lhump1961
US Veteran
I would have to disagree with you, 00Buck2. While your Python looks as good as any full underlug revolver I would take that 27 any day and twice on Sunday!
Nice 2 1/2" 586 by the way...
Nice 2 1/2" 586 by the way...
S&W 586/686 Versus Python
- Thread starter mjolnir2
- Start date
00Buck2
Member
I would have to disagree with you, 00Buck2. While your Python looks as good as any full underlug revolver I would take that 27 any day and twice on Sunday!
Nice 2 1/2" 586 by the way...
Don't say that too loud
If Bobby aka: fattom see's this thread he will post a photo of his snub python. I would trade both my 27's for that snub python he has.
He is probably too busy chasing tail, whitetail that is, to see this thread anyway
P.S. the rut is in full swing in Indiana right now. I'm headed back to the tree stand.
71firebird400
Member
You know this always comes up on the S&W Forum and I get a laugh out of the insecurities of several members who cannot help but diminish the Python to nothing more than a weak, ugly, overrated, inaccurate, horribly finished piece of junk. Yet, look at what they bring on GunBroker and ask yourself if all of those people would be paying those prices for a gun with the aforementioned characteristics? Make no mistake, I love my S&W's they are great guns- as are my Colts. Everyone has an opinion, but it's not a crime to like both!
in the late 80's I got my 686 with the 8 3/8 bbl. and my friend got the python also with the 8 3/8 bbl. and we would go out and shoot the **** out of them. both shot great and we would trade back and forth to see who could shoot better with either gun. we always called it a tie. the part I liked best was I paid a lot less for a gun that would do every thing, the python could do. but today the python is worth a lot more.
That $100 price difference in 1985 equals $217 today.I'm not seeing any 98% pythons selling for $8-$900 ;-)
Way back in 1990 I was Lucky enough to purchase a NIB 8 inch Royal Blue Python (mfd 1980) for $400. I put a set of fancy wood Hogue grips on it in place of the Colt/Pachmayer rubber. I loved the looks and the feel of that gun. Smooth as butter and was darned accurate too, especially with 148 grain wadcutters in a magnum case.
The cylinder was a bit short, even shorter than the S&W model 27-2, so certain loads wouldn't work due to OAL. Also, that Royal blue was the hardest to clean surface I've ever encountered. Finally, I cleaned it and put it back in its box to keep as eye candy and to show off.
Started a new job in 1993 and need to buy a camera and other tools, so I sold that Python for $750.
I now own several L frame Smiths. All are just as accurate with most loads as the Python. Some have very smooth actions and superb single action triggers, though none have the 'gliding on glass' feel of the V spring Colt action. I'll take the ease of service and durability of the L frame. I can (have) purchased three nice L frames for the price of a single nice Python. Now, I do have a couple of Colt's with actions nearly as smooth as the P-Snake. The Colt Official Police. Accurate, smooth as silk and fun to shoot and they are still available at under $500.
Would I buy another Python? Not in my current earning bracket. I'll leave the Snakes, SAA's and the $250 a bottle Scotch to those with true disposable income and stick with my Smiths and my Bourbon!
The cylinder was a bit short, even shorter than the S&W model 27-2, so certain loads wouldn't work due to OAL. Also, that Royal blue was the hardest to clean surface I've ever encountered. Finally, I cleaned it and put it back in its box to keep as eye candy and to show off.
Started a new job in 1993 and need to buy a camera and other tools, so I sold that Python for $750.
I now own several L frame Smiths. All are just as accurate with most loads as the Python. Some have very smooth actions and superb single action triggers, though none have the 'gliding on glass' feel of the V spring Colt action. I'll take the ease of service and durability of the L frame. I can (have) purchased three nice L frames for the price of a single nice Python. Now, I do have a couple of Colt's with actions nearly as smooth as the P-Snake. The Colt Official Police. Accurate, smooth as silk and fun to shoot and they are still available at under $500.
Would I buy another Python? Not in my current earning bracket. I'll leave the Snakes, SAA's and the $250 a bottle Scotch to those with true disposable income and stick with my Smiths and my Bourbon!
sac-gunslinger
Member
Is there even a Colt organization around to re-start production?
Blued guns are by far the prettiest but a royal pain to keep that way ;-)
All of my regular shooters are stainless or painted except for a pair of ruger 22s.
All of my regular shooters are stainless or painted except for a pair of ruger 22s.
sac-gunslinger
Member
I have worked selling guns on and off over the years. Have seen Colts break, have seen Smiths break. Both at about the same frequency. Purely mechanical objects have inherent flaws, usually at about the same frequencies.
I had a customer back in the mid-70's who was a LEO in the Bay Area. His Python broke, a simple repair. He was so superstitious that he sold the broken gun at a discount just to be able to buy a "new" Python.
Gunshops make money on our "feelings," our passions and prejudices. But, that is part of what makes the world go around.
I had a customer back in the mid-70's who was a LEO in the Bay Area. His Python broke, a simple repair. He was so superstitious that he sold the broken gun at a discount just to be able to buy a "new" Python.
Gunshops make money on our "feelings," our passions and prejudices. But, that is part of what makes the world go around.
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sac-gunslinger
Member
Baby Python!
I worked on a federal contract in Nevada in the early 80's. Had to carry a 38 Special (loaded with 158 grain round-nose lead ammo). Bought a 4" Diamondback for the task. Cool looking gun with the Python barrel on a Detective Special/Police Positive frame. Finish was just about as good as the Pythons. Odd shaped uncomfortable grips. Action was classic Detective Special stiff. Diamondbacks now fetch almost as much as Pythons. Must have done its job well, I am still here.
I worked on a federal contract in Nevada in the early 80's. Had to carry a 38 Special (loaded with 158 grain round-nose lead ammo). Bought a 4" Diamondback for the task. Cool looking gun with the Python barrel on a Detective Special/Police Positive frame. Finish was just about as good as the Pythons. Odd shaped uncomfortable grips. Action was classic Detective Special stiff. Diamondbacks now fetch almost as much as Pythons. Must have done its job well, I am still here.
Double-O-Dave
US Veteran
MikeyB: FYI - I read recently where Mr. Jungkind passed (10/8/2013). Here is a link to his obituary if you are interested:
OBITUARY: Reeves C. Jungkind, 86, of Llano dies Oct. 8, 2013
I worked with a number of TX DPS Troopers who worked with him, or were trained in basic marksmanship by him, and all spoke highly of him.
Regards,
Dave
It is like asking which one of your kids (or dogs) do you like best. I have 2.5 and 4" Pythons (plus other Colts), a 2.5' 686 and 3" 696 (plus other S&Ws). Love 'em all. However, if one displeases me I won't hesitate to put them up for adoption.
1/3 of my hand guns are colts,another 3rd are smiths and the final 1/3 is made up of several other brands.
Most of the colts and smiths were bought due to vintage and condition with appreciation in mind,so they don't get used much.The final 3rd gets shot and carried a fair amount.
Most of the colts and smiths were bought due to vintage and condition with appreciation in mind,so they don't get used much.The final 3rd gets shot and carried a fair amount.
You know, back in the day, I always wanted a Python, and a Diamondback, too. But my first revolver was a Model 19 4", then a Model 10 2", and then, over time, I simply became enamored of S&W revolvers and continued to acquire them so now I call myself a collector and I play with y'all on here.
I have acquired a number of non-S&W revolvers, some for Cowboy Action Shooting , some oddball H&R and Ruger .22s, and a couple of Ruger .357s, but I have only acquired one double action revolver from the Colt stable (or "herpetorium", I guess), a cute little Cobra that a friend actually gave me. Its one advantage over a J-frame is its extra round but I never really warmed up to it for some reason and I only carry it when I bike ride (rarely), jog (never, anymore), or walk my dogs (they're in the yard all day; rarely need walking, they're exhausted by the time I get home after chasing squirrels all day). So this little .38 Special seldom sees the light of day.
My point is, I like Smith & Wesson revolvers. I have a great fondness for K frames, but I do have a couple of L frames and one N frame, and several J-frames, all .38s and .357s. I have always had great respect for Colt Pythons but I got over my desire for one, or a Diamondback, because as nice as they are I'd rather buy more S&Ws. I am planning a trip to Colorado in a few months and I'll probably tote along my Model 27 Classic. My buddy carries a Python - we'll definitely have a contest, and I'll beat him with both guns. So as neat as it might be to own an expensive Python, I just cannot justify it - and I imagine them to be supremely great guns.
I have an opportunity to acquire a Colt 1911 (unsure if it's a Series 70 or 80) in .38 Super, NIB or close to it. THAT Colt I'll acquire; it's a .38 so it fits into my caliber collection and I have always wanted a .38 Super. But I simply don't worry about Pythons any more.
I have a story about a great shot I made with my 6" M586 a year ago - too long for on-line but, suffice to say, after that great 85 yard shot, well, I just don't NEED anything but a S&W, with a trigger that I know and love.
***GRJ***
I have acquired a number of non-S&W revolvers, some for Cowboy Action Shooting , some oddball H&R and Ruger .22s, and a couple of Ruger .357s, but I have only acquired one double action revolver from the Colt stable (or "herpetorium", I guess), a cute little Cobra that a friend actually gave me. Its one advantage over a J-frame is its extra round but I never really warmed up to it for some reason and I only carry it when I bike ride (rarely), jog (never, anymore), or walk my dogs (they're in the yard all day; rarely need walking, they're exhausted by the time I get home after chasing squirrels all day). So this little .38 Special seldom sees the light of day.
My point is, I like Smith & Wesson revolvers. I have a great fondness for K frames, but I do have a couple of L frames and one N frame, and several J-frames, all .38s and .357s. I have always had great respect for Colt Pythons but I got over my desire for one, or a Diamondback, because as nice as they are I'd rather buy more S&Ws. I am planning a trip to Colorado in a few months and I'll probably tote along my Model 27 Classic. My buddy carries a Python - we'll definitely have a contest, and I'll beat him with both guns. So as neat as it might be to own an expensive Python, I just cannot justify it - and I imagine them to be supremely great guns.
I have an opportunity to acquire a Colt 1911 (unsure if it's a Series 70 or 80) in .38 Super, NIB or close to it. THAT Colt I'll acquire; it's a .38 so it fits into my caliber collection and I have always wanted a .38 Super. But I simply don't worry about Pythons any more.
I have a story about a great shot I made with my 6" M586 a year ago - too long for on-line but, suffice to say, after that great 85 yard shot, well, I just don't NEED anything but a S&W, with a trigger that I know and love.
***GRJ***
The Texas State Rifle Association will miss him dearly. RIP!
***GRJ***
I've seen this "Dark Side of Smith & Wesson" before. It's quite a rant. I've never experienced such problems with a S&W but I'm just one guy so there could be an ocean of problems out there that I don't know about. But how come only Chuck Hawkes is screeching? And why doesn't he screech about the absence of Colt from the consumer handgun market for a very long time?
Just wondering out loud, I guess....
***GRJ***
Gunner4640
Member
Funny you mentioned Reeves Jungkind I have a friend that was trained by him at DPS academy and he shot #1 in his class, I was very lucky to have this friend of mine train me the way Reeves trained him. The training improved my shooting skills greatly.
lhump1961
US Veteran
What you say may have a little merit but I don't see too many here saying the Python isn't a good or even great gun nor many saying it's junk...just that most don't see 3x the price in them. Beauty being in the eye it is pointless to debate aesthetics...a person will have their opinion and not be wrong. Most here are simply saying that the Python doesn't perform measurably better than other quality revolvers.
On the contrary I think that while around here the nod will usually go the the Smiths this forum is very fair minded when it comes to non-S&W firearms of any type. I have seen the Colts, Rugers and Dan Wessons propped up with heavy praise many times. I'm not sure Smiths get that same respect over at the Colt or Ruger forums.
(In fact I can guarantee they don't!)I have owned both and many, many here continue to own both. I would never bash a Python...too nice a lookin' gun. As you said there is no crime in liking both!
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Thanks Dave.
My Dad received his TCLEOSE Instructors Certificate from Reeves back in the early 1980's. Dad spoke highly of him.
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