[miatchguy]

Ok, here's another one of my polls on magnums. Which do you prefer a Smith and Wesson 686, a Colt Python or a Colt Anaconda? Please also post your reasons and don't make your desicion on political decisions of the company but on the gun itself. (it never did anything wrong):D

[Peter M. Eick]

Reason is easy for the Python.

I just got off the range from shoot 650 rnds of 357 mag out of my Python. What a great gun and I shot it well. That to me is the key. "I shot it well"

[Mastrogiacomo]

I envy you to have these gun options -- I can't get a new Colt. If I could, it'd be the Colt Python in a 4" barrel. Maybe some day I'll find a good used or the Colt revolvers will be allowed to sell here again....:( I love the look and it's a great name. Can't find of a valid reason except it looks great, excellent quality, good collector's item and Eric Draven of James O'Barr's "The Crow" uses them....

However -- yesterday I bought a S&W 686 in a 4" barrel. Beautiful gun, very solid, well built -- waiting to shoot it but I have great expectations. Which to get? The S&W you can carry, the Colt is for collecting and wouldn't want it stolen or taken by cops if used -- they take the guns used in a shooting, even in self defense. Hell -- I'd get both since you can use .38's through them and it won't wear them down. Buy which ever one gives you the best deal and go back for the other when you have cash. God I envy you....;)

[Mastrogiacomo]

The 686 is several hundred dollars cheaper depending on where you're looking and every bit as good a gun in my opinion. You can't go wrong with whatever you choose and depends on why you want it -- just food for thought.:D

[miatchguy]

Is it true that they take your gun away even if it's used in self-defence? Is that only a Boston thing or is it everywhere? It really doesn't matter, no matter how much I love a gun I'd easily trade it for my life.

[Mastrogiacomo]

You use a gun in a shoot out -- even self defense, yes it gets taken from you for investigation and given back if it's proved you were in the right. That's standard pratice everywhere. They take cop guns too until Internal Affairs clears the shooting.

I just think if you pay too much for the python -- you could polish and engrave the 686 for less or the same money and still have a Hell of gun. If I had a python -- I wouldn't use it for home defense any more than I'd use an Italian made Beretta -- I'd use the American made gun...If you got a great deal on the python though -- go for it. I just think the 686 shouldn't be over looked.:D

[miatchguy]

By the way, if you're looking for a used python check out auctionarms.com, they have a bunch over there. This one is a little more expencive but you'd probably like to see this, it's a limited Colt Python 6.
http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?ItemNum=4581610

[Mastrogiacomo]

I've seen them! Beautiful aren't they? But it has to be registered to a Mass resident before 10/21/98 -- meaning I can't buy Colts even online, only used ones in state....:banghead: I also can't get used Italian Berettas...now how stupid must our Attorney General be.....?

[miatchguy]

Well, hopefully this new administration can clean up the disaster left by the last one.:cuss:

[Peter M. Eick]

Here is why I like my Python:

http://pages.sbcglobal.net/eickpm/python.jpg

and while I am at it:

http://pages.sbcglobal.net/eickpm/colts.jpg

All shot today (along with a lot more), well what the heck:

http://pages.sbcglobal.net/eickpm/targets.jpg

Good day at the range, 15 yards if I remember right (I did not pace it off).

All offhand of course. My range no longer allows "benching" it anymore.

[miatchguy]

If I were looking for a cheaper alternative for a magnum, would Taurus be a good choice?

[Ala Dan]

S&W 686

Why?

Cuz, I'm a Smith (revolver) type!


Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Mastrogiacomo]

Don't go Taurus -- the company's changed a lot and my gun shop HATES their customer service and for good reason. I didn't buy my S&W new, it came to $419 total in a used gun. Damn near looks new though and I'd buy used again if I got another great deal. The 686P to me was the best choice I've made yet in a revolver and I plan to buy at least three or four more in a 4" barrel. I love them that much..:D

If you can find a great price on the Python, great. From what I've seen the used are very expensive. I'm holding out for a new Colts to hit my state unless I move first....

BTW -- BEAUTIFUL pics!! Is it harder to manage a 6" barrel? I'm 5'2", female and 114lbs....curious.:)

[miatchguy]

By the way, while I'm in here. Has anyone tried the S&W .500? Is it too much? Is it a good hunting gun or more of a novelty gun?

[Mastrogiacomo]

I've seen the gun but don't know what the Hell to make of it. My guess is that's it a novelty gun...but then I haven't got a clue what it'd be used for except the range...

[miatchguy]

And tearin' your arms off!:what:



:D

[Majic]

I own and love the Python, but also the Anaconda. Since you listed no uses for the gun I vote for the overall usage to the Anaconda. It is large for concealment, but does generate alot more power. With reduced handloads it can replicate the power levels of the 2 smaller bore magnums. The .44mag Anaconda has excellent accuray and my .45 Colt model will almost duplicate it with correctly sized bullets.

[10-Ring]

I have always had the Python on my wish list. 4" blue one to be exact. I haven't even seen one in person so I can't give you an honest impression. This lust for one has been based on pictures & stories.
That said, I have been very satisfied w/ S&W revolvers...currently own 2.

Go w/ the one you can shoot better ;)

[Parker Dean]

Dammit, will y'all just stop it with these Pythons?! :D

I decided last week I was going to buy a DW 460/7460 later this year but now y'all have me drooling over Pythons again.

I can't quite put my finger on it but there is something essentially right with the proportions of the Python. My attention is drawn to the upper grip/hammer area for some reason but the entire gun is good.

Y'all keep this up and I may put off the DW until next Summer. Pythons are already too expensive, no need to wait longer...

Oh yeah, I voted Python. The Smith is serviceable but thats not the entire point for me. And for some reason the Anaconda isn't quite right in the same manner the Python is. It looks the same, but then again it doesn't. Hard to explain.

[Mastrogiacomo]

Look at this way then...most all of agree the Colt Python is a dream. I want two in a four inch barrel -- one in stainless, one in blue...:D However, price is a very big factor. Can you find a used one in mint condition for a decent price? If not, my guess is you're stuck with two things: a decent used selling for close to $1000 or more, or a new one selling for about that or slightly more...good deals are hard to find, but if you have that for the Python, get it. Otherwise, I bought a used S&W 686 4" for $419 total which I'm delighted with. It's a matter of being patient and looking around.

I love Berettas, but if I go into the shop and the Glocks are on sale at that time -- that'll be my first gun with an upgrade to my permit. It all comes down to $$$ --- how much are you willing to pay for a gun and in what condition. Stick with the S&W for now. It's a great revolver. and keep an eye open for that Python...:scrutiny:

[RustyHammer]

Revolvers: Have several Smiths, a few Tauri some Rugers. I really "need" a Colt or two now, don't I?!?!?!

[Frenchy]

686...WHY??........Cause it's a Smith. ;)

[Boats]

I inherited a six inch Python from an uncle, which I gave to my brother, dreamy trigger, but I didn't like the barrel length. I'd like to get a 4" someday.

However, the Python is a little delicate for my tastes so I am getting a Ruger GP-100 first, and maybe an SP-101 second, so that I can shoot my eventual Python a little less than I would otherwise. Those Colt's are darned expensive to have worked on if they have problems.

So just why was the Ruger left off the poll? They do have some pretty rabid fans in their own right, more among handloaders/hunters than amongst competitors, and they always pay less to be just as proud of ownership.

[Prodigalshooter]

I agree that the Colt is something most of us want, but I'll stick with my S&W 66, Ruger GP100 and my not too far in the future 686. I've read that the Python can be a bit delicate (internals), but have no practical experience to back that up, but if one were in front of me (blued 4"or 3" barrel) at a killer price, I'd probably jump on it.

[Poohgyrr]

A good 4" Royal Blue Python is a thing of beauty with that smooth Python trigger and black on black sights. It would be difficult to pass up one of these.

But a 4" M686 is a truly great working .357, and also has a pretty good trigger. If I had to have just one, it'd be the Smith. Just don't make me choose between the 4" 686 and a 3.5" to 4" M27 :cuss: :banghead: ..

[rjk2475]

were those targets done DA? very impressive

[valnar]

Obviously if money isn't a factor, get the Colt. But the Smith is just as good as a gun, only cheaper. That's not something you hear every day. Usually it's other brands like Ruger and Taurus look up to the S&W because it's more expensive. ;)

At least you're deciding between the two best. I absolutely love my S&W 686 Plus. If I had the money, I'd add a Python to the collection too, but I'm too busy collecting Smiths.

-Robert

[Lone_Gunman]

I am a big fan of the Python; in fact, the second gun I ever bought was a Python.

However, over the years I have become convinced that the S&W 66, 686, and 625 are just as good, and maybe better. It is really hard to beat the SA pull on any of these revolvers.

[schapman43]

I'd pass on all of them and pick up a Ruger :)

[SnWnMe]

I love that deep royal blue that Colt does BUT
I don't like the stacking at the end of their trigger stroke.

That is why I will pick a 686. Heck I can buy TWO of em for the price of Colt's P gun.

As for the big boomers:

The 629/29 series has the king of one liners: Clint Eastwood! The Anaconda __________?