to both for many of the reasons mentioned. I like the Python the Diamondback and the King Cobra and have one of each. The Anaconda is on the list, but the opportunity has not presented itself to date.

I have multiple 586's and 686's in many barrel lengths and even in Nickle, so not saying I don't love them and as far as shooting goes, they shoot better than I can.

So, the good thing is I don't have to choose, I can enjoy them all.

Call me bias, but I think the 586 wins! Better front site and those combat grips clinch it for me.

I have a similar pic around here somewhere. I kept the Python longer ;-)

That's always been my opinion.

I have two contenders.......................


A 624 and a...................... um, ........ Ladysmith?

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When words fail, music speaks.

I have always felt that the Colt Python was the most attractive double action revolver ever made. However, cash value not being considered, of the two revolvers shown, I would take the 586. Specially with those combat stocks. Just one man's opinion.

Nobody did blue like Colt.

Thanks for sharing, I would be happy owning either one, you have both. Enjoy!

Both beautiful revolvers!!! I've had several Pythons in the past and couldn't get used to the stacking in double action, so they went down the road. They are wonderfully made though. If given the choice, I prefer the 586.

I watched that movie (The Professionals) so many times that my DVD is probably worn out.

Of course all those times watched were purely for research into Lee Marvin's techniques with that Browning water cooled, Burt Lancaster's with dynamite...NEVER any other reason, trust me, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Always loved that ending line from Lee Marvin when Ralph Belamy calls him a "Ba$&*@d" and he responds "In my case, an accident of birth, but you sir, are a self-made man"!

Almost as good as "make my Day"

Was she really packing a Ladysmith??? Now I'll have to watch it again...but now forced to research the female character (forgot the name

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Charlie B
SWCA#3083, SWHF#570

"Beauty is as beauty does." I'm a heretic: while the Python and the old 586 are pretty, I actually think the current 686+ 4.125" (complete with its rubber grips AND the revised curve of the frame under the hammer), is better looking than both of them!

Here are my two personal "beauty queens." A Python and a model 27. I can't make up my mind as to which merits the title "Miss Revolver of 2022!"

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I very much like the looks of the Python but if you need to compare finishes you should put the Python against the Model 27 not the 586. Liking both of these If I had to pick just one I would pick the Smith every time.

PALADIN85020----My vote for the "Miss Revolver of 2022" goes to the 27. The runner-up is fabulous also.

I wouldn't disagree with that.

Never cared too much for Pythons...the silly vent rib makes it look awkward.

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No good deed goes unpunished.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The only Colt revolver that ever looked right to me was the SAA.

Three 586s here 4", 6" and a factory round butt 586- 5(?) with Spegel smooth extended boot grip in Birdseye maple. The others have Spegel extended sq butt checkered grips.

So 586 all the way ....... better trigger w/ K-frame reach and cylinder release.

Always wanted a 4" 586 Smolt!!!!! Best of all features

My goodness! What a nostalgic and heart warming thread! It reminds me of my mis-spent youth when the grown ups could be heard legitimately discussing the assets and liabilities of a S&W 586 and a Colt Python without one or the other being placed upon a pedestal due to scarcity.

I suppose considering our ambience, it's no surprise that I prefer the S&W 586. I actually feel that the lines of the 586 are more graceful and sweeping than the Colt, and I'm ambivalent about the ribbed barrel on the Python. I like that the front sight seems more pronounced and proportional to the rest of the gun on the Smith.

Not that anyone asked about function, but I actually like the S&W action better as well. They Python was ideal back when it was considered "proper" to stage the double action trigger, but since we've moved on to one smooth and consistent squeeze of the DA trigger. Of course, I'm probably again biased by the fact that I ain't afraid of the action in any S&W revolver, but a Colt Python would be more than a little scary to break into, and there are fewer and fewer men still alive that are willing to do it.

Overall truth be known...I'm one of those fella's that would prefer a nice Model 27. I have never, ever been partial to the full underlug barrels. Proving as ever...beauty lies in the eye of the beer holder...

After several comments on the vent rib of the Python I must say that having been a trap shooter for most of my pleasure shooting life I like vent ribs and I think the Python's looks great there. However I still prefer the Smith.

Out of all my guns I always felt that this M57 was about as good looking gun as any of them.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

Doh!... Now, I need a 6" 586!

Despite the shortcomings of the original Colt Python, having one (and shooting it) is a nostalgic thing for me that goes back to my senior year in high school. In late 1981,I went with a buddy to Carter's Country (Conroe, Texas) to shoot his 6" Python...
(Who knows? Maybe, it's the one I now own?)

It was a joy to handle and to shoot.
Since then, I've grown to prefer Smiths over Colts.

-Bill

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Veteran Paratrooper, '86-'90

No contest, the Python obviously has it by a mile.

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

I can't really form an opinion from the photo. You'll need to send both to me for a few months for further evaluation.

If you can put similar stocks on the Colt as what are on the S&W, I'd go with the Colt. But then I'd take either one as is if the price was right (meaning free!) Both are nice guns for sure. I agree with ZGrand on this one! In fact, I can wait till he's done with them!

Ok, let's go to the "Island": the "Mary-Ann" model 27 or "Ginger," the nickle Colt?

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ask questions- then shoot!

I always wanted a Colt Python, blue 6", never had that much cash to buy it.
Always wanted a Colt Peacekeeper .45 LC with 4 or 5" barrel, again not enough cash for it.
But years later I did have the cash for this S&W 586-7 4" blue 7 shooter. Pretty happy now. It's a beauty!

That 586-7 is quite the hole puncher... Amazing shooting!

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

Claudia Cardinale

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Stang1911

I think the Python looks better but the action of a 586 is superior in my opinion, especially with a little tuning