S&W 586/686 Versus Python
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HOUSTON RICK
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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.
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.
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OldSarge21
Member
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.
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......................
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
Member
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
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
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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.
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.
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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.
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
Member
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.
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
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Why does a revolver need a ventilated rib?
Floki
Member
I have owned two Pythons in my life - both 6" blue ones. The first one was built in 1968 and the one I own now was built in 1978. I've never owned another .357 revolver that could out-shoot either one of them but, I've had a few that came darn close.
The two that I distinctly remember to be on a par with the Python were a 6.5" Model 27 that I bought in 1984 and a Model 586 (no dash) that I purchased new in late 1981. It was the first new L Frame S&W my LGS received.
Saturday, I was dropping off a new Model 629 that I purchased in January to send back to S&W.. There's a minor issue with extracting empty shells that I believe is due to either one or two cylinders that need some additional polishing for roughness. Next thing I knew, my LGS whipped out a once-fired 1981 Model 586 (no dash) exactly like the one I had previously owned and had enjoyed so much.
There isn't a scratch or a ding on it, just some minor handling wear on the grips but otherwise it's mint. I paid and did the paperwork and will pick it up next Saturday.
I don't need to do a side-by-side comparison of the Model 586 and the Python to assure you that with the right load, it can shoot all day long with a Python. I've done it many times. I prefer the Model 586 simply because it has a more comfortable grip and a better grip angle for my medium-sized hands. The Python, by design, was made for someone with large hands. I can comfortably shoot a Model 586 in DA but I cannot do that with a Python. No big deal, though. 99% of my shooting is done SA.
The two that I distinctly remember to be on a par with the Python were a 6.5" Model 27 that I bought in 1984 and a Model 586 (no dash) that I purchased new in late 1981. It was the first new L Frame S&W my LGS received.
Saturday, I was dropping off a new Model 629 that I purchased in January to send back to S&W.. There's a minor issue with extracting empty shells that I believe is due to either one or two cylinders that need some additional polishing for roughness. Next thing I knew, my LGS whipped out a once-fired 1981 Model 586 (no dash) exactly like the one I had previously owned and had enjoyed so much.
There isn't a scratch or a ding on it, just some minor handling wear on the grips but otherwise it's mint. I paid and did the paperwork and will pick it up next Saturday.
I don't need to do a side-by-side comparison of the Model 586 and the Python to assure you that with the right load, it can shoot all day long with a Python. I've done it many times. I prefer the Model 586 simply because it has a more comfortable grip and a better grip angle for my medium-sized hands. The Python, by design, was made for someone with large hands. I can comfortably shoot a Model 586 in DA but I cannot do that with a Python. No big deal, though. 99% of my shooting is done SA.
I don't shoot either one of these but I would have to agree that for appearance the python wins.
Oh I forgot the thread was about 586/686 vs the python so I had to add a photo of a 586 & 686. The 686 is a great shooter.
I fully agree that the 686 looks great. I carried a 4" 686 for the first 7 years of my career; I was one of two officers on the department that didn't carry a Python. The other officer carried a 6" 586. We couldn't afford a python. In the squad room and patrol cars, you can bet there was much debate over which is better.
Here's my newest acquisition. 686-3 2.5" with factory combats.
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69HEMI-R/T
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For me, I love both Colt and Smith & Wesson guns! I really would not hesitate to use either one.
cowboy4evr
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The only python I have ever handled belonged to a friend , a retired LEO that had lost his sight . He still kept the python by his bedside . He told me how he acquired it .
He had just been hired to be a state trooper and was in the early days at the academy . He had got a S&W 19 , 4" as it was cheaper and all he could afford , at the time . The guy next to him shooting walked over and asked if he wanted to trade , straight across . He jumped at the deal and carried the python his entire career .
I have never personally owned a python as I just couldn't afford one . So I have contented my self with my smith's . They shoot good enough for me . I don't feel like I have any lesser fine gun with my 686 , 4" . My 686 belonged to a retired LEO from Dade County Sheriffs Dept . But I have to agree , the pythons sure look good . I realize that there are mechanical / service problems that go along with owning them . But I have often wished I had one .
He had just been hired to be a state trooper and was in the early days at the academy . He had got a S&W 19 , 4" as it was cheaper and all he could afford , at the time . The guy next to him shooting walked over and asked if he wanted to trade , straight across . He jumped at the deal and carried the python his entire career .
I have never personally owned a python as I just couldn't afford one . So I have contented my self with my smith's . They shoot good enough for me . I don't feel like I have any lesser fine gun with my 686 , 4" . My 686 belonged to a retired LEO from Dade County Sheriffs Dept . But I have to agree , the pythons sure look good . I realize that there are mechanical / service problems that go along with owning them . But I have often wished I had one .
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sasu
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Why shoot the inferior S&W L frame when you can have a superior Colt Python?
Oh, sorry, I thought I was on the Colt forum. Hehee...
I am of the generation that lusted after Pythons when we were young. They are still beautiful guns. I understand they have the cylinder pushed against lock bolt by the cylinder hand which requires very delicate fitting to get the chamber aligned, whereas most other revolvers have some movement left on purpose so that the cylinder can rotate a little to let the chamber align itself with the barrel as the bullet starts moving.
Oh, sorry, I thought I was on the Colt forum. Hehee...
I am of the generation that lusted after Pythons when we were young. They are still beautiful guns. I understand they have the cylinder pushed against lock bolt by the cylinder hand which requires very delicate fitting to get the chamber aligned, whereas most other revolvers have some movement left on purpose so that the cylinder can rotate a little to let the chamber align itself with the barrel as the bullet starts moving.
DD357
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I have owned 3 over the years; don't have any now and don't want another. The Smith has a far superior trigger. If I owned one now I would sell it and buy multiple S&W's. (but not new ones!)
To make it "cool". LOL.
sasu
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To keep the rib cooler to prevent heat waves on the sight plane.
That is the theory. I have no idea how relevant it is in practice.
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