S&W 686 vs Colt Python

[Carmel Smith]

Thank you all - wonderful insights, awesome posts. I learned a lot!

I'll be visiting my LGS on Monday, and saw they boosted their website Colt Python price from $1599 to $1699. Ugh. Perhaps they'll honor prior price since I expressed interest at that time, perhaps not. At least I'll get a chance to hold it, dry fire, and decide (to many of your points) if it's something I pine for!

 

[ladder13]

I’m waiting on a 2 1/2 or 3 inch Python to go with my 4 and 6, to be released. Hope springs eternal.

 

[rincar]

Get both you will not be sorry. Buy now because the price will not go down. I pray the price will go down but it has not happened yet.

 

[RGNewell]

I've had both back in the 70s. The problem I had was I was shooting heavy loads and the screws would get loose. Smiths keep firing. Colts jam.
No more Colts for me.

 

[ken158]

If it's brand new Python, pass, and grab the Smith.

If it is an older one ( early 1980s back- mint ) Take the Python..

The new ones are Pythons in name only.

You are entitled to your opinion but IMO the new Python is better than the older ones… I bought one last week after a close examination and can say the finish is perfect and the action is smooth with a positive lock up. No doubt it will stay timed a lot longer than any old Python I ever owned.

 

[Invictus357]

You are entitled to your opinion but IMO the new Python is better than the older ones… I bought one last week after a close examination and can say the finish is perfect and the action is smooth with a positive lock up. No doubt it will stay timed a lot longer than any old Python I ever owned.

I have a new King Cobra.

It is an absolutely stunning revolver.

 

[brendonjames65]

There will never be a consensus on which model is "better" as a general propisition. It's no different than Chevy vs Ford. I've also had one good one and one bad one of each Chevy and Ford SUV. The one thing which has not been mentioned is that some individual models of one may be better than individual models of the other. You should closely inspect the lock up, trigger, barrel - cylinder gap, barrel cant, etc before purchasing either. Then enjoy whatever you purchase.

So far, the consensus is a new Colt Python by a wide margin, although that could change.

 

[sigp220.45]

I hope some smart lad at S&W is looking at the runaway success of the re-introduction of the Python and Anaconda and has the nuts to say: There is no reason we can’t make a 686 without the lock and with a hammer mounted firing pin and with properly marked barrels. No one but us will stop us.

Yes, I know. “The lock will never go away!”

Everyone said “The Python will never come back! Colt will never make DA revolvers again!”

Until they did.

 

[cowboy4evr]

If wanting a 686 , I would only buy an older one . I have a no dash , 4" that came from a retired LEO . It's a wonderful piece . Would I buy a new one , No ? If someone gave me a new one would I keep it , No ?
I have often thought about saving my $$$ for a new python . But , I have to remind myself it has a shorter cylinder than my 686 . I shoot the Keith 173 gr swc quite a bit . In my 686 , I can crimp the bullet in the crimp groove loaded in a 357 magnum case . With the python you either crimp over the front driving band or load it in a 38 special case . No , I'll just keep what I have and forget about the python . Regards Paul

 

[Patrick L]

Actually, the "poor man's Python" is the old Colt . 357, or Trooper . 357 ( not the later Mk III or Mk V). These had the Python action but not the barrel. In fact, the . 357 was the basis for the Python, came out a year or two earlier. Paid $650 for mine last year.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I had the opportunity to fire a new Python at the Adaptive Defensive Shooting Summit in 2020 when Colt had a demonstration bay at the Summit. I was so impressed that I have vowed that my next revolver purchase (if there is one), will be a Python.

I own a number of S&W revolvers, but only shoot my 4 screw Model 14, a 36-6, and my 686+ 3" double action, all of the rest are shot single action. In my opinion, the Python trigger is superior to that of the 14 and 36, but a close tie with the 686+. The Python, first time out, dropped 6 plates at about 12 yards with 6 shots fired one-handed single action. The hammer spur was close in size to a K frame target hammer and a dream to work. The spur on the King Cobra was way too small, and was not available with a wider spur.

As much as I love my Smiths, I'd jump at the opportunity to own a Python, but not at the expense of my children's education.

Wayyyy over rated in my view. Let the little ******s pay their own way-they'll appreciate it more

 

[Invictus357]

Wayyyy over rated in my view. Let the little ******s pay their own way-they'll appreciate it more

Very true.

People still going with the idea you need an expensive education to be someone?

Don't waste your money on the college fund.

 

[Jason Demond]

I bought my 2020 Python last year as soon as they were available, and actually had it in January of 2020. I paid right at MSRP for it, and never felt I overpaid or felt buyers remorse.

While I do love the gun for the most part. I would opt for a S&W first, but that's only because I grew up shooting a lot of them. As for the opinion of which gun is better. The Colt hands down for not having a stupid lock, and it wins for that alone.

 

[Mehutch]

Today I saw my first 2020 4" Python. Real pretty at $1499. Another reason why I love my Pre-lock 686-4, and the six other ones I have.

 

[VictorLouis]

I have fondled the 'new' Pythons several times. While they are certainly nice, they still have an action that feels different enough from a Smith/Ruger to leave me wanting. Having no forward lock to the cylinder has always given me pause, also. Likely a fine 'target' gun, but Smith/Ruger all-day, and twice on Sundays.....

New Lust: Colt Python 2021 | Video

 

[schutz5]

Handle them both.
Inspect them so you don't get a lemon.
Decide on what is best for you.

Later you can buy a second chance if needed.
College of hard knocks!

 

[Patrick L]

Sorry, my dad often said, "I might not leave you much, but you will have the best education I can afford."

I appreciate it just fine, thank you. I did the same for my kids.

lrrifleman, I admire and agree with you.

 

[Nevada Ed]

I watched a tv gun show about the new Colt.
The guts were changed to improve the action, triger pull was improved
and even beefed up a little more in spots.
Of course they had to say it was as good or better than the old one but the
person that shot the revolver did state that the trigger pull was great and..
that it was back for those of us that never grabbed one of the old ones.

My 686 6" is a great weapon also.
They are great right out of the box or there are a few that have to go back to the shop
to fine tune asomething that was not just right when shipped.
I had to send my .357 back to get the cylinder timed, due to JHP fragments cutting my left cheek,
in a shooting session, beneath my safety glasses.

I do have a sweet spot for the old M19, though.

 

[cmj8591]

Buy both! I'm a Smith man but the new Pythons are very nice. If I could only have one, it would be the Colt.

 

[TheHobbyist]

One of the classic arguments, well more Model 27 vs Python.

The new Colt revolvers are excellent in my opinion for fit, form, and function.

Some people have a preference based on brand, appearance, geometry/angle of grip/length, single action and double action differences...but this has mostly been the case the whole time.