2020 Python vs 686

runscott

runscott

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I've asked this question in several threads over multiple forums, and I can't get a straight answer. I'll preface this by stating that I love my 1970 Colt Python and 1954 Colt 3-5-7 (the only Colts I own), and I also love ALL of my S&W revolvers (six so far). I only acquired the Colts as comparisons to my S&W revolvers, which are ALL .357 magnums. So with my interest in .357's, and this introduction of a new Python, I just have to know!

What give the 2020 Python at $1,499 MSRP the added value over a 686 at $833 MSRP? Is there actual parts and workmanship additional value, or is it just Colt taking in some extra bucks off of the Python name? Someone suggested that $1,499 compares reasonably with Performance Center .357's.

Thoughts? BTW, I'm buying a 4.25" 2020 Python regardless of whether or not it's worth it, when the price drops back down to MSRP, so I'm not being a **** about this.
 
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Colt has had a tough go of it since the early 2000’s by losing government contracts, financial restructuring and low demand of it’s products. Something had to be done to renew interest and the re-invent of the Cobra, King Cobra and now Python is an effort to regain a place in the handgun market. Engineering, machinery and material is expensive and Colt has a reputation to live up to with the success of past products. A Python should be equal to a S&W PC gun and they are trying to prove that with their price point. S&W has lost the craftsmen, exhibited poor QC and the dreaded lock has cost them an unknown amount of customers. Revolvers are no longer accepted by law enforcement as the handgun market leans toward plastic autos. It is a tough business when you sell products one at a time instead of purchase orders for many. It is much more involved then a 686 verses a Python. Hopefully, the 2020 Python will live up to it’s name.
 
Check out my recent thread. I’ve had some issues with my 2020 Python.

To be totally honest at this point in time, I’d rather have a pre-lock great condition 686. My Python, as is, is not a combat ready firearm.

Time will tell if Colt can fix the problems as I REALLY want to love the gun.
 
JayFramer said:
Check out my recent thread. I’ve had some issues with my 2020 Python.

To be totally honest at this point in time, I’d rather have a pre-lock great condition 686. My Python, as is, is not a combat ready firearm.

Time will tell if Colt can fix the problems as I REALLY want to love the gun.
Click to expand...
Interesting thread and something I brought up yesterday to a buddy at the LGS. As he stated they would receive a Python next week. While I love Colts, I have a small collection of five and a small collection of Smith revolvers (5). This is the exact question I have about the new Python. I bought a basically new in box 4" 686-4 two years ago with combat grips and box. Now I'm not saying that is a collectable item (these are both shooters in my opinion) but I don't consider the new Python to be collectible either. I just can't imagine the new Python offers enough in the performance department to warrant twice the cost. That's why for me I really have to handle one to see if the cost is worth it to consider it an upgrade. I may be surprised and incorrect and honestly that would be amazing!

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
 
This is a good example of free market pricing and Colt has priced their new Python guided by the elevated prices of used Pythons. The difference is that the used old Python was available in limited numbers only, the new one is a regular production gun. Back in 1969 a Colt Pythons did cost as much in Germany as a Korth. Both had a lot of hand-fitting by skilled tradesmen and that justified the slightly higher price than a S&W 27-2 did cost, yet the cost was not twice of that.

Korth now uses CNC machinery and I personally do not see the prices for their Lollar manufactured guns as justified. I do not know if Colt is still using skilled labor to handfit the new Python action but doubt that skilled experts on the Python action can be trained and get the necessary skill and experience in such a short time. So my guess is, that Colt has improved machinery and with it make a product that is similiar in production effort and quality to the S&W 686 and Ruger GP100. Just as I consider Korth, Lollar revolvers overpriced, I also do not see the price of a new production Colt Python warranted when twice as high as a similiar product and Jay Framer's experience shows that quality control is not stellar.
 
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For me the Python has always been both a gun I wanted but passed on when the were affordable to get . I was attracted to the looks of the gun and feel of it in the hand.The one I shot was no more accurate for me than my model 27-2 that had a beautiful blued finish and a really nice action job done on it.Both my cousin who owned the Python and I preferred the trigger on the 27 which was like breaking a glass rod Compared to the Python stacking action.Shortly after owning his Python it seemed to go out of time a little and found out this can be common on this gun. This was reason enough for me not to spend the extra couple of hundred on one .Now it seems Colt themselves have publicly admitted this issue and has redesigned the Python correcting these issues and others making it a durable shooter.There is going to be a market for a lot of guys who lusted for one when they were affordable but passed due to the same reasons.But of course collectors and current owners will tell you that they have shot the bejesus out of several Pythons and never experienced a timing issue.There is talk on the Colt forum of hopes that Rick Grimes can do for the Python what Dirty Harry did for the 29.I truly hope Colt has learned a lesson and will no longer put their loyal fan base to the side if future government contract should arise.They just need to manage both like Smith & Wesson has always done with the Law Enforcement market.
 
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I begrudgingly paid the MSRP of $1250 for my 2 5/8” 627.5 with the superfluous IL because I thought it looked cool. Similarly, using my twisted reasoning I can justify a Python sans lock for $1500.

The new Python may not quite have the same gene se qua as the original, but I think it’s a much more accurate representation than the current 27/627s is to the RM/27.
 
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Right now, the new Python really doesn't have
a track record. In reality it's "the new kid on
the block."

It's got a lot of proving to do. And at its price
point, even if it slips below the MSRP, will still
be a pricey decision over any Smith 686 new
or vintage used.
 
ken158 said:
A Python should be equal to a S&W PC gun and they are trying to prove that with their price point.
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the responses. I still do not have a PC revolver, but it's on the list. I do have a Pro Series but I realize it is not the same.

The Korth points were interesting - I haven't read much about them as they are priced way out of my range.

I found the "glass rod" comment interesting. I feel the same about my 1955 .357 (pre-27). As far as being overwhelmed with Python discussions on the forums - it's just a new release of a popular model and revolver enthusiasts are curious and some want enough info to make decisions. For S&W owners, I think this is the best place to get honest informed answers. Discussions are not at all the same on the Colt forums, nor would I expect them to be.
 
I have a 6" 686-4 and a 6" Ruger GP100. When it came time to mount a scope on one of them for silhouette competition, I chose the GP100. The GP is more accurate than the 686 with every load iI have tried. Only high velocity loads with heavy bullets brings the 686 close to the GP. As far as I know, the GP has a higher rate of twist than the 686. That would account for the accuracy difference. The original Python also has a higher rate of twist than the M28 and was more accurate, according to Jerry Miculek; although he chose the M28 because of the better DA trigger action. If this pattern is true, and the new Python has a good DA action, I predict huge sales for it.
 
Lou_the_welder said:
I dont imagine a 6" python will shoot much better than a 6" gp100!

[emoji33][emoji33][emoji33]
Click to expand...

Does that even matter? I spend a lot of time at gun ranges and barely ever find other shooters putting their targets out to 25 yards. The average guy blasts a B-27 at 15 feet and is happy with a two foot group:), only on the internet does everybody shoot a two inch groups at that distance.

All that average Joe wants is a cool gun and it has to be cool looking.
 
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Andyd said:
Does that even matter? I spend a lot of time at gun ranges and barely ever find other shooters putting their targets out to 25 yards. The average guy blasts a B-27 at 15 feet and is happy with a two foot group:), only on the internet does everybody shoot a two inch groups at that distance.

All that average Joe wants is a cool gun and it has to be cool looking.
Click to expand...

That's no exaggeration - rapid fire at 15' at my range, generally with poor groupings. I feel like a show-off moving my target out to 50'. On the other hand, 15' shooting quickly DA is real-life.
 
I haven't handled a new Python. I have shot an old one quite a bit. When the 586 came out I thought it felt like a barrel heavy Python wanna be. Those days most of my shooting was single action so I can't comment on the DA pulls on either. The Python I shot had the snot shot out of it by a lot of people with no ill effects. The same time frame (late '70's) I got tp shoot a 5" 27 with factory grips. If I was given a choice for free, I'd take the Python. An L frame without the full lug I could get interested in. A 3.5" 27 with the right grips is on my list. The only 6" gun I have ever liked in any caliber was the Python. YMMV
 
My brother has a Python from 1972---nice gun, but I prefer the 686 non-lock my son has over it by a wide margin. Accuracy is about the same, the 686 feels better to me and the action is a whole lot smoother. But then i am a shooter, not a collector.
I have trouble trying to understand the premium of the Python.
 
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