Try to keep it between these two examples. 6 inch blued Python or 4 inch stainless 686.
Just imagine they are exactly the same price and you had a whole safe full of semi automatics and wanted to add on just one revolver. Again try to keep it between these two, which one would you take?

At current market values, the Python. Then I would sell it, buy a S&W 686 and pocket the extra $1500 or whatever. If they were worth the same, then the S&W 686. More everything available for those.

For me, it would depend on the intended use. Theoretically speaking, would either be for keepsake, range or carry? The 686 is a workhorse meant to shoot and carry. The Python is...well, it's a Python. It has more 'investment' potential.

The Colts are a little prettier, but the S&W actions are more durable in my experience. If the guns were worth the same money, the S&W would be the better pick to me.

I think he is making the supposition that the two are in this scenario, of equal financial value. Clearly this is not the case, but if I’m not mistaken, the op is asking which revolver you’d rather have for its own unique characteristics.

I’d choose the GP100

If I was buying one just to shoot, not worried about the value, it would be the 686.

686 for me too.

686

I prefer the 586 cause it is not too flashy and have it
Colt are more if an investment but that is for younger folk.

Back when they were a lot closer in price, I had that option. I think I owned four or five Pythons over the years. I was determined to appreciate all the praise the Python got.

I never did. The python trigger feels mushy and stagy to me. A Smith feels crisper.

A good Smith all day long for me.

Credit to the Python for appearance and history though. It’s a beautiful gun. I still own one, no intention of getting rid of it.

It would definitely be the 686. The Smith can be a range toy, a BBQ gun, or carried for self defense. There is decent after-market support, and I wouldn’t worry about scuffing it up. Plus, I would imaging it is easier to find a gunsmith who can work on the 686 then it is to find someone who can work on the Python.

I generally like the mid to shorter barrels, unless dedicated hunting revolvers. The 4” barrel is about ideal.

I did just buy a 6” S&W Model 57 in 41 Mag though. It was local & the price was right.

I've always wanted a Python so I would choose the Python.

quote:

Originally posted by APSAbner:
At current market values, the Python. Then I would sell it, buy a S&W 686 and pocket the extra $1500 or whatever.

My thoughts exactly.



Also, this... no bueno.

^Yeah I’d take the McCormick too if it could fit it in my pocket.^

I kind of figured most people would take to Smith And Wesson. In my own scenario I would too. I just don’t think anything about the Pythons justify their current value.
I find it interesting how most of us would pick the 686 if they were the same price yet so many people keep on paying the big bucks for the Pythons.

Python, I simply think having a Colt is cooler than a Smith.
I've always wanted a Trooper MkV.

Of the two, I'd rather have the 686. But I'd rather have a Model 27 than either of those.

A six-inch blued classic over a four-inch something I can get any day of the week? That's not even a question, IMHO - Python, without thinking twice about it.

686

I own and shoot both. I have always liked S&Ws better then Colts. But I really like Colts also. I think if I was planning on shooting it a lot with heavy loads, I would go with the 686. But for just occasional range use I would be hard pressed to decide. If you can find a Python right now for about what a 686 costs, you should jump on it.