New 686 vs. New Python ?

[Hylander]

So I asked about 686 as opposed to the
GP100. Seems about a toss up.
But what about the new Python.
Anyone here have experience with the Colt?
I have one available at the lgs.
6" and I would be doing a lot of cast silhouette shooting

 

[Alton]

686 better single action. Python better double action. Both are accurate

 

[Protocall_Design]

The 686 can be tuned to a lot better DA than any other revolver. If you don't shoot DA, it doesn't matter too much. Any SA can be made pretty decent. It all depends on how you plan to use it.

 

[357 shooter]

The premium for the new Python would not be worth it to me. Especially with my eyesight. Smith makes it so easy to add some type of optic . Even if I had perfect vision I would more likely still get some variation of the 686. The 686-4s are the ones I currently own..

 

[jmiles1960]

If you're going to shoot it, go with the 686. If you're going to coddle it and appreciate the unique style, Python. For the dollar, I think the 686 delivers more enjoyment / value.

 

[Der Verminator]

Think about getting an old 686.........maybe one like this.

 

[UncleEd]

The new 2020 Python is an excellent
gun. It has a smooth DA trigger and
the fit and finish are very good.

But the ridged trigger can be painful
in use, especially extended use. The
sights are as cheap as possible. Even
at just suggested retail, still much more
expensive than a new 686.

I had one; liked it but ended up selling
it. New or old, it would be the 686 for me.
And aftermarket stuff is available as well
as the Plus feature for 7 shots if one
wishes.

 

[Baxter6551]

Or one like this ….

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

I think all three are excellent 357 revolvers. Price wise I see Ruger GP100's going for what S&W 686's sell for these days. The Python's go for a premium due to their collectibility and for a long time they were out of production, so prices kept going up. A well built 686 is built just as beautifully as a modern Python. In your shoes I'd go for the 686. There are much more grip and sight options available with Smith & Wesson should you choose to ever want to change those out.

 

[sigp220.45]

If you're talking new guns I'd definitely go with the 2020 Python over the goofy looking 686 with lock and the humped-up frame to accomodate it.

Its a closer contest between the 2020 Python and a pre-lock 686. The new Python is under warranty, and I'm not sure a vintage 686 is, since I bet there aren't parts available at S&W. Might be wrong though.

 

[CH4]

New 686 v. new Python?

Unequivocally, the new Python!! For me, the out of the box fit, finish and action of the new Python is superior to the new Smith, and it doesn't come with the superfluous childproofing. Granted, the new action isn't as easy to tune, but none of my examples needed tuning. That said, the serrated trigger is awful. YMMV I appreciate the no dash to -4 686s. I have several.

 

[swagmeister]

Vintage 686 w/o lock all the way for me. Pythons have always been overpriced and this is still true with the new ones.

 

[quikdraw67]

Vintage 686 w/o lock all the way for me. Pythons have always been overpriced and this is still true with the new ones.

Agreed. 686 ND to -3 are excellent revolvers.

Pythons are pretty, but not worth the premium IMHO.

Truth be told, I'm not a fan of the new 686. Finish is mediocre. and the lock is a joke.

 

[ladder13]

Since the question was new vs new, the Python.

 

[Laketime]

I like the current 586 but not the 686. I would go for the Python, square butt is a better choice on a full size gun.

 

[jay72]

I went with the new Python 3 inch. Worth the money.
Beautiful revolver a modern classic without key lock.

 

[NY-1]

Modern 686 with lock < 2020 Python
Vintage 686 without lock > 2020 Python

You can't go wrong with either, though I will admit I was quite impressed with the quality of the few examples of the new Python that I've handled. Not to mention it doesn't have a lock. If you can afford it, I'd go for it!

 

[Der Verminator]

Think about getting an old 686.........maybe one like this.

Well........should you ever be so lucky.

I bought this CS-1 totally unaware of what it was..........my instincts just kicked in as I looked at it in a little army surplus store in rural MN and I had to have it even though I couldn't afford it in 1996.

I paid the full price.......$328.00.

Seriously, though.......with prices on good old Smiths being as reasonable as they are........give it some thought.

This 686 is superior to any new Colt.

 

[Bumpus13]

I'm a huge fan of both. I guess I like the Python a bit more, however … If you tried to tell me I could only keep one of them we'd end up in a fist fight.

 

[CheyenneBodie]

I have both. My opinion --

Fit and Finish: Python

Looks: Python

Accuracy: Python (IMO the barrel is better and the cylinder still has that "bank vault lockup" that Colt DA revolvers are known for)

Front and Rear sight: 686 The sights on the new Python are not worthy - especially for the price. (However upgraded aftermarket sights for the new Python are becoming available)

Trigger Face: 686 (Python is still grooved)

Grips: draw-- there are a good array of aftermarket grips available for both guns.

Out of the box DA Trigger: Python

Out of the box SA Trigger: 686

Ejector rod: 686 (The Python ejector rod --like the older models is still too short for reliable ejection of empty brass--Colt could have made it right during the redesign but failed to do so)

Availability of replacement or upgraded parts and aftermarket accessories: 686