S&W 686....Colt Python

[Glenn54]

You raise excellent points.

Unfortunately, Smith's QA is not what it should be.

I think I'd buy the Smith anyway and then send it to someone like Tk Customs for an action tune.

The Smith would still probably be cheaper than the Colt. Once tuned up, the Smith's action would be far superior to the Python.

The Colt's are pretty though. I give them that.

Approximately how much would an "action tune" cost? Thanks.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I have been considering the purchase of a new revolver . It would be used for informal target shooting nothing too serious.
The two at present I am considering are the S&W 686 357 series with 5" barrel and the new Colt Python.
The Colt is about $500 more than the S&W . I have not seen either one of these models in person in order to compare.
From what I've seen in pictures and read it would appear that the Colt is a little fancier and perhaps a little nicer finished than the S&W 686 ...but perhaps not and is it worth the extra $$$ ?
Any forum members own either one or both of these models ?
If so I would appreciate your observations.

I have both 586 and Python for over 36 years........My advice. Buy the Smith...........IN the long run its a better gun than the prancing pony.

 

[brewer1]

I’m not sure if you’ve made your choice yet but here’s my take. I retired (well, more like just taking a break from work after 33 years of full time work) this spring and decided to buy guns. Lots of guns. I’ve been a veritable Hoover of handguns in the past six months. Obviously I’ve handled many more than I’ve bought. One revelatory aspect of my buying spree has been this shocking truth - there is tremendous variability in quality between different examples of the same model. In my experience, S&W revolvers have exhibited more variability than either Colt or Ruger. Out of over ten S&W 686s and +s that I have handled, only one had a DA trigger less than 12 pounds. Most others were off the scale but decently smooth, while a few others yet were heavy and crunchy. One new 586 “classic” I tried had a sublime trigger - 8.5 lbs DA and 3.1 lbs SA. SA triggers were all excellent but a few had a little hitch of creep before the hammer fall. I ended up not being sufficiently pleased with any of the 686s and didn’t buy one, but I did find a 629-6 4” and a 66-8 2.75” that were just about close to perfect so I bought those. I am still thinking about that humble 586 as it’s just so damn good, but the sort-of fake looking blue S&W is doing these days turns me off. Maybe I’ll get it and have it hard chromed or blued by Ford’s.

Now on to Pythons. The Python “tumbled” finish is far superior to my eye than the “scotchbrite” 800 grit brushed finish of the stainless S&Ws, ut that’s a matter of taste and not function. The beefier frame of the Python appears to offer the same or more strength than the 686. Colts feel different in the hand due to the grip geometry and either they point naturally or they don’t. For me, it works. The DA pulls on all the Pythons I examined were significantly better than the 686s I sampled, and ranged from 7.5 lbs to a hair over 9 lbs but all were smooth as glass. SA pulls were also variable and has been mentioned, the trigger/sear/hammer engagement geometry is done to favor drop safety. Even so, I was able to find a 6” and a 4.25” with SA pulls that were crisp and under 4 lbs. I bought both, along with a 6” Anaconda that is just perfect. My verdict? The new Pythons are better guns than current 686s and, to me, were worth the premium. I like S&Ws and want to get a 686 but I’ll wait until I can find one with a good trigger from the box. But my strong advice would be NOT to buy either sight unseen as, again, there is so much variability between examples. Try before you buy!

 

[AJ]

Many years ago I had a six inch Colt Python. It was a beautiful revolver to look at and shot well. However, it felt muzzle heavy. My six inch N Frame S&W's did not. Then I found a 3.5 inch S&W 27-2, and it felt right in my hand. Not muzzle heavy and shot as well as the Python. I still have the 27-2 and the Python is long gone.

 

[tlawler]

I’m not sure if you’ve made your choice yet but here’s my take. I retired (well, more like just taking a break from work after 33 years of full time work) this spring and decided to buy guns. Lots of guns. I’ve been a veritable Hoover of handguns in the past six months. Obviously I’ve handled many more than I’ve bought. One revelatory aspect of my buying spree has been this shocking truth - there is tremendous variability in quality between different examples of the same model. In my experience, S&W revolvers have exhibited more variability than either Colt or Ruger. Out of over ten S&W 686s and +s that I have handled, only one had a DA trigger less than 12 pounds. Most others were off the scale but decently smooth, while a few others yet were heavy and crunchy. One new 586 “classic” I tried had a sublime trigger - 8.5 lbs DA and 3.1 lbs SA. SA triggers were all excellent but a few had a little hitch of creep before the hammer fall. I ended up not being sufficiently pleased with any of the 686s and didn’t buy one, but I did find a 629-6 4” and a 66-8 2.75” that were just about close to perfect so I bought those. I am still thinking about that humble 586 as it’s just so damn good, but the sort-of fake looking blue S&W is doing these days turns me off. Maybe I’ll get it and have it hard chromed or blued by Ford’s.

Now on to Pythons. The Python “tumbled” finish is far superior to my eye than the “scotchbrite” 800 grit brushed finish of the stainless S&Ws, ut that’s a matter of taste and not function. The beefier frame of the Python appears to offer the same or more strength than the 686. Colts feel different in the hand due to the grip geometry and either they point naturally or they don’t. For me, it works. The DA pulls on all the Pythons I examined were significantly better than the 686s I sampled, and ranged from 7.5 lbs to a hair over 9 lbs but all were smooth as glass. SA pulls were also variable and has been mentioned, the trigger/sear/hammer engagement geometry is done to favor drop safety. Even so, I was able to find a 6” and a 4.25” with SA pulls that were crisp and under 4 lbs. I bought both, along with a 6” Anaconda that is just perfect. My verdict? The new Pythons are better guns than current 686s and, to me, were worth the premium. I like S&Ws and want to get a 686 but I’ll wait until I can find one with a good trigger from the box. But my strong advice would be NOT to buy either sight unseen as, again, there is so much variability between examples. Try before you buy!

Wow!…over thirteen years on the forum and you finally make your first post. That’s gotta be a record!

Thanks for the insight though. I just picked up a 686, so your information is relevant to me. Mines a 686 no dash with a pretty decent trigger, but it may have been worked on. I’ll have to measure it and see what the DA and SA pulls are.

 

[brewer1]

Haha! Yes, weird. I was an active forum participant long ago, then my job changed and I got out of shooting for over a decade. The forum apparently retired my old “Brewer” handle so I became “brewer1” but the forum kept my original registration date. It’s been a long, strange trip! Anyway, I’m glad you got an “old” 686. I’m on the hunt for one myself.

 

[stansdds]

Many years ago I had a six inch Colt Python. It was a beautiful revolver to look at and shot well. However, it felt muzzle heavy. My six inch N Frame S&W's did not. Then I found a 3.5 inch S&W 27-2, and it felt right in my hand. Not muzzle heavy and shot as well as the Python. I still have the 27-2 and the Python is long gone.

I have found that revolvers generally balance well with the full length ejector rod shroud/under lug with barrels up to 4 inches, but when the length hits 6 inches, they become muzzle heavy. If you thought that 6 inch Python was muzzle heavy, you should have tried one with the 8 inch barrel.

 

[AJ]

I have found that revolvers generally balance well with the full length ejector rod shroud/under lug with barrels up to 4 inches, but when the length hits 6 inches, they become muzzle heavy. If you thought that 6 inch Python was muzzle heavy, you should have tried one with the 8 inch barrel.

I have and do not like them either.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

I have a number of Pythons and have had a lot of experience with Smith K-frames and some experience with L- and N-frames. I can say that any of these revolvers can outshoot most any but the finest hand gunners out there.

When a LEO I achieved Distinguished Expert level (five consecutive perfect 300 scores when qualifying)...with both a Python and the issue Smith Model 64. That was years ago...don't know whether I could do it now...but the guns are merely a tool. It's up to the user to get the most from them.

 

[AJ]

When a LEO I achieved Distinguished Expert level (five consecutive perfect 300 scores when qualifying)...with both a Python and the issue Smith Model 64. That was years ago...don't know whether I could do it now...but the guns are merely a tool. It's up to the user to get the most from them.

Perfect scores to get to DE level are very good and few can do it. I knew a guy that was a city of Westminster, Ca, Police Officer. He shot 300's in practice and for qual all the time. We had a three man match for LEO's and Military at NWS Seal Beach, Ca, in 1988 (IIRC). He was on the Westminster team. Instead of his usual 300, he shot a 284. A 284 is good, but proves when the pressure was on, he did not do so well. I still have my target, it is 298........The range officer jinxed me, stated that I would shoot the only 300 of the day. My next shot was a three and then back into the five ring for the rest of that stage.

 

[abigails&w]

Have both current production in 5"

I have been considering the purchase of a new revolver . It would be used for informal target shooting nothing too serious.
The two at present I am considering are the S&W 686 357 series with 5" barrel and the new Colt Python.
The Colt is about $500 more than the S&W . I have not seen either one of these models in person in order to compare.
From what I've seen in pictures and read it would appear that the Colt is a little fancier and perhaps a little nicer finished than the S&W 686 ...but perhaps not and is it worth the extra $$$ ?
Any forum members own either one or both of these models ?
If so I would appreciate your observations.

So it happens that I have from current production a S&W 686-6+ from 3-5-7 series and a Colt Python, both in 5" barrel lengths. My opinion is below.

If money is no object, get the Python. If you get the gun to shot, get the S&W.

There is no comparison in fit and finish among the two - the S&W is like a working man tool, the Colt is like a precision instrument.

DA trigger is a tie: lighter on the Colt but smoother and with stronger return (less likely short stroking) on the S&W.

SA is S&W win, no contest.

Shooting precision, did not shoot yet the Colt to compare but the S&W is a supreme .357 shooter.

One last thing to consider, warranty: in my limited experience it was easier to work with S&W than with Colt (bit more arrogance there and less willing to listen to the customer) however it is more likely to need S&W warranty for a canted barrel, a bad fitting crane and other problems while in general the new Colt Pythons come perfect from factory.

If you can and want, get one of each. They'll fit into same holsters.