SW 686 versus COLT Python?

[Sportsterguy]

I shoot the heck out of my revolvers except for a pristine model 57. Love the looks of the Python but I'll put my 586 up against one any day of the week for accuracy and durability.

They are not worth the high prices IMO.

 

[josephthreedogs]

My .02 cents,I prefere the Python.

 

[S&W-Keeper]

I have some Python's, 686's, 586's 27's, 28's,19's,66's I like them all, but the Pythons are special, that being said I would not buy a Python again at today's prices.

 

[snowman.45]

686 vs. Python

I've owned both. I currently own 3 L-Frames; 686 4", 686 6" and a PC681. I've owned both a 4" and 6" Python. There's a reason I still own my Smiths and don't own any Pythons (didn't say "Colts". I have a 3rd generation Detective Special and a number of Colt 1911's).

 

[TOMFD]

Python vs 686

I have both a Python and a 686 and a 28 . Python was and is way overpriced but is most definately the sweetest shooter . After thousands of rounds my 686 started locking up . But the 28 is the gun I use for plates . Great trigger /look/and heck ,,,,even here in Mass it only cost a little more than 3 bills . Find an old 28 that has been carried a lot and shot a little and put a nice set of grips on it and enjoy .
Tom C

 

[Black Knight]

Welcome. I have 2 Pythons (one 6" and one 4"), a 4" S&W 686, and a 4" S&W 28-2. While I love my Pythons and do carry them but there are some advantages to the S&Ws. The Python is no longer being produced so parts may become scarce and qualified gunsmiths who really know how to work on them are few and far between. The S&W 28 is no longer produced but parts from a 27 should work in a pinch. The S&W 686 is still in production. With either S&W there are a large number of gunsmiths that can do quality work on them. Another advantage is the S&Ws trigger is more consistant than the Python. The Python takes some getting used to because of the stacking effect (starts out light but gets slightly heavier as you pull until it releases). Many years ago I did private security work and started with a 6" Python (carried for 2 1/2 - 3 years) then went to a S&W 28 after I buldged the Python barrel. I also carried the 686 and prefer it as a duty weapon. Mine did patrol duties with me many nights. I was in security for a total of 15 years and stayed with a S&W as a duty weapon for most of those years changing to a Beretta 92F for a short time. As a Police Officer I have to carry on duty what my agency issues (Beretta 92FS).

 

[79ipa]

hmm

i dunno i just put a 2x on my leupold and the last 3 shots that i fired at the hundred yard range off bags went under 2 inches. how much better can a python shoot? 586's shoot even if you figure in alittle luck into my group.

 

[RdrBill]

I think you are WRONG in your thinking, the "L" frame was made to handle the loads that the "K" frame was having trouble with, not to copy a colt. Everything that colt ever made was a copy of something. The colt ranks #2 and when out because they couldn't be #1, I can take the action of a new S&W and have it slicker and better than any over price colt. So if what you say is true, then why don't they make any more "K" frames in the 357?

Gee! there BS.
I am not sure where to begin with you. I was tempted to just ignore your rambling noise. I'm not sure if you are serious or just having fun with me.

Thank you for informing me I was thinking WRONG, I was thinking maybe we would at least have a difference of opinion. Live and learn.

"the "L" frame was made to handle the loads that the "K" frame was having trouble with, not to copy a colt."
I agree with the idea that an L frame is a beefed up K frame. When the 586 was introduced, it just happened to fit old Python holsters, and just happened to have a full length underlug. I did not say it was a direct copy. S&W borrowed some good cosmetic Colt engineering. It was also a good marketing feat by S&W. Python folks could save money on accessories if they switched to a S&W 586.

"Everything that colt ever made was a copy of something. The colt ranks #2 and when out because they couldn't be #1, "
If you say so, it could be true. I am certain that Colt worked out the Patent infringement issues. Not many Patents on Colt products.

"I can take the action of a new S&W and have it slicker and better than any over price colt."
I am glad that you have that talent, America needs to have talented people. The shooting community needs to have talented gunsmiths. I do not know what was wrong with all those finely engineered S&W's that you feel the need to tuneup. I leave 99% of mine alone. Thank you for doing it though, I am certain there are some appreciative shooters out there.

"So if what you say is true, then why don't they make any more "K" frames in the 357"
Are you sure I said something about a K frame in my original reply to the OP? Also, I never said that anything I said was true; the Op asked for opinions, I gave him my opinion. My opinion is probably as full of crap as yours. My best guess as to the lack of current K frame .357 Magnums is that S&W did market research and found there was not enough demand. They seem to be making a crop of J frames in that caliber. They are in the business to make a profit.

Well there, BS
Was nice to converse with you. I own several Colts and I own a few S&W's. About 16 S&W's for every Colt. I carry a S&W Model 28, 4 inch, about 5 days a week. I made sure it had a nice smooth action also.

Enjoy your L frames. I did not say they were a bad thing, I bought my first one about a month ago. Heck, I bought one of those shiny, pocket toy, 696's. Makes a great hot tub gun.
Bill@Yuma

 

[Bullseye Smith]

I was doing a little of both with you, each to his own on the colt, S&W has alway been #1 for me and as the song says " Thats my story and I'm sticking with it" . The colt six gun was the real McCoy, to many in that area to talk about, the 45 1911 was off the browning design, the ar was bought , so how many did they design from the ground up like S&W. If it wasn't from S&W the winchester 94 may have never came about. I can take a smith down to 3.5 pounds double action without a miss fire on federal primers and 5 pounds on CCI primers. we both were right and wrong .

 

[leas327]

RdrBill has made this thread awsome

When you come to S&W forum and ask if a Colt is better than a Smith what do you think you are going to hear. Of course a bunch of Smith collectors are going to say that Smith's are the best. Rdr has just said a lot of the things I have heard and thought before.

Pythons have a sort of mystique about them. I own a blue 4" one and people give me the "oh, really" look when I tell them I own one. I have never got that look when I talk about my 4" 586. I mostly have to explain that it is the blue version of a 686. Then usually it's something like "yeah, I've shot my brothers 686. It's nice." I also have a 627 that I like better than both of those guns because it has 8 holes in the cylinder and a gold dot front sight.

The python has the best action/trigger of the three but I also hate it's sights. The back sight is fine but I like gold dot front sights and haven't been able to find one for my python. The factory stocks also feel funny but a $20 set of rubbers fixed that. I don't care so much that the cylinder rotates the wrong way as much as it annoys me that the cylinder release is backwards.

I have no real complaints about the 586. It's just a good shootin' gun and I also have a set of rubber combats on it to make it feel right. I plan to look for a no lock 686 to be its kiss'n cousin. I hate always worring about scratching the blue.

My 627 feels good in my hand shoots great and was worth every penny. As far as N-frames being ultra tough, it also the only one that I have shot out of time. That is not any kind of catastrophic failure but is annoying being that it was wizard tuned by performance center from the factory. I like its sights and it came with small finger groove wood grips and a set of rubber hogues. I think it is the best value for dollar.

If you are thinking about shooting any kind of competition(which I recommend because its fun) buy a 686. revolver classes usually have some sort of six shot rule. The 686/586 handle nice and are tough. It is still made and is serviceable. The 627 is a great gun. And if you shoot bowling pins or steel you get two more chances before a reload. They are awsome guns. If you occasionally shoot and like to wow other occasional shooters buy the python. It will almost always bring the money you spent on it unless you absolutly needed that $2000 1958 n.i.b. to turn into a shooter or store it in a brine tank. They all are nice, accurate and can be tuned. It all depends on how you want to spend your hard earned $.
Ryan

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

I don't care so much that the cylinder rotates the wrong way

Ryan

Honestly, the Colt action (cylinder spins clockwise)
is a stronger and much smarter way of doing things. In no way will a Colt cylinder pop open under recoil like a S&W could. Sure S&W went thru many changes to remedy the problem.
I'm not sure but it could be a patent thing is why one rotates one way and the other rotates the other.

 

[WVfishguy]

My wife can't decide between her 586 no dash or her Python. I prefer the 586 because it has a better trigger, but the Python is, well, a Python. And hers is a goodie, a nickle gun made in 1968 with beautiful Mustang grips.

It's true Pythons cost a lot, but it IS a hand-fitted gun. They cost more largely because they are labor intensive, and because they are Colt Pythons. But if I had to choose, I'd take a Smith any day of the week (Apologies to Python fans.)

The wife was drooling over a nice Smith at a local gun show recently, but we were broke. I told her, "Hell, honey, he'd probably take your Python in trade."

Just to look at her, you'd never know she could punch that hard....

 

[DandyDon1]

When you come to S&W forum and ask if a Colt is better than a Smith what do you think you are going to hear. Of course a bunch of Smith collectors are going to say that Smith's are the best. Rdr has just said a lot of the things I have heard and thought before.

Pythons have a sort of mystique about them. I own a blue 4" one and people give me the "oh, really" look when I tell them I own one. I have never got that look when I talk about my 4" 586. I mostly have to explain that it is the blue version of a 686. Then usually it's something like "yeah, I've shot my brothers 686. It's nice." I also have a 627 that I like better than both of those guns because it has 8 holes in the cylinder and a gold dot front sight.

The python has the best action/trigger of the three but I also hate it's sights. The back sight is fine but I like gold dot front sights and haven't been able to find one for my python. The factory stocks also feel funny but a $20 set of rubbers fixed that. I don't care so much that the cylinder rotates the wrong way as much as it annoys me that the cylinder release is backwards.

I have no real complaints about the 586. It's just a good shootin' gun and I also have a set of rubber combats on it to make it feel right. I plan to look for a no lock 686 to be its kiss'n cousin. I hate always worring about scratching the blue.

My 627 feels good in my hand shoots great and was worth every penny. As far as N-frames being ultra tough, it also the only one that I have shot out of time. That is not any kind of catastrophic failure but is annoying being that it was wizard tuned by performance center from the factory. I like its sights and it came with small finger groove wood grips and a set of rubber hogues. I think it is the best value for dollar.

If you are thinking about shooting any kind of competition(which I recommend because its fun) buy a 686. revolver classes usually have some sort of six shot rule. The 686/586 handle nice and are tough. It is still made and is serviceable. The 627 is a great gun. And if you shoot bowling pins or steel you get two more chances before a reload. They are awsome guns. If you occasionally shoot and like to wow other occasional shooters buy the python. It will almost always bring the money you spent on it unless you absolutly needed that $2000 1958 n.i.b. to turn into a shooter or store it in a brine tank. They all are nice, accurate and can be tuned. It all depends on how you want to spend your hard earned $.
Ryan

Sorry guys;didn't mean to raise anyone's blood pressure. I think this quote sums it all up very nicely----.

The Python is definitely a great gun but it is becoming too pricey for the casual shooter (like myself) and ends up being a "safe queen".

I'm also into collector cars;and certain models are so pricey the owners never take them out of the garage to enjoy them.
Life is too short---- You end up keeping it nice for the next guy.

I think I see a 686, a 627, or a 27 in my future.

Just for giggles-----I ought to post the same topic on the Colt Forum and see what happens!

Thanks all- DandyDon1

 

[Miss Fire]

I've never fired a Colt, but then again, I've never met a 357 I didn't like.
I do have and love my 686+ 3 inch barrel. Great trigger right from the factory, at 21 feet I can put 7 shots in a 1 inch group shooting it DA. Sure she's heavy, but she is my favorite carry gun.
For a casual shooter, you can't go wrong with a 686( or a 27 or a 65 or anything else that bears the S&W logo).

 

[jeffrey]

I have a nice SS 6-inch Python and a whole bunch of Smiths. I just had to have that one Python, for the looks, the way the trigger feels (I like that stacking) and the way the finish feels in my hand. But that one Python is enough for me. I have never felt that way about Smith revolvers! I can't imagine saying that I have all the K frames that I lust after. Besides, I can work on a Smith -- after doing some reading I can't imagine wanting to disassemble and reassemble my Python! And it's hard enough to find a good gunsmith for Smiths, it is a real bear to find someone to work on a Colt.

 

[kennyb]

I have a nice SS 6-inch Python and a whole bunch of Smiths. I just had to have that one Python, for the looks, the way the trigger feels (I like that stacking) and the way the finish feels in my hand. But that one Python is enough for me. I have never felt that way about Smith revolvers! I can't imagine saying that I have all the K frames that I lust after. Besides, I can work on a Smith -- after doing some reading I can't imagine wanting to disassemble and reassemble my Python! And it's hard enough to find a good gunsmith for Smiths, it is a real bear to find someone to work on a Colt.

i must agree...i have a 6"blue python...gorgeous gun! i feel every revolver guy should own a python...as someone mentioned they have always been pricey and these days they are really high!

 

[brucev]

I have owned two COLT Python .357 Magnum revolvers. Both were very accurate. I was not impressed with the action. The SA offered no improvement to a well-fitted 686. I did not care for the DA. The sights were good, but offered no improvement over the 686. I did not care for the grip. After the second one, I decided to stick with the S&W. I do not consider that the Python offers good value for the money. In comparison with a well-fitted 686, I prefer the 686. JMHO. Sincerely. brucev.

 

[gunny4053]

Many good opinions expressed in this thread, so I might as well add another or to what others have already stated.

If you're looking for art and have that kind of money, buy the Python. They are things of beauty and great shooters, but if you break one, be prepared to spend a lot of time and money bringing it back to life.

If you want good looks and functionality, the S&W can't be beat, be it an "L" or "N" frame. It will hit the same target with the same degree of accuracy, just as reliably, and has considerably better service support than the Colt. So, to use an analogy, you would own a Cadillac instead of a Rolls, still gets you where you want to go for considerably fewer $$$.

If you're looking for a daily driver, follow the advise of several other members (you may include me in that group), and get a Ruger GP100. They do all the above (accuracy, reliability), the triggers are greatly improved, and can be made very good with little effort by anyone with average mechanical skills. Plus, they are tanks. If you can find a factory load that will destroy a Ruger, let me know, because I've seen stupidly insane re-loads that couldn't do it. The other real advantages are if you scratch a Ruger, you won't cry, if you pack it to the boonies, it is incredibly easy to break down and clean, and a brand new one will cost about the same or less than anything mentioned above used. If a Buick will meet your needs, this is the one to consider.

All good guns, so it's a matter of how much your wallet will tolerate and how much the brand name means when you pull the trigger.

 

[jeffrey]

What Gunny said about Rugers. If you don't care for the looks of the contemporary Ruger revolvers, think about the Security Six, Service Six or Speed Six, their immediate predecessors. Great guns, accurate, and, in my opinion, alot nicer looking than the GP100 or SP101, and very affordable. Too heavy a trigger out the box, but they are easy to work on (if I can do it...) A fair number of Smith collectors are fans of these older Rugers.

 

[Revolver-time]

In 357s I got a bunch. Amoung those are
a 27, 28, 686, 19, OM flattop Ruger and several NM Rugers. Notice the lack of any Colts. I had a Python and a Trooper Mk III. The Python was fantastic but I just couldn't shoot it well. The Trooper was, in my opinion, a better revolver. It seemed less fragile. I know that sounds subjective but "I'm just saying". Also, I like functionality above all and I could not understand the vent rib on the Python.

I think the most useful 357 in my safe is the model 28. It has a 4" barrel and even full-house 158 gr. bad boys shoot like a 38 in one of my K frames. It has a good trigger and I know it will never wear.

My advice is forget about names and try to find one that you shoot well. After all, nothing else really counts.