Python or L-frame?

I love Pythons, but even I say go with a 586 in this case.

I can’t see how a Python is better when viewed through any sort of objective lens.

George P said:

S&W every day and twice on Sunday. New Pythons now under a recall; old pythons too expensive and fragile with little to no support.

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Has a recall been officially issued or is that info still based on a Youtuber's secret source like it was this morning?

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The only correct answer is BOTH.

You'll also need a GP100, DW 715, M27/28, Security/Speed Six and a M19/66 if we're being really honest.

Might as well get a Blackhawk (flat top and a new model actually) a Redhawk, a Contender, a S&W 627 and a 60 plus a Colt Cobra and a SP101 while we're at it.

Don't forget a Korth and a Manhurian of course!

I’ve got four of the new Colts and plan on adding the new 4” Python to the stable. So far, both Cobra and Night Cobra and the two King Cobras have functioned flawlessly and I haven’t had any issues yet. Ya just can’t ride the trigger on them like folks do semiautos. Some issues are user error, from what I can see on videos...short stroking the trigger, and FTF limited to one batch of ammo. I don’t have any concerns on the new Colts...haven’t experienced any problems, nor have I heard of an “official” recall except from a couple of bloggers.

Two 38+P, two 357 magnums. Got my gun guys looking for a Python.

I've got S&Ws and a couple of Colts. That said, I will be getting one of the new Pythons as soon as the price insanity stops. The ones I'm seeing are $300-$1000 over MSRP. I guess that will continue for awhile. And that's for the 6 inch. I haven't even seen a 4 inch for sale yet.

The Smith! If the gun is going to be used for target/competitive shooting is an N frame an option?

The Pythons are fine firearms and I’m sure that Colt will resolve any issue with the newly produced guns. However, they are a bit on the pricey side when compared with the S&W 686. I believe that you will be ahead of the game if you buy the S&W Performance Center 686. It will rival any Python in performance and save you a few dollars in the process.

For the same money I think the Smith is the better pistol. The Python MIGHT be the better investment. And I'd choose one of the N frames over the L frame Smiths.

You can get 2 Pre-Lock L Frames for the price of a new Python if you look around. Get a 2.5" for SD and a 4, 6 or 8" for target. Have the best of both worlds. I may wind up owning a new Python when the prices drop below MSRP, but with the problem I'm hearing, I am certainly not ready to pony up over MSRP. I would really like to see Colt have great success with their revolver program, but I think the jury is still out. The Cobra is an ok gun but nothing special and you can buy one now for half of what they were going for initially. So I'm sure the price of the Pythons will drop, but I'd still go the route of the Pre-Lock Smith.

By the Smith , then but several thousand rounds of ammunition with the difference in price.

Shoot your Smith & Wesson to your heart's content without sweating the impossibility of finding someone to service it.

Mike OTDP said:

I've got an itch for a 6-inch barreled revolver. I'm torn between a Python or a S&W 586. Cost counts...but it isn't critical. What I'm looking for is a good, accurate gun, mostly for single action. Might shoot some NRA bullseye revolver matches with it. Thoughts?

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Python

wagonburner said:

Python

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Just how much more accurate do you think a python is over a 586/686 without having/testing a new python.

I know s&w 586/686's aren't what they used to be with the Hillary hole, mim parts, ecm bbl.'s, etc. Bought a 686 nib a couple of years ago to shoot shotgun shells with. Most people shoot bowling pins @ 25ft, we do the same rules but use 12ga shotgun shells and shoot @ 50ft. Anyway worked up some test loads for that new 686 and took it to the range and these were what I ended up with.

Not hand/cherry picked by any means, nothing more than the test targets used that day to test loads for speed shooting shotgun shells @ 50ft.


I understand those are only 6-shot groups and they are only @ 50ft. But I also understand that they were good enough for my simple needs and that I could easily tighten those 6-shot groups up with more testing and better components. The bullets are a mix of cast 158gr hp's that have both round and penta hp's along with mixed brass.

Those blammo ammo, plinking loads are good enough for nra bulleye.

So back to my original question, if a box stock 686 can manage groups like those with junk, just how much better is a python going to be?

I like my python.
Some people dont like the cylinder latch.
If you're already into s&w... I'd get the 586

forrest r said:

So back to my original question, if a box stock 686 can manage groups like those with junk, just how much better is a python going to be?

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Why is a higher retail price always expected to result in greater accuracy???

Based on articles from the 1980's, Colt Python barrels were hand selected and were on the average, 25% more accurate than the average 357 barrel installed on MKIII's. I do know the Python was a premium pistol and the action was very smooth and the trigger excellent.





I do wish I had kept the M686-1 that I traded, plus boot, for my Python. The Python is more delicate and got to be too expensive to shoot!. I have not searched who will work on these things if they get out of order. There is really nothing wrong with an L frame Smith, I prefer the ones with the firing pin on the hammer, ignition is more positive.

Friend of mine had this at the range, a very unusual stainless L frame. Wish I had it.

The old Police Marksman magazine, back when the PMA managed PPC competition, did a side by side comparison of Colt and Smith. The K38 was more accurate than the Python in spite of its lack of a 14 twist Silver Ball tapered barrel. Single sample doesn't prove anything about the whole production run, but it indicates any difference is likely to be small.
In the 1970s, the Python was a good choice for the one gun shooter. Stock configuration for Distinguished, heavy for Open, good DA pull when massaged. The Elliason sight even had enough range of adjustment to allow a 50 yard neck hold.

Slamfire said:

I do wish I had kept the M686-1 that I traded, plus boot, for my Python. The Python is more delicate and got to be too expensive to shoot!. I have not searched who will work on these things if they get out of order. There is really nothing wrong with an L frame Smith, I prefer the ones with the firing pin on the hammer, ignition is more positive.

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Grant Cunningham is out of the gunsmithing business but he recommends Frank Glenn as the Colt el primo guru now. He is located in Phoenix Arizona. http://glenncustom.com/ I think Cylinder and Slide still has some folks that work on Colts as well and my local gunsmith does basic work on them like timing, etc.

I think I remember Frank Glenn working on a revolver for Walkalong or some other THR poster recently with good results.

Since you are looking to shoot bullseye single action, might you try a S&W N frame? I have a 27-2 that is superb for that.

While I don't have a new Python. I have a 4" and a 6" that are mid 70's vintage. Very Accurate, but no more accurate than my 686's. All are more accurate than most of us. Importance of accuracy also depends on what you are using the gun for and at what distance. I have a 7" and a 8 3/8" model 686 that both are more accurate than my 6" Python at 75 yards. I have tried dozens of different loads in the Python and it just isn't quite as accurate at longer distance. At 25 yards, they will all shoot in one ragged hole off a rest, with the correct load and the right person shooting the gun. I really don't think the average person will see any real difference in the accuracy between a New Python and a Model 686 once the correct load is found for each gun. At least up to 25 yards.

forrest r said:

Just how much more accurate do you think a python is over a 586/686 without having/testing a new python.

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My response was to the OPs questions. You have a totally different set.

Your shooting is your business so you decide if a Python is worth your while or not.

CraigC said:

Why is a higher retail price always expected to result in greater accuracy???

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Not always. If the higher retail is due to engraving or gold inlaying etc. no additional accuracy should be expected.

Some guns are limited production, made for accuracy guns like Pardini, Hamerli, Manurhin etc. and they do provide better accuracy than mass production firearms.

no.5enfield said:

What can the Python do that an L-frame can't? I'd argue that they.

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