686 vs colt trooper

[Jhamblen86]

Well as the title states, I'm trying to decide between the two. Hell might just get both. But, other the other hand funding is a little low at the moment. So I need to narrow it down for now. It'll be a general purpose gun. What are your thoughts and experiences on these two. Also, do you have another recommendation. Since it'll be used for carry too. Should I look into a smaller 357 magnum. Thanks in advance.

 

[murphydog]

Both are well-made and will last you several lifetimes. If you are used to the S & W action the Colt is different - the DA pull gets heavier toward the end of the trigger stroke, and it will get out of time more quickly. The Colt factory does still work on them, however.

If your "general purpose" use is 90% range and 10% carry, you can probably manage either with a 4" or shorter barrel (a heavy belt and holster, etc.) If it is 90% carry, a shorter barrel K or J frame with lighter loads will probably work better, such as a 3" model 13 or 65, or a 60-10 or 15.

 

[dwever]

Between a 686 and a Colt Trooper I'm going with the Trooper. While I would prefer the Colt Python, the Trooper shared the same forged and labor-intensive hand-fitted internal lockwork that the Python had. Jeff Cooper was very impressed with the action of the Colt family of revolvers calling the Python the best revolver ever made if I'm not mistaken. Did not know the colt DA pull stacks, but I am aware it goes out of time quicker.

For a carry weapon my modern choices would be 1. PC S&W 586 L-Comp. 2. PC S&W 686 Plus. 3. PC S&W 627 UDR. If I didn't have to worry about concealment or could always wear a coat, the N Frame 627 would win hands down.

 

[KarmannGhia]

The Trooper will be harder to find in the future if you don't get the one available now. If price and conditions are similar, get the Colt now and 686 later.

I had a Trooper MK3 and regret selling. My wife has commandeered my 686.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

If you are going to shoot it a lot the 586/686 is hands down the winner. I do like the Colts but the very same "hand fitting" of internals means there's no interchangeable parts and parts are hard to find. Also there are few gunsmiths who are capable of working on the DA Colts these days. As for a smaller S&W there is a reason S&W made the larger L frame for the .357 Mag. The K frames just were not meant for a steady diet of full bore magnum ammo. In short you should buy both if you can!

 

[jtcarm]

Between a 686 and a Colt Trooper I'm going with the Trooper. While I would prefer the Colt Python, the Trooper shared the same forged and labor-intensive hand-fitted internal lockwork that the Python had.

Only if you're talking about a pre-69 Trooper. That's when they introduced the cheaper-to-build MK III with its coil mainspring.

For shooting, I'd take the 686 hands down.

 

[Blackbarry]

It's hard to choose between the two. Overall I'd say the 586 has the better trigger. The Trooper has the Python vented barrel which has a definite esthetic appeal. Firing single action I can tell no difference. I do like the target grips of the 586 better since I have medium-large hands and firing stiff ,.357's starts to hurt with the Trooper after 30+ rounds. I don't think either is a great CCW piece - too large. For that I'd go for a J frame or a K at most, 3" barrel or less. But it's fun to look and drool...

 

[snowman.45]

As a matter of personal preference, I'll take the 586 (or 686). It has a better trigger, is equally strong (stronger in the action) and is just a more aesthetically pleasing gun to me.

 

[Kifaru]

The beauty pictured above is the MK V Trooper, the last iteration of the line. The MK V revolvers would be superior to the MK III and pretty much equal to a new 686 in terms of durability. At this point, it seems unlikely that Colt will ever build revolvers again, especially not on the medium frame. So the Trooper will only increase in value. There are many more NIB S&W 686 examples out there, though the pre-lock shorter barrel guns are starting to get a little rare and pricy when you do find a nice one. If I were you, I'd go with the Colt now, and pick up a 686 when funds become available.

 

[sw282]

l have/had a Colt Trooper MKlV 6'' Electroless Nickel..lt was Colts' early ans to stainless l suppose...Anyway l just love/loved the gun...A little on the heavy side for a 22 rimfire..

 

[chief38]

Colt Revolvers are finely made guns and their fit and finish is usually far superior to S&W's Revolvers. That said, I MUCH PREFER S&W Revolvers (at least the older vintage examples made prior to 1994) to the Colt counterparts because they are just so much more robust and are better designed Revolvers, IMHO.

I have had just about every Colt model apart on my bench and somewhat dislike their over complicated and more fragile lock-work. Yes, the do work, but NOT as reliably or as forgivingly as the S&W's do. Even the coveted and sought after Python is a bit too fragile inside for my liking. If you have ever taken one completely apart you will know what I mean.

Smith and Wesson's lock work is pretty much the same for all their Revolvers but the Colts do vary somewhat from model to model. Smiths are also much easier to work on, tune and repair. The other problem with the Colts is that they have not been made in many years and parts are getting harder and more expensive to get. If you are just a collector and intend on firing the Colts sparingly I doubt you will have any major problems as they are extremely well made Revolvers - but if you want a Revolver to shoot constantly, pound the heck out of, then get the S&W without a second thought! The M586 & M686 (blue and SS respectively) are very strong, robust and popular Revolvers that should last you a lifetime. Parts are still readily available (even for the older versions) and since they share common grips with K Frames there are many many grip variations for you to choose from. I am NOT a fan of most Colt grip frames and find Smiths to be much more ergonomic. If for some reason all S&W Revolvers went away and disappeared tomorrow, Colt would be my alternative go-to Revolver (way before I'd ever consider a Ruger). I much prefer the M586 over the M686 because I just prefer Blued guns - but that's up to you of course.

PS: I do own Colt Revolvers but mostly because I appreciate how precisely they have been manufactured, their fit and their beautiful finish. To me, Colts Royal Bluing is second to none and only wish Smith blued guns like Colt. When I reach for a Revolver for shooting all day at the Range 9 out of 10 times it's a Smith. Colts REALLY SHINE when it comes to their Single Action Army's, 1911's 1903's and 1908's. Their recent offering of their .380 Mustang Auto has also been beautifully done and so that it my opinion for what it is worth............

 

[AveragEd]

For most of the reasons already stated and from the experience of owning Pythons, Troopers and L-frame Smith & Wessons, I would pick the S&W every time. Now the guys who mentioned the Colt revolver family's valuation appreciation in the future are right but if you want the better gun to shoot now, go with the S&W.

There can be no question that the Python is the holy grail of collectible double-action revolvers but we've all missed the best time to buy one as they have become stupid expensive. But here's a thought - if the current semi-auto buying trend continues, S&W may join Colt in ceasing production of revolvers. Visit any gun shop and compare the number of revolvers and autoloaders in their display cabinets and you'll see what the corporate bean-counters who dictate what gets made are seeing. Accordingly, the S&W revolvers we can buy for decent (but escalating!) prices today could become the Pythons of tomorrow.

Ed

 

[bananaman]

I bought a 1962 Colt Trooper a few years ago. Great trigger on it. I have a 586 no dash, 4", & a 686-3, 6". I shouldn't apologize, but just like them better! The Trooper was sold last year. It was not filling a special niche. I do not miss it. BUT as the say, to each his own! Bob

 

[Goblin]

There can be no question that the Python is the holy grail of collectible double-action revolvers but we've all missed the best time to buy one as they have become stupid expensive. But here's a thought - if the current semi-auto buying trend continues, S&W may join Colt in ceasing production of revolvers. Visit any gun shop and compare the number of revolvers and autoloaders in their display cabinets and you'll see what the corporate bean-counters who dictate what gets made are seeing. Accordingly, the S&W revolvers we can buy for decent (but escalating!) prices today could become the Pythons of tomorrow.

Ed

I've stated several times on this forum that if you're asleep at the wheel now, you'll miss your chance to buy pre-lock Smiths before the prices reach the outer range of buying a gun you can enjoy shooting. True that when you find a Colt you want at the right price you better jump on it, but clean pre-lock S&Ws are getting more scarce by the month, and current prices reflect it. For older Colts and S&Ws, if you see something today at a reasonable price, you'll probably never see it again with a lower price.

 

[chief38]

IMHO I truly believe that the STAR in the Colt Revolver line up is the 3rd edition (with barrel under-lug) of the 2" Colt Detective Special. While I am not a a big fan of the "pull-back" cylinder release latch (prefer the S&W "push") it weighs in at only 2 ounces more than the Chief's Special, has a 6th round, and is only marginally larger than the M36/60/37. It is easier to shoot stiff +P's from, has descent sights, usually a good trigger and is very very well made. While a bit more complex than the Smith, it still has proven to be a very reliable and respectable carry package.

I prefer installing the older style grips on the Dick Specials as the 3rd editioon came with either very large walnut stocks or hard rubber stocks made by Siles. The older finely checkered grips are still available and in conjunction with a Tyler T grip makes a hell of a CCW.

BUT.......... after all that I still carry a M60-7 as my EDC-CCW.

 

[OldK22]

The colt trooper historically has not held its value like other colts or S&W handguns. The Pythons have made a meteoric run in sales prices the past 10 years or so but the troopers have held pretty much where they were. I see many a gun shows and in gun shops in 95% or better condition unsold in the $600 range. Nice S&W 586 & 686 revolvers do not last 5 minutes if in the same condition in the $600 range.

 

[bigwheelzip]

The Colt seems louder. A cousin brought his 1973 Trooper when he visited, and we took it to my range, with my 2.5 & 4 inch 686's. Don't know the barrel length of his gun, but it was longer than mine.

We all remarked that his Colt sounded like a cannon compared to the Smith's.

Not that sound is important, just sayin.

 

[Jhamblen86]

Wow I didn't expect this kind of response from everyone. Thank you for the input. So it looks like I'll be looking into the colt while it's available vs the 586/686. I will say though, the model 60 idea ain't too bad looking either.

 

[Triathloncoach]

Awwwww, this thread has me ruminating over my checking account. But I still prefer my 28-2

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I am hopelessly biased towards S&W.