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Original Wheel Gun Showdown: Smith & Wesson Model 686 vs Colt Python

Annihilator

Annihilator

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Good article on a classic showdown, S&W 686 vs Colt Python. In my opinion, there both winners, had them both, to be honest I don’t think I could pick one over the other.

www.thetruthaboutguns.com

Original Wheel Gun Showdown: Smith & Wesson Model 686 vs Colt Python - The Truth About Guns

Two classics going head to head. Yes, I know, the Colt Python and the Smith & Wesson Model 686 have been compared ad nauseam, especially since the Python was reborn. This is slightly different since both guns are originals; the Colt was made in 1978 and the S&W was made in 1988. I am not […]
www.thetruthaboutguns.com www.thetruthaboutguns.com
 
Sld1959 said:
Yummy... love the look and feel of the Python, but the 686 is no slouch. I would put the 686 close to Rugers for durability, and that's saying something.
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Ruger GP100 vs 686?

686 is as durable (if not more).

Sure, the GP is beefy—it has to be, as it has a cast frame vs the 686’s forged frame.

And I speak as an owner of both models (as well as Pythons—originals, not the remake).
 
Annihilator said:
Good article on a classic showdown, S&W 686 vs Colt Python. In my opinion, there both winners, had them both, to be honest I don’t think I could pick one over the other.

www.thetruthaboutguns.com

Original Wheel Gun Showdown: Smith & Wesson Model 686 vs Colt Python - The Truth About Guns

Two classics going head to head. Yes, I know, the Colt Python and the Smith & Wesson Model 686 have been compared ad nauseam, especially since the Python was reborn. This is slightly different since both guns are originals; the Colt was made in 1978 and the S&W was made in 1988. I am not […]
www.thetruthaboutguns.com www.thetruthaboutguns.com
Click to expand...
I've never tried a Python but the 686 is as close to perfection as any handgun I can think of. The Python would have some serious work cut out for it to take that throne.
 
benstt said:
I've never tried a Python but the 686 is as close to perfection as any handgun I can think of. The Python would have some serious work cut out for it to take that throne.
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Back in the day, the Python was called “the Cadillac of revolvers “, I had several, also had a few 686’s. They both are great guns, I guess it comes down to your preference, but I will say the royal blue finish was well ahead of the S&W 586 blue revolvers.
 
Good read, but for me being kind of a S&W Revolver guy I could buy a 3" and a 6" 686 for about the same money as a single Python.
That is if one can find any Smith's.
 
benstt said:
I've never tried a Python but the 686 is as close to perfection as any handgun I can think of. The Python would have some serious work cut out for it to take that throne.
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The trigger is mainly where it's at. A (original) Python has the smoothest, silkiest lockwork you're gonna feel outside of a seriously massaged revolver, like a Korth, or from Bowen Customs or Cylinder & Slide. The old S&W K and N frames--and I'm talking pre-WW2--come fairly close, but fairly is all. It's something you need to feel to believe.

Also, back in the day, Colt barrels were considered to be superior in accuracy to all others...which is why you could see revolver Bullseye shooters who would have a "Smolt"--often a K frame S&W with a Python barrel.
 
HansGruber said:
The trigger is mainly where it's at. A (original) Python has the smoothest, silkiest lockwork you're gonna feel outside of a seriously massaged revolver, like a Korth, or from Bowen Customs or Cylinder & Slide. The old S&W K and N frames--and I'm talking pre-WW2--come fairly close, but fairly is all. It's something you need to feel to believe.

Also, back in the day, Colt barrels were considered to be superior in accuracy to all others...which is why you could see revolver Bullseye shooters who would have a "Smolt"--often a K frame S&W with a Python barrel.
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Forgot about those hybrid guns.
 
HansGruber said:
Ruger GP100 vs 686?

686 is as durable (if not more).

Sure, the GP is beefy—it has to be, as it has a cast frame vs the 686’s forged frame.

And I speak as an owner of both models (as well as Pythons—originals, not the remake).
Click to expand...
We can only go by our own experiences. Given mine I will have to very respectfully stand by my post Sir. When I was much younger, less wise and with less gray hair my brother in law and I set about making the "perfect" 357 magnum hunting load for our revolvers and marlin carbines. The result of which we ended up both buying 44 magnum Redhawks. He owned the 686 and I had the gp100, and both the marlin. To make a long story short our overloading stupidly wrecked his 686, cannot remember but it was either frame or forcing cone related. Sadly I cannot ask him as he died 3 years ago.

The Gp100 was still going strong years later and the last I heard was my nephew was using Buffalo Bores thru it still.

The results in no way reflected any problem with the Smith, it was sorely mistreated by two young idiots.
 
Well, though I no longer own a 686, I have in the past and cannot say one bad thing against it. However, once I had my hands on the Python, it wasn't even a close call. I currently own both an early model and a late model Python, but do not own another 686.

Almost like comparing a Corvette to a Ferrari, both very hard to beat in their class, but two totally different classes. (and neither one a slouch!!!!
 
HansGruber said:
The trigger is mainly where it's at. A (original) Python has the smoothest, silkiest lockwork you're gonna feel outside of a seriously massaged revolver, like a Korth, or from Bowen Customs or Cylinder & Slide. The old S&W K and N frames--and I'm talking pre-WW2--come fairly close, but fairly is all. It's something you need to feel to believe.

Also, back in the day, Colt barrels were considered to be superior in accuracy to all others...which is why you could see revolver Bullseye shooters who would have a "Smolt"--often a K frame S&W with a Python barrel.
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Pick of the gun Han’s was referring too

1622409008517.jpeg
 
OK, I gotta admit I'm pretty old school and real susceptible to being fooled by a good 'photo shop' picture, so I'll just suck it up and ask straight out, is this real? I've never heard of this combination.

Y'all please take a little pity on this old guy. Thanks for info .............. and the pity.:):):)
 
jumpinjoe said:
OK, I gotta admit I'm pretty old school and real susceptible to being fooled by a good 'photo shop' picture, so I'll just suck it up and ask straight out, is this real? I've never heard of this combination.

Y'all please take a little pity on this old guy. Thanks for info .............. and the pity.:):):)
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I don’t know anything about the Ruger conversions, but I know the Smolt guns are for real, JD Jones of SSK Industries had one in there shop.
 
Huh, maybe I'll have to pick up a Python. For research purposes of course, not just because I want one. That'll be my excuse if anyone asks.
 
jumpinjoe said:
OK, I gotta admit I'm pretty old school and real susceptible to being fooled by a good 'photo shop' picture, so I'll just suck it up and ask straight out, is this real? I've never heard of this combination.

Y'all please take a little pity on this old guy. Thanks for info .............. and the pity.:):):)
Click to expand...
They were quite real. I’ve run across both at gun shows over the years.
 
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