586 or Python?

[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.