S&W 586/686 Versus Python

[Gunner4640]

Thanks Dave.

My Dad received his TCLEOSE Instructors Certificate from Reeves back in the early 1980's. Dad spoke highly of him.

My friend sent me an article about Reeves I will look for it and send to you if you want to read it. My friend told me Reeves was so good he could shoot through the same hole at 50 yards over and over. He called him the "The Best Python Turner Ever" My friend is a retired DPS Lt.

 

[Gunner4640]

Thanks Dave.

My Dad received his TCLEOSE Instructors Certificate from Reeves back in the early 1980's. Dad spoke highly of him.

Mikey did you know that Reeves pasted away a few weeks ago? My friend is sending me the Obituary. If you want a copy please pm or email me [email protected]
Dave

 

[mg357]

The Colt Python is a very nice revolver but because they have been out of production for many years if it breaks finding a gunsmith to repair it would be a challenge.

The S&W 586 & 686 Are currently in production so if something breaks in either of those revolvers finding a gunsmith to repair it would be less of a challenge it would also be less expensive.

 

[gnappi]

I just read a thread regarding tuning up a 586 and one poster stated "Get that crown jewel S&W custom revolver for less total cost than a python, and then show those "devout" Colt followers what accuracy and precision looks like."

So… how many forum members have a Python curled up inside the safe?

Back in the 1980's when my father in law bought his first S&W 586, I wanted something different and paid $100 more for the Python ($475). Yes, we know about the current price craziness of the Python and investment angle, but how do they really compare out of the box? What did you get for the extra $100?

My impression/thoughts… I know you guys are not going to like this… but the action of the Python was better than the period S&W 586. My father in law had to send his 586 out for a $125 action job before it was on par with the Python. Fit on the 586 was on par with the Python; however, the finish (i.e., bluing) on the Python was so so well done it appeared black.

What say ye forum members?

Try a 586/686 with a trigger done by a qualified EXPERT gunsmith and you'll sing a different tune.

on S&W's Most hacks replace the stock spring, cut the "action screw" and charge you $85.

Done "correctly" most won't pay for a well done trigger. Hand fitting and polishing the innards of a S&W is very time consuming but once done take a back seat to no archaic Python action.

I've rarely met a Python that the owner doesn't use .38's in because the snake can't handle a regular diet of .357's. If the owner uses .357's it's used little or it breaks a lot. I've seen more Pythons skipping cylinders than the next 10,000 L frames (Never saw an L skip cylinders) when the owner pushed the load regularly.

Bottom line? No snakes in my safe, only snake eaters, S&W's

 

[sevensix]

U cheap snake

Nice discussions on the snakes and S&W comparisons. Back when I was active duty a Python could be had for $125 at the PX. That was a lot of money in 1970. I waited until they were $400 before I got one of my own. There are two revolvers in my battery that are deadly accurate: S&W K22 and the Python.
I like them both but give the nod to the Python.
-sevensix

 

[Budnjax]

I used to wholesale Pythons

and saw a dozen of them come in one time and the cylinder wouldn't open on any of the 12. Another time I got a Python with no rifling....so much for hand fitting. The last Python I had was a nickel 6 inch I bought new. The cylinder face was rubbing against the back of the barrel, the chambers were so rough you could only shoot 38 wadcutters if you didn't want to have to pound the cases out with a hammer and punch and the gun went out of time with less than 2500 38 Specials being put thru it and required a new hand to be installed. By the way, the last time I checked, the factory accuracy standard for the Python was 3 inch group at 15 yards.....same as the Colt D frames (Detective Special, Agent, Cobra, Diamondback).

It's true than many of the early Pythons had a terrific blue finish and hand-fitted actions....but those were mostly back in the late 1950's. I can buy any guns I want but would take a stock S&W 586/686 or 19/66, give it a trigger job and have a much better shooting/handling gun than any Python I have encountered. If you are going to shoot a Python please have big hands as the distance between the backstrap and trigger is huge compared to other guns.

As a collector's gun today I would say if you can buy a Python cheap, buy it....you might make a buck. But if you want a better gun in all respects except for possibly the stock finish, buy a S&W.

 

[Weimar]

Traded or bought a 4 inch Python around 1982, I liked it pretty well but wanted something new, found a 8 inch artillery luger - sold my python on consignment and bought the luger. The artillery was my first and was buffed bad and shiny blue, although I still have it I imagine the python would be worth twice the luger, but oh well Somebody in Hawaii probably still owns the python ...

 

[Jaymo]

I prefer the Python. Every one I ever shot was fantastic.

However, I was able to afford the 586, so, that's what I have.

Lucky for me, I don't feel the need for middle school antics anymore.
I'm to the point that one doesn't have to be great and the other junk.
Both are nice.
I like Colts and Smiths.
I don't regret getting a 586. I kind of wish it was a 6", but I'm ok with it being a 4".
I don't plan on ever selling it, if that tells you anything.

Right now, my obsession is finding a 15 or 19 snub. Gotta be square butt. Something about a square butt, adjustable sight, polished blue K frame just makes me all happy.

 

[Lionbacker76]

Preserving One's Python for Fun and Profit?

I must start by confessing that I own a pristine condition Colt Python purchased five years ago, before I was aware of Snake gun frenzy. While I had owned several military handguns, and had bought a Glock G19 a few months before that, I was really naive about what a Python was, its reputation and its value.

After a few years and several more handgun acquisitions, the Python remained my favorite as far as both looks and function. A few years back, seeing the Python craze, I decided that I needed an alternative .357 Magnum for range use.

I bought a Ruger SP101 to be an alternative range gun. Again, naively, I hadn't done enough homework. While the SP101 is a fine carry gun, it beat the heck out of my arm shooting .357 Magnum.

I recently got rid of the Ruger and searched for a good Python-like gun that I could enjoy at the range while letting my Snake "safe queen" at home. After a lot of consideration, I purchased a S&W 586 with a 4" barrel. I own more S&W than anything else, so it also seemed to make good sense.

This week, I replaced the OEM wood grips with Hogue nylon grips and made the first visit to the range. I was more than pleased. This gun while being attractive in its own right, has such incredible balance and feel. I really found that the point-ability of the gun as well as how it handled .357 Magnum loads tells me that I now have a great range gun as well as one I will consider for not only out in the woods, but perhaps for daily carry too. I already perceive that the S&W 586 will be one of my favorites.

 

[Topsarge]

Sorry guys. I'm a Smith guy too. I own several now and have owned several in the past. One of my favorites I have now is a 686 and a 24. My duty weapon when I was on the job was a Python 6". I have one in the safe now. I have had 3 of them and imho there isn't any revolver out of the box that has the action of the Python. I'm sure with some work, a Smith would be in the ball park, but, out of the box, the Python is great.

 

[Trophy66]

Just another opinion

I've owned 4 Pythons,one from the custom shop in the early 80's. All were beautiful with very smooth actions, none were as accurate as my 586,686 or 27.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I have friends that let me shoot their Colts and I let them shoot my Smiths. There fun in shooting Smiths is obvious, while I would not call them jealous, when it come to range time, they prefer shooting S&Ws and not only because it is not their guns. Several have since quietly bought new 686s just to "round out" their collection which show up at the range often.

 

[sodacan]

I am the original owner of a Python that I bought in 1972. I bought a model model 27 that same year. Still have both. Still like both. Still shoot both. Why can't we all just get along? BTW, I also have a 686 and a couple of other "L" frames. All early, no dash models. Nice guns in their own right. Shoot what you like and like what you shoot.

 

[OldSarge21]

While I would love to own a Python I don't think they are worth the prices they are getting now. Few people shoot them because they are afraid to lower the value. Pride in ownership? That just means you had enough $$ to buy it once. I would way rather have my 586 and 29 and shoot the rifling smooth, then buy a new barrel and keep shooting. If I could find a Python in "shooter" grade where the owner wasn't convinced he had the holy grail I may consider buying it. Great guns but not worth the hype in comparison. By the way, this is my first post on this forum. Great place to hang out and learn a bunch about S&W.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Never owned a Python........... grips and action don't suit me............

If I could have only one it would be my 4" round butt polished action 686-nuttin.

I've also got some 4 & 6 inch 586s and a 681..............................

make mine a Smith......................

 

[Qc Pistolero]

I ain't no collector.There ain't no safequeen in my house(well,exept my M1903 made in December 1906 30-06 sprg...I know;they are supposed to all have been destroyed but mine escaped!).
I bought a 586 in Montreal in the early '80,('83 or '84).Of course,a no dash and no ''M''.The grips(large Magna target)didn't fit me and I replaced them.The action was very good to excellent.After thousands rounds, no problem(mostly .38spl)the action feels smoother.Last year,I loaned it to a friend at the range and the next Saturday,he told me he was so impressed he had bought one.That's how them 586/686 are good.

A little more than 2 years ago,I came across a gentleman who had bought a 1956 Python in the late '50s.Bought it for $600(them is Mickey Mouse money that is canadian dollars worth aprox 25%less in real US$).The Python came out in '55 and until the end of '56 came with an hollowed out underlug that doesn't make it feel as muzzleheavy as the other Pythons(or 586).The grips weren't right to me(had both the smaller original and the larger ''second model''larger grips).Replaced them.
Now,about that 4 year old post(and much older than that debate)which is the best?I have to say that the single action of the Python is ahead of the 586,but not by that much.If I'd have had to pay say 2000$for the Python,i would have passed up(actually,there's many Python for sale at around these prices).
Which one would I choose?SA,the Colt wins hands down.No need to shoot it;just cocking it shows the difference..DA,S&W wins.If I'd have to keep only one(God forbids!)I guess the S&W would win;like the DA best and the gun is almost as accurate( I'm sure 1/4'' at 25yds ain't worth much of a debate)and still has spare parts available.While I can play in the innards of both,the S&W's is more''user friendly''than the Colt's.But I feel lucky I get to keep both!
Qc

 

[44wheelman]

The hollowed Python underlug lasted until at least '59-'60.

I had a mid '90's bright stainless Python. Took it to the range three times with a variety of ammo. My $265 Dan Wesson shot groups that were half the size of that $600 snake gun. Later I learned that it may have had undersized cylinder holes, and wished I hadn't sold it in disgust.

 

[Smith686MandP]

S&W 686 v. Colt Python

In the 1980's my EDC was a Colt Python 2.5" Nickel. I put it away when Glock came on the scene (now I carry an M&P.) It cost me almost $700 back then for the Colt. I bought a S&W 686 6" in 1995 and then a S&W 686 4" in 2010. To me there is NO COMPARISON. They each have their benefits. Don't get me wrong here, I love the Python. BUT, the 686 trigger in single action is tremendous and hard to beat. And, for me the deal breaker is the cylinder release. It is just more intuitive to push the release towards the cylinder with the 686, than to pull back towards the hammer with the Python. The Python is put away and not being used. But, I can tell you... everybody at the range that sees the 686, especially the 4" version wants to fire it. To me, the 686 is as much a gold standard as is the Python. It is only that there is a mystique about the Python because it is out of production. While I may get boo'd here, and regardless of the collector value of the Python... if I had the choice of carrying a Colt Python or a S&W 686 having the same barrel length, hands down I'd pick the S&W 686.

 

[muddocktor]

Wow, necro-thread back from the dead! Last post before the new guy resurrected it was 11-7-2013.

With that said, I've never owned a Colt revolver, but a buddy had a 6" Python back in the late 70's and I had my 5" 27-2. I thought his Python was nice looking, but I also liked the way my 27 looked too (still do as a matter of fact). But I thought my 27 felt better in hand and it also seemed to me to be more sturdily built. And it proved it to me when we shot down a tree in his yard and his barrel was canted 2-3 degrees after we did so! So for me, I will stick with my 27's. Now my younger brother has 2" barrel Colt Lawman that I think is pretty nice. I like the fact that it can carry 6 rounds instead of 5 like my wife's model 60 and isn't much bigger.

If I had to pick between an L frame and a Python, I would go S&W. I can get the S&W worked on pretty easily, whereas the Python not so much nowadays. And another buddy has a 686 no dash and it feels just as good to me as a Python.

 

[mike from st pete]

Why does a revolver need a ventilated rib?