S&W 686 vs Colt Python

[oink]

I haven't shot a new Colt. I haven't shot a new 686 either. If talking the older of both I strongly prefer the 686 due to the trigger. Pythons are prettier for sure and always have been. In the past it was also way harder to find a competent Colt gunsmith. It's now hard to find a competent revolver smith period.

 

[cowboy4evr]

As far as a competent gunsmith , I know your frustration . I struggled with this for many many years . I lucked out in moving to the DFW area . I found a true gunsmith . Been smithing for 40 yrs , is an expert in S&W . I have a couple of older colts that needed " the oil changed " as he put it . He said , no problem --- worked on them before . He did an excellent job .

 

[lppd4]

I would look for an pre lock 686 or a 27. The new Pythons look great and the DA trigger pull is nice. The SA trigger pull leaves a lot to be desired. I have an older Python and its action will never be as good as any of my older S&W's. I'll admit I did a little work on the S&W's polished them up and changed some springs. Their actions are far better than any Python I have ever handled including mine

 

[diyj98]

If someone offered me a gift, I'd take a Python (new or old) due to value reasons, but I've always preferred the 686 for shooting. I've never owned the new Python, but have have owned several of the old ones over the years.

 

[edubbie]

I have a 586 no dash. I like the looks of the Python better though I have never fired one. I love my 586 but if I didn't already have the 586 and they were both on a table, I would probably pick the Python first.

 

[CH4]

I have a new 4" python, a few old pythons and had current productions Smiths. If I was you I'd grab a new Python and never look back. The new Pythons are very well made, fit and finish are excellent, there's no silly lock and the concerns of the old Pythons have been eliminated. Some of first 3500 Pythons released into the wild had issues related to the side plate coming lose when the screws backed out, this problem was quickly dealt with.

The original Pythons are iconic, but they required more maintenance (Rolex v. Timex), these have all been addressed and improved upon with the new Python. The only 686 that I like as well is my 2.5' dash 4 + because it's a 7 shot, however, I think the new Python is built to tighter tolerances and overall product is of higher quality. YMMV

 

[BabaBlueJay]

I am biased as a 686-1 owner, even so I can see the arguments in favor of the Python having slightly better lock-up and the mystical silver ball treatment.

All that said, with two guns that perform so similarly, I certainly wouldn't pay that much more for the Python. Maybe to some it is worth it, but I actually prefer the push release over the pull of colt, and don't think most shooters would even notice the very slight difference in lock-up or supposed superiority in terms of accuracy. Hicock45 has a great video shooting both and actually shoots the 686 better. Just go with what you like, at the end of the day both are great guns.

 

[BearBio]

I've had both and both are fantastic. Edge in all ways except durability goes to the Python. I've also had an Anaconda and it was nice but just didn't grab me.

For daily or hard use go with the 686. For class and accuracy, go with the Python!

 

[RGNewell]

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.

Difference in parents. I wanted a new car and my mother said " if you want new car quit college and pay for it yourself. " I quit school and bought a new Corvette. Have never regretted it for a minute.

 

[WILDPIG]

On the new Pythons I have coon-fingered, the double action was very nice but the single action made me wonder if I had left the safety on.

WILDPIG

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

I own a 686 and it is an excellent revolver. After the (2020) Python came out I started to save for a purchase and during that time I started to hear about lockup and quality control issues, so I held off for a little while. And also not being able to see a Python up close at the time made me a little weary about putting down $1,599. Then around the beginning of this year my local gun shop had a few of the new Colt Cobra's show up. It was aesthetically beautiful and perfect size too. I decided this is what I really wanted and was about to take one home. Upon inspection I noticed that the side plate wasn't flush to the frame. So I asked to look at another and unfortunately it had the same defect. I started searching online and noticed a lot of people were reporting the same side plate issue on theirs. I’m still holding out. I finally got to hold one of the newer Python’s over the summer and it seem pretty well made to me but the store did not allow me to dry fire it. Now that Colt is under parent company CZ, I’m going to wait a little bit and see if things get sorted out in QC. Maybe a 2022 or 2023 Python is the one for me. I still want one but for now the 686 continues to stay by my side.

 

[Jason Demond]

The trigger pull on my 2020 Python both in da and sa is as good as the original Pythons.

We all know a few new guns left Colt with issues, and as such it was reported after the fix that some of the newer guns had lesser trigger pulls. I can't speak to that as I don't have plans to buy another one.

All I can say is I've been happy with mine, and it compares to an original pretty well.

 

[Birdhunter6]

The classic Python is more comparable to a P&R 27. A high end prestige piece. The original L frame Distinguished Combat Magnum Smiths were utilitarian service revolvers marketed against the Colt Troopers.

I'm a solid Smith guy. I want all my revolvers to function alike. The Snake guns and Troopers are fine revolvers, but being Colts the cylinders and cylinder latches all operate backwards...

Just my opinion.

 

[Carmel Smith]

I picked up my 686-6 Plus PC today (5" barrel). Really impressed by the smooth action. SA is just 4 lbs, and the trigger barely moves before it shoots (dry fire so far). Think I'm going to like this gun!

Was surprised by a few slight imperfections in finish, the most obvious being the stamped S&W logo on the left side was unevenly done. You'd think their own logo would be the most carefully done part of the gun, but you'd be wrong!

Look forward to trying at the range - hope to love it. Then the big question...should I get the Colt Python as well? My LGS will sell it for $1595. Tough decision ahead!

 

[John in Bismarck]

In 1970, when I bought my first new gun, it was between a Python and a Model 27. They were about the same price, and both beautifully finished. I went with the Python, and it has served me well for nearly 50 years now. I just bought a new Python today. I never got a 27, but do have a Model 25-2 and a Model 28, both from the 1970’s. These are all terrific firearms. I’m sure the 686 is, too.

 

[kennyb]

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.

Mike, It has been awhile sir! I have several older pythons and two new ones (4&6") I am waiting for a new python snub as well as a new blue model.
Hope you are well !

 

[Glenn54]

Can you explain the barrel cant to me?
I'm not familiar with the issue. Is it common?

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.

 

[Jason Demond]

Can you explain the barrel cant to me?
I'm not familiar with the issue. Is it common?

Sometimes a barrel will be canted one way or the other from center, because it was over or under torqued. You can notice it by just eyeballing down the top of the revolver's frame and barrel.

If your barrel is canted, your front sight won't be lined up with the rear unless you've got enough windage to crank it over.

Is it common?

I don't know. I have never seen it in any of my guns, but mine are mostly older pre lock guns. It seems to be more of an issue now as people complain about it quite often on the forums.

 

[Dieseltech56]

If S&W would go back to the way they made revolvers in the mid 90s and put the python price on them I’d choose the smith all day. New for new the Colt wins though, they’re making what people want.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

If S&W would go back to the way they made revolvers in the mid 90s and put the python price on them I’d choose the smith all day. New for new the Colt wins though, they’re making what people want.

As a 686-1 owner, I'd have to agree sadly with the new smiths having gun locks... They need to remove the gun lock, and make the new revolvers with the same care as the old.