[labratDiZ]

I have a 6" 686-4 with a gunsmith tuned trigger. Just heavy enough to ignite factory primers (not just Federal). I just got a new 6" Python but haven't fired it yet.

Initial impressions of the trigger feel are pretty much what everyone else is saying. Even with the trigger tuning, the Python is better in DA while the S&W is way ahead in SA. I don't much care for the Colt grips, too wide at the bottom, but the S&W has on Ahrends round-to-square combats which are very ergonomic. We'll see once I'm done crafting some elk stag panels + a Tyler T Grip for the Colt.

I will post again once I shoot it, but the new Python is really beautifully crafted. I love all my old S&Ws and Colts! I WILL buy a new PC627 when I get the chance, but this Python feels and looks like a future fav!

 

[waltesefalcon]

I won't be buying a new Python or a new S&W. It's not that I think they are necessarily inferior, it's just that I prefer the old guns.

 

[NewPythonfan]

I’m fortunate to have a modern 586 Classic (purchased last year) and a new Python and thought I would give a brief rundown between the two based on my own observations.

View attachment 719318

The trigger is one of the biggest differences that I’ve noticed. The Python has an incredibly smooth double action pull but the single action pull is heavy. The S&W is the complete opposite with a double action pull with considerable stacking but a hair trigger in single action. I find this ironic when looking at the hammers on the two. The Python has the iconic, wide target hammer that is easy to get to. Meanwhile the 586 has a small nub hammer that makes single action seem more like an afterthought.

View attachment 719319
The grips are another difference. The Python has thinner laminate grips and the S&W has wider full grain grips. The S&W also has sharper checkering that gives a better purchase

View attachment 719320
The rear sight is another difference. Colt kind of dropped the ball on this one. The windage is non click adjustable and has to be locked down with a small Allen key after you zero it. Not a dealbreaker though, once you lock it down it seems to stay and you shouldn’t have to mess with it again. The S&W is click adjustable like the older pythons and has a white outline.

View attachment 719323
The Colt did a nice job on the recessed crown. S&W made no attempt on the 586.

View attachment 719326
The fit and finish is excellent on both of these quality revolvers, but I have to give a slight edge to the Python. The machining on the crane and frame matchup is impressive compared to the 586. Although, I will say that Smith and Wesson has done a good job on the polishing and bluing. Something that Colt seems unwilling to even attempt these days.

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In closing, I love both but prefer the Colt. The double action trigger is something to behold. Also, the classic lines on the Python just draw you in. The Hillary Hole in modern S&W’s is also kind of a killjoy. I would be interested in hearing the other members observations between modern Colts and S&Ws.

I own those very guns. I bought my Python (along with my Delta Elite) in Dec. 2021. I got the S&W 586 the following February. I wanted a pair of contrasting full size .357s and I've the look of both guns. They both have a rugged, rustic look to them like guns right out of the old west. As far as the action goes the 586 is stiffer with DA and especially with the hammer pull. Single action feels virtually identical to me. I'm going after the 4 inch Python next and then the 3 inch whenever they release it. I want the set.

 

[khe sanh]

3 inch whenever they release it.

You're late to the party, already released!

 

[BusaDave]

Cannot run fast enough to Give me a modern S&W.......

 

[khe sanh]

Cannot run fast enough to Give me a modern S&W.......

Hillary hole?

 

[Arman4461]

Wonder why some of the Airweights come without the crooked Hillary Hole, while the stuff I like, such as the M66 ported have that lawyer’s bunghole?

 

[DarkLord]

I have one modern S&W, my 617 and it has been an absolutely outstanding revolver. Its nothing to look at, but it shoots very well, and it has a wonderful trigger, both DA and SA. I'll end up giving it to my son because I really just don't shoot it anymore.

As for modern 686 vs. Python, its Python for me.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Wonder why some of the Airweights come without the crooked Hillary Hole, while the stuff I like, such as the M66 ported have that lawyer’s bunghole?

Do any J-frame Smiff & Weasels have the Hillary Hole? I can’t think of seeing one…not that I follow them. If they don’t, it might have more to do with lack of space within the small frame for the mechanism than anything. Considering S&W’s trying to curry political favor at the time it seems if they could have added a lock they would have.

 

[Flashbang]

I like the fair review.

I have the new 2020 Python 6 inch but no 686 to compare.

I have compared the new 2021 Anaconda with my Smith 629-8.

Some of my findings.

I feel the actual trigger is much better egornonmicly on the Smith.

The Anaconda and Python finish is far superior than the Smith 629.

As others noted DA trigger pull is is heavy on the Smith, lighter with minimal stacking at the end with the Anaconda and Python.

SA trigger Smith is lighter and crisper.

The rear sight is a sad after though on the Python and Anaconda, with no white outline, no click windage, poor sloppy fit, and requires two tools and loctite to adjust.

Smith factory wood grips fit me much better than Colts thin wood factory grips.

The front sight on the Python and Anaconda is a much better design than original, however Smith got it right with tool less changes.

The Anaconda has a considerably longer cylinder than the Smith 629.

The Python, oddly has a extremely short cylinder.

Even though these two were not meant to go head to head, if one can not afford or get a Anaconda, the Smith 629 is on par for half the cost and just as accurate for me.


Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

[khe sanh]

Do any J-frame Smiff & Weasels have the Hillary Hole? I can’t think of seeing one…not that I follow them. If they don’t, it might have more to do with lack of space within the small frame for the mechanism than anything. Considering S&W’s trying to curry political favor at the time it seems if they could have added a lock they would have.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Thanks...can't think of ever seeing a J-frame with the lock...just another reason why I like Colts and any S&Ws I own are prior to that era.

 

[Hanshi]

My only Python is from the 1970s and my 686 is from the mid 1980s. They compare well in about every category I can think of. Both are super accurate, balance very well in the hand, easy to adjust sights, divine trigger pulls and were super good values when I bought them. The thing is that the Python is arguably the most beautiful revolver ever designed. The 686 is lovely in appearance, but the Python is in a class by itself. The only competition the Python has as far as looks are concerned, IMHO, is the blued 29-2 6-1/2" barrel. I've yet to lay eyes on the 2020 Python but the pics I've seen look good.

 

[RickS]

I’ve been on the fence about the new Colt Python. I have owned half a dozen or so that were made between 1959 and 1984ish. I had one 4” from 61 that Colt refinished in Royal Blue about 15yrs ago that was amazing. Had another 4” from 1970 or so that went back to Colt to be re-plated. So I have an eye for the gorgeous original lines of vintage Pythons. I disagree that the new ones look exactly like the old ones because they don’t. I do however like the look and I would say the spirit of the old Python lives again in the new guns.
Have the initial production issues on the new Pythons I’ve seen in the many YouTube videos been resolved? Has Colt made the necessary changes and nailed the problem down? If the new gun is reliable and if it can run with Smith’s and Rugers without getting quickly out of time or anything then sign me up for one! I don’t currently own any old Pythons, and the utter lack of factory support for vintage Pythons means if I did own one I would never shoot it. A new factory Python that works good with factory support and even some Custom Shop options is great news.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Have the initial production issues on the new Pythons I’ve seen in the many YouTube videos been resolved? Has Colt made the necessary changes and nailed the problem down? If the new gun is reliable and if it can run with Smith’s and Rugers without getting quickly out of time or anything then sign me up for one! I don’t currently own any old Pythons, and the utter lack of factory support for vintage Pythons means if I did own one I would never shoot it. A new factory Python that works good with factory support and even some Custom Shop options is great news.

The initial problems were resolved early on but the power of the internet made it seem the problems were more widespread and worse than the reality. The numbers of affected Pythons were small...particularly in light of the numbers produced. The problems shouldn't have happened to be sure...and if you purchased one it was a big problem...but corrections were made and made quickly.

 

[Rojo27]

Have a DOM 2020 S&W 686+ & DOM 2021 Colt Python.... At the time the S&W could be acquired in the low to mid $700's. As we know, take a little effort but new Python can be found at MSRP or even a little better and go up from there $100 to $400 or more. Between the two specimen I own there is no comparison between which is better. Not even close. Don't misunderstand, I appreciate having both and not getting rid of either. They will have very different uses for me. Be that as it may, as far as side by side comparisons... Colt is significantly better across the board by wide margin in almost every category. Fit, finish, attention to detail, quality of materials, workmanship, refinement, OEM grips (although both have been changed to something I liked better), action, tooling marks, design, etc... Colt wins by large margin. Just an aside here, but the stainless finish on my S&W 686 looks like it was brushed with a brillo pad in the factory. At that time you could by two 686+ for the price of the Python. Although now that gap closed considerably as you won't find that same 686+ for less than a grand in my area.
As different as the price was and still is between the two models; when comparing the two side by side there is absolutely no question as to why or what substantiates the disparity in cost. The difference is easy to see.

Having come this far with the new Python wasn't about it leave it at that, so off to the gunsmith it went to address that SA trigger and the S&W+ got to go as well cause it needed A LOT of help to get to be a top shelf shooter. After trigger & action job plus re-crowning the barrel the S&W really is an EXCELLENT shooter now.
The one area the S&W 686+ hands down beat the Python from the jump is the extra cartridge; 7 round cylinder vs. 6 round cylinder.
Not trying to run the S&W 686 down, as stated earlier wouldn't get ride of mine for nothing. In it's own right for what it is and how I intend to use it, it's a fine & useful tool. I'd trust my life to it now. No offense to those who lover S&W and or use them in competition. Just trying to my perspective on a side by side comparison.

 

[Fowler]

Colt all the way and no locks like SW . New Smiths not made as well.

 

[khe sanh]

no lock B.S

Called the Hillary Hole Lock, S&W started using on revolvers in 2000.

 

[Surf]

replace the factory springs in the 586 with some quality springs like from Wilson Combat one can a bit different but just as good double action as the current Python.

 

[JOG]

Old guns are best in my opinion. No sleeved barrels or hillary holes for me.
I like Pinned and recessed Smith's very much!
As far as Colt revolvers go, I only have SAA revolvers.
When I find the right Colt Double action at the right price Ill jump!