Both really good guns. The Python has a stacking D/A pull, which will feel odd to a Smith guy. Yet, the Python locks up 100% tight, while the Smith allows a little rotational play in the cylinder by design. Smiths are generally easier to tune and lighten the pull, but there is simply no arguing with the quality, precision and now collector value of Pythons. If you can find an affordable Python, why not?

 

I own a couple 686's and I prefer the action and feel of the Python over those.

 

My first revolver was a S & W model 19 with tt,th, wos. I shoot that very well. I purchased a used Python and I shoot that better, smooth trigger pull and great lock up.

Buy one if you can.

Craig

 

I have/had the same question, so ..........

 

I've owned a Smith & Wesson 686 Plus for years. I've tweaked the trigger as time went by and now it is a fabulous and accurate revolver. I only recently got my Colt Python. The Python is also accurate but the stock trigger is a bit heavier compared to my S&W Model 686 Plus. Of course it is understandable and it will take a bit of shooting with the Python before I really get used to it. For now my favorite gun to shoot is the S&W Model 686 Plus.

Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk

 

I guess it all amounts to how much you shoot and how good a shot you are. The Python will probably have an edge on the range, but the S&W will also have very good accuracy, it will hold up to just about everything you throw at it, and it won't wear as quickly as a Python. You won't cry if you scratch it either. I'm perfectly fine with my 686, it shoots better than I do and it's built like a tank. If I were a better shooter I would probably look at a Python, but chances are that most people won't perform better regardless of the gun. Most of the accuracy is in the shooter, but if you're chasing those last fractions of an inch you need a gun to match your skills.

 

A 586 vs. King Cobra ,might be better comparison.

But P&R Smith Model 19 vs. comparable year Python- have both; keeping and using both....

 

I was Spoiled early.

My First handgun when I turned 21 was a brand new Python

I Have Had Model 19's, 586,686's..... Sold them all.

The Only other 357 Revolvers I Have Kept have been Dan Wesson 15-2's.

The Smith's don't do well for me, but the Wesson's do.....

 

The Only other 357 Revolvers I Have Kept have been Dan Wesson 15-2's.

The Smith's don't do well for me, but the Wesson's do.....

Wessons rotate to the right, and lock up like a Python. The tensioned barrel certainly doesn't hurt.

 

Colt Python vs. S&W 586

They are both great guns but my vote goes to the python, just so much smoother. The 586 4 inch is my first wheel gun, but the python is just exquisite.

 

I have had both but not at the same time. But in having a 6” Trooper MkIII, and a 6” Python
At the same time.... honestly my
Trooper shot every bit as good as my Python. Eventually I kept the Trooper, and traded the Python off on something else.

 

Both great revolvers for sure. I can’t say one ☝ s more accurate then the other. I prefer DA better on S&W. I spend more
time looking then shooting so Python wins. LOL.

 

If you want to do some serious shooting with the gun that involves magnum ammo, I would choose the 586, an older one from the '80s though. That gun will hold up much better to extensive shooting, especially if you get a Python with cylinder collar design. From my observations of S&W and Colt revolvers, Colt V springs start wearing out quicker and easier. I rarely see any of the mechanical integrity signs on a S&W that I see on Pythons.

Accuracy won't be much of a factor for most people, as both guns can probably shoot better than most. Ruggedness has already been discussed. So it comes down to how much do you want to pay. A nice 586 probably under $1K, a nice Python probably about $2K-$2500 unless you really know what you're doing.

Comes down to personal choice. I had this same dilemma when it came to my magnum carry gun. Could have had a like new 686 2.5" for $800, but ended up going with the LNIB 2.5" Python for multiple times more because I simply prefer the action design and can tune it better. Ended up getting a gun that had schmucks working on it and they fudged a bunch of stuff up. Good thing I can repair myself, so you have that to worry about with Pythons too, paying large money for a gun that needs repairs if you want it to really run.

My thoughts. (if you asked this on the S&W forum, it would have been an overwhelming 586 choice, so it sounds like you want a Python because you came here.)

 

Hi everyone, i'm new to posting but have been lurking for awhile. A lot of good info from the folks here. This is an interesting topic and I've gone back and forth with this. Both perform well on the range but I've always liked the look of the Python better. I imagine it's because of the vented rib and a blued finish that's 2nd to none. I'd say if you can why not own both. As mentioned earlier a 586 manufactured in the 80's will be a quality piece. As everybody knows a nice Python will not come cheap.

 

I also have both. I like the look of the Python over the Smith. The action if you tune both guns will have different feeling on them but I like the Python action over the Smith it is a tighter lock up. The price well that is no discussion since the python is going to run you more. The finish between the two well we all know the Python has it over the smith. Durability well that I have to go with the Smith, I think they are made to take the punishment more and you can do so without worrying about hurting the value. The Python is more accurate but nothing for any average shooter to be able to gain an advantage from. Smith is easier to repair over the Python which people should take into consideration. Parts are available and they are drop in with maybe a little fitting on the smith. The Python well unless you really know what your doing you will not be able to repair it and you will need a competent gun smith to fix it. I love a Python just as much as the next guy but if I was just a regular guy who wanted the best bang for the buck and less hassle with repairs if and when the time comes, I would buy a S&W. I know I shouldn't say this on the Colt forum but it's my honest opinion. I am a proud owner of 8 Pythons so I am not putting it down.

 

Why not compare the Python to a M-27 or a pre-M-27?

 

Frame sizes make them apples to oranges. Whereas the L frame is a straight competitor to the I frame, and why holsters will fit either make.

 

M27 is a good revolver but that HUGE gap from the front of the cylinder to the front of the frame window is aesthetically
very unappealing the M25 in 45 ACP is even worse.

 

I own more smiths than I do colt. Along with that I was a armed guard for 35 years where we had our choices of colt op`s, ruger speed six`s and smith 586`s all in 4"s. With me, I had a old model 4" colt trooper of my own that I carried the most.
I was pushing the company rule on it but got away many years at it. I put on some service grips from one of our OP`s on it so most wouldn't bother noticing it unless they focused on the fact it had a adjustable sight and target hammer in my holster. That one I shot the most and knew it worked, not trusting the luck of the draw on many company guns floating around.
Our colt OP`s were the lightest and most compact of the three so when I wasn't carrying my Trooper I always tried for a OP.
I will say the rounded butt service grips on the speed six felt the best in my hand. I never was in love with the huge target grips on my Smiths and have smaller service style grips on them. I own two old model 4" Troopers and two Pythons but seldom shoot or carry the Pythons. Probably because my trooper or M&P is close to the same gun, lighter and less expensive to worry about scuffing up. They all will do the job. I also own a smith 5" model 27-2. Every option plus my name engraved in gold on it but I haven't shot it or carried it in close to 25 years. Hid in the back of the safe. Why? Because it weighs about 30% more than it needs to. I mostly did my yearly qualifying with it. The gun with my 5" smith 27-2 is a model 29-2 (44 mag) pretty rare in 5". The first picture with the group of smiths, the old M&P top right is actually my carrying favorite on most trail rides and my bedroom gun.

 

I own more smiths than I do colt. Along with that I was a armed guard for 35 years where we had our choices of colt op`s, ruger speed six`s and smith 586`s all in 4"s. With me, I had a old model 4" colt trooper of my own that I carried the most.
I was pushing the company rule on it but got away many years at it. I put on some service grips from one of our OP`s on it so most wouldn't bother noticing it unless they focused on the fact it had a adjustable sight and target hammer in my holster. That one I shot the most and knew it worked, not trusting the luck of the draw on many company guns floating around.
Our colt OP`s were the lightest and most compact of the three so when I wasn't carrying my Trooper I always tried for a OP.
I will say the rounded butt service grips on the speed six felt the best in my hand. I never was in love with the huge target grips on my Smiths and have smaller service style grips on them. I own two old model 4" Troopers and two Pythons but seldom shoot or carry the Pythons. Probably because my trooper or M&P is close to the same gun, lighter and less expensive to worry about scuffing up. They all will do the job. I also own a smith 5" model 27-2. Every option plus my name engraved in gold on it but I haven't shot it or carried it in close to 25 years. Hid in the back of the safe. Why? Because it weighs about 30% more than it needs to. I mostly did my yearly qualifying with it. The gun with my 5" smith 27-2 is a model 29-2 (44 mag) pretty rare in 5". The first picture with the group of smiths, the old M&P top right is actually my carrying favorite on most trail rides and my bedroom gun. Edit: Just my opinion, on both the 586 and 4" Pythons I never really cared for the ejector rod housing sticking out needlessly farther than it needs to all the way out to the end of the barrel. Thats why I like the old model Troopers and Smith 19`s. I worked many 16 hour shifts and am fat to start with.

 

I have had both, and the 586 was one revolver that I personally could not hit the broad side of a barn with if i was standing inside it. My friend who is goofy-foot (or southpaw if you prefer) could punch the eyeballs out of a flea with it at any distance up to around 50M. His groups would open up a little the further down range he went.
I could shoot my Python with great accuracy and confidence, right alongside. I once hit 5 out of 6 4" clay birds on a berm at 96 paces with it. I routinely ring the gong at 65 yds with my son's .45. ( but not with mine?....go figure.)
I traded the 586.
I reckoned the revolver was one that would not go on target well, but it did group fairly well.
In November, I had opportunity to re-acquire a 586 that the seller had shot a few times, with excellent results.
What I can do with it still remains to be seen, but I am optimistic.
I am hot to get some good performance out of it.
The Python was and is the easiest handling, best shooting, most accurate .357 in my pile.

These are them.

 

The Smith & Wesson L-Frames (586 and 686) are really great guns but the Python is hand tuned from the factory and out of the box a smother trigger mechanism than any Smith. Accuracy is the shooter. The cost value of the Smith's are certainly cheaper than the Python, which give them a boost for a shooter but the Python is a collector since they are no longer being made, I've carried a Python for years and only changed over to a Combat Commander 10 years ago and now the Defender. I would pit the Python against any other revolver for both smooth operation and accuracy - in my opinion - but then, I bought they Python when they were still producing them and during the '70's they weren't that expensive!

Al

My Python and my Smith

686 and my old issued Smith

Model 65 SAPD.

 

I've never owned a S&W L-frame but understand the reason behind them...to build a stronger frame that won't have the issues the K-frame did with steady .357 diets. Not only did Smith do that...they also felt the need to copy the Python profile to give it some more class and maybe make potential buyers think they had a pseudo-Python. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

While I've never felt the desire to own a L-frame Smith, I've owned several K-frames along the way. The only one I still own is a Model 19-4 which is the first handgun I ever purchased. I had a police trade-in Model 10HB which I should have never sold...as smooth as a revolver could get. I was issued a Model 64 for most of my time as a law enforcement officer...I specially selected it when a new shipment of revolvers came it...it was the most accurate out of the box of any. It was an outstanding revolver.

Where the rubber meets the road...I could shoot the same scores with that Model 64 on the range as my Python...the Python grouped a bit tighter but the score sheet was the same...I never shot less than 295 out of 300 with either...and with the Python I shot 300/300 five times consecutively.

 

I have a S&W 586 that has been a pretty good performer but have never had a chance to get my hands on a Python. Anybody have both and can give an accurate assessment as to which one would be the better performer?

Welcome to the Colt Forum and, above all, thank you for your service!

We had this discussion, a while back, but it involved a Korth .357 vs Python if memory serves. I was a range safety officer for many years back in Texas and shot a variety of .357 revolvers, including the Korth, the S&W 586 and 686 and Pythons.

The two largest variables were barrel length and loadings. A small group of us settled on specific loadings for each gun; 4, 6 and 8 inch barrel models. The 8 inch barrel guns did not always win the competition. That surprised me. My S&W 627 would routinely out-shoot the Korth. The 586 and 686 with like barrel lengths would shoot nearly identically but not as accurate as the 627. The Python 6 inch model out-shot them all, including its 8 inch brethren. Call it being more familiar and comfortable with that particular firearm but the results were always the same.


S&W 627:

Pythons 4 & 6 in barrel:

 

What about "none of the above?"

It's the front-heavy full-lugged barrel that puts me off of both the Python and the L-Frame Smith & Wessons. Still like to take the Python out to the range for exercise on occasion.

Truth be told, the N-Frame Smith & Wesson Model 27 (and Model 28) are personal favorites with K-Frames running a close second and that the Colt 3 5 7 being very close as well as it offers the best of the Python without the clumsy full-lugged barrel.

Only personal opinion.

The .357 Magnum revolvers currently on hand.


A "late addition" acquired after the first photograph was made.

 

the Colt 3 5 7 being very close as well as it offers the best of the Python without the clumsy full-lugged barrel.

That clumsy full lugged barrel is partly responsible for the great accuracy due the treatment they received during production. However, I agree with the barrel heavy nature of them, including the S&W models.

This is why Colt should have never quit hollowing the underlugs in '67. Have you ever felt a Python, 4" or 6" barrel, with the hollow underlug? I had a '64 nickel Python with 4" barrel and that thing balanced great and wasn't muzzle heavy at all because the hollow lug. I'm sure the 6" benefited from that even more. Alas, it was a way to cut cost, along with many other small details they gave up around the same period.

I like to stick with 4" or 2.5" barrel Pythons for duty, but the 6" or longer for hunting. Still wish the 6" and longer had hollow lugs. It doesn't matter on the 2.5" models though, which I really love as an overall duty/combat piece.

 

I own 1 python and 4 686’s. While I admit the older Python is a thing of beauty and craftsmanship. I’d rather have the 4 S&W in each of the barrel lengths than 1 python with money left over for ammo. I’m a shooter and not a collector so I’m looking at the most bangs for my buck. Pun intended

 

I own two Pythons, 1 in .38 special with the 8" barrel and 1 .357 with a 6" barrel. I shoot my 6" 686 and look at the Pythons.