S&W 686 and Colt Python

4

4thHorseman

New member
I have taken both revolvers to the range before, but never at the same time until today. I always knew the Colt Python fired well and I thought the S&W was pretty close to the same feel. After firing the guns one after another, I realized quickly the Python out performed the S&W hands down. The feel, the action, the pointing abiltiy all were much better. I would suggest anyone unsure of what to get, to try this challenge.
 
Greeting's 4thHorseman,

I tested several NIB Colt Python's, Smith & Wesson
19's, and 2X S&W 686. All functioned flawlessly, and
all shot really good groups. But, if I had to stake a
claim as to what was best; I would have to give the
edge to the 6" model 19's.:) Using handloaded .38
Special target loads, I felt real good about the group
size and feel of the S&W model 19's. Sorry, but I don't
recall the exact measurements; for that was over 15
years ago!:eek: :D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
I also have a 686 and a Python, both in the 6-inch barrel length. They both seem quite accurate to me, but I have never taken them both to the range at the same time. I would have guessed that they were about equal.

I think the way to really run this test is to use a very solid bench and fire the guns from rest, to take the shooter's ability out of the equation as much as possible. It may also be that different types of ammo would affect the outcome - the 686 might do better with one ammo, and the Python with another.
 
If the action on the 686 felt inferior, it means the Python had a better gunsmith work on it. I have tuned up the pull on my 686 to about 5.5# (DA) and the pull is absolutely smooth and seamless. I've seen triggers that good on Pythons as well, but the 686 has one of the best actions around (a lot more sturdy than a Python).
 
686 accuracy

"use a very solid bench rest and fire the gun from rest, to take the shoooter's ability out of the equation as much as possible"

I have done exactly this with many of my handguns when I wanted to know the accuracy potential of a certain load. With my own 686-4 I had settled on Hornady 158 XTP and Winchester 158 JHP for the bulk of my 357 loads. I was able to produce good accuracy results from offhand shooting . So , I decide to mount a Redfield 4X scope and see what the handgun could really do.

15140644.jpg


Both targets were shot at 25 yards - the first is a 6 shot group , the second is a 12 shot group.I was satisfied that my 686 was accurate enough with either load - if I missed shooting offhand it was no fault of the gun or load! There might be Pythons out there that shoot slightly better but for my purposes and for the price I paid - this 686 would be hard to beat! Even with a complete action job this 686 would be hundreds less than a Python.

I owned a Python 4" in the 80's that was made in the 70's. A beautiful revolver but I could not shoot it nearly as well as my 686's I owned at the time so I ended up trading it. Being a used gun - I am willing to admit that something may have been wrong with the Python.

The only 357 that I ever owned that will outshoot my 686 is my 10" TC Contender single shot.
 
:eek:

In the mid 80's I had a 686 (no dash) and a Python, both 4"ers and new when I bought them. Both were great.

The Python's blued finish was fantastic and its' trigger great. The Smith had a really good trigger and "felt right".

Both were more accurate then I was, and had the same practical accuracy.

I have to say both are great, and you can't do wrong with either. I wish I still had them.
 
I've always wanted a python 4", or a 686 (No dash) in 4" , but mostly I just can't seem to find one when I could afford it.
 
Python only a pretty face

I also have a 6" Colt Python and 6" S&W 686. The Python has a beautiful finish but both the DA and SA trigger pulls are better on the S&W. I find the SA pull of S&W revolvers consistantly outstanding.

I'm also not impressed with the habit of the Colt Python to get out of timing.

Rich
 
I shot a stock 686 regularly for 10 years and had access to a friends Python and shot it quite often during the same time. The Python looked better in terms of fit and finish, but that trigger while smooth, stacked like crazy in double action compared to my 686. I'm not sure that is a common term, so I'll say the trigger got stiffer and stiffer as you pulled it back, whereas the 686 required a constant pressure through the course of the double action pull, and gave up nothing in smoothness. I'll take the Smith any day.
 
I dry fired a python a few times and it does have a wierd DA pull, kind of like it was on a gear cog that was missing a few teeth (make any sense??). I thought it was normal for the pistol, some fancy way to make a target pistol. I have 4" 686, but I have to say that a python looks better (and costs twice as much :( LAter.
 
Stock Pythons do stack in DA pull towards the end. Some premium action tunes (not all) will eliminate this. Two come to mind: Reeves Jungkind in TX and Walt Sherman's roller action in FL.

From what I can gather and from my experience if similar quality tunes are done on S&W K/L frames and Pythons the double action will be slightly less in the Python and the single action less on the Smith. The Python has a larger hammer arc than most modern revolvers so can be lightened more all other things being equal. In my case I had a roller action Python of Sherman's along with his roller action tuned Smith (his roller action sear retains single action capability). The Python had the lighter action when both were setup to fire magnum primers reliably.
 
I have owned both. The Python certainly has a certain "class" about it, but in reality the 686 shot just as well. Watch-Six
 
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