S&W 686 V. Colt Python .357

[Biomortis]

Now that I've spent some time with my new 686-4, I am wondering if there are any aspects of the Colt Python that warrant the high prices I see on them. I haven't had the chance to fire a Python so I don't have any first hand experience with one. Is it just because Colt no longer makes them?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Dragman]

If you handled a python you would understand. the action is the most amazing feeling thing ever! it isn't just the name

[sniper58]

If you handled a python you would understand. the action is the most amazing feeling thing ever! it isn't just the name

I'll second that! I own a 586 (blued version of 686) and the action can't compare with the Python, even with some time at the gunsmith.

[Old School]

I had a Python back in the 70's and the action was fantastic. I had a 686 until a couple of months ago and it was a very good weapon but it was no Python.

[OldVet]

Plus they don't make them anymore. Why? I don't know. Colt just gave up in the revolver market.

[Dragman]

Plus they don't make them anymore. Why? I don't know. Colt just gave up in the revolver market.

They still make single actions just no doubles.

[vietnamvet66]

It was once said " There are not enough oooooooo's in smooth tho describe the action of a Colt Python".

[Dragman]

All this python talk makes me wanna dig one of mine out! Anyone wanna buy one????

[Old School]

All this python talk makes me wanna dig one of mine out! Anyone wanna buy one????

Maybe. PM descrption and price.

Thanks.

[gasmitty]

Plus they don't make them anymore. Why? I don't know. Colt just gave up in the revolver market.

Cost of production was just too high. The 1911 autos were treated to new tooling in the early 90s which greatly reduced the need for lots of hand fitting, but the market for wheelguns was in steep decline by then and it wasn't worth a similarly large investment.

[LanceORYGUN]

I'll second that! I own a 586 (blued version of 686) and the action can't compare with the Python, even with some time at the gunsmith.

That is not at all true or accurate. The action on the Python is not inherently superior to that on the 586 or 686.

Workmanship and finishing on the Python was indeed far superior. All of those master gunsmiths that worked at Colt assembling the Python are long faded into history now, however. a lot of handfitting and other skilled labor went into making the Python. Colt is now only a shadow of the handgun maker that it once was.

A good gunsmith can indeed get a Smith's action to an equivalent level. Even Smith and Wesson's own Performance Center can do wonders for a Smith's action if you ship it back to the factory and buy their $155 Master Revolver Action Package and have it done to your S&W.

And there is a whole slew of talented, top notch gunsmiths that will do a fantastic trigger job on Smiths.

I had a S&W 65 that I had the S&W Master Revolver Action Package done to, and they gave its trigger a buttery smooth, very clean DA pull. Far, far superior than the DA pull that my Python ever had. While my Python had a fine SA trigger pull, its DA pull was very ordinary and plain in quality.

I don't have either of these guns anymore, however. Sadly, I sold my Python long ago during my divorce, when I was really hurting for money. Probably the most foolish mistake that I have ever made. Certainly the worst mistake I have ever made buying or selling guns.

And I gave my S&W 65 to my son just a few years ago, for his 21st Birthday. He liked shooting the gun so much, that I figured it would make a great present, which it did.

.

[glockman10mm]

I have had both, and the early guns are very nice, no doubt. But I do not see enough ooooooo or ahhhhhs to justify the price. If you want an investment piece and collect, you cannot go wrong, other than that, I'll take the Smith. I also did not really care for the cylinder latch, it has to be pulled back to release the cylinder instead of forward.

[Coltman 77]

It was once said " There are not enough oooooooo's in smooth tho describe the action of a Colt Python".

Very true.

The Python is the Holy Grail of revolvers, IMO.

I love S&W products and own a few but even with "action packages" or other mods. they just can't hold a candle to the Python.

It's a real shame the "Old School" gunsmiths are gone.

Here's a picture of my Python for your enjoyment:



I take it out of the safe and to the range about twice a year. It is a superb revolver.

[swiftyjuan]

I have a Python, a Bill Davis competition model 19 S&W, a 586 and two 686's. The Python is by far the smoothest action of the lot, and Davis's work is superb, but the Python rules!

[Biomortis]

My 686 must have had a trigger job then. At no point does it catch/snag/drag in double action, just silky smooth butter all the way with very little force required to do so. In single action, its not so much a pull as a "think about squeezing the trigger" and its enough to fire. I do understand the concept of high quality hand crafting though so that makes sense to me in the price difference.