S&W 686/ Colt Python

[Empe]

I've been considering the purchase of a new revolver in .357 magnum and am considering either one of the above.
I've not really seen or handled either model . I do like the S&W 357 series with the unfluted cylinder and a 5 inch barrel .
I see on Colts website that the Python can also be ordered with a 5 inch barrel and is available in a matte stainless finish which I would prefer over the bright stainless.
Also the matte finish on the Colt is a couple of hundred less than the polished stainless bringing the price to within about $425 of the S&W 686 ... no small difference.
As of right now I have no preference . I own both S&W as well as Colt firearms and like them both, but is the Colt Python really worth $400 plus more than the S&W 686 ?
The revolver would be used as a range gun on paper as well as steel targets and really nothing more.
So ...for those of you that have either or both of these models I would appreciate your input and your experience good or bad.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Personal preference. I think the 5” Python is the best looking and best balanced of all. I enjoy mine immensely.

Try going to a range that rents guns and try both and see which you like best.

 

[HRMF1975]

Owning three of the new python’s, they’re very nice, but if you have a desire to get the most out of it for accuracy, you’ll want to send it off to have the trigger worked on. They have to be Kalifornia and Europe legal so you end up with a 5+lb single action trigger, which is not acceptable for a Python. I love them, but if I had it to do over again, I’d probably go with an older 686 6”. They’re easier to have work done on, parts are easier to find, and just as accurate with the right loads.

 

[Yendor357]

If it was me, if I was going to buy a 686, I go on Gunbroker and buy a nice slightly used 686; firing pin on the hammer, no Hilary hole.

And if bought a new Python, I’d also budget $200 for shipping to a gunsmith for a single action trigger job.

If you’re looking to save money, don’t buy guns. The best new VALUE today, are the new Colts. (even tho they’re more expensive) I have both 4 and 6 inch 686s, and 3,4, and 6 inch Pythons. Accuracy wise, I can’t tell much of a difference. But when you pull out the chronograph, the Colts shoot faster; at least mine do.

Don’t put yourself in a box. Buy them both. Just figure out which one you want first.

 

[hdfinder47]

If it was me, if I was going to buy a 686, I go on Gunbroker and buy a nice slightly used 686; firing pin on the hammer, no Hilary hole.

And if bought a new Python, I’d also budget $200 for shipping to a gunsmith for a single action trigger job.

If you’re looking to save money, don’t buy guns. The best new VALUE today, are the new Colts. (even tho they’re more expensive) I have both 4 and 6 inch 686s, and 3,4, and 6 inch Pythons. Accuracy wise, I can’t tell much of a difference. But when you pull out the chronograph, the Colts shoot faster; at least mine do.

Don’t put yourself in a box. Buy them both. Just figure out which one you want first.

Exactly this. Older 686 that will appreciate in value and a new Python with action job (or older one if you can afford it). Great pair.

 

[Breakaway500]

If the CZ/Colt Python had a wider trigger I’d give it the nod.Otherwise, it’s a push (I own 5 new Pythons and about 6 pre 2k 686s). Colt has a new 357 out called the Grizzly (Has an unfluted cyl)Might have a look at thst while you’re at it.

 

[maxfam]

I have two new 2020 Python’s and a bunch of pre lock J, K, L and N frame Smith & Wesson’s. I’m not ready to purchase a hammer lock S&W yet. There is only one direction the price is going on pre lock Smith’s. The trigger pull on the Python really, really suck, and if that’s not bad enough, the grooved trigger makes it even worse. Pre Lock S&Wand don’t look back.

 

[colt_saa]

I currently own many Smith and Wesson 357 Magnum revolvers but the bulk of them are Model 27s.

So the 586/686 family of revolvers never really did much for me

On the other hand Pythons have always been a favorite of mine going back probably close to 40 years now

I carried both 4" and 2 1/2" pythons for quite some time.

Probably 25 years ago, Walt Sherman did his roller bearing action conversion on my 2 1/2" inch ultimate stainless Python.

At the time my intention was to use the revolver in the newly created PPC Snubby category

If I were buying today I would be all over that 5" python that is being offered

 

[.38SuperMan]

I considered buying a new 686 but after looking at them closely I was disappointed in fit and finish and that lock. I’m sure they’re fine but.

I’ve owned Smiths since the 70’s and have a 28-2 I bought new in 78 and wouldn’t part with it and probably have owned 50 smiths over the years. If I were goi g to buy a 686 there’s no question I’d look for a clean early one that’s pre lock.

I’ve also been a Colt owner and currently own quite a few new and older Colts. I owned a late 70’s Python and used to shoot my dads ~1960’s Python. After the disappointment of the new 686’s I bought 3 new Pythons, 3”, 4.25” and 6”. Let me just say I’m really pleased with them. And there’s no question workmanship, fit and finish are old school like Smith used to do and the new colts are as good or better than the vintage ones in my opinion.

Unlike Smiths the Pythons have no lock and there are no MIM parts. I had one minor service that I had on my 3” King Cobra that wasn’t an issue with the gun. The problem was me and had nothing to do with the manufacturing or design of the gun. I wound up calling Colt and got a prepaid label and had it back in about two week with no charge. Their service was fast and no hassles.

I’ve had good luck with Smith service on two of their guns with MIM parts. One part failed on my 625-2 and a timing issue arose with my wife’s Smith which I attribute to a faulty part. Smith turned both around in a reasonable time with $165 charge on my 625 and no charge for my wife’s. I’d give Colt a 10 on service and Smith a 9.

Just compare the two closely and if possible shoot both then make your decision. And if you buy the Smith look for a vintage one or even a model 28-2 and then you’ll have a classic built like a tank. I place the vintage 28, 27 and 66’s up there with the Colts. If you’re looking to shoot only 38’s look for a model 14 or 15. They’re as good as it gets.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

... but is the Colt Python really worth $400 plus more than the S&W 686 ?

So ...for those of you that have either or both of these models I would appreciate your input and your experience good or bad.

I had both 40+ years ago as a cop because the Python was a status symbol. Both were comparable.

A few years ago I was feeling nostalgic so I got a four inch 686 Plus. It has been exceptional. Today I would not pay $400 extra and I would add that I am impressed with Kimber revolvers.

 

[Bumpus13]

I’ve got one of each (4” instead of 5” though) and all I can say is nobody can have either of mine.

You. Can’t. Go. Wrong.

 

[Onomea]

...Probably 25 years ago, Walt Sherman did his roller bearing action conversion on my 2 1/2" inch ultimate stainless Python....

I've heard of Sherman and his ball bearing conversion. Sounds really slick. You are a fortunate man to have that.

 

[Well Armed]

I considered buying a new 686 but after looking at them closely I was disappointed in fit and finish and that lock. I’m sure they’re fine but.

I’ve owned Smiths since the 70’s and have a 28-2 I bought new in 78 and wouldn’t part with it and probably have owned 50 smiths over the years. If I were goi g to buy a 686 there’s no question I’d look for a clean early one that’s pre lock.

I’ve also been a Colt owner and currently own quite a few new and older Colts. I owned a late 70’s Python and used to shoot my dads ~1960’s Python. After the disappointment of the new 686’s I bought 3 new Pythons, 3”, 4.25” and 6”. Let me just say I’m really pleased with them. And there’s no question workmanship, fit and finish are old school like Smith used to do and the new colts are as good or better than the vintage ones in my opinion.

Unlike Smiths the Pythons have no lock and there are no MIM parts. I had one minor service that I had on my 3” King Cobra that wasn’t an issue with the gun. The problem was me and had nothing to do with the manufacturing or design of the gun. I wound up calling Colt and got a prepaid label and had it back in about two week with no charge. Their service was fast and no hassles.

I’ve had good luck with Smith service on two of their guns with MIM parts. One part failed on my 625-2 and a timing issue arose with my wife’s Smith which I attribute to a faulty part. Smith turned both around in a reasonable time with $165 charge on my 625 and no charge for my wife’s. I’d give Colt a 10 on service and Smith a 9.

Just compare the two closely and if possible shoot both then make your decision. And if you buy the Smith look for a vintage one or even a model 28-2 and then you’ll have a classic built like a tank. I place the vintage 28, 27 and 66’s up there with the Colts. If you’re looking to shoot only 38’s look for a model 14 or 15. They’re as good as it gets.

The Python does have MIM parts. Seems that depending on what forum you're on and who you ask, you'll get a consensus from multiple members that the new Colt Pythons are problemic **** that they wish they never purchased with the majority of complaints being about the trigger and rear sight design amongst other QC complaints.

Then we get the same old and tired complaints about the internal lock and MIM parts when 99% of handguns nowadays, including the Python. Then, just like with the Colt Python, we get the same grips about the current quality control abd fit and finish compared to decades ago.

I basically like both S&W and Colt revolvers for different reasons which is why I own both. I carry the Smith though.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Yes…the Python has a few MIM parts internally…but they’re a proprietary process that hardens all the way though. There’s nothing to be concerned about them.

 

[Well Armed]

Yes…the Python has a few MIM parts internally…but they’re a proprietary process that hardens all the way though. There’s nothing to be concerned about them.

There's nothing to be concerned about S&W or Colt MIM parts. It's a huge nothing burger.

 

[Jakerin]

Why not splurge and get the big snake.

 

[Model19man]

Can't see buying a new 686. I can see buying a new Colt Python.

 

[schutz5]

If money is the concern,then get the cheaper one.
If other elements are important,then handle the two and convince yourself about what suits you best!

 

[CajunBass]

I've got a 686-6 with a 4" barrel. I've got three 2020/2024 Colt Pythons with 4" (.2) barrels. I paid about half for the 686 what I did for one of the Pythons, but it was purchased used.

Which one is best? I couldn't tell you. They're all good. When I went to buy my first handgun 40? 45? years ago I guess, I knew I wanted either a Model 19 or a Colt Python. The Python cost about twice what the Model 19 did. I became a Model 19 fan that day. It was "just as good for half the price." I spent the next 40 years buying "just as good for half the price." I finally broke down and bought a Python in 2020 and the cost be hanged. I WANTED a Python, and that was "all the reason why you need" (as my mother used to tell me).

I think you should look them over carefully and pick the one you "need." Really they're brothers from another mother.

I like the looks of the Python better (especially the blue one) but the Altamont Ropers bring the 686 a lot closer. A small nod to the 686 for having a smooth face trigger, but that's not that big of a deal really. I can live with either. Same thing with the sights. I've never touched any of them. They're just the way they came out of the box or across the counter in the case of the 686. I don't regret buying any of them.

 

[Rock185]

I'm primarily a S&W guy, and especially like the 686s. But between the new Python, and current 686 with the IL hole, I'd buy the Python. The couple new Pythons I handled, 4 and 6", were much more nicely finished than current 686s. The new Python trigger was different than the traditional Pythons and S&Ws. Not worse, just different. I would replace the new Python's Toys-R-Us quality rear sight. Colt probably saved a few cents on each rear sight. But hey, some upper management whiz kid probably got a bonus for making that happen..