Buying my first revolver - Colt vs S&W

S

SirFlopALot

Inactive
I have a few automatics (9mm, .45ACP, .22LR) but have always wanted a revolver....I think now is the time to buy one finally. After considering a .44 I have decided that a .357 would be more appropriate for a variety of reasons. I plan on keeping this gun for a long time...I may buy addional revolvers later (maybe a .44) but won't sell this one. Since this may be the only revolver I ever own, I don't mind spending a little bit more money for it. Money is an issue, but it's not a big issue...you know?

So, I've narrowed down my choices to one of the following four .357 revolvers (in either 5" or 6" as available):
- S&W 627 Performance Center
- S&W 686
- Colt Python Elite (the newer one now made by the custom shop)
- older Colt Python (either NIB or nearly NIB)

I would appreciate any views on comments any of you have with regards to these guns. In particular I have these questions:
1. what is the difference between the 686 vs. the 686P vs. the 686PP?
2. build quality of Python vs Python Elite?
3. finally, which would you choose, and why?
4. any other .357s you would consider? ie,Dan Wesson?

This is a pretty wide range - out the door these are anywhere from $600 to over $1000 it seems...and while the 686 seems to be the best bang for buck, value is not really my number one priority, although it is important. I've also always wanted a Python.

Thanks for your comments!!
 
Your last statement may have summed the whole discussion up, "I've always wanted a Python." Go get one! Life is too short to regret not doing it, and prices on Colts seem to go up daily. Run, don't walk, to your nearset gunshop and buy that dream gun. Send us pics when you get it. :)
 
Thanks! Any thoughts on the quality/performance of the newer Python Elites vs. the older Pythons?

I have to admit that I was pretty set on a Python until I saw the S&W 627...8 round capacity is kinda appealing for someone coming from automatics :rolleyes:
 
maybe a colt king cobra?

Many years ago, I had a Colt King Cobra 4" in stainless. It was fantastic out of the box. Now I look back and wish I didn't give it up. Maybe I'll pick another up again, but if you can find one, That would be my suggestion.
 
If you can find a Colt at a good price go for it.But where I live you can buy two or more S&W 686s or one Colt Pyton.Most of the Colts are going for $1.000 and up should be able to find a used 686 for $400 new is about $700 t0 $800.
 
2. build quality of Python vs Python Elite?
3. finally, which would you choose, and why?
Click to expand...

Build quality of the Python vs. the Elite is not a whole lot. The main difference is one says Elite. All Elites were made in the Custom shop, and depending on how 'new' your old Python that you buy instead of an Elite, it may be from the Custom shop also.

The Python Elite is also a very delicate gun, well, I shouldn't say delicate, but it's definitely something you should baby, definitely not a holster/duty revolver.

I would choose an older Python that is in NIB condition. Mainly because the older ones seem (it may be just me) to be more rugged and the grips look better. You can get some good prices on 95% Pythons, I've been seeing them go on Guns America for as little as $700. But new in box, expect to pay more than 1k, especially if you want the serial matching box.

I recently bought one from http://www.classiccoltfirearms.com/doubleaction.html. I paid $1159 which included shipping. The dealer (Lee) claims he deals with nothing but excellent Colt firearms, and had almost 30 "100% NIB" Pythons.

I was a little leary, but paid with credit card so if I was screwed, just file a dispute, but he was correct, a 100% NIB Python, the cylinder didn't even have a turn ring, included all dated manuals, and serial matching box /styro insert for it. So check him out.

Just my thoughts... I'm not a S&W guy...
BTW, SirFlopAlot? Not John Kerry among our midst I hope..
 
For some, the quality of the Python has gone down so you might want to look at the used models rather than buy new. A 686 is great no matter what the age. I plan to get a snubbie version to go with my 4." :)
 
I've got the 686P and it is a great gun. I haven't fired a lot of guns so I can't compare it to a lot but I've been very pleased with it so far. Mine is the 4" version and it is very accurate. I picked it up new for $500.
 
There are a lot of really nice S&W model 28s out there in the $300-400 range. Excellent revolver for not a lot of money. I would look for a 28-2 'S' prefix. I'm partial to 4 inchers myself.

Richard
 
I personally would buy the 686 (not ported; it's just a .357). But I agree with the other advice to buy what you have always wanted - the Colt. If you buy a 686 you'll love it, but will still wish you had that Colt. Nothing can satisfy like that thing you've wanted forever.
 
Personally I was never attracted to the Python, but did own one as loan collateral for a year. This was a gun made in the late 70's and it was way more accurate than I could be and solidly built. But I just never liked that full lug barrel and vented rib.

You might find a Colt Trooper Mk III in good shape for half the cost of a Python. Wish I'd never sold mine.

Other guns I'd consider "keeper" guns for .357;
Colt Lawman .357 - 6-rd, 4" or 6" blue ($329-$425 used)
S&W 586 or 581 - L-Frame .357, 6-rd, 4" or 6", blue. 581 is fixed sights.
S&W 686 - L-Frame .357 6-rd, 4" or 6", Stainless.
S&W M27/28 - N-Frame .357 6-rd, 4" or 6" (M28 is matte blue finish)
S&W M19 or M66 - K-Frame .357 6-rd, 2.5", 4", 6". M66 stainless, M19 blue
S&W M13 or M65 - K-Frame .357 6-rd, 3", 4". Fixed sights. M13 blue, M65 S/S
Ruger GP100/GP101 - .357 6-rd, 4", 6" Stainless

Many of the S&W's are no longer made, however you can find them used and in NRA Excellent to LNIB condition for a good price.
 
auberg
Junior Member

Join Date: 02-13-2005
Posts: 1

maybe a colt king cobra?
Many years ago, I had a Colt King Cobra 4" in stainless. It was fantastic out of the box. Now I look back and wish I didn't give it up. Maybe I'll pick another up again, but if you can find one, That would be my suggestion.
Click to expand...

I did the exact same thing, same gun. I sold it to my brother-in-law. I miss the KC. I have a 6" 686-4 that's holding me over for now.
 
Thanks for all of your comments. :)

A related question - what are the main differences between the 686 vs 686P vs 686PP? I'm comparing 6" barrels and looking at the S&W site, it's difficult for me to differentiate between the 3.

Any opinions on the S&W 627 from the Performance Center? Why would S&W fit this gun with a 5" barrel instead of a 6" one?

Thanks! :)
 
586- blued 6 shot
686- stainless 6 shot
686p- stainless 7 shot (p= plus. or plus 1)
686pp -stainless 6 shot "Power Ported"

all are L framed revolvers and dimensionally the same. The weight variance is minimal between the 6 shot and 7 shot cylinders. 7 shot being lighter of course.

627 is a performance center special 8 shot designed for competition shooting. 5" I suppose for better handling than a full 6" and 5" for better accuracy vs a 4"
 
Here is an older Python

If you are willing to spend this kind of money on an older Python, I'd go for it. Some have quoted Python Elites as being as high as $1200-1500. The older ones apparently aren't quite that expensive.

Look at this one http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/c1946.htm
www.collectorsfirearms.com has several older Pythons of different barrel lengths and frame types (both stainless and blue finish) Go to their main website too and look at each of them. I've handled most of them personally and they all seem to be in great condition. Pythons have an excellent action to them, smoother than most other types of revolvers. :) The one you see in the picture is my personal favorate.

For any repairs you need, it has been recommended that the best place would be either the factory or pittsburg handgun headquarters.

If you want something at half the price and a good gun (though probably not the quality of the Python). I would go for the S&W model 19. http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/pr4459.htm
S&W produce good guns, though they are not hand fitted and don't have quite the accuracy as a Colt, but hey, most of the accuracy comes from you the shooter anyway. I own a colt but do fine using my mother and father's S&Wns at the range.
 
I had also wanted a Python for many years, but had just resigned myself to never being able to actually own one. Then, the "deal of the century" came my way, and I was able to pick one up for an absolute bargain. It's a 1978 vintage gun, and it's the pride of my safe. I've been in love with them ever since I first saw David Soul draw his Python from its holster on the original "Starsky & Hutch" show. Here's my baby...

ColtPython3.jpg


Here's my Smith 686, a little dirtier than the Python (it gets shot more, target was offhand at 20 yards)...

SW686.jpg


And, here's a Colt Trooper MKIII, vintage 1980...

ColtTrooperMKIII4.jpg


IMHO, the Python represents the Holy Grail of revolver collecting, and I must admit that I don't shoot mine much anymore. Most of my .357 shooting is divided between the 686 and my Ruger Security Six. Whatever you choose, you can't go wrong.
 
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