SW 686 versus COLT Python?

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DandyDon1

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I am a "newbie" to the Forum and am interested in buying a quality large frame .357 revolver for home defense and occasional target shooting. I'm not a collector but appreciate quality built firearms and take good care of my guns.

Coly Pythons have intrigued me, but the crazy prices are a big turn off.
Fair quality guns go from a "low" of $900-1100 and NIB the stuff is as much as $2200; with everything and anything in between.

The SW 686 (or 627) seems like a very solid piece for a lot less $$$.
Of course the Colt guys claim there's no comparison and the Python is far superior.

There are a lot more experienced folks on this Forum than me.

Any thoughts on a comparison of these two guns?

Thanks- DandyDon1:confused:
 
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Hello
I have owned them both. I no ,longer have any Pythons.
The Python has a really good trigger pull, very smooth. That being said, when they get dirty, especially when using Bullseye powder, they get very hard to fire. It is probably because of the close specs on the internals.
The 686, will eat about any type of powder. The trigger might not be as good as the Python from the factory, but it can be fixed to be smoother.
Don't get me wrong, the Python is a very good revolver. It feels much different than the 686 when firing. And as you stated the price is crazy on them. I have seen some lately that are more reasonable, but still too high from what they should be.
The 627 is a very fine revolver also. It is an N frame as compared to an L frame on the 686.
My choice, the 686.:D
 
I like the S&W much better

Hi,

I owned a 6" Python about 25 years ago. Very accurate and quality craftmanship. Traded it away for a M27-3 4" and never looked back - the Smith is probably even more accurate, the trigger was better off the box and it is a real solid gun. Only some weeks ago I was offered to sight in a Python for a guy on the shooting range - never had a Python in my hands for about 22 years: I was disappointed how it handles and cocking the hammer felt as if there were some old and tired springs (which in fact were'nt). It was like driving a Volkswagen after running many miles in a Mercedes. The N-Frame .357 is nothing short of the most desirable and solid piece of steel for this cartridge, but that's just my personal opinion...

regards
Ulrich
 
I have the Colt in a blued 6inch version. Since I don't have an L frame Smith, I can't make a direct comparison. But, if I had a Python in one hand and a 686 in the other, and had to choose, I'm not believing anyone that says they would take the 686. Not that the Smith isn't a fine gun, but if for no other reason that you could sell the Python and buy a couple 686's. That said, I have a the Smith N frame in 27-2 and pre 27. Also 2 PC 627's with 8 round capacity and 5 inch barrels. I wouldn't trade a PC 627 for the Python, and they are about the same value. The PC 627 has the absolute best single action trigger of any revolver I've owned. I paid $500 for my pre 27 about 2 months ago, and I wouldn't trade it for the Colt either. I've completely disassemble both the Colt and Smith. The Colt mechanics are more complex. I won't debate which one is more reliable. I know I'll never shoot any revolver enough to test it's durability. I will say that the cylinder lockup is superior to the Smith. Colt has a lever that, when the trigger is pulled, completely locks up the cylinder. Absolutely no play. You'll buy the Smith and be very happy with it.
 
My first choice would be a 27. Its a heavier made gun that both the others, prettier too! Next pick--- if I absolutely had to would be the python, not as durable as the 686 but fits my hand better. I'm not a 686 fan at all.
 
I see no reason to deal with the expense of a Python. A good 686 will do everything needed. A pre-lock 686 is preferable to current versions which have an internal lock. One other gun to consider is a Ruger GP100, which is rock solid and has no internal lock. I dont even think its possible to wear out a GP100, but Im sure that some people are trying. The Rugers slick up with wear and compare very favorably if not superior to current production S&W particularly in terms of durability.
 
"I am a "newbie" to the Forum and am interested in buying a quality large frame .357 revolver for home defense and occasional target shooting."

If you truly want a large frame .357 Magnum then go for the Smith & Wesson Model 27 or Model 28. These revolvers are a joy to shoot and completely handle any sane (and a few insane) full power .357 Magnum loads. The big N-Frame .357 Magnums balance so well in the hand and they still soak up recoil like a sponge. Not everyone cares for the front-heavy feel of the L-Frame revolver or the Python. I'd have been a fan of the L-Frame .357 if they hadn't insisted marketing it only with that chunk of a barrel.

I have a 6-inch Model 27 and a 6-inch Python. Though the Python is accurate and has a wonderful single action trigger I don't care for the full lug barrel and the double action pull is off-putting. I'll take the N-Frame Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver above all others.

Pythons aren't necessarily as delicate as rumor has it around the internet. Should you get one it'll serve you well because you take care of your guns.
 
First off, the Python like the k-frame S&W

is a medium frame not a large frame revolver. That being said, the 686 would be more forgiving if you plan on shooting handloaded ammunition as the Colt's cylinder is a bit shorter. It will handle all commercial ammo, as far as I know, but some handloads with long nosed SWC bullets won't allow the cylinder to close unless you crimp forward of the crimping groove.

The hand fitted action on the older Colts is a thing of wonder but the same can be said of the old 27's. As a shooter, I prefer the S&W trigger pull but the Python is truly lovely.
 
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The Python is a beautiful, wonderfuly finished gun. But it's no longer made, way overpriced and is not a tool anymore but a collector's item.
I would go with a pre-lock 686 if you can find one, if nothing else just because parts for the Python are hard to get.
I'm gonna get flammed for that but you may also want to consider the Ruger GP100, not as refined as the other two but a solid value.
 
I've shot both, having had my father-in-law's Python for a while, and now owning a 686+. The Python is a sweet gun, awesome trigger and just looks sharp, but it's not worth twice the price of a 686. The trigger on my 686+ is almost as smooth, but considering mine is new and has only had about 100 rounds through it, I think it will be just as good.
 
Don.
The Python started back in the 50's. Been the trend setter ever since. The 586/686 series was made to compete with the Python. Look at the shape of them. A lot of guns are compared to the Python, why, who wants to get compared to #2.
A Model 27 is a fair comparison to a Python. They both have their merits.
L Frames were designed to be S&W version of a Python. The average shooter is not going to shoot either of them out of tune.
Get a Python and have the original. Or get a 686 and have a knock off clone.
You will always hear some S&W guy saying that his S&W shooter is as good as a Python. You will never hear a Python shooter saying his Python is as good as a S&W 686.
Bill@Yuma
 
all of the guns mentioned will certainly do the job...the python is a great shooter and beautiful...i love mine..pick up a 686....they shoot great,look great and will fill your stated need...i just saw a 686-2 wooden stock grips for $400.00...whats not to like!
 
Let me say that all my revolvers now are Smiths but I used to own a 6" Python in factory high polish stainless. I don't own a 686 anymore but I owned one for years.

The Python was the best shooting revolver I've ever owned, period. By that I mean the smoothest trigger and the most accurate revolver I've ever had the pleasure of shooting. I purchased it new in the mid '80's and the only reason I don't own it anymore is that a gent offered me about 3 times more than I paid for it and in a moment of weakness, I gave in.

That said, for the difference in price for a Python and a 686, I say go for the 686 and you'll be happy.
 
Counting just my .357s I have owned 19, 586, 686, 27 and 28 . I have always wanted a Python and a NIB E-type Jag . The Smiths and my pick ups are worth the price they are going for . Even though I have an econ background , I have enough soul left to understand the difference between price and value .
 
RdrBill said:
Don.
The Python started back in the 50's. Been the trend setter ever since. The 586/686 series was made to compete with the Python. Look at the shape of them. A lot of guns are compared to the Python, why, who wants to get compared to #2.
A Model 27 is a fair comparison to a Python. They both have their merits.
L Frames were designed to be S&W version of a Python. The average shooter is not going to shoot either of them out of tune.
Get a Python and have the original. Or get a 686 and have a knock off clone.
You will always hear some S&W guy saying that his S&W shooter is as good as a Python. You will never hear a Python shooter saying his Python is as good as a S&W 686.
Bill@Yuma
Click to expand...

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?
 
A good friend of mine owned a mint 6 inch Python and I always lusted after it and when he died unexpectedly I tried to buy it from his family but a brother wanted it. I was determined to buy one and I started looking and the prices drove me away and when I started buying S&W revolvers and fell in love with the Model 27 and I can't see giving up 2 or 3 Model 27-2's for one mint Python. I love the S&W 27-2 and that's my main girl and will always be. I like all N frame S&W's but to me the most beautiful is the Model 27.

I own a 686 and it's a wonderful gun but it's not a Model 27 either.
 
fyimo the "N" frame is a great gun but they just don't feel right to me, I have five or six of them and shoot them very little. Since I screwed up my right hand and had to go left handed the "L" shoots the best for me. I have big hands and the "K/L" frame stock just fits better. But if it isn't a S&W you are playing with second best.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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).
 
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 :p
 
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).
 
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.
 
Bullseye Smith said:
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?
Click to expand...

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
 
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" :D. 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 :D .
 
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
 
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