The Python is absolutely the nicer gun but is it worth the extra $500 or so? Would the option for 7 shots sway you over to the S&W?
I'm looking to purchase soon.
I'm looking to purchase soon.
Help me decide 686 or Python?
- Thread starter Podmonkey
- Start date
kev74
20×102mm Vulcan
Is it for carrying or for playing?
For carry, I'd go with the 686. For range play, either. I am partial to S&W though.
Unless you're looking at used, price difference looks to be $200-300.
For carry, I'd go with the 686. For range play, either. I am partial to S&W though.
Unless you're looking at used, price difference looks to be $200-300.
Hochulsucks1234
.357 mag
While I admire Colt revolvers and own a couple myself, when it came to the big frame models I went with S&W. They are not as aesthetically pleasing as the Colts, but they are functionally just as good, perhaps better in some areas. I prefer the grips of the 686 / 629 and the cylinder release is a better design IMO. I got a 686 plus which holds 7 rounds where with the Python you are limited to 6.
Bustedknees
.308 Win
Yes.
This would be for range use and I suppose as a house gun too.
I've fondled and shot both and I think the Python is better, everything is tighter and the trigger is lighter and smoother on the Colt. The Colt is also sexier. But I am also something of a a capacity min-maxer and 7 over 6 rounds is appealing, as is coming in under 1k for the S&W.
Another factor is that S&W's QC has gone to shit. I recently purchased a 340PD which had to go straight back to S&W before I even shot it for a major mechanical defect. Beyond the initial teething problems Colt had with the new Pythons I haven't heard of any issues with em.
I'm not very fond of Colt's cylinder release in the other hand and now that I think about there is an ongoing issue with the rear sight on the Pythons being somewhat flimsy and coming out of adjustment under fire. On the other hand the Python does have an easily replaceable front sight that requires only the loosening of a hex screw to remove as opposed to needing to drift a roll pin and drilling tge new sight for the 686 and thus is something I'd likely be doing as I really like a fiber optic front post for range work. My 340PD has a green fiber optic sight and it works great, really draws the eye and it's very easy to place it on the target.
I've fondled and shot both and I think the Python is better, everything is tighter and the trigger is lighter and smoother on the Colt. The Colt is also sexier. But I am also something of a a capacity min-maxer and 7 over 6 rounds is appealing, as is coming in under 1k for the S&W.
Another factor is that S&W's QC has gone to shit. I recently purchased a 340PD which had to go straight back to S&W before I even shot it for a major mechanical defect. Beyond the initial teething problems Colt had with the new Pythons I haven't heard of any issues with em.
I'm not very fond of Colt's cylinder release in the other hand and now that I think about there is an ongoing issue with the rear sight on the Pythons being somewhat flimsy and coming out of adjustment under fire. On the other hand the Python does have an easily replaceable front sight that requires only the loosening of a hex screw to remove as opposed to needing to drift a roll pin and drilling tge new sight for the 686 and thus is something I'd likely be doing as I really like a fiber optic front post for range work. My 340PD has a green fiber optic sight and it works great, really draws the eye and it's very easy to place it on the target.
I'm not that well heeled and I'd rather spend any further revolver funds on a .44.
I figure if I can handle .357 loads out of the 11.8oz 340PD I may as well get a .44 at some point.
627 over both
Good point. Nevertheless I feel like I should get a more basic bitch blaster before exploring S&W's PC offerings. I still fancy the 627 snubby. Looks like a gun out of Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Maybe I should look into an R8/TRR8 also. But the guns are hard to find and I'd like to give my LGS tge business and my local guy says he has a hard time getting ahold of those Performance Center guns. Then again I really don't want to mess around with moon clips and I have heard of problems with light primer strikes when loading without moon clips in the S&Ws from more than one source.
He needs a better distributor. My LGS got one on the way a day after I asked for it. The 627 with the 5 inch barrel was pretty easily obtained.
I'm sure your right but that's what I'm working with. This shop has helped me out several times now with shipping guns out for me at minimal charge, just what the shipping costs would be. That is a major convenience for me and they have been very accommodating in the past with seven other things so I'm inclined to just work with whar they can get for me for this purchase.
Good point. Nevertheless I feel like I should get a more basic bitch blaster before exploring S&W's PC offerings. I still fancy the 627 snubby. Looks like a gun out of Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Maybe I should look into an R8/TRR8 also. But the guns are hard to find and I'd like to give my LGS tge business and my local guy says he has a hard time getting ahold of those Performance Center guns
You guys are all wrong. If you can't decide, just buy both.
Personally I would buy the python first. I think it's sexy and if I am buying a revolver it's not to carry it's to be awesome and that fits the bill.
Personally I would buy the python first. I think it's sexy and if I am buying a revolver it's not to carry it's to be awesome and that fits the bill.
FRANKIE
.308 Win
Not trying to spend your money,
Python.
But I must say the 686 is definitely on par with it
Python.
But I must say the 686 is definitely on par with it
Podmonkey. I'm an old bullseye target shooter and a revolver guy. I've had both. The 686 was a 7 shot, with a 4" barrel. The trigger was better and the accuracy out of my old hand was also better. I also had a new model Python, 6 shot, with a 3" barrel. I had a problem with the rear sight, it did not fit the revolver properly (I found a lot of talk about this problem, on the internet, after I bought it.) I solved the rear sight problem, with a $100. rear sight from Wilson Combat. I was annoyed that I had to modify a top of the line, expensive revolver. It was a good shooter after I fixed the rear sight problem. With the proper holster, the Python carried better and closer. The three inch barrel probably was the difference in carrying and accuracy. I carried either or in an outside waistband leather holster, as my winter carry. I believe that shot placement beats quantity of lead, down range.
For bullseye shooting, I also had a S&W model 14 with a 6" barrel and a Colt Officers Model Match with a 6" barrel. Both, 38 special. The 40 year old Colt OMM is the predecessor to the Python and the quality and precision is incredible. These are not carry guns, though. I think Colt lost their way to getting here. As far as what I think you should do. Get both. For target shooting get the Smith 4", for winter carry get the Colt 3". The Python has a certain WOW factor, it's awesome. I can open carry at my local private range, and it gets a great reaction from the locals here. It's only money and you can't take it with you.
For bullseye shooting, I also had a S&W model 14 with a 6" barrel and a Colt Officers Model Match with a 6" barrel. Both, 38 special. The 40 year old Colt OMM is the predecessor to the Python and the quality and precision is incredible. These are not carry guns, though. I think Colt lost their way to getting here. As far as what I think you should do. Get both. For target shooting get the Smith 4", for winter carry get the Colt 3". The Python has a certain WOW factor, it's awesome. I can open carry at my local private range, and it gets a great reaction from the locals here. It's only money and you can't take it with you.
Far king
.357 mag
I voted for the python but if I wanted a 357 with a 4 in barrel I would probably opt for neither and choose the new S&W model 19 classic.
S&W Fan
.450/400 Nitro Ex
The next revolver at the top of my bucket list is a 3” non fluted cylinder 686 + Having said that , if I had the extra dough I’d love to get the equivalent Colt revolver.
Parzival
.357 mag
A nickel model 27, new Smiths are blah…
FRANKIE
.308 Win
“Great balls of fire” on that 3”
Xae289
.223 Rem
Screw 'em both – S&W 629 vs Colt Anaconda.
Either one of those is on the list for after the 686 or Python. 629 if I go with the 686 and Anaconda if I go with the Python
218bee
.44 mag
Can’t speak to Colt revolvers , but my first handgun was a 6” S&W 686 back in the 1980’s when they were 6-shots . Got into reloading and stopped counting at 10K rounds through that 686. Gotta have 12K through it the more I think about it. Granted most were downloaded, but I did shoot alot of factory hot 357’s as welll. I remember using that 686 w/double-ender reloads to shoot out birthday candles at 50’ ( off a sandbag.) That revolver was still tight and accurate as hell when I stupidly sold it. I would look for an older 7-shot model 686 in nice shape. Doubt you’ll wear it out .
JaguarJaguarGolf
6.5 Creedmoor
Revolvers? S&W.
1911’s? Colt
Semi-autos. Glock
1911’s? Colt
Semi-autos. Glock
I'm tell8ng you guys if you handle a new Python alongside a new 686 you will immediately see a quality difference. The Python has better machining and tighter fitment and the trigger is excellent, very smooth and actually pretty light for a double action. I'm just not sure if I want to pay a $500 premium for it. My LGS is quoting $1,500 for tge Python and $950 for a 686 plus. They have a 6 shot 686 in stock for $850. The S&W is still a fine gun........provided the QC on whatever particular gun is good. It's a shame that is a concern for S&W products now.
S&W Fan
.450/400 Nitro Ex
Go check out the 6 shot model that they already have in stock and decide from there. One extra shot either way really isn’t going to matter in the grand scheme of things.
I handled a Colt Python on Tuesday. It was nice, but not nice enough to convince me to leave with it.
Robin
.475 A&M Magnum
If they are makeing the Python as good as they did forty+ years ago, and having shot both, I would go with it hands down. Slickest double and single action revolver I ever had, right out of the box.
Robin
Robin
I have handled a couple of the new Pythons and they are but a pale shadow in comparison to my Python I bought in 1978. The 686 is a far more robust revolver that will outlast the new Pythons and, sadly, mine, too. Old Pythons are beautiful works of art. They just don't hold up as well as the L and N frame Smiths. To make matters worse, if you have an old Python that needs any gunsmithing work, finding a qualified, experienced gunsmith that knows how to work on one is becoming increasingly difficult. I would look for an old Model 28. I have one and they are built like a tank. Pricewise they are far less expensive that a Colt Python and a far tougher handgun. Of course, that's just my opinion and that and $2 will get you a small cup of coffee at the local gas station. Nothing says pistol whip quite like an N-Frame revolver.
I forgot- for Python money I can get a 586 L-Comp and have some bucks left over.
The 586 L-Comp is a 7 shot blued L Frane with a 3" compensted barrel. I belive tge 3" is the rifled portion with about 1/2" of compensator at the end so it's a tad shorter over all compared to a 4" model.
It's still just for range and maybe home use but I get a kick out of duty style weapons whereas dedicated target guns usually don't do much for me. .22s excepted, they aren't duty guns to begin with.
The 586 L-Comp is a 7 shot blued L Frane with a 3" compensted barrel. I belive tge 3" is the rifled portion with about 1/2" of compensator at the end so it's a tad shorter over all compared to a 4" model.
It's still just for range and maybe home use but I get a kick out of duty style weapons whereas dedicated target guns usually don't do much for me. .22s excepted, they aren't duty guns to begin with.
Having owned/owning Colts and S&W's I believe the S&W to be the superior product (new, current production) although aesthetically the Colt's have more je ne sais quo...I DO like Colt's, even though they've been mostly a shit show since the 80's at least until CZ took them over, and that remains to be seen.
I thank you all for your input and with each post I was going back and forth on my decision. However I now have a 586 L-Comp on order with my LGS. @S&W Fan will be gratified to know that my shop's distributor had 19 of that model in stock. Should be here by the middle of next week, street price of $1,310 which I don't think is too bad.
@Xae289 I suppose that if I am going like for like on a .44 Mag the companion to a 586 L-Comp would be a 629 Stealth Hunter.
@Xae289 I suppose that if I am going like for like on a .44 Mag the companion to a 586 L-Comp would be a 629 Stealth Hunter.
Last edited: