Python to look at, Smith 686 to bet my life on.

^*^686

I'd pick the better gun. The 686

Had both, still have the Python.

Python, nicest trigger out of the box, hands down.

Any time you can get a Python for the price of a 586\686 you should jump on that like free money!

I've had a half dozen 686 models over the past 20 or so years. They all shot fine & handled very well, excellent trigger/action on most of them.....satisfactory in all respects.

They also took the very same speed loaders as Python. They all served me well. They all found new homes sooner or later.

I've had a 4" nickle Python for nearly 40 years.
Despite fascination with a gaggle of 686 & a 586, the Python remains resident.

arc is right. No way the price is gonna be 'the same'.

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. If they were worth the same, then the S&W 686. More everything available for those.

Here too.

I've bought and sold 4 Pythons. I have three 686 and matching 617s. There are just so few Python smiths out there.

For a shooter get the 686. For a collector get the Python. If you want both get the Python if it's a reasonable price and then continue your search for a Smith .357, they're out there. I recently found a hardly used Smith M13 4" to go with my 3". It was the last issue before the lock.

I like both and I have snubbie versions of both. But for me Python no question.

The Snake

I didn't want a Python when they were $600, why would I want one now?

The 686 is twice the gun the python is. The 686 is more durable by far.

Colts will have their price drops just like Winchesters did. There is really nothing special about the snake guns.

If both regularly sold for the same price, I'd take the 686. I much prefer S&W lockwork over the Python.

I sold a Python not htat long ago. I don't think the market for them is what people think it is.

When i carried a Model 19 for a living, my Lt. was always trying to get me to trade it in exchange for his Python.

It is REALLY hard for me to make this a simple 'pick one' choice.

When there is a difference in finish as well as barrel length, and an unclear understanding of what the purpose really is- then it isn't simple.


Based on what you state, it seems you want it because you want a revolver- not that you will use it for nightstand or carry/defense.



For me, the barrel length indicates different roles, and the length would determine my choice.


That said, I would plan on sending any Colt OMT/OMS/OMM/Python/Trooper [original] to Frank Glenn in AZ to have him do a trigger job and clean up any timing issues.

If it were a S&W, I'd have someone go through it to polish/fit the internals to smoothen the action. Well, I'd do it myself- as I did with my S&W.

IF you are more a fan of semi-autos, the price is the same [and is at an appropriate price for S&W 686- not inflated], I'd go with the Colt- and then just get it tuned.

S&W are easy to find, and just work well. But, they aren't a deal you can't find again. Colt Pythons at S&W 686 prices are a deal you may not see again.


BTW, keep an eye open for a Colt Model 357 also- the pre-Python .357mag. Same action/frame, with different barrel and finish. Made from about 1953-1961. Should be cheaper than a Python, but shoot about as well. A sleeper.

686, It's easy to do your own trigger job, a few swipes with a arkansas stone, new springs and a bit of lube and your set. plug the lock though. and there's a new mount for the aimpoint acro for S&W.