Best 357 Magnum Revolver: Smith & Wesson 686 vs. Colt Python
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- Опубліковано 28 сер 2024
- Battle of two middleweight medium-frame 6" 357 Magnum revolvers, the venerable Smith & Wesson 686 against the refreshed Colt Python.
There's is something inherently satisfying about revolvers.
We compare the ergonomics, trigger feel & weight, price points, and cool factor.
Let us know which one you prefer, or if there should be another contender!
Check out our team member's individual channels:
@Alcanmedia
@OdysseyToOpulence
@mikematheny2325
I go back to a period of police revolver use and competition long before the 686 came out in about 1981. If you don't mind, I'll give some information about the Python and 686 and how we chose between the two guns 40 years ago, and what has changed since then. The 686 was introduced along with a blue version called a 586, and two fixed sight versions for patrol officers called the 581 and 681. If memory serves, I paid $300 (police price) for my first 686 in 1981, which is a little over $1,000 in today's money. The Python was originally introduced in 1955, and was at first made in blue or nickel only. It cost $150 in 1955, which is about $1,725 in 2024 money. Stainless versions showed up in the early 80's.
Before the 80's it was the custom among police to practice and qualify with .38 Wadcutters and to then load up with Magnums for duty. Training doctrine changed about that time to advise cops who carried Magnums to train with them as well, and the K-frame S&W revolvers of the day we all carried were being damaged by a steady diet of the more powerful rounds. S&W introduced the 686, 681, 586, and 581 on a slightly larger frame, the same size as the Python (called the L-frame) to deal with this. Unfortunately, this gamble didn't really pay off for S&W because shortly thereafter police agencies began to switch to autoloading pistols. S&W then discontinued the other L-frames except the 686, and it has been a consistently good seller to the civilian market ever since.
At the time, police had a form of revolver competition that had to be shot double action with revolvers at distances out to 50 yards from a variety of positions, with timed reloads. As an aside, the most popular event was called the Distinguished Match. This is why the 686 was officially named the "686 Distinguished Magnum" when it was first introduced. In this game, which was the same course of fire we had to shoot to keep our jobs, most of us preferred S&W revolvers because they were a lot cheaper to buy and maintain on a cop's salary. But some really good competitors preferred the Python. Colt had made the Python with a 1:14 rifling twist which optimized the accuracy of the.38 Wadcutters we shot in competition. In addition, Colt also built a slight constriction at the muzzle of the barrel that gave better accuracy with this round. This twist rate and constriction is still built into the 2020 Pythons. Smith and Wesson used a 1:18 twist with no constriction optimized for jacketed Magnums. In practice, you needed a machine rest to tell any difference.
S&W had the advantage of a double action trigger that did not "stack" in weight as you got to the end of the DA trigger pull like the Python did. Python shooters, looking for every possible advantage would often send their Colts off to specialized gunsmiths like Reeves Junkind to have the "stacking" removed from their revolvers to make them feel more like the DA trigger of the S&W. Such an action job often cost more than the Python itself, so you had to be pretty hard core to do this. Also the original Python action was much less durable than the S&W, so if you shot one in competition, you usually had to have iyour Python re-timed every other season. The S&W was much easier to do action work on for trigger jobs, etc. and every gunsmith and most competitors could do the work themselves. Some guys, seeking the best of both worlds, would have a Python barrel installed on a Smith and Wesson frame and action. We called these guns "Smolts" or "Smythons". These are now collector pieces.
The good news is that in the 2020 release of the Python, they have redesigned the action so that it no longer stacks in DA, and no longer goes out of time in heavy DA use, while keeping their superior barrel design. However, the average shooter would be hard pressed to tell any accuracy difference between a 686 and a new Python. The 2020 Python now has a user-replaceable front sight that is easily switched out with an Allen wrench. I think the only real issue we have with the new Python is a very poorly designed rear sight that won't hold zero, but Bill Wilson will sell you a superior rear sight for $125. Problem solved. The Python now comes in blue finish as well as a matte stainless finish with rubber grips that can be had for about $200 less than the $1350 that the other Pythons seem to be going for.. You can get a new Python in 3-inch, 4,25 inch (legal in Canada, explaining the extra .25 inch), 5 inch and 6 inch versions and maybe some others I haven't seen yet..
The 686 can be had in six and seven shot versions and a range of similar barrel lengths to the Python, and is selling online from $800 to $950 where I shop, a little less if you are law enforcement. I think if I was planning hard use outdoors in tough weather, camping or hunting, I'd go with the 686. If the gun is to be a range gun and live in the safe protected, the Python is gorgeous and I think its worth the extra money, just on looks. I say this because if you scratch or ding your 686, you can polish it out by hand usually with the appropriate piece of Scotchbrite that costs a quarter. But if you scratch that high polish finish on your new Python, it will need to go on a proper polishing wheel and be fixed by someone who knows what they are doing to restore that mirror finish.
But you guys are right, you can't really go wrong with either one. Cheers!
That is some great history and context! Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us. Also thank you for watching our channel!
My first Smith was a mod 19 which was $110 in early 70’s,!still going. All the ones I knew that shot in the police leagues back then 95% shot Smiths. They were just better, the shorter hammer throw was a big thing. My K38 has had thousands upon thousands of rds and never once had to be repaired. Their double action can be lightened and their single action is hard to beat !
Amazing comment. I think the Smith would be better if you were looking to customize your revolver. So many folks who own the 686 seem to send it off for some kind of trigger work, and if you wanted to add a mirror polish job that matched the Colt's aesthetics then all told you'd probably spend as much as you would on a factory Python. That seems to be the appeal of the Smith - somewhat lower retail price, leaving you funds to customize and upgrade. And there seem to be lots of options out there if you want to go that route.
I got the 6” python a few months ago and love it. I upgraded it with Wilson sights before I even shot it. I put the gold bead up front. Last week I picked up the 3” Python for everyday carry. The 6” is my favorite still but the 3” has the perfect balance. After about 250 rounds in both my 6 and 3 are around 4lb single action and about 7 double. I have checked them a few times now. Right around 250 rounds both of them just freed up so much and are about identical. Now I am just waiting for Wilson to get more sights in stock of my 3. My step dad has a 6” 686 I like a lot and I almost got a 586. I am kinda glad I didn’t because I love everything about the python except the rear sight.
Get the 586-8 classic you will love it especially the stocks
The stocks on the 586-8 classic feel much better in the hand than the my python
Just ordered the 3" Python for EDC. I have the wilson rear sight to put on it when it arrives. Any complaints/recommendations around the factory grips with the 3"?
I feel like for the price you should get a revolver you love everything about. $1500+ isn't the price range of a pistol that comes with problems from the factory.
Anyone,who flicks the cylinder into the frame,has just told you,they’re, am idiot
Buy both. Problem solved. I own 2 686's great revolvers. Colt's are beautiful. Solid review men.
I have a 6" 586, with a trigger done by my younger brother (RIP). I much prefer it to any Python (I've owned 5 or 6 of them) because the Python trigger stacks and chances radically when the trigger is pressed. To me, the ideal revolver was the "Smolt". There was as time when really good gunsmiths could take a python barrel and fit it to a Smith and Wesson Model 19. They would then tune the 19 trigger if it needed it. Those things were tack drivers. There was another conversion that was popular called a Cougar. That, of course, was a Python barrel fitted to a double action Ruger Revolver. I never owned one of those, but my understanding was that they also were superbly accurate.
Having taken apart a new Python and a old Smith and Wesson, I think the engineers did a better at making the parts. The Colt has a lot of smaller springs and oddball parts that look like they would be failure prone. From a mechanical point of view, it's easy to make something complicated and hard to make it simple. Complicated things with more parts just don't last as long. Look at old cars versus new cars.
These things usually come down to personal preference. The "new" Python had problems when it was re-released and the sights are still a bit of an issue. Also, the cost of the Python is 1 1/2 times that of the S&W 686. The 686+ costs about $600 less than the Colt and it also has a 7 round capacity instead of 6 rounds, so that is a big benefit. Again, it mostly comes down to personal preference but they are comparable firearms with a big price difference. Nice job on the review, looking forward to some more of your videos.
I’ve always been impressed at the absence of over-travel in Colt single action triggers vs. S&Ws.
Regardless, no one can badmouth the S&W single action trigger pull.
Solid review. Especially like how you demonstrated the differences between the two.
The Colt Python is relevant to me because of the 1996 game Resident Evil, I played that game as a young lad and when I got that gun I was amazed by the fact that it would kill damn near everything in one shot😂
Hi JW, thank you for your comment, that was the first time that Pedro, one of our team also saw that gun. And he fell in love with the Beretta as well. He still plays the remake to this day 😅 one of the best video games ever.
Two questions - 1- Have you played the remake yet? 2- Do you still have the gun and shoot it ?
@@SmokinBarrelsShow yeah I love the remake as far as the gun I've never been able to afford it but my friends dad had one so I've at least had the pleasure of getting to shoot it😁👍
Actually fellas, The python locks up in 2 places, The cylinder stop as you showed and, where a pin locks into rear of the cylinder. The same can be said for the 686, which technically means the 686 locks at 3 places. The Ruger GP100 also locks in three places. However the Ruger locks the crane into the frame in front of the cylinder making it much stronger than the Colt or the Smith & Wesson. The Rugerr will start out more rough but once broken in will be super smooth.
The Dan Wesson has a front lockup. Back in the old days you could 'tune' a revolver by dry firing it at the bad guys on TV.... Not sure how many innocent TV's were murdered because of that practice.... but a few for sure.
@@doranmaxwell1755 That's true LOL...The last Ruger I bought was brand new and took a hell of a lot cycling, dry firing opening and closing and actual firing before it smoothed up. It was ridiculous! I wish they were still making Dan Wessons in 44 mag. They are supposed to be VERY durable.
@@drsmokeybones I suppose that they are. Mine is huge. I had a guy make a 5" barrel and shroud for it. It is extremely accurate. Only problem I have had with it is the single action got TOO light. that and it would skip a cyl... both related to one spring. Just like the Ruger all their guts come out the bottom. A feature I hate. It makes the DW almost impossible to work on for me plus... A smith? you can see what is going on with the sideplate off. Same for Colt more or less.
I have a 6" 686 plus and a 3" Python. I concur with your trigger assessment as well as most all your other comments. Good review.
I love my Smiths, my father has a Colt Python and original, and it is the Rolls-Royce the revolvers
I prefer the S&W over Colt revolvers in general for I feel that the trigger action travel is shorter and crispier. My 64-1, co.38 mb master piece 15-3, vintage chief special and 686 plus have superb trigger actions.
So it’s truly personal preference; however, in terms of value, the 686 is the better option. Regarding legacy/history, the Python wins. I love them both, but the 686 is built for more frequent range use, whereas the Python is a pedestal piece or special guest out to impress at the range option.
Yep.
Great review. I recently began looking at the 686 as a future purchase. I always dreamed of having a Python but that price is a bit harsh.
For the price the s&w performance center would be a better comparison. I had a colt king cobra way back, cylinder bind turned me into a smith fan. However colt python is very nice
Have both, what id take in the woods,686plus
Get the pachmayr grips. Game changer.
I'm trying to get a colt python in blue, I wish they had a 5" Barrel available, I saw on Wilson combat to get the Wilson sights, thanks for confirming that, I ordered the 6"barrel over the 4 and a half inch Barrel.
I say ordered, put a request in for thru cabela 3 weeks ago, still waiting for a response to.
Thanks for the info as I like Smith and Wesson also I have a 27-3 357 from 1976 with a 8 3/8 inch Barrel.
I agree with durability of Smith and Wesson, looking forward to owning a colt to find out about.
Thanks again for the info on the 686 and the python, personally my top 2 choices.
Thanks for watching our channel and the comment! Beautiful choice with the blued 6”. The new blued offering from Colt is so expensive though right? Keep us posted when you receive it!
I ended up with the colt. For a woods gun i wont be shooting in aingle action if i need it and the action on the Anaconda is the smoothest ive felt.
Thank you for the knowledge and wisdom.
Thank you for being a part of our community, please share with us if there are any topics you would like to see or guns for us to review!
The current street price in my state is around $1400-$1500 for the Python;
while the 686 usually goes for for $900-$950.
Although the Python is very nice; it's not worth 50% more than the 686.
Another Two PLUS' for the 686 is it offer in 6 or 7 shot;
and it has been produced in in 2.5", 3", 4", 5", 6", 7" and 8.75" inch barrel lengths.
Thank you for your comment, the best thing about these guns is that you have a lot of choices, given you can find them at your local shops because they sell out fast. But there is a lot to choose from within this niche!
If performance for your dollar is all you care about for a wheelgun in this class, the 686 and the GP100 are the only logical choices.
The Python isn't a good value per dollar, but it's still a good weapon.
I just bought the 686 Plus Decaux E 6" BARREL 7 SHOT
Make mine a 60s-70s Smith
I'd go 686. Better value for the money, and I like the S&W triggers. (My EDC is a Performance Center J-Frame.) That said, I'd be happy with a Python, too.
It's always a tough review when you compare a Smith and Colt. Full disclosure, I'm a Smith guy and I have a lot of them from the P&R days back in the 1970s. I have one Colt, a 4" nickel Python made in 1974. I'm in the early process of buying a 4.25" 2021 Colt Anaconda and the excitement level I'm going through right now is off the charts. I'm not too happy knowing when I get it, I'm going to have to get the WC rear sight and some Altamont wood grips. I can't stand rubber grips on a Snake gun. To answer your question about your review, this Smith guy chooses the Python.
The price point is alot different maybe compare the same price point
Great idea for a new video, for this one we thought about comparing two popular guns that have that cool factor.
S&W 686 are great but after -4’s I’ll just pass on the lock. I love my Python
My 3" Python functions flawlessly and is very accurate the way it came from the factory and would never concider install after market sights
I'm trying to decide between these two weapons. I like the 7 round option for the 686 as well as the push cylinder release but love the python look and double action trigger. My thinking is that I could always get the double action trigger on the 686 polished to smooth it out for less than the $500 difference in price between the two. I've got a diamondback from 1967 that is money. I think, practically, the 686 with a smooth trigger is the better choice and I could carry it as well in 3" which is the barrel length I'd want. Tough choice!
Hi Rob! (Ho here). If you plan on carrying it probably consider the extra round and durability of the Smith 686. The python is more showy and dare I say range toy in comparison.
@@SmokinBarrelsShow I've got the diamondback to drool over and while I REALLY want a python, I do want a winter carry revolver and you're right, 7 shots are better than 5 or 6. I figure I can get the 686 plus deluxe and have the trigger smoothed out for less than the cost of the python which I wouldn't want to carry for fear of losing it if I needed to use it for self defense. They are both great looking guns. That's for responding, Ho.
Odd how most of his complaints were directed towards the Python, yet in the end he prefers the Python. Is this a case of familiarity breeding contempt?
To say that we are not a little biased on the guns we love would be to lie… But still we try to be as objective as possible when showing the pro’s and con’s of each (in our opinion) so you can make the best informed choice. It’s like truly loving a family member with the good and the bad ! 😃
Have both and others,smith for me
Not really a fair comparison. The base model 686 does not have the finer improvements that a Colt Python has. A better 686 choice would come from the S&W Performance Center. Like maybe the PC 686 Weighted Comp. The price is more comparable. At least it would be apples to apples
Great video keep it up
Wilson Combat rear sight and trigger job to lighten single action...Colt is good to go
Colt #1
Colt all the way.
Let’s face it, we’re not Jerry Miculek so we look at, handle, and wipe off our guns more than we get to fire them so… Colt it is!👌
Excellent job on the comparisons. I didn’t know the Python had the rear sight issues. Looks like your 686 is the Deluxe with seven rounds. Is that the case?
its a 686 plus,they have 5inch barrel also
I traded my new colt python for a old smith and wesson 686-3 mint in the box love the old 686 much smoother than the colt
Your comment that the cylinder stop is the only thing holding the Python closed is not correct. Look at the rear of the frame and work the cylinder latch. There is robust steel stud that engages tightly into the center of the ratchet pad. But still, very nice overview and comparison.
The Python in this case is a much better gun. Some of the newer 686 models have a terrible trigger. I also had a newer 48 with a really bad trigger.
I sold off my new 686 and ended up with an 84' model. To me each revolver shown is wonderful in many aspects, but an old 686 has a magnificent trigger and a lot of soul
The muzzle of the new Python is not substantially different from the muzzle of the original Python.
U would think they would have fixed that rear sight by now
Doesn't the Colt have a ventilated barrel?
Hi Daniel, the Colt Python does not have a vented, or ported barrel. The S&W does offer some factory ported models. Or are you referring to the Colt ventilated ribbing atop the barrel that helps with cooling?
@@SmokinBarrelsShow Copy. I stand corrected.
686 is the better gun due to sights and reliability. I would also say the Ruger GP100 is better than the Python as well
Colt python 🐍 better
It’s one of our favorites too, the crew here is torn between the two.
Let's not forget the Ruger GP100.
Right on.
GREAT VIDEO! But, the best 357MAG is either a Korth Mongoose or Manurhin MR-73... Seriously, there is no comparison. I have both a vintage python and a new issue, plus 686-3 with a trigger job. Great firearms, but they are not in the same league with the aforementioned.
Good point @Rexbo! Maybe we should have relabeled "357 Mag for mere mortals". Coincidentally, we just saw our first Nighthawk Korth this week in person and it was a beaut! $6500 IIRC? :\
@@SmokinBarrelsShow Haha.. Maybe the 'best American made" 357? I certainly agree that they fit that bill!
Python and old S&W 686 are both great revolvers but not the newer 686 with the Hillary Hole and cheep pig iron hammer and trigger....
So the old S&W 686 can out-perform the newer 686?
I own both and Colt has em beat by a mile
Does Smith and wesson still produce the 686-6 plus for 2023. Thanks
Is the pope catholic
I just got the 5 inch 686-6 plus on tuesday
Had a new Python and it was TERRIBLE. Muzzle flip was extreme and hurt my wist/arm so bad that I couldn't finish six rounds in the cylinder! Traded it for a GP100 - best decision I ever made.
Not so silent majority, commented down below pretty accurately. It's all preference but..... The python cost a lot more, had reliability issues when it first came out, sites that you can't depend on being on and when you shoot it they drift? That's a lot of money to pay for sites that you're going to have to screw with eventually. Also the fact that they don't have 7 rounds capacity? Shit, Ruger has an eight-round 357. Also why buy a revolver if you're not going to use the single action? You prefer a 10-12 pound trigger pull with limited capacity and they're going to pay 1500 $2,000 for it? Also if the colt has a better double action trigger pull, ok. But that doesn't mean the 686 has a bad double action, in actuality it's extremely smooth. So I'll take an extremely smooth double action along with an amazing single action, versus a crappy single action and a slightly better double action. Also I'm going to come out and say it. The whole rib barrel look, does it for some people, but for others it doesn't. Although colts does Polish the triggers and hammers, 686 non polished trigger and hammer. Just my observations boys.
Almost buy two 686 s for one python
Get a better job
If you’re complaining about cost, you can’t afford one
I'll take the extra weight of the top rib, on the 686, which gives a little more help, when it comes to barrel jump!! Speaking from experience!
I prefer sw m27 classic over python but 686 s no ,
I cut my teeth on Colt SAA and similar so I am used to cocking the gun. I find that even when in a panic like a rattler 5' away suddenly just there? I instinctually just cock the hammer.
Smith❤
Making me feel old guys when you say the 686 is 'classic' To me? both the 686 and the Dan Wessons pretty much copied the Python 'look' and frame size. VERY glad you mentioned the idiot practice of slamming the cylinder home
Colts have a weaker timing system than Smith. You can work a double action trigger on the smith to lighten it. Shorter hammer throw on the smith. Most competitive shooters shoot smiths over colts for those reasons . Owned them both. Still have a lot of my smiths , no more pythons.
I’ve never watched the walking dead, ever!!
That's stainless not chrome..you should see mine after I polished it [python]
The rear sight is no good because it needed some loctite???
It's a metal friggin screw in a metal sight. WTF do you expect?
The way Colt machined the sight and the tolerances, the entire sight assembly fits loosely in the frame channel. Loctite can only do so much and hang on for dear life. If you don't believe us, check out the Colt owners forum. There are multiple threads and long discussions on how to get around the factory rear sight drifting.
5:05 ua-cam.com/video/cAIjBITZDA8/v-deo.html "That's what she said" :D
I had purchased the 6 inch 2020 python, worked great for 6 months then started getting the issues with it. Light strikes, etc. Then I purchased colt ammo to keep a higher grade round only and then had 2 squib loads! Man I was furious getting colt to do customer service. I ended up with a 1500 paperweight. do not BUY THE 2020 PYTHONS! save your money
Oof that's tough to hear. Ray's python is just short of 1000 rounds through and it's been great so far. So Colt customer service didn't help you out?
So, people should buy the 2020 and newer since they fixed all the issues right?😁
@@ahahaha5341 haha it's a 50/50 chance you get a good one!
@@carlosmondragon6639really depends when you bought it. The new new guns are supposed to be way more reliable than the ones which launched 3 years ago.
Aren’t Colts owned by CZ now
685.smith copied the python.why not.😊😊
Never seen an Asian cowboy before 👌
Why not include the Ruger GP100 in the argument? Built like a tank, shoots anything you load in it and much less expensive than either of the other two meaning more trips to the range!
Hi David! We agree, we need to revisit this episode and add the Ruger in. Maybe the Super GP to and match the price of the Python?
Colt = hipe and cool pretense over substanse
S&W is proven by time, has bankrupted Python once and will bankrupt Colt's snakes again after the pokemon generation gets tiered of cool factor, just like they did with bitcoins
I'll take my GP100 ALL DAY!!!! Polished her to a mirror shine
The 686 is the king of the .357 Magnums. Hands down. There was a time in the 1970's when the Colt Python was the top dog but that train has left the station, The cylinder rotation is also different. The Python rotates clockwise while the 686 rotates counter clockwise. Personally I would take a 4 inch Ruger GP100 over the Python.
It really pains me to say this, I LOVE the aesthetics of the Python. It is just beautiful. However, I do believe the 686 is a sturdier design. The lockup is a little better. The sights are better and the action can be tuned to glass. If the 686 had that vent rib barrel, I'd be in revolver heaven. And to add, I own a 4" 586 and a 6" 586. Both are just amazing. And beautiful. Great video and beautiful guns, guys.
Hi @FlatlandBrass! (Ho here from the team) You're absolutely right on the lockup and design. The S&W just seems sturdier despite the Python being prettier. I've since changed my opinion since the video and would pick the 686 Performance Center version which has vented ribs and approximately the same cost as a Python, much better cost parity and better performance.
*Gp100 enters chat*
I apologize but you have no business with pistols
Ummm why lol