S&W 586/686 Versus Python

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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 .
 
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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.
 
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