S&W 686 vs Colt Python

Carmel Smith · Sep 24, 2021

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

luvsmiths · Sep 25, 2021

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.

dmy · Sep 25, 2021

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.

sigp220.45 · Sep 25, 2021

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.

FullAssault · Sep 25, 2021

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.

S&W629 · Sep 25, 2021

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...

Mark8 · Sep 25, 2021

sigp220.45 said:
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 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!

double-dipper · Sep 25, 2021

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!

AmStaff64 · Sep 25, 2021

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.

Bhfromme · Sep 25, 2021

luvsmiths said:
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.

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.

ladder13 · Sep 25, 2021

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

If a pre lock 686, both.

.38SuperMan · Sep 25, 2021

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.

RangerRRP · Sep 25, 2021

ladder13 said:
If it’s 686 with a hole, any Python, even a beater.

If a pre lock 686, both.

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.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Invictus357 · Sep 25, 2021

Get both.

Problem solved.

Invictus357 · Sep 25, 2021

double-dipper said:
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!

"poor man's Python"

I have never heard or read that anywhere

brendonjames65 · Sep 25, 2021

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

lrrifleman · Sep 25, 2021

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.

dmy · Sep 25, 2021

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.

CajunBass · Sep 25, 2021

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.

44wheelman · Sep 25, 2021

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.

S&W 686 vs Colt Python

Member

Member

Member

US Veteran

Attachments

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Attachments

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

US Veteran

Attachments

Member

Member

Member

Member

Similar threads