S&W 686 or Colt Python

[nero45acp]

I want to get medium frame, 4" .357 but can't decide between a new S&W 686 or a new Colt Python. Any opinions/info would be appreciated.
I would be using the revolver for informal target shooting at my local range, probably putting about 400 rounds a month thru it. TIA




nero

 

[Pappy John]

I must admit that I haven't tried a Python in years, but when I did, ages ago, I could never get used to the trigger. My 686 was sweet....very smooth and even resistance right to the break. Python trigger pressure always seemed to "stack". More and more resistance as you got nearer the break point. Not for me. I thought they were beautiful to look at though. Nice fit and finish.

 

[rbernie]

I would be uncomfortable buying a Colt as a 'shooter' (as opposed to buying it as a 'safe queen') due to my perception that parts/service for the Colt will be less guaranteed in the future.

 

[243_shooter]

I've got a 686-5 with a 4" barrel that I picked up last summer. I've been feeding it a steady diet of 100-300 rounds / week. (isn't reloading fun!) and it's been great.

I hunted around for one that I thought felt right, and passed the revolver checkout thread with flying colors. I really couldn't be more pleased with the gun. Now that it's "broken in" it has a great trigger pull.

Around here the versions without the stupid internal lock are still commonly available NIB. That's what I'd be looking for.

I was actually planning on a 6" model until I stumbled upon a good deal on a pair of SA Rugers

Leo

 

[Ala Dan]

After owning several Colt Python's and 2X S&W
686's; I would have to say that I too prefer the
686 as a shooter! My current S&W 686 is a -5,
6" model that I purchased NIB back in April of
2001. At first the DA trigger pull sucked; so I
added a $15.00 WOLFF spring kit, and that
solved the problem.

I didn't have to do any 'smithing, as there were
NO ill fitting part's, burrs, or rough edges. Just
a simple spring change has worked wonders. I
shoot it every chance I get; using my very own
handloaded .38 specials, as I don't shoot many
magnums any more.

Pythons are really nice weapons, but deserve
to be "safe queens", due to their very high price
tags!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Eskimo Jim]

Nero,
My wife has a 4" 686 no dash (dashes refer to production changes) that she has called "Larry the Wonder Gun". That gun shoots very nicely. The trigger is very smooth. I've tried it and enjoy it as well.

I have a 4" S&W 66-5 and I like that as well. I don't think that you could go wrong with a S&W 66 or 686. I can't speak about the Colt.

The cylinder rotates counter-clockwise and that does bother me the slightest amount but I can get used to that. The cylinder release is a push button forward design that I like. Ruger is a 'push the button into the frame' I believe and Colt is 'slide the release towards you" I think. I don't think that I'd like the Colt's cylinder release. I find push forward easier to manipulate.

Good luck.

-Jim

 

[Watch-Six]

I have owned both Pythons and 586/686s. The Python is a thing of beauty, but the 686 will probably shoot just as well. I would get a 686 unless you just want to have a Python for some reason. Watch-Six

 

[Penforhire]

Wow. The Python is way more expensive. That's one reason I went with a 4" 686+. Seemed to be an over-riding factor for my first revolver. Some day I will own an older Python though.

 

[kimbernut]

You guys are giving me 2nd thoughts!

Had a S&W686 w/ 6" barrel up until a couple of years ago. My youngest son shot it so well I gave it to him with plans to replace it with a Python when the right one was located. (I've admired them since'77)Big gun show this weekend and you guys start this stuff . You all ought to be ashamed. I think Penforhire has the right idea-don't go for new on a Python. The ones from the late 70-early 80's did not stack - it was smooth as silk all the way thru the trigger pull. Further comments would be appreciated.

 

[Penman]

Pythons have a greater tendency to go out of time. I once trained with a guy who had been the armorer for the Colorado State Police, a unit which once issued Pythons. He said he had been happy for the job security provided by the timing adjustment work.

 

[Standing Wolf]

New Pythons aren't the guns Pythons used to be. I still prefer Pythons to all other .357 magnum revolvers, and probably always will, but don't even consider the current production guns. Ruger is making better .357s these days than Colt.

 

[gulogulo1970]

I would (and did) buy a used older Python. I lucked out and snagged a birth year Python. It is so pretty and shoots so well, I've never had a more accurate handgun. I haven't heard good things about the new ones and they are so expensive.

 

[Black Majik]

Old Python vs. New 686 = Old Python

New Python vs. New 686 = 686.


I liked the old blue finish on the Pythons. Absolutely beautiful. But its hard to justify the price of the Pythons. They're expensive for what they are!


In general.... S&W takes the vote.

 

[Tony Mig]

Colt's future, especially in handgun production is on shakey grounds right now. Their Pythons and Annacondas are priced way too high, and QC is not the best either. S&W and Ruger are strong in the market, and both companies should be around, and producing wheel guns for a long time to come. Both have a better and more consistant product that is reasonably priced, plenty of factory support, with loads of after market extras availible.

If I had George Sorro's money, I'd use it to buy Colt, and bring it back to it's former glory. It sure would be a much better investment that what old King George is spending his billions on......

 

[RWK]

I would opt for the 686 (or 586); I believe the Smiths are stronger, better quality, and more accurate revolvers in comparison to the NEW Colt Pythons (I haven’t shoot the ‘03 Pythons, but I hear they are mediocre and very expensive).

 

[nero45acp]

Thanks for your replies/info!!

How does S&W's "K" frame compare (size-wise) with Colt's "I" frame? I have short, stubby fingers and S&W's "K" frame is about the largest revolver I can shoot DA comfortably. Is the Colt "I" frame bigger, smaller or the same--(especially the distance from the back of the grip to the trigger face)? Thanx



nero

 

[stans]

The Colt is larger than the S&W K-frame. I would say the Colt is about the same as a S&W N-frame as far as trigger reach and grip size are concerned. The older Pythons are nice and I would buy an older one long before I would shell out $1000+ for a new one. If you plan on shooting less than magnum loads, primarily single action, then the Python will hold up just fine. The S&W L-frames handle magnum loads better and will hold up longer than the Python, especially in double action shooting. The L-frame and the K-frame have just about identical trigger reach lengths and the stocks are the same, the L-frame just features a larger cylinder and more metal supporting the cylinder and crane. All in all, the L-frame is the best compromise between size and durability. Just my opinion.

 

[nero45acp]

Stans, thank you and everyone else for the helpful info. I'm sad to hear about the decline in Colt QC. I really would like to own a new 4" Python Elite in stainless, but from everyone's replies it seems obvious that the S&W 686 is the smart way to go.
I'm going to my favorite gunshop this afternoon, I know they have a few old Colt Official Police (which I believe are also "I" frames). If the Official Police feel OK as far as trigger reach goes, I may have to just start hunting for a vintage 4" blue Python.
Man, I hope Colt gets it together and doesn't go the way of the dinosaur!


nero

 

[BluesBear]

I agree with Black Majic, I'd take an old Python over any 686, and any 686 over a new Pithon.

 

[9mmepiphany]

the two .357 mags in my collection which will never be sold are my 6" python and my 8.375" m-27. these two guns define the magic and history of the round. with their workmanship, especially their bluing, and their accuracy it would be hark to pick a favorite.

but since you aren't looking for a N-frame and you wand a shorter barrel...i'd have to vote for a python. a well tuned python action is a like running a hot knife through butter and the balance and look of the gun is a joy to behold. there are too many "special" thiings about the majic of the snake to list at this hour (past my bedtime)

 

[valnar]

I'm against Colt just on principal. I own a Beretta Stampede (Colt SAA clone) and am about to buy my first 1911, which will most likely be a SW1911 or Dan Wesson Patriot. I considered Colt, but took them off my list.

I can't get behind a company that gouges customers on purpose by overpricing their products because they think their name will carry it through.

Sure, the real Colts will have a better resale value, but only to people who think along those same lines.

I'd rather shoot the better gun. The 686 is it.

-Robert