Colt Python vs S&W 586

sir north: i have always thought the python had a look about it...maybe it was the rib on top.. the python was the only colt revolver that i liked the fit in your hand. i had a tropper and it just didnt feel the same as the other. i had a dimound back awhile back and wished i had the python..

  the only other i wish i had would have been was the dimound back .22. i think that would have been the cats ass.

Sir North;

It depends on the depends.  No finer trigger than a Python, properly done, in good working order.  But they don't tend to stay in good working order all that long.  It is a delicate mechanism.

The S&W will be stone reliable throughout it's stay with you, given that it's also in good working order to begin with.  Although it won't have the silky smoothness of the Python unless it's had the TLC of a competent smith.

So, IMHO, the Python is good for target, enjoyment, and investment.  But I wouldn't carry one daily.  The Smith I would carry.

900F

Edited by CB900F

The way you have this comparison set up the Python naturally wins. You are comparing Colts all time best against S&W's average workhorse. Give me a choice of any S&W such as M19, 627 etc and I'd rather have one of those.

DD

I haven't had a python in my hand for a few years, but when I had my FFL and orderd some, the finish and wood to metal fit was pretty crappy. Definitely overpriced. I prefer the 686

Here'swhat I shoot but I'd love to get a Python.



Edited by Ash:)

It's a Rossi M986 Cyclops. I couldn't tell you why they call it that but the larger barrel makes it a joy to shoot.

I have a 6" Colt 357 - forerunner of the old model Trooper & Python -and have never had any of the above mentioned problems regarding a frail action.  Because the hand pushes up against the extractor star at firing, with alot of use they can come out of time easier than the Smith but this is an easy fix. 

The Python class is really just a variation of the New Service innards used in the military 1917.  It is more difficult to fine tune and more complicated than the Smith, but still very sturdy.  Still, I agree the quality can be spotty.  I guess the days of knowing your new Python is going to have a top quality fit & finish just because it's a Pyhon are gone. 

I think the real difference between the two is that the Colt has a much longer double action pull that tends to stack towards the end of the pull.  I have many Smiths and the pull is much crisper and easier to control.

I love the Smiths and have plenty of N frames - and quality has gone down at Colt - but putting forth the K frame 19 as an example of a solid 357 goes against experience.  The 19s had alot of problems handling magnum loads.  The K frame is fine for up to 38 Sp,  but if I have to keep track of when I've put "too many 357s" through a 357 mag chambered revolver, I'd call that frail - don't you agree?

I agree on the N frames - love them all.  BTW, I saw a comment that Smith is introducing a 4" 45 ACP fixed sight, just like their "Thunder Ranch" Model 21.  Hopefully they do the 45 ACP without the gold junk on the sideplate - heard anything about that?

I have owned both !

   I prefer the PYTHON. One thing anyone who ownes a python needs to do is to get  a couple of spare mainsprings. If you you taje the grips off you will se where the spring has a Vee in the rear corner of the the grip frame. It is udoubtedly a week point. when its ready to go you will notice that your action is getting lighter and lighter. The same is true on the diamondbacks. I think the detective special has the same spring too. While the smith has a flat spring...tj3006