S&W 686....Colt Python

[lppd4]

Any experience buying from them? The online reviews are very mixed.

I bought a 3” from them with no issues at all very easy transaction. I would deal with them again

 

[HBillings]

Smith has a great single action trigger and ok on double action. Python has a great double action trigger but the single action is too heavy as it was engineered to pass drop tests in California, Mass, etc

That's the same thing I experienced just a month ago while comparing the two. Also compared the new Anaconda with the SW 29. The DA and SA differences were the same with the .357 and .44 as you described.

I was leaning towards the Anaconda while driving to a shop last month. While handling, the DA was nicer on the Colt but both of the SWs felt better in my hand and I bought the SW 29. Luckily a shop a little over an hour away has a huge inventory allowing one to compare various models side by side.

 

[Buford57]

I'd definitely recommend trying before buying. The L frame is the only S&W size I've never owned, but I have owned and shot plenty of S&W DAs over the years and decided it was a matter of taste, although Smiths currently outnumber Colts 2 to 1. When the new Pythons came out I was able to handle and dry fire one side by side with a GP100. If I was going to spend $1400 I'd buy two Rugers. No contest. Smoother trigger and no plywood grips.

 

[sodacan]

I don't have a 686, nor a new Python, but I do have this early 586 (no dash) and this older Python. I bought the the Colt brand new in 1972 for $198.00 and the 586 recently for $799.00 (with the combat stocks). I sold the the combats because they're not for me. Surprisingly, the finish on 586 is pretty close to that on the Python. If I had to make a choice on which one to keep, however, the Colt would stay. Both are great shooters, and very easy on the eyes. I wouldn't buy any current production gun from S&W, and the new Python would also be a pass. As far as the the OP's dilemma goes, I'd buy an earlier 686, and pass on the new Colt. I had a very early 686, and it was a very nice revolver, but I traded it away for something I wanted more.

 

[rwsmith]

I never cared for....

...the looks of the Python. I looks like it was made to look 'aggresive' whereas the 686 is more 'elegant'. To me that vented rib is like putting fins on a car to make it 'look fast'.

The finish on my 686 is a 'fine to me' satin finish. (I don't like shiny guns' except maybe in a .45 colt SA 'cowboy gun'. The trigger on my 686 is superb in both DA and SA. I wouldn't touch it for fear it would get 'messed up'.

To be fair, I would say that if you buy a blued gun, Colt is probably tops as S&W have messed up in that department making finishes that turn plum colored on contact with gun solvents.

I'm not AGAINST Colts at all. They've made a lot of great guns, but buying S&Ws keeps my stock ample on my budget. I have a hand-me-down Colt .38 S&W. However, I wouldn't pay good money for a 'new' Python as there have been numerous complaints about the quality in such an expensive gun.

 

[schutz5]

On the Colt forum I just read a remark that sportmans wharehouse is now offering the 5 inch Python with new style rear sights.
Heresay until verified.

 

[03hemi]

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.

Absolutley worth it, the new 686 doesn't compare with the new Pythons in any way.
Vintage may be a different story?
Money where the mouth's at picture:

 

[Petrov]

This was available from S&W for about the same price as the Colt but with a whole bunch more bells and whistles:

686 Performance Center with 5" barrel and 7 shot cylinder. I don't know if they are still available new or if you would need to look on the secondary market. I love mine!


EDIT: Look to be available on the secondary market for around $1,100 - $1,200 - still a bargain IMHO compared to the Colt.

You can get them for 1000.

OP do you mainly shoot DA or SA? How much do you shoot?
Do you mind working on your own gun or spending money to send it to a gunsmith?

 

[Petrov]

But now your talking Ford vs Chevy vs Yugo!

I would say its closer to a ford vs chevy vs honda accord.
Ruger revolvers may be mediocre compared to S&W (and DA trigger pulls sub par) and Colt but their quality is very consistent and quite decent compared to S&W.

 

[steelslaver]

Well the newer Python barrels made after 1974 have the same threads as the 686 so you could buy a 686 frame and install what ever length barrel you want.

So, I will go with get a Smolt and have the best of both.

This one was built on a old model 15 K frame

 

[malph]

Forgive me but I never quite understood the Smolt idea.

Other than having a pretty unique revolver (and maybe that's enough) what advantages does it bring?

 

[CH4]

Forgive me but I never quite understood the Smolt idea.

Other than having a pretty unique revolver (and maybe that's enough) what advantages does it bring?

"I can explain it for you, but I can't comprehend it for you."

 

[44MOshooter]

I own both Colt Python and a S&W 681, which is the same as a 686 except the 681 has fixed sights.

Both revolvers are great and very accurate. My choice would be the 686, again it's all bout personal preference. I prefer the 686 frame compared to the Python's frame, again all personal preference.

 

[AlphaSig]

You might want to see how each feel in your hand because I can tell you a friend had a colt as soon as I gripped it I didn't like it at all with its stock grips....it's definitely a nice looking revolver but just saying the grip was terrible IMO. Nothing beats a nice set of Goncalo Alves. Also it was fun to shoot it but again my 686 felt much better. It's a good idea to check those aspects BEFORE you buy because then you have done your due diligence .

 

[jkmo]

There’s only one real choice. Hope you make the right one

 

[RMFnLA]

Do you want to shoot it or just look at it? Being a PPC, USPSA, IDPA shooter, I know that the colt needs a very expensive action job to perform as well in action pistol as the 686 does with only a "standard" tuning up. Don't take my word for it, look up Jerry Miculek's video on the subject. The colt's reputation was made when slower paced bullseye competition was king, using 700fps hbwc loads that were more accurate in the Python's faster twist compared to the smiths of the day.
Yes, as a new 2Lt I was shooting bullseye with the USAF in 1970 using their Model 15 S&W.
I have a 686 of every length (-3 and -4s), and have shot a buddy's Pythons that he bought 30 years ago and has kept.

Is that still true?

I tuned many Pythons back in the ‘70s and ‘80s (and S&Ws), but I’ve heard the Colt actions have been updated and I’ve not had the opportunity to get into one.

 

[CH4]

Ford vs Chevy. I have both, and Ruger as well.

But one comes with superfluous smog equipment.

 

[Norman77]

I have a 6 inch Python from 1973. However, given your scenario, i would stick with the 686. Not available in blued anyway. Top notch quality in the 686 for the $. Lots of options for tuning and repair.
But the good old Python.... it is a shooter.

 

[Mehutch]

I own 7 686's and a few 586's in different barrel lengths. Most in 7 shots. And no Pythons.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

I'm admittedly a Colt guy but have Smiths as well...and carried Smiths when I was a LEO and loved the K-frame I was issued.

I have a dozen Pythons of various vintages and finishes and barrel lengths. My own opinion is the new Python is superior to the original...and the original is an excellent revolver. The new Python action has about a dozen fewer parts...the out of the box trigger is usually superior to the original...depending on who assembled it. A lot of original Pythons have had Bubba work on the action in an attempt to reduce the stacking...often with less than stellar results.

The Smith action is classic and reliable. But for my own reasons I won't buy a new Smith with the "Hillary Hole"...others feel the same way. I also don't like the sleeved barrels. I know it's modern manufacturing and works just fine but I simply don't like it. It smacks too much of some Charter Arms revolvers whose barrel sleeves would slide off during use.

Try them both if you can and see which you like better. Both are more than accurate enough if you do your job.