Colt Python 4" and S&W 686-4 6" serial# help and pics

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Ninjato

New member
Hello, I am new to this forum. I have been mostly a 1911 shooter (.45acp) but recently caught the revolver bug.

After reading many threads, I narrowed it down to and luckily came across a used COLT PYTHON 4" and a S&W 686-4 (7-shot) 6". I couldn't be happier :cool: :cool: :cool:

Can anyone help me date these serial #'s? Thanks.

PYTHON: K40573
686-4: CBZ9626
 
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Python K40573 was made in 1981.

The year started off at K16266, and by year's end was at K75747.

Sorry, I don't have S&W numbers.
 
Thanks guys. I am having a lot of fun shooting these 2 revolvers. I can't do more than 100 rounds of magnums at a time though. It just beats up my hands too much. Shooting .38sp/+P+ is much more enjoyable as well as "handlelable" more on par of a .45 which I am very accustomed to.

The aiming feels a little different and I can't seem to shoot as accurate with either revolver as I do w/ my .45 1911. I also notice that between .357(Federal 158gr JSP, .38+p+ 110gr JHP, and regular .38sp 158gr JSP, the trajectories are slightly different when I tried to sight the revolvers in sandbagging it. It may be me but the 158gr .357 and 158gr .38sp hit within 1.5" yet the 110grJHP +p+ shoots 1-2 inches lower. I wanted to ask if you just compensate or readjust your sights for each particular round you shoot? I am sighting my sights to zero at 15yrds. Is this too close? Do you recommend to zero sights in at a greater distance?

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I usualy sight the revolver in with the bullet weight I am going to shoot most of the time. Heavier bullets will as you have learned shoot higher most of the time. Sound like you have picked up two great wheelguns and they should be as accurate if not more so than your 1911 once you find loads they like and put in some more trigger time.
 
Ninjato
Why not shoot a mild target load in the Python.
If you handload you got it made. If not buy some 148gr. target loads.
You will enjoy shooting that buttery smoooth python sooo much more than anything.
Nice picture!
 
Michaelm45 : Ninjato Why not shoot a mild target load in the Python. If you handload you got it made. If not buy some 148gr. target loads. You will enjoy shooting that buttery smoooth python sooo much more than anything. Nice picture!
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I shoot normal .38sp 158gr for regular target plinking. It works out. I finish out my practice session w/ a box or two of magnum 158gr.

I got lucky and the action on both guns are amazing. SA especially. 2lbs maybe. Single action on the 686 "rolls" and before you know it, the trigger breaks whereas the Python stacks up just a little bit where I can pause for a second. DA on the Python is about 7.5 to 8lbs and the DA on the 686 is about the same maybe a little heavier. They both shoot really nice and it is hard to discern the differences. Nevertheless, both DA on these is MUCH better than the DA on my PPKS :barf: .

The Python used to be blue and the previous owner had it stripped, re-finished/polished and hard chromed...then he sold it to me for $850. The 686 was used "never fired" from an estate that I got for $450.
 
That's a mighty steep price for refinished Python. I've paid that for NIB late 1960's model that didn't even have a turn line.
 
Majic : That's a mighty steep price for refinished Python. I've paid that for NIB late 1960's model that didn't even have a turn line.
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Too late to do anything but shoot it now :cool: :cool: :cool:
 
You have a very interesting pair of guns. I would be interested to know which one you prefer. It will take a while to be sure and I hope you post your opinion sooner or later. It is a long standing point of issue and many of us have tried them both and decided. Looking forward to the outcome.
Can't say much more, don't want to prejudice the decision even if I believe expensive crap is still crap.
 
Check around for used Python prices. I would buy any NIB Python for $850 if I could find one.

Three years ago I paid $650 for a 4" chromed Python with aftermarket cocobolo grips. Guy was getting divorced (#3) and needed money. A month later I paid $700 for a 6" stainless (same gunshop, estate gun). Found the same gun in another shop for $1100 a month later (Passed on it :p ). This was in NY where prices tend higher for handguns.

Most used Pythons I have seen lately go for $800 or more. And do not seem to lay on the shelves for long! Here in PA they go quick.

You did OK. The guns shoot well and look good too! :D
 
Can't say much more, don't want to prejudice the decision even if I believe expensive crap is still crap.
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HAHAHAHA......as Charlie Daniels used to say "One man's loss is another man's gain"

Both gun shoot well...very well as a matter of fact and the 4" Python is remarkably accurate, more so than I expected. The action is so smooth and effortless, SA breaks w/ just the thought of shooting. The 686 is a little heavier and your middle finger takes the brunt of the weight. Shooting .38sp out of both guns feels like I am shooting 22mags. Suprisingly, the Colt handles perceived recoil a little better than the 686 but that may be a subjective issue.

The orange tab on the 686 sights make it easier to aim and the heavy lugged barrel helps steady my arm better.

Guns are like guitars (I have 18 guitars). Some brands fit a person better than others. I wouldn't buy a Rickenbacher but I'll buy a Gibson any day.

Right now as an "everyday" range shooter, I prefer the 686 w/ the 6" barrel. I am waiting for HOGUE grips for the Python. I don't really like the way the original walnut grips feel.
 
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