mcb
Member
A round butt revolver with square conversion grips on it, is like an attractive women in tight fitting jeans and putting a big old iPhone in her hip pocket.
The Better Gun: Colt Python or S&W 686?
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Mr. Mosin
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There's just *something* about an attractive woman in tight fitting jeans... but the iPhone comes in handy for booking last second hotel roomsA round butt revolver with square conversion grips on it, is like an attractive women in tight fitting jeans and putting a big old iPhone in her hip pocket.
SwampWolf
Member
Like a lot of shooters, I recently bought a new Python with the 4.25 inch barrel mostly because I've always wanted one and because, at my age, I knew I'd best get cracking if I was ever going to own one. The price was steep ($1,567.99, including my military discount, less taxes), but you've got to pay to play in these times. As nice as the revolver is in terms of workmanship, finish and trigger pull (I haven't shot it yet), I honestly can't say it's much superior to a Smith & Wesson Model 686-5 Plus I have when comparing those factors.
I will say I've never seen an owner's manual (and I have many to peruse) so irritatingly redundant with safety warnings and cya, "watch-out fors." Even a rank beginner won't benefit from such mind-dulling repetitiveness. I am a strong proponent of safe gun handling but sometimes meanings and priorities are lost when the reader becomes awash with too many words saying the same thing. Interestingly, there was no registration requirement nor any reference to dry-firing.
I will say I've never seen an owner's manual (and I have many to peruse) so irritatingly redundant with safety warnings and cya, "watch-out fors." Even a rank beginner won't benefit from such mind-dulling repetitiveness. I am a strong proponent of safe gun handling but sometimes meanings and priorities are lost when the reader becomes awash with too many words saying the same thing. Interestingly, there was no registration requirement nor any reference to dry-firing.
Charlie Martinez
Member
I own a vintage Python and it is one of three or four guns I would never part with.
SwampWolf
Member
Features and opinions aside, can anyone provide the pertinent dimensions (widths, lengths, etc.) and unloaded weights between these two revolvers (the "new" Python and the 686), both having 4" Barrels? Thanks.
I have a Python, purchased it new, and traded a M686-1 and lots of cash for it. Wish I kept the M686-1
The Python has a smooth action, great single stage trigger, and it is accurate. This is not a rifle, it does not have an optical sight, I am not shooting with a rest, I shoot off hand, so I cannot shoot to the capability of either a Python or a M686. At some level, the pistol is either "accurate" or it is not. And it has to be pretty bad not to be accurate.
I consider this good.
I was able to buy back an early M686, one that has the firing pin mounted hammer. This is the only stainless S&W with a blue finish that I have seen, and I wanted it.
Based on my experience, and that of others, Colt revolver lockworks will get out of time well before the S&W will. It all has to do with the timing, a Colt locks up as the hammer falls. And that cylinder hand/cylinder ratchet system will in time, be out of order. When Colt stopped working on Pythons, that was when I stopped shooting the thing.
This is an acceptable alternative
And so was this.
The Python has a smooth action, great single stage trigger, and it is accurate. This is not a rifle, it does not have an optical sight, I am not shooting with a rest, I shoot off hand, so I cannot shoot to the capability of either a Python or a M686. At some level, the pistol is either "accurate" or it is not. And it has to be pretty bad not to be accurate.
I consider this good.
I was able to buy back an early M686, one that has the firing pin mounted hammer. This is the only stainless S&W with a blue finish that I have seen, and I wanted it.
Based on my experience, and that of others, Colt revolver lockworks will get out of time well before the S&W will. It all has to do with the timing, a Colt locks up as the hammer falls. And that cylinder hand/cylinder ratchet system will in time, be out of order. When Colt stopped working on Pythons, that was when I stopped shooting the thing.
This is an acceptable alternative
And so was this.
BobWright
Member
Here's my take on the Python vs. the Model 596:
I was shooting a ruger Blackhawk at the time, and had a pet load using the 173 gr. Keith SWC over some healthy charge of Hercules 2400. Then I got a Colt Python and took it out to the woods for some long range plinking. Loaded th Python and noticed the bullets poking out the front of the cylinder. Couldn't shoot my favorite handloads! When the S&W 586 came out I bought one, a 4" gun, then a 6" gun. Liked the Smith so much better got rid of the Python and never regretted it!
Incidentally found out later my loads wouldn't work in the vaunted Model 27, either.
Bob Wright
I was shooting a ruger Blackhawk at the time, and had a pet load using the 173 gr. Keith SWC over some healthy charge of Hercules 2400. Then I got a Colt Python and took it out to the woods for some long range plinking. Loaded th Python and noticed the bullets poking out the front of the cylinder. Couldn't shoot my favorite handloads! When the S&W 586 came out I bought one, a 4" gun, then a 6" gun. Liked the Smith so much better got rid of the Python and never regretted it!
Incidentally found out later my loads wouldn't work in the vaunted Model 27, either.
Bob Wright
Jim Watson
Member
Yeah, ol' Elmer designed bullets for .38 and .44 Specials.
Original .357 Magnum cylinder length was no more than .38-44 HD so Sharpe pattern bullets in factory loads were seated deeper in longer cases.
Python likewise.
Looks like cylinders on big Colts, SAA and New Service, were long enough for about any bullet of the day, it took Smith until Model 19 to catch on. I wonder why they did not update Model 27 to match 19, 29, 57, and 686.
Flatbush Harry
Member
I picked up a NIB 6" nickeled Python made in 1978 three years ago for $2,000. I couldn't bring myself to shoot it as I knew that I would reduce its value by $500 or so with the first shot. I sold it a year later for $3,100. I rarely shoot my S&W 686 as my woods carry gun is usually my S&W 629. The original Pythons would get out of timing after extensive use and also suffer from trigger stacking in DA, but they are prized and hence highly priced by collectors.
As a side note, I had broken a finger and a metacarpal in my shooting hand nearly 20 years ago just before I was taking a CCW class in CO that involved shooting, so I bought the 686 to use with target load .38 spl. to ease the strain on my hand as compared to the 1911 in .45ACP that I used to carry in another state. I really like the 686 but prefer to carry a SC semi-auto now and have recently gone to a Glock 43X. In nearly 40 years, I have never had to draw a gun and hope that I never do.
Harry
As a side note, I had broken a finger and a metacarpal in my shooting hand nearly 20 years ago just before I was taking a CCW class in CO that involved shooting, so I bought the 686 to use with target load .38 spl. to ease the strain on my hand as compared to the 1911 in .45ACP that I used to carry in another state. I really like the 686 but prefer to carry a SC semi-auto now and have recently gone to a Glock 43X. In nearly 40 years, I have never had to draw a gun and hope that I never do.
Harry
SwampWolf
Member
Is the cylinder on the "new" Python any longer than the one on the original?
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