S&W 586 VS THE COLT PYTHON

[jimbo728]

I have always prefered the L frame Smiths over Python revolvers. Colt cylinder goes backwards, cylinder latch goes backwards, they are nice but I think L frames are nicer . The L frames just feel better to me.
Just me.
Jim

 

[Sarge45]

I owned a 6" Python and miss it badly. I currently own a mint condition 4" 586 -1 and love this gun. It is the perfect revolver, in my opinion. I would give up all my other toys before this one.

 

[bipe215]

Here's a good video from Jerry Miculek comparing L frame, Python and Ruger Speed Six. I know that JM is a Smith guy now but he had a Python before he was a Smith guy. If you want to skip the shooting (you won't) fast forward to him in his shop going over the mechanical differences in the guns. Very interesting.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1cbVl3cDMTY

 

[keithherrington]

A bulleye shooter's opinion

As a Bullseye competitor I base my opinion on scores, not looks. I shot revolver in IPSC for 30 years and learned to shoot only double action. Never learned to thumb the hammer. So in 2006 when I got back into Bullseye in a serious fashion I looked very carefully at all the available guns. I started with a Model 27 because the Python had such a retched double action pull. It was VERY accurate but the SA accuracy advantage at 50 yards didn't outweigh the terrible scores at 25 when shooting DA when compared to the 27. If I did my part the 27 was a dream to shoot and the Python a nightmare. However, in an attempt to further improve I transitioned to the 586. Man I was disappointed. The action was nearly as good as the 27 but I could never find one that was as accurate as my 27. Invariably, one or more of the cylinders would not shoot to group at 50 yards while the 27 did so with monotonous regularity. After further study of the problem my solution boiled down to having a custom K-38 made. I bought a Model 16-4 in 32 caliber and a NOS Model 17 full lug barrel. I sent it off to Hamilton for him to build me a S&W that could shoot as accurately as a Python. The cylinder was bored and chambered with tight match chambers, and the action smoothed and timed properly for an early cylinder lockup. The barrel was a bit more involved. We ended up boring it to .3565 like many Pythons and then rifling it with a 1 in 14" twist. It's not a gain twist but it shoots W-W White Box 148 grain wadcutter loads into 1.5" at 50 yards with regularity. It also shoots American Eagle 158 grain RN into 2" at 50 yards so when I shoot Distinguished Revolver I don't have to switch guns. It performs so well and I'm so comfortable with it that my Model 27 has largely been retired to when I just want to have fun. Here are pics of both. The grips on the "K-38" are Nill Hemphill PPC grips. The grips on the Model 27 are Culina Checkered Classics made from Ziricote.






To me a revolver is only beautiful if it performs as good as it looks. Both of these revolvers are about as beautiful as a gun gets.

Keith

 

[cal50]

I owned a couple Python's many years back. They were both sold / trades for other toys. I will say Colt and the Python had one of the nicest factory finishes of the day. DEEP blue and nice and straight edges and lines. To me it was more of a looker than a shooter. One went back for timing issues with a steady diet of 140 grain magnum ammo. It spit lead really bad. Bad enough if you were shooting in a narrow indoor stall it would hit me from the side of the shooting lane.

Once they started to bring a better price I got rid of both of them and they were never missed then or today. My 686-2 or my recent PC 627 may not look as flashy but both shoot a lot better and stay in time.

The only thing "Python" that interests me is the Ruger / Colt Python combo of Ruger frame and Colt barrel ( Couger ). If I ever ran across a Python barrel cheap I will buy it and a Ruger Securith Six and put them together. The cost of the project kills it now but it was a nice marriage of a strong frame and good barrel.

I never liked the bass akwards cylinder release either. Today its more of a collectable than a shooter IMHO.

 

[jack the toad]

Due to some of my comments, some may think that I'm a snake hater, but I'm not. It's just that I all-around prefer the Smith over the Colt when it comes to DA revolvers.
As to the L-frame, I think it was Smiths attempt at correcting some of the known problems (cracked forcing cone, etc) with the .357 K's and also to create Smith's version of a Smolt, Smython, etc.
IMO, Colt Royal Blue finish is exceptional but vented sight ribs and full lug barrels on the python just doesn't do much for me. If I had to pick only one DA 357, it'd be a 27 hands down.

 

[Glynngaddy]

Smith and Wessons WEAR IN where Colts WEAR OUT

 

[Muss Muggins]

Never understood the Python attraction, other than the name. The 586/686 pre-IL platform was an infinitely better firearm. Well balanced, with S&W performance. The superfluous vent rib and the unfathomable mystique of the Python name have caused the rise in asking price, IMHO

 

[DR505]

What does a Python have to compensate for those faults? A very questionable claim of better polishing than a 27, 57 or 29, and an odd looking shotgun rib that, frankly, belongs on a shotgun.

The vent rib is an iconic feature on the Python but is an offense to the eye in my view.

Never understood the Python attraction, other than the name. The 586/686 pre-IL platform was an infinitely better firearm. Well balanced, with S&W performance. The superfluous vent rib and the unfathomable mystique of the Python name have caused the rise in asking price, IMHO

I'm in agreement with these folks...I never did like the vent rib on the Python, it made the firearms look awkward to me. I never cared for the action either. I bought the Model 27 instead.

 

[sodacan]

I own K,L,N frames and Pythons. Shoot them all. Like them all. I've shot thousands of rounds through all of them with no problems. Very different feel with each, but I like to change it up. Anyone curious as to how this topic would play out on the Colt forum? Shoot what you like and like what you shoot.

 

[beach elvis]

With regards to full underlugs:
Practically speaking, I'm a fan.
My 3 "working guns" are a 4" 617-8, a 6" 586-3, and a 6.5" 629-4 Classic DX. All with, of course , full underlugs and also Hogue Monogrips for uniformity in my hand. Plus, I keep the purty (and slightly less practical for me) original wood grips in the boxes for when I might wanna dress 'em up.

I think a full underlug improves the balance and solid feeling to my "working" guns. IMO the underlugs do make them easier to shoot in terms of recoil (617 notwithstanding. WHAT recoil?)

I don't often carry them out in the world, however. My carry Smiths are devoid of the underlugs in the interest of weight. That said, both the L- or N-frames ride just fine in my Bianchi X-15 when I'm out back in the bush and wet weather warrants carrying inside a pair of Carhartts. (Actually, I'm looking for a stainless beater for everyday carry. My carry-size Smiths are all in 95-plus % and from the early '60's with box, docs, and case candy. I'm gettin' a bit squirrelly about them spending so much time getting holster wear and whatever bad stuff could happen to them.)

The Python and its fellow reptilians are, in my world, kinda like Ferraris. If you can afford the ride, you better be able to afford the maintenance too, because there's gonna be lots of it.

The Smiths on the other hand, are akin to a Willys MB jeep, only as tuned and fitted out a Willys as is possible for one to be. Dead reliable, solid as a Sherman, but also a fine piece of machinery and not only a joy to drive, but loves to be driven.

After all that, I do have a fondness for a Colt-made gun due to primarily the history but also because it's certainly not a terribly-made piece of gear, it's just not the cherry on my own personal cake. If I MUST have the experience of shooting a Colt (which can be a nice change of pace), I have a 1907 Police Positive Special in unbelievable condition that fills the bill. Not a serpent, I admit, but close enough to shut me up.

 

[Redlegvzv]

What a great thread comparing S&Ws and the Python! Personally I am into shooting and not collecting (not that I don't collect a lot of shooting handguns) so the 686 (or a 586 if I can ever find one here in Commiefornia) is fine by me. But a lot of great info in this thread. Thanks, guys.