Smith 686 PC vs Colt Python

[Jim NE]

I found a decent 681 recently for just over 500 bucks. Try doing that with a Python.

 

[Reloadron]

I found a decent 681 recently for just over 500 bucks. Try doing that with a Python.

The S&W 681 is a non-adjustable sights version of the S&W 686. So what is your point? If I were to sell a S&W 681, S&W 686 and a Colt Python I can pretty much figure that the S&W 681 will bring the lowest price, followed by the S&W 686 followed by the Colt Python. As long as each buyer gets what they are happy with I don't see where it matters. Try selling your S&W 681 and getting what a good condition Colt Python would draw.

S&W 681 revolvers are selling in the $450 to $550 range.

Colt Pythons are selling in the $2,000 and up range.

So again it comes as no surprise that you can buy maybe 4 S&W 681 revolvers for the cost of a single Colt Python. You buy what trips your trigger, the revolver that works for you.

Ron

 

[LeonCarr]

Lots of nice handguns in this thread.

IME the Dan Wesson is more accurate than either the Python or the L-Frame, and almost as smooth. I once owned a Dan Wesson .44 with the 8 Inch Full Lug Barrel that would shoot 3 inch groups at 100 yards with factory open sights. I have never seen a Python or L-Frame come even close.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[ColtPythonElite]

3" 100 yard open sight handgun groups is certainly something.

 

[Robert B]

Robert B

Hey, so first time back on this post. I don't think that I am a troll. Just really love my new 686 PC. I would rather have my gun than any old Colt even NIB. My revolver is back at SMith for fixing a slow timing problem. When I get it back it should be perfect. Love this gun. Definitely my EDC.

 

[Reloadron]

Hey, so first time back on this post. I don't think that I am a troll. Just really love my new 686 PC. I would rather have my gun than any old Colt even NIB. My revolver is back at SMith for fixing a slow timing problem. When I get it back it should be perfect. Love this gun. Definitely my EDC.

OK, maybe not trolling but to jump out and state a S&W 686 hands down is better than a Colt Python is begging for argument. Hell, the 686 is a good gun and I have a 586 but as I mentioned, my own 586, hands down will not stack up against my own S&W Model 27. I'll take the N frame over the L frame and I say that having both S&W revolvers. Again, the 686 is a fine revolver but to jump out and say it beats out a Python is a tad argumentative.

I did fined this humorous:

I would rather have my gun than any old Colt even NIB. My revolver is back at SMith for fixing a slow timing problem.

To each their own, I prefer owning a few of each given a choice, I enjoy shooting S&W as well as Colt revolvers. Back at Smith for fixing a slow timing problem? Gee, if it's a really great revolver why does it have a timing problem? Just kidding. But you must see the humor in there. Anyway, I hope when it comes back to you it serves you well for many years and also affords years of enjoyment.

Ron

 

[silicosys4]

Of everyone who has chimed in for the Python;
If you didn't or don't have one now, would you pay the money to get one at current market value? If you had neither a 586/686 or a python, and were going to buy one or the other to shoot, would you pay the added $2k for a Python over the S&W?

 

[Reloadron]

Of everyone who has chimed in for the Python;
If you didn't or don't have one now, would you pay the money to get one at current market value? If you had neither a 586/686 or a python, and were going to buy one or the other to shoot, would you pay the added $2k for a Python over the S&W?

Ah, a very, very good question sure to bring many replies. I also see it as an open ended question and here is why I see it the way I do.

We have no shortage of new shooters in this forum and many working their butts off in a variety of occupations. Many with baby shooters who they place beanies and weenies on the table for daily. Some making 20K a year and some making 40 plus K per year. Then we have the older shooters and again, some with money and some with not so much money on a fixed income.

So what that comes down to is a python is in the local gun shop with an asking price firm at $2,000. Now, $2,000 isn't a heck of a lot of money, unless of course you don't have $2,000 in which case it becomes an insurmountable amount of money. I have friends who are hard pressed to buy the steam off a hot dog and I have friends who think nothing of paying $2,000 for four prime seats at a NFL game and other friends who watch the game on a 10 year old TV.

When I see a gun I like, a gun I really like and would like to have, if I feel the gun is priced fair and I want it, then I buy it. If it is a gun exceeding around $2,000 I do consult with she who must be obeyed. The python I have cost me around $400 20 years ago and was part of a trade in when I had my gun shop. I liked it and kept it. Would I pay $2,000 for that gun today? Likely yes, if I wanted it enough to buy it, then too, today maybe I wouldn't pay over $1,500 for the same gun. Overall for me it is a matter of if I want a gun and am willing to pay what I feel is a fair price for the gun.

I also have a fascination with Class III stuff. I just can't seem to justify the $35,000 for a mint M14 a friend of mine has. I see guns like it at Knob Creek and just can't seem to justify the cost to myself. There are others who think nothing of plopping down 35K for a quality full auto gun.

Anyway, I look for some interesting replies to what I see as a good question.

Ron

 

[MrBorland]

If you had neither a 586/686 or a python, and were going to buy one or the other to shoot, would you pay the added $2k for a Python over the S&W?

Well, see that's very open ended. How much shooting and what type of shooting are we talking about?

To some "to shoot" means occasionally and informally. To others, it means rapidly shooting 10k+ rounds per year through it in competition, all while drawing from a kydex holster and slamming speedloaders into the back of it. And to some others, it might mean shooting in bullseye competition.

Generally, IMO, the Python is overrated as a shooter, and for my needs, I can't see myself buying one, 686/586 or not. However, if I were to shoot, say Distinguished Revolver Bullseye competition (and be serious about it), where accuracy really matters, it's shot in SA, and the gun must be essentially stock, I wouldn't entirely rule out a Python.

 

[silicosys4]

Well, see that's very open ended. How much shooting and what type of shooting are we talking about?

To some "to shoot" means occasionally and informally. To others, it means rapidly shooting 10k+ rounds per year through it in competition, all while drawing from a kydex holster and slamming speedloaders into the back of it. And to some others, it might mean shooting in bullseye competition.

Generally, IMO, the Python is overrated as a shooter, and for my needs, I can't see myself buying one, 686/586 or not. However, if I were to shoot, say Distinguished Revolver Bullseye competition (and be serious about it), where accuracy really matters, it's shot in SA, and the gun must be essentially stock, I wouldn't entirely rule out a Python.

Good points, but even then, I'd have to say the Python is not a practical or sensible purchase.

How would it make sense to buy a python if you are going to shoot occasionally and informally? I'd rather buy ammo.

How would it make sense to buy a python if you are going to shoot 10k + rounds a year through it? They aren't known for being a very robust design able to withstand hard, constant use, hence in part the Trooper MKIII, King Cobra, etc...Accurate, yes...smooth, yes...robust, no.

How would it make sense to buy a python if you are going to compete with it? They are reputedly getting harder and harder to repair, and smiths who can work on that lockwork are getting fewer and fewer. It would make sense to go with a gun that could be repaired easily with easy to find parts rather than risk losing a competition to a broken Python that has to go back to Colt, or one of a few good smiths still working on them that you'd trust a $2500 gun to.

Seems to me the people that really prefer the pythons are people who bought them when they were a reasonable buy. Heck yea I'd buy a python if it were 25%, even 50% more expensive than a 586/686. But 400% more than a good S&W? Prices DOUBLING the last five years or so from what I saw? That's not superiority. That's collectibility....and more collectible to ME doesn't necessarily mean better in any mechanical way. See my Colt Patterson reference earlier.

How many would under the same circumstances they bought their Pythons then, would still buy them now, if everything were the same except for the price?
If the neighbor or friend you traded for, wanted the equivalent $2500 of your guns/stuff instead of what you traded then?

To me, the only reason to purchase a Python is if you've got more disposable income than I do, and you want a Python specifically to have a Python...or if you come across one that is priced much lower than current market value, and can turn it over quickly.

Sure wish I'd bought at least one Python back when they were reasonably priced. I wasn't really collecting then though...
I'm half tempted to start listing pictures of S&W's I bought recently instead of a python, once I saw the market value of Pythons these days.
Hell, here we go.



66-1 for $400



28-2 for $400

Custom PPC gun...think a Python trigger is nice? This one will run with any Python trigger, without stacking. $350



586's, top one for $600, bottom one for $400



1967 Colt diamondback, $375

Those are all revolvers I bought after looking at buying Pythons.
All that for the cost of one nice python. I for one, think my money went a lot further on S&W's and that diamondback. Far enough to feel comfortable saying that since Pythons have come up so far in price, to me they are no longer superior to a S&W in any practical way. Any slight mechanical superiority is lost to the difficulty of repair and cost to acquire.
I'll admit the diamondback was a complete steal, and I wouldn't have bought it either at current market value for the same reasons as the python.

 

[Reloadron]

That Diamondback would be a gun I would buy if one came along. My brother has one and I really enjoy shooting it. So this brings me back to if I saw one at a fair price then yes, I would grab it. Simply because, based on experience, I enjoy the gun and for me enjoying a gun and shooting it is what it's all about.

Ron

 

[Nom de Forum]

silicosys4,

You win the thread with post #60!

 

[silicosys4]

Oh, don't get me wrong and I hope I am not offending anyone here. The Python is a beautiful, handfitted gun, an icon, and a better gun in some ways than any one of those I posted.
But is it better than all 6 of them together? I guess that's up to each person to decide. I will say that I expect those 6 guns to appreciate in value more in the future than a Python will. Crossing my fingers, hoping the next big zombie movie's main character very prominantly carries a 28-2, lol.

In all fairness, looking at auctions ending within the last 90 days on Gunauctions.com of Pythons actually sold shows prices for nice Pythons have gone down into the $1750-$2000 range with a few highly desirable specimens going up to over $4k, so maybe the market is coming back to reality...I might get to go Python shopping yet!

 

[Waveski]

silicosys4 ---


That 66 from CPD is really nice! I generally do not like extra engraving , but on that piece it is very nicely done.

Please consider a set of grips which do not partially cover the star logo on the starboard side.
'Ski

 

[jrdolall]

But is it better than all 6 of them together?

Nope.

I will trade you my Python even up I wish I could find nice used revolvers like those around here but every used revolver I see that is even decent is WAY over priced. I don't shop for guns online much but I guess I could start

 

[mikemyers]

Just wondering - for someone who knows nothing about Python guns but for the name, is there a website that lists all the special things about a Python that one ought to check if buying one, to be sure it's in good working order?

I mean things that are unique to this gun, over and beyond the checks that someone would probably make if buying say, a S&W.

 

[Reloadron]

Just wondering - for someone who knows nothing about Python guns but for the name, is there a website that lists all the special things about a Python that one ought to check if buying one, to be sure it's in good working order?

I mean things that are unique to this gun, over and beyond the checks that someone would probably make if buying say, a S&W.

This link has a sort of review of the Colt Python which can also be applied as things to look for in not just a Python but many revolvers in general. Things like cylinder lock and trigger release as well as other things to look for.

As to the pricing off not just the Python but S&W revolvers also. Years ago before the wonders of Al Gore's Internet people relied on books like S.P. Fjestad's Blue Book of Gun Values. Different world today and in the case of many guns prices can literally change overnight. Just look at the recent fiasco with AR type rifles. Using the Internet we can at least get an idea of what some guns are selling for and always keep in mind the asking price is just that and not always what a gun may be worth. Then too, the value of any gun on any given day is what someone is willing to pay for it, no more and no less.

jrdolall:

I wish I could find nice used revolvers like those around here but every used revolver I see that is even decent is WAY over priced. I don't shop for guns online much but I guess I could start.

Well around here most of my neighbors and friends know that "Ron is into guns". When guns come along as part of an estate or whatever people call me. Heck, years ago when I had the shop I would wear T shirts that said "I buy guns". You never know what will come along and frequently inexpensive as sometimes survivors of estates just want to get rid of guns. Probably 1/4 of the guns I have I wasn't looking for.

The Internet is always another option but I prefer to see what I might be buying up close and personal. I want to "feel" the gun and look over the features mentioned earlier.

Aside from the outrageous prices demanded on Pythons I was looking at some of the prices demanded on some of the finer S&W revolvers. Wow! Fine well made revolvers have really increased in cost.

Ron

 

[Paul7]

To respond to post #60, how many shooters are going to run 10K+ rounds through a single gun every year? Anyone on this thread?

I have a Python I don't shoot much, not because I don't think it can handle it but because it is pristine and somewhat of a collectors item. I'll have to get a 'shooter' Python one of these day. I also have a S&W 686 and it is no Python. It is ridiculous to think a Python is valued more by the marketplace just because of a TV show.

As far as Python prices coming down, people have saying that for a long time and it isn't happening. I would really be shocked if 10 years from now they were worth less than today.

 

[Nom de Forum]

To respond to post #60, how many shooters are going to run 10K+ rounds through a single gun every year? Anyone on this thread?

While I don't do that know, 30 years ago I did 10,000+ a year in my Colt Government Model Pin Gun for several years. When you are shooting twice or more a week it is quite easy to do so. I think you will find many people on THR still fire 10k a year in a single pistol.

I have a Python I don't shoot much, not because I don't think it can handle it but because it is pristine and somewhat of a collectors item. I'll have to get a 'shooter' Python one of these day.

Respectfully, that "shooter Python" will much more rapidly become a "non-shooter Python" than an L Frame becomes a non-shooter. I remember so many Python guys in IPSC during the 70's-80's having fits keeping their snakes running properly because of high round counts.

 

[Nom de Forum]

The Internet is always another option but I prefer to see what I might be buying up close and personal. I want to "feel" the gun and look over the features mentioned earlier.
Ron

IMO buying guns using the Internet in comparison to in-person shares the same relationship that phone-sex has to the real thing.

 

[Paul7]

While I don't do that know, 30 years ago I did 10,000+ a year in my Colt Government Model Pin Gun for several years. When you are shooting twice or more a week it is quite easy to do so. I think you will find many people on THR still fire 10k a year in a single pistol.



Respectfully, that "shooter Python" will much more rapidly become a "non-shooter Python" than an L Frame becomes a non-shooter. I remember so many Python guys in IPSC during the 70's-80's having fits keeping their snakes running properly because of high round counts.

I would bet a tiny percentage of handgun owners shoot competitively, or shoot 10K rounds a year. The OP didn't mention competitive shooting. You're taking one comparatively small measurement (competitive shooting) as it was the end all of handgun ownership. It's like saying because the Crown Vic is the most used cop car, it is also the best car. A gun owner who values the aesthetics of a piece (such as the Python bluing that is not found on a S&W PC) is no less of a gun owner than a competitive shooter.

My shooter Python won't become a non-shooter at the rate I shoot. If you can afford a Python you can probably afford to maintain it. Heck, if you can afford 10K rounds of ammo you should be able to maintain it. As has been said in these discussions before, it's like knocking a Ferrari because it costs more to maintain than a Chevy, the two are not the same things.

You can argue that a slightly out of time Python won't be perfectly lined up like a typical older Colt 'bank-vault' lockup, but by that same standard, a S&W is ALWAYS out of time.

 

[Waveski]

(...a S&W is ALWAYS out of time.)

???

 

[Paul7]

(...a S&W is ALWAYS out of time.)

???

Meaning, it doesn't have that 'bank vault' lockup an in-time older Colt does.

 

[Nom de Forum]

Meaning, it doesn't have that 'bank vault' lockup an in-time older Colt does.

Which comparatively speaking they do not maintain for very long.

To keep a Python going takes more effort than a S&W. Pythons remind me of the British sportscars of my youth, beautiful but high maintenance.

 

[lowercase]

Wasn't gonna comment on this one, but what the hey? I'll wade right on in.

It's not like I lobbed the grenade by starting the thread.

1.) OP, do you actually HAVE a Python for comparison?

2.) Does your 686 PC by chance have an internal lock? If so, and you're comparing it to anything with ANY class at all, you should be laughed off this forum.

And yes, I have a safe full of S&Ws.