Opinions, please: Smith & Wesson 586 vs. Colt Python (nickel, 4" bbl, .357 magnum)

[Collects]

Smith & Wesson Model 586, 4" barrel, nickel plated, .357 magnum/.38 Special caliber (photo found online)



Colt Python, 4" barrel, nickel plated, .357 magnum/.38 Special caliber (photo found online)


How does a Smith & Wesson Model 586 compare to a Colt Python (assume the same barrel lenghts, caliber and finish).

Accuracy?

Reliability?

Fit & Finish?

Durability?

Trigger pull (DA and SA)?

Balance?

Perceived recoil?

Availability of parts?

Difficulty in repairing?

I have never handled a Python; I have handled (but not shot) a S&W 586. The S&W has an excellent trigger, both SA and DA.

To an untrained eye, the S&W 586 and Colt Python look much alike. They are both attractive six-shot SA/DA large frame revolvers, chambered in .357 magnum/.38 Special, both with 4" barrels, both nickel plated, both wearing wood stocks. Of course, the S&W 586 cylinder revolves the wrong way, and the S&W cylinder latch operates backwards.

Money is not part of the question. The Python costs quite a lot more than the S&W 586. I took finish, barrel length and caliber out of the question. Let's make the S&W pre-lock, so the S&W internal lock is not part of the question either.

Another way to put it is: If one does not want to (or cannot) spend as much as is necessary to purchase a Python, is a S&W 586 a good "replacement" for the Python?

Let's start the opinions flying! Toss in some facts, if you have some to support your opinions.

Please don't flame me. A LOT of you guys own S&Ws as well as Colts ; some of you own Glocks!

This is NOT a Chevy vs. Ford debate. Chevy is far better than Ford; Always has been; Always will be. Case closed.

[Coltlover]

Another way to put it is: If one does not want to (or cannot) spend as much as is necessary to purchase a Python, is a S&W 586 a good "replacement" for the Python?

If you just want a shooter, and money is a problem, then yes, the smith will get the job done.

[targetshootr]

Since neither is still being made, at least without a lock, you should also consider the GP-100. The Ruger Dept Of Nice Looking Lines isn't in the same league as Colt or Smith, but lines can be modified.

[dfariswheel]

In order:
Accuracy?
The Python wins hands down. The Python was the most accurate DA revolver ever made in America with a good Dan Wesson up there too but not consistently.

Reliability?
Same. Revolvers do fail but not often.

Fit & Finish?
Python hands down. The Python was intended from the get-go to be the finest quality DA revolver ever made in America and it always was. It was truly a hand built revolver, and built by Masters.

Durability?
Same/Python with an edge. Both are strong revolvers, with the Python having a slight edge because of it's off-set cylinder locking notches and high grade forged frame. In practice, you really can't pick one over the other since no one with a brain shoots super hot loads from a good revolver.
Like an expensive sports car, the Python does need routine maintenance occasionally. This may mean a re-tune or replacement of a hand or bolt. Grant Cunningham addresses this on his web site.

Trigger pull (DA and SA)?
Python for the best SA pull. The Python's SA is legendary. The DA pull is a matter of personal preference. Many people prefer the S&W pull, but those of us who "grew up" on Colt's prefer it.

Balance?
Since S&W copied the size and balance of the Python as closely as they could get away with, it's a wash.

Perceived recoil?
Same. Depending on the grips used, some people think the Python's original Target grips tend to roll in the hand more. Custom grips like the Hogue cure this.

Availability of parts?
S&W wins here. The "L" frame is still in production and many parts still interchange. Finding nickel parts is tougher, and components like barrels and cylinders is iffy in both cases.

Difficulty in repairing?
S&W again wins. Most any competent gunsmith can repair a S&W. For the Python you need to go to Colt, Cylinder & Slide Shop, Grant Cunningham or one of the few people who really understand the Colt's.
Fortunately, Colt will be repairing Pythons for many years, and I suspect that like Jack First, Colt may start to produce spare parts.

[y2kdon]

Not sure exactly what you are driving at with your questions. Some of them are rather subjective. But overall, I have to agree with targetshootr. While I love my python, if I could only keep one pistol from my collection, with the thought that I might have to bet my life on the choice over multiple scenarios, then it would have to be my GP100. Its more accurate than I can shoot. I've put more than 10,000 rounds thru it since I bought it new in the late 1980's. I've never had one seconds trouble with it except when I put too many rounds thru it without proper cleaning. I have abused this pistol in that respect, and it will still go several hundreds of rounds of cast lead before grunge builds up enough that I am forced to clean it. DA trigger pull not as smooth as the Python, but not bad either. SA pull is pretty good....I've never owned a 686, although I have shot one. I have previously owned a 629 (.44) and a 617 (.22 on 686 frame), but traded both of them off for Colts.

[gvf]

There a BIG + with the Python: appreciation. And for that you don't have to park it in a safe wishing you could shoot it. Unless it's NIB, (in which case which you could consider not shooting), go ahead and use it. It will still appreciate. (For the same reason if you want one look around awhile, local gun stores etc. Some of the prices on auction sites are nuts).

[MarkMeyer]

Having both (sort of... one 686 Smith and two blue Pythons and a Stainless Python), I'd say that if you intend to shoot it lots, go with the Smith.If it's for a long-term safe queen, go with the Python.Over time, and if fired the same number of rounds, the Python is bound to be more high maintenance with regard to timing. Plus, if you're going to shoot it a bunch, I'd rather put wear on a $500 pistol than on a $1200 pistol because you'd be burning up less value over time.The correct answer, of course, is "get both". One thing though; if you hold the Python up to your ear and listen carefully as you slowly cock it, and feel and hear the silky smooth sound of butter, you'll probably buy the Python.

[ralph7]

Smith & Wesson Model 586, 4" barrel, nickel plated, .357 magnum/.38 Special caliber (photo found online)



Colt Python, 4" barrel, nickel plated, .357 magnum/.38 Special caliber (photo found online)


How does a Smith & Wesson Model 586 compare to a Colt Python (assume the same barrel lenghts, caliber and finish).

Accuracy?

Reliability?

Fit & Finish?

Durability?

Trigger pull (DA and SA)?

Balance?

Perceived recoil?

Availability of parts?

Difficulty in repairing?

I have never handled a Python; I have handled (but not shot) a S&W 586. The S&W has an excellent trigger, both SA and DA.

To an untrained eye, the S&W 586 and Colt Python look much alike. They are both attractive six-shot SA/DA large frame revolvers, chambered in .357 magnum/.38 Special, both with 4" barrels, both nickel plated, both wearing wood stocks. Of course, the S&W 586 cylinder revolves the wrong way, and the S&W cylinder latch operates backwards.

Money is not part of the question. The Python costs quite a lot more than the S&W 586. I took finish, barrel length and caliber out of the question. Let's make the S&W pre-lock, so the S&W internal lock is not part of the question either.

Another way to put it is: If one does not want to (or cannot) spend as much as is necessary to purchase a Python, is a S&W 586 a good "replacement" for the Python?

Let's start the opinions flying! Toss in some facts, if you have some to support your opinions.

Please don't flame me. A LOT of you guys own S&Ws as well as Colts ; some of you own Glocks!
;
This is NOT a Chevy vs. Ford debate. Chevy is far better than Ford Always has been; Always will be. Case closed.

you are ok in my book.

[mafd2]

I have a few 586's and are great shooters. The 586 compares more to the King Cobra or Trooper MKV than the Python.

[Kid Sopris]

There is No right or Wrong answer here...BUT it is the Colt Forum,....