I have owned 2 pythons currently own a 6 inch blued version since 1995.I also own a 686 6inch and a new 586 classic 6inch.I prefer blued finishes.The Python is a fine shooter but the length of the pull back off of the back-strap is very different from the 586-686.all 3 shoot very close with the ammo they prefer but the 586-686 feels more natural and my wrist seams to have less of a load on it.I almost never shoot the Colt because it takes an act of congress to get anything back from them when you need something fixed.I have not needed to send the Python back to them but i did send a SAA for a poorly indexed barrel and it took nearly 4 months to get it back.that was after calling them weekly to complain.unless you are into collecting guns i would pass on the Colt.
S&W 586 VS THE COLT PYTHON
- Thread starter chief38
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629shooter
Member
For a "shooter," I'll take a S&W.
grip frame
Member
Consider this question.
If a mint python and a mint pre lock 586/686 were both selling for/worth the same in today's market, which one would you buy?
IMO most of the driving force for the pricing on the python is because its no longer made and more rare. Not because its a better design.
If a mint python and a mint pre lock 586/686 were both selling for/worth the same in today's market, which one would you buy?
IMO most of the driving force for the pricing on the python is because its no longer made and more rare. Not because its a better design.
S&W SS Revolvers
Member
Keep the 586! I'll keep my 686-3...it's a work horse.
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muddocktor
Member
The way I see it, for the amount of money you would put out on a Python, you can own 3 - 4 nice 586 or 686 pistols in different barrel lengths. Or 2 - 3 Model 27s. And in my book, 2 - 4 pistols trumps 1 any day. And if you go with the N frames, they are probably the next "Pythons" in value appreciation over the next few years, IMO.
I can admire and appreciate them both. I never owned a Python, but I do own a Colt revolver with similarly archaic lockwork: The Detective Special.
Sent it back to Colt a few years ago for a broken mainspring after 10 years of use. No timing issues. No need for hand replacement (yet). Still working fine to this day. I noticed that Colt is now using shot-peened "V" springs. Wonder if this is to help with durability, but only time will tell...
Yes, I can understand why a Colt will drive someone used to the "stagey" S&W trigger nuts. Frankly, the "stacking" inherent to the Colt design never bothered me. I really think it just boils down to personal preference. The fact that qualified Colt gunsmiths are getting rarer every day, however, would give me pause before using one heavily. They're not "fragile," but they do require periodic replacement of the hand and are less tolerant of being shot while they're "out of spec."
I'll refrain from commenting on the so-called "Pony Tax."
Sent it back to Colt a few years ago for a broken mainspring after 10 years of use. No timing issues. No need for hand replacement (yet). Still working fine to this day. I noticed that Colt is now using shot-peened "V" springs. Wonder if this is to help with durability, but only time will tell...
Yes, I can understand why a Colt will drive someone used to the "stagey" S&W trigger nuts. Frankly, the "stacking" inherent to the Colt design never bothered me. I really think it just boils down to personal preference. The fact that qualified Colt gunsmiths are getting rarer every day, however, would give me pause before using one heavily. They're not "fragile," but they do require periodic replacement of the hand and are less tolerant of being shot while they're "out of spec."
I'll refrain from commenting on the so-called "Pony Tax."
I had a similar experience, except the reverse. In the late 80's I traded my 586 for my friends EN Python(with original box and paperwork), even up. I had about $250 in the 586. He pestered me for awhile to make the trade. 
I have no idea what the Python is worth now, and I'd have preferred a 4 inch tube, but it's money in the bank. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
With proper car and handling, these guns will last a lifetime.
I have no idea what the Python is worth now, and I'd have preferred a 4 inch tube, but it's money in the bank. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
With proper car and handling, these guns will last a lifetime.
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diggler1833
Member
I am fortunate to own a Python as well as a S&W 586 no dash, both 6". The Smith is nice, but it is not as smooth as the Colt. Same thing between my Anaconda and 29-2, the Colt is superior. However, the Smith DAs have all been smoother than the Rugers I have. I was fortunate to get these all NIB with no trigger work to skew perception.
I consider any of the above revolvers so nice now that I bought a new 686 and 629 to beat up rather than carry the previously mentioned. I just don't see a collectors market for MIM and internal locks.
I consider any of the above revolvers so nice now that I bought a new 686 and 629 to beat up rather than carry the previously mentioned. I just don't see a collectors market for MIM and internal locks.
S&W 586 VS THE COLT PYTHON
I've owned both and thought the 586 was clunky when compared to the Python.On the other hand I thought my Anaconda,a great shooter, was clunky compared to the 29 [emoji1]
I've owned both and thought the 586 was clunky when compared to the Python.On the other hand I thought my Anaconda,a great shooter, was clunky compared to the 29 [emoji1]
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I agree with everything you said.
I have been fortunate to have had a LOT of .357s in my life and, based on that, if I could have only one .357 revolver it would be a 4-inch 586. A 4-inch Model 19 would give it a very hard run for its money. Any Python would be quite a ways down the list. In today's world (prices), it wouldn't even be on the list.
For me an ultimate stainless Python in either 4 or 6 inches is a Grail gun. I owned an Anaconda briefly.Not in the same league as a 29-2.
diggler1833
Member
Ha! I have a different experience with the .44s. While my 29-2 is superb, the Anaconda just feels like pure amazingness (new term) every time you work the action. Not saying that it is as durably built (definitely not a Redhawk), but it functions like a timepiece.
Wait a minute. Don't you mean "awesomeness"? I think you have your new terms mixed up.
I'll admit that I was a little disappointed when I bought my Anaconda ,that it was as not as refined like the Python was.I came so close to buying the Python ,but a Wilson packaged SA. won my money that day.I should have went with the Python when it was selling for just under a grand.
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Why do people pay $2500 to $3000 for a Python instead of a 586 for one third the amount? I could ask that question of myself. Why do I own a John Wilkes game gun made in 1911 when a Parker, L.C. Smith or even an auto or pump could kill as much game? I would like to think of that unknown worker with years of experience stooped over his work bench in London patiently hand fitting every part that went into my gun. And that is why people pay high prices for a nice used Python.
chapnelson
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I acquired a 586 LEO turn in that is the smoothest action I've ever had that hadn't been worked over ... and I love the balance of the 4". I also had a newer 586+ 2005 edition, which made a nice gift to my daughter when she graduated from the academy. I think the 586 is the quintessential 357 revolver in form and function, and I'm glad to see S&W brought it back recently again.
71firebird400
Member
I much prefer my Pythons over any K/L/N frame I've fired. I like the S&W's a lot (or else I wouldn't be here!) but the Python trigger is incomparably nicer in my experience.
Roughly 15 years ago I walked away from a deal for a 4" nickel 586 that was absolutely perfect. (I absolutely lust after "yeller guns".) I could have bought that revolver for $300, and I just didn't. Now and again I re-live that moment, and almost get physically ill.
That feeling has never happened to me regarding a Python. Would I like to have one? Absolutely. But are they worth four or five times what you can buy a really nice 4" 586 for? I think not...
That feeling has never happened to me regarding a Python. Would I like to have one? Absolutely. But are they worth four or five times what you can buy a really nice 4" 586 for? I think not...
mg357
Absent Comrade
chief38: the colt Python and the S&W Model 586 are both good guns.
but the python has been out of production for a long time so if something breaks.
finding replacement parts and a gunsmith to fix.
would be a challenge and expensive.
Since the 586 is currently in production.
if something breaks finding replacement parts and a gunsmith to fix it.
Would be less of a challenge and hopefully less expensive.
but the python has been out of production for a long time so if something breaks.
finding replacement parts and a gunsmith to fix.
would be a challenge and expensive.
Since the 586 is currently in production.
if something breaks finding replacement parts and a gunsmith to fix it.
Would be less of a challenge and hopefully less expensive.
Dan Christopher
Member
I am not in the 357 Magnum game anymore, but if I were, I would choose the 586 over the Python any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Pythons are beautiful, but that's about it. I've never really gotten the fascination people have for them as shooters. I just never could warm up to the DA pull on the Python.
And as mg357 noted, good luck finding someone who can work on one if needed. Plus given the tendency Pythons have for developing timing issues, no thanks.
Pythons are beautiful, but that's about it. I've never really gotten the fascination people have for them as shooters. I just never could warm up to the DA pull on the Python.
And as mg357 noted, good luck finding someone who can work on one if needed. Plus given the tendency Pythons have for developing timing issues, no thanks.
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