Fishslayer
Member
Ummm.... not on mine there isn't.
Colt python vs s&w 686.
- Thread starter ms6852
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Ummm.... not on mine there isn't.
Sandy50
Member
Comparison of S&W 686 and Colt Python
It has been my pleasure to own and shoot both. My Colt Python is Royal Blue....magnificent, incredibly accurate, and the action is glass smooth. The S&W 686 has a super tuned action from the S&W Performance Center. While the Python is far more pleasing to the eye, the S&W 686 super tuned action may well allowed it to be smoother than the Python, and that's quite an accomplishment. So the bottom line may well be a function of how much you can invest. The Pythons will set you back up to $2,000, while the S&W 686 can be had for around $800.
I also own a Diamondback and Cobra. The Cobra is truly a classic CCW, while the Diamondback will allow you to shoot +P rounds. The Diamondback is a joy the shoot. The Cobra will pound you more because of it's light weight, around 16 oz.
Hope my humble observation help!
It has been my pleasure to own and shoot both. My Colt Python is Royal Blue....magnificent, incredibly accurate, and the action is glass smooth. The S&W 686 has a super tuned action from the S&W Performance Center. While the Python is far more pleasing to the eye, the S&W 686 super tuned action may well allowed it to be smoother than the Python, and that's quite an accomplishment. So the bottom line may well be a function of how much you can invest. The Pythons will set you back up to $2,000, while the S&W 686 can be had for around $800.
I also own a Diamondback and Cobra. The Cobra is truly a classic CCW, while the Diamondback will allow you to shoot +P rounds. The Diamondback is a joy the shoot. The Cobra will pound you more because of it's light weight, around 16 oz.
Hope my humble observation help!
MtnSpur
Member
As a wise man once told me: "Bring the right tool for the job but it also needs to be in the right hands, don't hand a plumber a hammer and don't hand a carpenter a wrench".
No matter if you shoot a Smith, Colt, or Ruger it's the craftperson behind the tool that makes it work.
No matter if you shoot a Smith, Colt, or Ruger it's the craftperson behind the tool that makes it work.
gil moreno
Member
I agree with you. I had a similar experience with a K frame model 19 purchased new in 1964. I fired nothing but full house .357 mag shells in it. After shooting only 200 rounds the gun got so hot the cylinder would bind. I sold it on the spot. The N frame is the most rugged and the 686 is a very good compromise. I have a model 66 (SS K frame) that I bought in 1995 but only shoot 125gr bullets at 925fps. Actually that's all I shoot through my 686-6 plus.
MachIVshooter
Member
You sure it wasn't just lead and carbon build-up on the cylinder face/forcing cone? A '64 K-frame was a hand-fitted, P&R gun with tight tolerances.
I had a P&R 19-4, didn't shoot it all that much before trading it for a 1966 Dodge Pick-up, but it ran fine with mag loads. My M65 has also seen plenty with no ill effects, as has my sister's 65LS.
With a 686 and 586 on hand, I don't typically punish myself with hot loads in the small, light K-frame these days when I have larger framed guns that make it more comfortable. But I also don't hesitate to load K's with such ammo if I want to carry something lighter & slimmer.
The L-frame is no compromise; The very heavy cylinder of the N-frame in .357 causes them to batter the stops with rapid DA firing. The L-frame was designed to handle any .357 load without being unnecessarily large and heavy, a task that it excels at. The L is a very robust firearm.
As to the original topic, old as this thread is, I'll offer my take:
The 686/586 are known as the "poor man's Python" or "working man's Python" for a reason. I like Colts just fine, but when I can buy a nice pre-lock L-frame for 1/3 the price that shoots just as well and is a simpler, more robust firearm (albeit not quite as pretty), it's simple math. In point of fact, given the choice between the two and not incorporating price, I'd still take the L frame.
I also have never cared for Colt's backward cylinder release. It's just counter-intuitive.
However, owning 2 L's already, if I saw a Python and a 586 in the case for similar money, I'd grab the Python. That won't happen, of course, but just sayin'.....
roaddog28
Member
Interesting thread but its like comparing Apples versus Oranges. The Colt Python was made in the time where there was more attention to detail and craftsmanship. Same with older S&W revolvers like the 27, M&P 38 special, K38 masterpiece the old outdoormans. The S&W 686 is a modern production revolver. Same as the GP100. Alot of the craftsmanship was lost by the 1980s. I give the edge to the Python but if the revolver needs work, good luck finding a gunsmith than can actually work on this fine revolver.
Regards,
Howard
Regards,
Howard
788Ham
Member
Then you'd best go back and read what ColtPythonElite wrote about sending them back to the Colt factory to have them worked on. They still work on them, they're just not produced anymore. You wouldn't take a Rolex to K-Mart to have it checked out would you? Well...........
TwoWheelFiend
Member
At one point i had a Python and a 586. I ended up selling the Python...... The 586 shot better and was smoother. Maybe i had a lemon Python
roaddog28
Member
Did not know that Colt still worked on them. I don't own but I think they are at the top as far as a 357 magnum. But I wonder how good Colt is nowadays fixing them. A lot of the oldtimers are gone now just like Smith and Wesson. The repair department at S&W is to me not as good as it once was fixing revolvers. If Colt can really fix the Python thats great.
Regards,
Howard
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