New 686 vs. New Python ?

[jaymoore]

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

Field Pistol or Big Bore? (100yd vs 200yd maximum target distance.)
As noted above, the Freedom Arms dominates Big Bore IHMSA Revolver class. But Field Pistol (done standing, not freestyle) is more about ergonomics. Which is more comfortable in your hand? Which has sights that can stand lots of adjusting for the different ranges and lighting conditions? Which sights look better to your eyes? Which trigger do you prefer?

As for theoretical accuracy advantages, it's probably more dependent on the individual revolver, however, if the new Python has the same length cylinder as the old one, then the longer cylindered 686 has an edge with heavy weight bullets that you may need to take 200m Rams. If the rifling twist is sufficient...

I'm waiting for a new 8" Python to try on metallic silhouettes- easier to focus on the front sight when it's further away, being of that certain age and all!

BTW, my old Pythons have 0.358" throats, whilst the Smiths run 0.357"ish, almost always. That said, I've yet to find a good cast bullet load in a 586/686 that does well past 50 yards.

 

[6string]

Re-read the OP. He states:

"I would be doing a lot of cast silhouette shooting"

So, who cares about the DA pull? It's irrelevant to the OP's question and intended use.
Here is a link to a very well researched and written Two-Part article about cast bullet accuracy using the .357 Magnum, specifically for silhouette shooting. The author describes very well his rationale for using a Freedom Arms revolver as well as explicit reloading and bullet casting instructions.

Freedom Arms 357 Magnum, Heat treated cast bullets - harder than lino without the brittleness

Freedom Arms 357 Magnum, brass prep, load data and range testing full power cast bullets loads

If there is anybody doing serious long range accuracy work with a new 686, Python, or GP100 using cast bullets, please have a look at these articles. If you are getting comparable results, it would be most appreciated if you can share details and documentation of your success.

 

[chief38]

IMHO the NEW Python is simply a higher quality and better made Revolver than the NEW S&W 686 and no undesirable features of the Smith.

Back in 1983 I chose a M586 over a Python and still own it. I believe the vintage M586/686 were stronger, more durable, better actions than the vintage Python's were. Different story then today!

 

[ladder13]

At gun shows and in shops, I pass by every wind up Smith I see on the tables. Not interested.

 

[Reddrig]

I own both a new Python and collect Vintage 686's. I have two responses since I've shot New Python, vintage 686 and current 686.

1. New Python over current 686 everyday (trigger is substantially better) 686 sights are better, but this can be fixed cheaper than the trigger. Colt looks better IMO.

2. Vintage 686 over both new 686 and Python.

Prices are starting to come down on the Pythons also.

 

[malph]

If you asked this question on a Colt forum, the replies would likely skew differently.

True but if you ask people who actually shoot their guns a lot, I think the Smiths would be favored.

Colts are beautiful guns no doubt. The Smith's of today look a little funky to my eyes, but for a gun I'd compete, hunt or use for self-defense, I'd still go Smith.

 

[03hemi]

Obviously, I'm a little biased, but for a legitimate reason.
Python by a mile.
686's are common, yawn. Pythons are not and just feel better all the way around IMO.

 

[goldwinghg]

I would go with, a pre lock 686. Pythons,are very nice,if your buying it for a collection. For shooting it. The prelock 686, would be your best bet.

 

[sigp220.45]

I don't get the whole "Colts aren't for shooting" idea. Mybe its the nature of the brand-specific forum, or maybe its because Colts tend to cost more and people feel like they need to coddle them.

I own a bunch of Colts and I shoot them all the time. This little feller is all packed up to go to the range in a couple of hours.

 

[03hemi]

I am not a Colt fan and they have a lot of timing issues.

No they don't, this is just internet dribble for the ill informed. fwiw

 

[UncleEd]

In another newer thread the OP
says he's purchased a 686.

 

[Der Verminator]

It was the obvious choice.

 

[CH4]

It was the obvious choice.

Now that's funny - cleaning coffee off my computer screen.

 

[Invictus357]

Get the 686

And the GP-100

And the Python

Problem solved!

 

[SS57]

I have been talking to myself about this same issue over the past month or so. 3 inch Python was the sweet spot for me. Oh wait you have a 3 inch 686-6 with a glorious action and finish. Then the 4 inch Python moved to the spot light. Darn, you have a 4 inch 686-4-nuff said. 6 inch Python then? Nope, my 6 inch 686-3 fills that bill. Ended up getting a 627-5 PC 8 shot.
Dollar for dollar you can't beat the Smith. Pythons are sweet for sure but I think they are overpriced by about 300 bucks. Tough to make a bad choice here.

 

[jaymoore]

Re-read the OP. He states:

"I would be doing a lot of cast silhouette shooting"


If there is anybody doing serious long range accuracy work with a new 686, Python, or GP100 using cast bullets, please have a look at these articles. If you are getting comparable results, it would be most appreciated if you can share details and documentation of your success.

If an L frame or Python or whatever in the same general price range can be proven to regularly produce sub 3-4 MOA groups at 100 and 200 yard I'd jump on board the bandwagon straight away, regardless of how "purty" it is! Assuming good iron sights and a fine SA trigger from the factory.

 

[pjstreng]

Trigger stacking

Do the new Python triggers stack like the old ones? I could never get used to that.

 

[Donn]

Do the new Python triggers stack like the old ones? I could never get used to that.

If they're anything like the new model King Cobra, no, trigger's smooth as butter, no stacking.

 

[rosewood]

Designed to mushroom violently, yet hold together and penetrate deeply-roughly 12 to 14 inches in human tissue.

I am kind of curious where/who they did their testing on?

Rosewood

 

[malph]

I don't get the whole "Colts aren't for shooting" idea. Mybe its the nature of the brand-specific forum, or maybe its because Colts tend to cost more and people feel like they need to coddle them.

I own a bunch of Colts and I shoot them all the time. This little feller is all packed up to go to the range in a couple of hours.

I much prefer the Smith DA trigger. As I mostly shoot DA, Smiths are my choice.

If I mostly shot SA, I might choose differently.