I had no allegence to either Colt or S&W when I chose my revolver. I looked at the S&W 627x8, 686, Python. I was not impressed with the 627x8 at all. Double action pull was not as good as the 686 and nowhere near the glass smooth Python. The 627x8 seemed inconsistant from cylinder to cylinder. Single action the Python is the clear winner, though the smiths were very good, the Python has the best trigger I've ever tripped. I know new Pythons are not supposed to be as good as the old ones, but mine is sweet. Another consideration is twist. The Python has 1:14" twist and shoots heavy bullets extremely well. S&W uses a 1:17.5" twist. I bought a B-Square scope mount and put a Trijicon reflexII 'scope' on my Python to test ammo. At 50 yards, 180 grain Win supreme Nosler's group about 2-3", garden variety 158 jhp's about 3-4", and the big suprise was CCI blazer .38 lrn's grouping consistantly at 2-1/2". The scope is off now and the exellent trigger of the Python gives me my best off-hand groups I have ever fired. I paid $975 (new 6" stainless), and I think it was money well spent. If you choose a S&W, take a long look at the 686, it seemed better than the PC 627x8.