586 or Python?

[chief38]

IMHO, the Python has "the look" BUT in every other department, the vintage M586 has the credentials. The M586 is stronger, simpler, more robust and can be tweaked easier if need be. They Python is a capable well made Revolver with better fit and finish, but is more "fragile" if shot a lot, more expensive to buy, maintain, and harder to tweak if used for competition. IMHO the NEW Pythons are actually made more robust and stronger than the originals.

In 1983 I went into a gun shop to buy a Python. I walked out with a 6" M586 which I still own and shoot today. I also maintain my own guns and much prefer the S&W lock-work over the Colt.

That said, if you have the coin, get both!! Nothing like the lines of a Python and it is a fine, accurate Revolver.

 

[xfarfuldog]

This is a S&W forum. Respectfuly to all the other posters, their criticism of the Python has been proven time and time again to be BS. I own 2 blue Pythons and several K frames. I have owned one of the Pythons for over 40 years. It was used in a basic police academy and helped some shooters pass the course when they couldn't pass with their own guns. All my revolvers are excellent guns, never a problem with any of them.

 

[s3dcor]

These three revolvers are so similar, any one would serve you well.
The difference is your personal choice. For the money the GP100
will do the job and you will still have money left over. For reliability,
parts and repair the GP100 gets the award. For beauty and finess
the Colt is over the top. But there is just something about this 586
no dash nickel that moves me.

The GP100, 2010
The Python, 1964
The 586, 1983

 

[brendonjames65]

I have one of the new pythons and an older 686-3 and newer 686 PC. All great revolvers and I recommend getting both! As far as which is the better revolver overall based on these categories: Fit, finish, accuracy, durability, shootability in both DA/SA, my new python but not by a huge margin. Anyhow, get both if you can and if you can only choose one, get the Python, it's the best that ever was or will be!

 

[Repeater]

Been trying to get a 586 for a while now...S&W says maybe in three months...Gun BROKer prices are ridiculous!

 

[310Pilot]

I've owned quite a few Pythons and L frame Smith's over the years, all are great guns. Yes, one of my Pythons did start to go out of time. It is a 2 1/2" Nickel gun which was carried as a duty gun from its birth in 1965, and had been primarily used with factory 357 ammo, usually around 2,000 to 4, 000 rounds per year between practice and qualifying. When it began to go out of time, in late 2010, I sent it in to Colt's Custom Shop, where they retimef t, replaced some worn parts, installed new sights (red ramp front/white outline rear) at my request, and sent it back to me "good as new." Fragile? Nah, 45 years of constant use before needing minor maintenance doesn't indicate that to me. I also have a blue 4" I bought new sometime in the late 70s which has seen a lot of use and is still tight and like new. In 2011 I bought a stainless 6" Python to replace a stolen older 6" and sent it to Colt Custom Shop for their factory tune, specifying tune for 357 magnum. All those Pythons are super smooth both in single and double action, and the fa Tory tuned gun is incredible. I recently sold a 586 no dash in nickel which had an extremely smooth action (almost as good as the Python, but the 586 had been professionally tuned) and a 586-3, which was like new and had a decent action, typical Smith, but none of my many Smith's quite approach any of my Pythons in terms of action smoothness. I don't like selling guns, but it is some times necessary. My Pythons are never leaving, no matter what. YMMV, everybody has their own preferences. I can't speak to the new Pythons with any real experience, but I like their DA, and I understand the SA can be remedied by some judicious stoning. When they first were announced, I ordered one, b I t didn't really see the need to effectively duplicate one of my old Pythons. If Colt comes out with an 8" version, I will probably add a new one. Best wishes and good luck on your decision.ooo

 

[eclayton]

I don't own a 586, but I have a new 4.25" Python, many K-frame S&Ws, and several Rugers besides. I have shot my brother's 686 a fair bit. The Python and L-frame in my opinion do the same things and about equally well. If I were outfitting a department there is no question I would take the L-frame for equal performance at lower cost. I have never yet met a S&W revolver without a high-quality trigger job that could match the smoothness of my stock Python. The new Python lock work I believe obviates the old concerns about fragility and timing issues. I never bought a 586/686 because I already had a Ruger GP100, and I couldn't see enough of an upgrade in the L-frame to justify buying another functionally equivalent .357. I never bought a Python because of the stories of timing problems and the generational vanishing of gunsmiths who knew how to fix them. The new Python is not fragile; it is so smooth that I can feel where the extra money went when I handle it alongside my Rugers and S&Ws; and being in current production, I am not worried about breaking it or wearing it out and being unable to have it repaired. So I bought one. Already owning the Python, the only thing likely to make me buy an L-frame would be if S&W offered a new production 686+ without the internal lock. I would buy that for the extra round AND to put my consumer dollars to a good cause, rewarding the company with my business for bringing back no-lock L-frames. The only S&Ws I bought new in the last 20+ years were no-lock J-frames that I bought largely just to celebrate that S&W was offering them again.

Conversely, if I already owned an L-frame, I probably would not buy the Python either, but I would spend the money on a first class action job. If I had no mid-sized .357 and just wanted only one, I would buy a new production Python unless I could afford a Manurhin or Korth.

 

[Invictus357]

I have a new 586 Classic. It is heaven to shoot it.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

You might as well compare cats and dogs.
Cats: I have always stated the old Pythons have a sterile, cold feel. It just wants to be alone and unloving. Just slightly stacking pull straight back. For bullseye matches though, it is dead nuts accurate, like a sniper rifle in a handgun. I needed to replace the mainspring in the python once. Even 8 years ago, parts are nonexistent.
Never truly liked Pythons as much as my…

Dogs: K&L frames. Action feel is quite different from Smith which I describe as warm. I love the snickety snick staging prowess of the Smith action. You can't help loving this gun and it feels as though it loves you back. Just a trusty old friend like your beat up old dog.
The SW only has slightly larger diameter groups but I think it might have to do with me and getting better fitting grips than factory. But I wont. I really love the way they look.

 

[Safestuffer]

I recently had the opportunity to handle the supposed pinnacle of Python production, an early 60's new in the box. I was not impressed. Compared to my 586's, the python felt mushy. When you closed the cylinder there was zero sensation of a positive latch lock. You just had to push it closed, and test to make sure it latched. No tactile click, nothing.
The trigger was garbage in DA. Yes, python fans, garbage. Stacking, heavy, uncomfortable hot garbage. Now i'm comparing against a well used 586 trigger, and the supposed superior Python trigger was not good.
This is what I passed on.

Now, I paid less than HALF of what that python was offered to me for, for these three 586's COMBINED. The last 6" is covered in RIGS, so it looks crusty.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

The Python...in its early years...was touted as a target gun. There were two styes of target shooting then...single-action bullseye and double-action combat. The Python (and Colts in general) were usually preferred for bullseye shooting due to their superior single-action design...S&W was the preferred gun for action shooting due to its non-stacking action. People don't know or don't remember that.

The Python (and the traditional Colt action) can be tuned for superb feel...sometimes at the cost of reliable ignition. Too many bubba gunsmiths have hurt the Colt action because they didn't know what they were doing...it's happened to S&W revolvers as well.

While lightening the trigger pull is not a difficult job...you have to know what you're doing or it will be screwed up. Someone with a little experience can simply take the stocks off a Colt and look at the mainspring and say..."Yep...it's been bubba'd."

Many don't realize when they want a lighter trigger pull they really mean it's a smoother pull that's desired. A smooth pull can be mistaken for a lighter pull but they're not really the same thing...or at least not performed in the same manner.

 

[Black Knight]

I have a 686 and 2 Pythons. I can atest to the fact that Pythons do go out of time quickly. My first Python went out of time around 2500 rounds. My second Python I have not shot enough for it to go out of time yet. My 686 has about 2000 rounds and is going strong. While I have no experience with the new Pythons, I understand the action feels very much like the S&Ws. The older Pythons had a stagy action. They stacked toward the end of the trigger pull. This was because it was originally designed as a target gun not a combat gun. Personally, I like them both the 686 and the Pythons, but I understand the trigger on the Pythons. If I were doing it over again, I would probably go with an older 586 or 686.

 

[sodacan]

The debate goes on. Pictured is a 1972 Python and a 586 from 1983. I'm the original owner of the Colt. It doesn't have to be an either/or argument for me. I like them both. I shoot them both. For me the looks of the 6" Python win, but the 586 is a close 2nd.

 

[longshanx]

Nice pieces. The Smith appears blued, perhaps a 586.

 

[cowboy4evr]

There is a lot of ranting about Colt Pythons going out of time . Well , boys and girls here's one for you . Years ago I bought a S&W 28 , " Highway Patrolman " in 4 " barrel used off a site . Turns out it was " out of time " , spit lead like crazy . Did it leave the factory like that ? Did someone feed it overly hot loads , I don't know ? The 28's are a beast of a gun . It just goes to prove , " some people can destroy an anvil in a sand box " . Regards Paul

 

[Safestuffer]

There is a lot of ranting about Colt Pythons going out of time . Well , boys and girls here's one for you . Years ago I bought a S&W 28 , " Highway Patrolman " in 4 " barrel used off a site . Turns out it was " out of time " , spit lead like crazy . Did it leave the factory like that ? Did someone feed it overly hot loads , I don't know ? The 28's are a beast of a gun . It just goes to prove , " some people can destroy an anvil in a sand box " . Regards Paul

Ones an anomaly, one is a regular occurrence

 

[CH4]

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.

I spoke with a Colt rep at the 2023 SHOT Show and he eluded to blue Pythons in the near future. Got the impression they would be blue, not PVD or a similar finish. Not 100% sure, was reading between the lines in regards to the finish.

 

[Crew Leader]

There is no doubt the the Python is a gorgeous revolver, that being said, I feel the 586/686 are equally as gorgeous. An earlier response mentioned the N frame. The work horse model 28 comes to mind, or the Beautiful model 27's.

This dilema would be a no brainer for me having fired and owned all the above. To me, the 586/686 wins out every time over any Python ever built. Would you rather have an extremely gorgeous wife that can't cook, or a very beautiful bride that cooks great? The 586/686 would be my choice every time. And they cook very well and for a long long time. Also don't sell yourself short. If weight is not a huge issue, handle a 27. You will be impressed to say the least

 

[Bhfromme]

I have a 27-2 from 1968 and will never sell it. Have never fired a Python but owned and sold their new King Cobra Target. I guess that more or less speaks for itself.