586 or Python?

[Borderboss]

Bhfromme, since you note you're looking to acquire one or the other, even though I love my Python, I would recommend the 586. You'll pay less for it than a Python, and you'll get a really good gun.

The reason I bought my 586 no dash is because I'm a bigger fan of the older Smiths than I am of the current manufacture versions. If you can find one that looks like it's been used little (586-0 through 586-2), I think you'll have a winner there. With the 586-0 and 586-1, make sure they're marked with the "M" on the frame by the model number to show that the gun had the warranty work done.

 

[Borderboss]

I have a 1979 Python that I bought new back in the day, and a 586 no dash that I bought a couple of years ago that had practically no rounds through it.

The Python is outstanding and always has been. I have thousands and thousands of rounds though it, 95% of which were .38 Special. It's still as tight as when I bought it, without a hint of going out of time (urban myth)./QUOTE]

It's more than an (urban myth). I started out in the late 80s using 2 colt pythons shooting in multiple competitions.
All double action shooting 38 special to make minor power factor
One was a 6 inch blue, and the other one was a stainless silver snake. While I agree they are beautiful and accurate. They will not hold up to double action competition shooting I continuously had one of them knocked out of time and sent back to Colt to be repaired
A buddy of mine talk me into buying a new Smith and Wesson model 686 no dash. By the way, it has never been modified or has had any updates!
And really close to 200,000 rounds fired through it and at least that many times dry fired not one single malfunction, the only modification other than polishing the interior of a gun was a wolfe main spring
I had two other 8 inch pythons in stainless also that I never shot
And wish that I had kept for their monetary value. However, I started collecting Smith and Wesson and never look back.
Tom

The thousands of rounds in my Python was done using it exclusively in NRA Action Shooting competitions. I used it for several years at a time when I was burning about 20,000 rounds a year in practice and competition. The gun is still perfect.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Mr. Snidely Whiplash in post number 5 mentioned that there's a chance Colt will come out with a "blued" Python. I much prefer blued revolvers so I'm leaning toward getting an old 586 now and waiting for Colt to introduce the Python in their DLC finish.

Here's a photo of a prototype DLC Python...still has oils on it. To my understanding there's no word yet on whether this will remain a Custom Shop finish or a regular catalogued item. If it becomes a regular option I would grab a 6" example in a heartbeat...or any barrel length.

 

[Alton]

Get one of each and enjoy them. I have a python, had a 586 classic. Only sold it because my brother wanted it real bad to replace the one he sold 30 years ago. I have no issue with the Key Hole or the stamp on the side of the new python. I have more model 29's than all others combined so get one of those too. When it comes down to it Smiths have a better single action, colts better double action. If your not happy take it to a qualified gunsmith.

 

[Phish]

From my understanding about revolvers going out of timing is some people abuse the heck out of it. This may be true to either S&W and Colt whentheydo so. If you want to abuse a revolver then just get a Ruger for that matter. I don't abuse my Smiths nor would I do it to a nice Colt. Wished they weren't so expensive nowadays.

 

[Bhfromme]

Thanks for the photo Snidely!

Hopefully the Colt marketing people are scanning this forum. If so I'm here to tell ya I'd buy a Python AND an Anaconda in that blued finish.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Thanks for the photo Snidely!

Hopefully the Colt marketing people are scanning this forum. If so I'm here to tell ya I'd buy a Python AND an Anaconda in that blued finish.

I may have been wrong to say that was a prototype...it may have been a Custom Shop gun for a buyer...but I'm not sure. Regardless...if Colt makes them available as a regular item I'm in for one. Stainless steel may be better in most respects but there's nothing like a finely blued gun...Colt's Royal Blue and S&Ws fine bluing they used to do. Even Ruger has done some awesome polishing at times.

 

[Jeep 1]

From my understanding about revolvers going out of timing is some people abuse the heck out of it. This may be true to either S&W and Colt whentheydo so. If you want to abuse a revolver then just get a Ruger for that matter. I don't abuse my Smiths nor would I do it to a nice Colt. Wished they weren't so expensive nowadays.

Obviously, it's a tool for competition. If you shoot as many rounds as I have. And I do not abuse my guns I use them.
Tom

 

[ladder13]

Here's a photo of a prototype DLC Python...still has oils on it. To my understanding there's no word yet on whether this will remain a Custom Shop finish or a regular catalogued item. If it becomes a regular option I would grab a 6" example in a heartbeat...or any barrel length.

Sign me up.

 

[lppd4]

I have 2 new Pythons and a vintage Python. I would pick an older 586 everytime over a new or vintage Python. but when it comes to a new 586 or new Python the Python gets the nod

 

[RetCapt]

I have a '70s era 6" Python, which has an action job, and was my PPC Distinguished revolver.

I have a 6" no-dash 586 which has been extensively customized.

I had purchased the Python for PPC competition long before the advent of the L frame Smiths. Despite now owning both, I can't say I would have chosen the Python when I did if the L frame had been available, because the L frame would have given me the same muzzle heavy balance I wanted.

So, as many others have said, I think it comes down to your personal preference.

To further muddy the waters, I also have a stainless 2 3/4" Ruger Security Six. l wanted snubby K frame handling and weight with Ruger strength. I loved this revolver from the first shot and that has never wavered.

My point is that you have to select what you want, but whichever it is you will not likely regret it.

 

[Shrek Of The Arctic]

This thread darn near brings a nostalgic tear to my eye. Long gone are the days when most gun guys could have a rational discussion about the Colt Python vs. The L frame.

I'm a fan of the L frame every time. The smooth action carries through to today's style of shooting. Most of us have departed from the days of "staging" a double action trigger. To my eyes the 586 is just as elegant. To my hands the 586 is at least as accurate, if not more. To my sense of security the 586 is more reliable, and better for staying in time. Finally, there are skilled S&W Smiths around the country. Colt knowledge is quickly dying off. That being said, a three fingered buffoon such as myself has managed some very nice action work on some Smiths, re-timing, and overall maintenance.

To be clear, I'm not nwcessarily a blindly following S&W fan boy. I actually think the Ruger GP-100 is likely better than either, though it os so much less attractive.

 

[ZGrand]

I don't have an older 586 - in fact I don't have a 586 at all. I do have a 2020 model 686 Plus, and I just bought a new 4.25" Python.

Although I do prefer the looks of my pre-lock Smiths, I have no issues with the 686 with the lock. It shoots just as well as my pre-lock models -- I never even think about the lock being there.

I haven't fired the Python yet, but I have dry fired it. The DA trigger is lighter and smoother than the 686. And I don't know what all the complaints about the single action trigger pull are about -- it feels exactly like the 686 to me. Perhaps Colt has made some improvements since the Python was reintroduced in 2020.

I recommend the OP getting the vintage 586 and a new Python to have the best of both worlds.

 

[Bhfromme]

Hey Mr. Shrek thanks for the input. I was actually thinking how civil everyone has been here on this thread. Gun guys can get quite passionate expressing their opinions especially on a Smith vs. Colt thread. All in all it's been a great thread and I've learned a lot. Really liked your post. Thanks again!

 

[Bhfromme]

I haven't fired the Python yet, but I recommend the OP getting the vintage 586 and a new Python to have the best of both worlds.

That's probably exactly what will end up happening!

 

[Shrek Of The Arctic]

Hey Mr. Shrek thanks for the input. I was actually thinking how civil everyone has been here on this thread. Gun guys can get quite passionate expressing their opinions especially on a Smith vs. Colt thread. All in all it's been a great thread and I've learned a lot. Really liked your post. Thanks again!

I appreciate the kind word! You asked a good question about two of the most attractive revolvers out there. I find it appropriate and great that it attracted the attention of so many knowledgeable folks with so much experience to share.

 

[Ameshawki]

I have both. A 686 Pro Series and a new Python, both four inch. Have only run a few rounds through the Python but I can tell you it is a tack driver. Amazingly accurate, even though the 686 is no slouch.

They're hard to compare. They do the same job, both do it well, but the go at from different directions. It boils down to a Ford vs Chevy thing. You can't go wrong with either.

 

[CheyenneBodie]

Best of the two --- Python Barrel on a 686 know as a "smolt" or "smython"

 

[johngalt]

I have a 686-6 and 2020 Python.

In terms of fit and finish, attention to detail, and having the appearance of being built by people who take pride in their workmanship, the Python by far.

Out of the box, the 686 has a lighter/crisper single action trigger. After quite a bit of shooting, the Python has improved substantially. The 686 is 18 years old, so not really a fair comparison.

They Python has the smoother double action trigger. Some complain of the stacking. While it may be there, I think it aids in my double action shooting. I think the front sight moves less when trigger breaks.

The factory Python sights aren't great, but neither was the 686. I detest the red ramp that came on both. The sights on the Python are easily replaced. Depending on the engineering revision of the 686, the front sight is integral to the barrel and much more difficult. My 686 now has a plain black front ramp. The Python has a Harris custom front and Wilson rear. Both sets of sights are great now.

 

[Bhfromme]

I have a 686-6 and 2020 Python.

I detest the red ramp that came on both.

My old eyes love the red ramps!