MartinSW41
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Looking for a wheel gun. Which S & W model is comparable to the trigger/quality of older Colt Python? Thanks.
Which S & W is comparable to Colt Python?
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Find a 586 or 686. Can't go wrong there. Even fits the same holsters.
pantannojack
US Veteran
A few years back I was offered a 6" Python from an elderly man who then had his fathers Colt. I told him I don't like colts; I could have had it for 600$. I printed some GB completed sale statements so he would not get robbed by some G Show pirates. In my opinion one might ask what colt is comparable to any pre 80's S&W.
chiefdave
US Veteran
If you are talking about standard, out of the box revolvers S&W never made one that was even close to the older Python's.
Model19man
SWCA Member
In many ways the Python is unique; it does not compare well with any Smith & Wesson product. You can go heavier with a Model 27, lighter with a Model 19; heavier with a Model 586 / 686.
Of course Colt makes the new one which is totally not the same thing.
Of course Colt makes the new one which is totally not the same thing.
The 586/686 is your best comparison. They both shoot 38/357, have full lug barrels and fit in the same holster. They’re brothers from different mothers.
Yes they did........Having both from the 70's...........The Smith action was always smoother and held up much longer.....My old Python has gone out of time twice from routine shooting.....Both times I had to peen the legs on the hand to bring it back in time..........Last time I took it out, it snapped(soft primer hit) about half the time........Needs a new V-spring or take the old one out and stretch it........My oldest Smiths from the 30's & 40s' still go bang everytime and their side plates have never been off.
oberon
Member
586 is the next best thing to a Python. The legacy Colts are pretty well out of reach for a lot of guys.The 2020 Pythons are considered to be quite good, but lack the fit & finish of the old ones. Reportedly it has eliminated the barely perceptible 'stacking' of the trigger pull of the legacy Pythons.(I can't feel it in either of mine, but I could be numb....) The 586 is still well within reason. Anyone can slick up an S&W action with no risk to the critical internal relationships. It won't be creamy buttery smooth like a Python, but it will be good. Real good, actually. And the gun will very well be a good shooter. There are 2 Pythons and a 586 in the pile here.
Here's a suggestion: try out both.....a 586 and a 2020 Python. If your 1st pick suits you keep it. If it doesn't, trade it.
Here's a suggestion: try out both.....a 586 and a 2020 Python. If your 1st pick suits you keep it. If it doesn't, trade it.
There are no Smith and Wessons that are comparable to the older Pythons
However the Smith and Wesson models 586 and 686 do have a visually similar look to the Python
The trigger pulls feel different on the two firearms because the lock work is of a totally different configuration
Which is the better firearm is a matter of personal opinion. I have been shooting both Company's firearms for over four decades now and I admit I still own several from each manufacturer and I like them for their differences, not that I believe one is better than the other
Many folks prefer the Smith and Wesson post war action because it can be very easily made into a fairly decent double action pull at a moderate cost
Doing a exceptional trigger job on the Python, especially an older one, is a very expensive and tedious process though the Python will yield a far superior double action trigger pull if you can get one of the old masters to work on it. Walter Sherman did an absolutely breathtaking trigger job to the Pythons with his roller bearing action, however this trigger job was about $200 back in 1994
The current Python lockwork is much easier to work on, though truthfully I have not inquired from various gunsmiths what they charge for those jobs since I do all my own work these days
Fresh out of the box the Smith and Wesson does have the edge on the single action trigger pull
As to durability of the lockwork between the two revolvers, I never understood where the legend of the Python being so bad evolved from. None of mine have ever had timing issues and several of them have well over 30,000 rounds through them
I have no doubt that the folks who stepped forward and said that they had problems with their lock work were telling us what they believed to be the truth. Obviously I do not know what their gunsmith told them was wrong with their firearm
I just have not seen these terrible timing issues in my personal shooting experience or the experience of any of my fellow shooters
However the Smith and Wesson models 586 and 686 do have a visually similar look to the Python
The trigger pulls feel different on the two firearms because the lock work is of a totally different configuration
Which is the better firearm is a matter of personal opinion. I have been shooting both Company's firearms for over four decades now and I admit I still own several from each manufacturer and I like them for their differences, not that I believe one is better than the other
Many folks prefer the Smith and Wesson post war action because it can be very easily made into a fairly decent double action pull at a moderate cost
Doing a exceptional trigger job on the Python, especially an older one, is a very expensive and tedious process though the Python will yield a far superior double action trigger pull if you can get one of the old masters to work on it. Walter Sherman did an absolutely breathtaking trigger job to the Pythons with his roller bearing action, however this trigger job was about $200 back in 1994
The current Python lockwork is much easier to work on, though truthfully I have not inquired from various gunsmiths what they charge for those jobs since I do all my own work these days
Fresh out of the box the Smith and Wesson does have the edge on the single action trigger pull
As to durability of the lockwork between the two revolvers, I never understood where the legend of the Python being so bad evolved from. None of mine have ever had timing issues and several of them have well over 30,000 rounds through them
I have no doubt that the folks who stepped forward and said that they had problems with their lock work were telling us what they believed to be the truth. Obviously I do not know what their gunsmith told them was wrong with their firearm
I just have not seen these terrible timing issues in my personal shooting experience or the experience of any of my fellow shooters
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.38SuperMan
Member
I’ve owned old and own 3 new Pythons. I had my original probably 30 years and used it in IPSC and it never went out of time. Matter of fact I’ve never known any of my friends to have one go out of time. That’s not to say it doesn’t happen but if you read the internet you’d think every one eventually goes out of time.
I really like my vintage Smiths especially the K frame ones. They’re not comparable to a Python but I think they’re the sweet spot in Smith revolvers. New ones, I own a couple and they’re good but they’re not impressive. They shoot fine and are accurate but it’s obvious Smith cut corners to save money. Again they’re good guns but not on the level of the Python especially the new ones. Fit and finish on new smiths had taken a dive ( search this forum ) and Colt has improved almost every aspect of the Python. Fit, finish and workmanship are excellent I own I think 8 new Colts and all are beautifully fitted and finished and the action is smooth. The new Python had no MIM parts unlike Smith and there’s no lock. The new Python is stronger and the action is improved and the workmanship is what you’d expect. Like everyone else including Smith, a dud will eventually get past the QC inspectors, I happens.
I’ve had 2 guns get out of time, one a Smith 317 and the other a brand new Ruger Blackhawk out of the box. Never had a Colt get out of time. If I were comparing I’d say an older 686/586 pre lock and pre MIM if that exists compared to the new Python. I’d say they’re very comparable.
I really like my vintage Smiths especially the K frame ones. They’re not comparable to a Python but I think they’re the sweet spot in Smith revolvers. New ones, I own a couple and they’re good but they’re not impressive. They shoot fine and are accurate but it’s obvious Smith cut corners to save money. Again they’re good guns but not on the level of the Python especially the new ones. Fit and finish on new smiths had taken a dive ( search this forum ) and Colt has improved almost every aspect of the Python. Fit, finish and workmanship are excellent I own I think 8 new Colts and all are beautifully fitted and finished and the action is smooth. The new Python had no MIM parts unlike Smith and there’s no lock. The new Python is stronger and the action is improved and the workmanship is what you’d expect. Like everyone else including Smith, a dud will eventually get past the QC inspectors, I happens.
I’ve had 2 guns get out of time, one a Smith 317 and the other a brand new Ruger Blackhawk out of the box. Never had a Colt get out of time. If I were comparing I’d say an older 686/586 pre lock and pre MIM if that exists compared to the new Python. I’d say they’re very comparable.
silicosys4
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I have never been impressed with the trigger on any older Python I've tried. Smooth, yes. But heavier + stacking.
I have several older Colts of that frame size and lockwork, just not Pythons and I see no reason to spend the money that older Pythons get...I personally think they are an overrated and overhyped gun that is nowhere near being rare or even uncommon.
I think the one area that the Python does better than a 586M, -1, or -2 is the level of polish in the finish. Thats about it.
I have several older Colts of that frame size and lockwork, just not Pythons and I see no reason to spend the money that older Pythons get...I personally think they are an overrated and overhyped gun that is nowhere near being rare or even uncommon.
I think the one area that the Python does better than a 586M, -1, or -2 is the level of polish in the finish. Thats about it.
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Jakerin
Member
If the comparison is between the old Python and its S&W counterpart wouldn’t it be the M19? A Pro shooter I used to know told me that he could shoot each one 500 times and drop them both onto cement and the Colt would be out of time but the Smith fired just like before. He (may) have favored Smiths….
My only Colt wheelgun is their late model SS 8” Anaconda. It’s been years since I’ve fired a Python or a M19.
My only Colt wheelgun is their late model SS 8” Anaconda. It’s been years since I’ve fired a Python or a M19.
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I own plenty of both and never had an issue with either. My first department issued pythons and never heard of one going out of time. As far as “stacking” goes with the Python, I always thought it was the same or similar to Smith’s “staging” and use both similarly when shooting double action.
Although not the Colt Royal Blue, the fit and finish of the new Pythons are outstanding. To my mind, they are far better than anything Smith has been cranking out for the past 25 years.
Although not the Colt Royal Blue, the fit and finish of the new Pythons are outstanding. To my mind, they are far better than anything Smith has been cranking out for the past 25 years.
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SWFan27
Member
I have shot vintage Pythons and Smith and Wessons. One of the things that I did not like on the Colt Python is that barely perceptible trigger staging or stacking. With a Smith and Wesson I know where I am with my trigger pull. With the Colt I squeezed off rounds before I wanted to, or unintentionally. And Smith and Wessons had buttery smooth triggers too.
I bought an used (1975) Colt Python 4” revolver a few years ago, the only Colt DA I own. Beautiful revolver but after shooting S&W’s for the previous 30+ years I was kinda underwhelmed. There’s nothing wrong with it though, it’s just different from what I was used to.
I'm a "new" Python fan. I've got three now, and I think they are the best revolvers I've ever owned, and brother, I have owned a bunch of others.
That doesn't mean I think they're any "better" than anything else. It just means I LIKE them better than anything else. I can't even tell you why I like them better. Maybe it's just because I wanted one since I went to buy my first handgun, and saw that the price was about twice what a Model 19 sold for. I became a Model 19 fan that day. Still am really.
I say if you want a Python, get a Python. If you want something else, get that.
To the original question though, a 5/686 is really, REALLY close to a new Python. I have almost no experience with the old ones.
That doesn't mean I think they're any "better" than anything else. It just means I LIKE them better than anything else. I can't even tell you why I like them better. Maybe it's just because I wanted one since I went to buy my first handgun, and saw that the price was about twice what a Model 19 sold for. I became a Model 19 fan that day. Still am really.
I say if you want a Python, get a Python. If you want something else, get that.
To the original question though, a 5/686 is really, REALLY close to a new Python. I have almost no experience with the old ones.
Bo Rich
Member
I would rather have a Model 27. But, then again I am a Smith & Wesson Man. The Python rotates the wrong way!
To me, the Python is the most beautiful revolver ever made! I just am not a fan of the feel and action of it!! Unfortunately. I only have one, an old one that a friend had that sat in the holster for 30 years after he left law enforcement. I bought it so he could buy a Smith 41. It had some freckles from sitting in the holster, which I could live with, but the action was so far out of time that it was unshootable. So, a year long trip back to the factory for action and reblue work. To time the action cost $225 and the reblue around $500. I have not shot it since it came back.
I have shot my Smiths out of time (carry up, in Smith speak) and they are easy to fix with a new hand. A lot cheaper than the Python!
However, today, the new Smith L frames leave a lot to be desired. Most seem to be over timed with hand ratchet binding, the ugly, unnecessary lock and frame design and sometimes finish flaws right out of the box. The new Pythons seem to be better made and finished. If I were to buy a new revolver today, I would lean toward a new 3 inch Python!
I have shot my Smiths out of time (carry up, in Smith speak) and they are easy to fix with a new hand. A lot cheaper than the Python!
However, today, the new Smith L frames leave a lot to be desired. Most seem to be over timed with hand ratchet binding, the ugly, unnecessary lock and frame design and sometimes finish flaws right out of the box. The new Pythons seem to be better made and finished. If I were to buy a new revolver today, I would lean toward a new 3 inch Python!
Off topic. thread drift...... but IMHO the best of both worlds is a Smolt!
a Smith with a Python barrel.
Wish I'd had one built back in the 80s!
a Smith with a Python barrel.
Wish I'd had one built back in the 80s!
There is a whole lot more to a gun than the over empathized smooth trigger. A S&W model 27-2 is a better gun than any Python. I wouldn't trade one of mine even for any Python.
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