SW 686 versus COLT Python?

[Chief Wiggums]

All replies are exactly as I envisioned when I read the thread title
It is debatable that the 686 is possibly the most loved gun in this forum

I really would like to spend an afternoon w a Python , really really like to do that!

 

[runscott]

sorry, too much information.

 

[wnwitzell]

I love both my 686's and my Python's, but my Korth Mongoose holds a special place....

 

[rubiranch]

I've never held a Colt Python before but I'd like to. Not sure that I've ever even seen one on person.

It would be hard to find another brand that I preferred over S&W. I've held a few Rugers and Colts and didn't really care for them. I'm sure that both manufactures make something that I would like.

It would be hard to beat my 686. Or my 27.

 

[BAM-BAM]

IMHO the 4" 686 has to be the most versatile duty/utility .357 one can own.

 

[BAM-BAM]

You're right - the Lawman is a lesser-grade Trooper. I did a little bit more research to make sure my dates lined up. This is all old news to most of you, but to keep things in perspective:

1935 - S&W registered .357 magnum (continued as 27)
1954 - S&W introduced the Highway Patrolman, removing features from the .357 (continued as 28)
1954 - Colt had started the 'Trooper' line of .38 special and .22 in 1953. In 1954 they introduced the 3-5-7 to that line, to compete with the Highway Patrolman. The Colt 3-5-7 was built on a smaller frame (same as the following year's Python) than the .357 magnum & Highway Patrolman.
1955 - 1st Python. It seems to me like Colt decided to address both ends of the .357 market with the 3-5-7 in 1954 and the Python to compete with the higher-end S&W .357
1955 - Ruger Blackhawk (traditional Cowboy design, unlike S&W and Colt models)
1957 - S&W Combat Magnum (19)
1981 - 686
1982 - Colt MK V ('V' frame - smaller than the Python & MK III, replacing the Trooper which hung on until 1983)



edited to add that the Colt 3-5-7 was built on a smaller frame than the .357 magnum & Highway Patrolman

One option you missed; Colt offered their large frame New Service Revolver in .357 magnum...... my Dad got one in 1938/39 and sent it off to Kings for adjustable sights and an action job...... all told, with shipping both ways, it was still $5-10 cheaper then a RM which was selling for $60-65.

 

[edubbie]

I love both my 686's and my Python's, but my Korth Mongoose holds a special place....

For the price of the Mongoose, I hope so. That is a beautiful wheel gun.

 

[nipperdog]

IMHO The only reason to buy a Colt Python is for Bragging Rights.
You can Buy several new 686s for the $2K that a Decent Python goes for. A tuned 686, or 27 makes more sense to me.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

586/686 wins hands down. I have a python that I got new from the Colt custom shop in 1980. With moderate shooting it has went out of time twice. Both times I had to PEEN the hand to stretch it to get it back in time.
Where as I've never had any of my Smiths go out of time. For my use ANY Smith revolver is better for daily use than a python. 99.9 percent of today's python owners that wax eloquently about their pythons never tote or shoot them. They just lie in someone's safe to be bragged about. Truthfully they are really worth 30-40% of what they sell for now.

And shame on S&W that hired the full lug guy who put full lugs on everything including the water hose nozzle.

 

[wproct]

This thread has been a welcome diversion from the famous 686 vs GP100 discussion. First off, I am over 70 years old and have lusted for a Python for many many years, but have never owned one, but I have owned numerous 586, 686, and yes GP100 revolvers. I guess the reason that I never bought the Python is that I knew that it would not be a shooter, but rather a safe queen that would lay there to be looked at occasionally and I just couldn't bring myself to pay the price for that purpose.

Truthfully, I have handled several Pythons, and I just don't think that the action and feel of the revolver compares to that of a pre-lock K or L frame Smith & Wesson, especially when equipped with target trigger and hammer. I also have enormous respect for the Ruger GP100 with the easily interchangeable front sights and trigger group that even the average shooter can do spring changes etc. and have a very nice shooting indestructible 357 magnum revolver.

I will continue to enjoy the comments on this subject.

 

[edubbie]

I always thought the Python was "sexy". Made by Colt, very cool name and ohh that vent rib. I loved the look but never held one in person. I believe I bought my 586 6" because it looked like a Python with a solid rib. Now to be honest, I purchased my 586 probably 30 years ago used for, I believe, $175. I believe it is a 1982 or 3. I did send it in for the mod so it's now stamped with the "M". Not holding a Python doesn't give me the ability to compare except for visual but I love my 586. It is very smooth and seems very well build. I carried it for years as a back up handgun while deer hunting. Mechanically it's never let me down and I won't part with it because I know I will regret it.

 

[jtcarm]

I’ll just add that vent ribs belong on shotguns.

 

[dakota1911]

I have a 686 no dash and a Ruger GP100, both which I bought in the 80s, both with 6 inch barrels.



I finally bought a Python shortly before Colt quit making them, also in 6 inch.



If I was going to use it as a truck gun I would pick the Ruger. The S&W is better for target shooting. The Python is lovely but these days it is like you want an armed guard with you if you take it to a public range to try and shoot it. The prices on them have become silly. Mine was about $1K new ordered through a LGS a little before Colt quit making them.

 

[wproct]

dakota1911 you have 3 very nice revolvers there! Your Python has appreciated in value quite nicely for you.

 

[crstrode]

My Grandfather lived in Brazil for over a decade. When he and Grandma returned in the early 1960s they brought a Mossberg 153K. It was the first gun I ever fired. They also had a great big Python in their luggage.

To be precise, it was actually a Python hide - over 12-feet long.

 

[Engineer1911]

I owned a 38 Special Python Target 8" revolver. My only positive comment is, "It had a nice bluing job." The barrel was canted to the left so moving the rear sight full right allowed the gun to shoot 6" to the left of the bullseye at 50'. Colt Warranty sent the gun back to me unrepaired with the notation, "The barrel installation is within Colt specification."

I sent the Python to a Warranty Repair shop in Minnesota, barrel was cross threaded one thread (no charge for repair), and a 357 magnum cylinder was fitted for a small fee. Sold the gun for a $100 profit.

Pythons are over-rated. S&W L-frame revolvers are under-appreciated.

Lazarus has spoken. YMMV

 

[Chief Wiggums]

This thread has been a welcome diversion from the famous 686 vs GP100 discussion.

..... I just don't think that the action and feel of the revolver compares to that of a pre-lock K or L frame Smith & Wesson, especially when equipped with target trigger and hammer. .

what a great opportunity to ask the following question.
being a lifelong buyer & user of bottom feeders (beretta 92's & PX4's & misc M&P) , i have not been interested in wheelguns until a year or so ago.
My firsts was a 642, which i still have but its not "fun" to shoot.
Back in the summer of 2018 I bought a 686+.

Yes, my life has changed. This gun is cool, it is fun , it is spot on accurate , it is "purty" , its is ...well ya have to own one to know....
so the question, mine (sku 164194) obviously has a lock.

what is so unbelievably cool about the old school pre-lock 686's?
I really do not see on how to improve upon what I own right now...
I gotta know guys!

 

[BAM-BAM]

Never a Colt fan.................................

Love my custom round butt 4" 686-nuttin......................

Early 586s...... and my 4" 586-(?) 1996 factory round butt are too die for .

But......................................

I've always wanted a 4" Smolt............ makes me

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I drive Fords and I own mostly S&W handguns. Either the Colt or the S&W will serve you well. The Colt will cost you more and require more maintenance. You will also be able to sell it for more. I have Colt collecting friends and they swear by their Colts, and that they are superior to S&W. I am not an LEO, nor do I shoot competitively, but I see no significant difference when I shoot their Colts. The best bargain in 357 revolvers right now is the S&W Highway Patrolman or Model 28. Generally the Model 28 can be had for less than the S&W 686 and much less than Colt products. The Model 28 is fairly common on the used market and does everything that any other full size 357 magnum revolver can do. Rent the guns that interest you at the range and see if there is a difference to you. I swear by my S&W revolvers, others by their Colts. It is a matter of personal preference, neither is inherently the "right" gun for everyone.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I recently took the Texas LTC course (license to carry) . It involved shooting 50 rounds at a paper target at varying distances , from about 7yds to 25 yds . I moved here from AZ and have the AZ permit , "BUT " many states do not honor a " non-resident " permit . When I lived in Az , I was a resident so no problem but when I moved to TX , I had to change it . Yes, TX does honor my permit but when traveling from here it would of been a problem.
Anyway , I took my 686 no dash 4 " to class as we were going to be doing the shooting portion just across the hall in an indoor shooting range . I'm not a competitive shooter but it tore the bullseye up and only 2 shots in the 9 ring , shooting double action . The guy next to me was shooting his glock 9mm . On the last 5 shot round he had 3 " FTF / FTE issues . My revolver never missed a beat . I was the only guy out of 17 with a revolver . I'm not a semi auto guy but I hear Glocks are great . I can admire a colt python , but the price is beyond my reach . I'll stay with my 686 . Regards, Paul