I know the Colt is twice the money, but...

[MM]

OK, for a carry piece, in 4" barrel-- Python or 586/686?
SatCong

 

[Jim Watson]

Actually, they are both too heavy for all day carry, but from that pair, S&W. And yes, I own and shoot both.

 

[ArmedBear]

686+
Stainless.

Ignoring all other factors, a sweat-rusted Python is an abomination unto the Lord.

 

[6inch]

I carry a 686 4". My Python is a 6" and I love it dearly but even if it were a 4" I'd still carry the Smith. The Python only comes out on special days.

 

[Majic]

Instead of the Python consider a King Cobra and you really have a decision.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Both these four-inch Pythons are carry guns. I don't carry the engraved blued revolver very often, to be sure, but when I do, it's with confidence I'll place my shot(s) well.

 

[JMusic]

The action on a Python is very smooth but the hammer fall is longer than the Smith. I have a 6 " Nickle Python that frankly does not shoot or handle as well as my 586. My vote is 586.
Jim

 

[Moonclip]

For the type of use, I'd go S&W.

 

[Kevinch]

For the money, I'd buy a 586/686 in 4" & a snub nose for deeper carry - both used. A good, used S&W will serve you well.

 

[P. Plainsman]

I find Pythons slightly overrated. Very fine revolvers, but not quite up to the legend. Beautiful lines -- just look at the blued gun in that pic of Standing Wolf's. Good bullseye guns. The 4" barrel length, however, gives the best balance with the Python's rather muzzle-heavy design. My 6" Python feels unwieldy compared to Smiths and Rugers of the same barrel length.

I prefer the even DA trigger and the handling of a good Smith & Wesson, especially for a defense gun. Go with the 686 or 686+.

The real ideal for a service-sized Smith carry gun is a K-frame Model 19, 65 or 66. You might also check out the new S&W 619 and 620, the 7-shot L-frame successors to the 65 and 66. Their half-lug barrels will make for good handling. Early tests report good accuracy.

 

[FedGunner]

I had the cash set aside to track down a 1970's blued Python.
I purchased a 1980's S&W 586.

Why did this happen?
Because every revolver I'd owned to this point was a S&W.
I actually had a visualization of myself breaking my thumb because I was "pushing" the cylinder release the wrong way.


YMMV

 

[carolinaman]

Hi there,

I have owned both the Python and the King Cobra and 3 S&W 686's. The python was a beautiful revolver and the King Cobra went back to the factory the same week I got it from timing problems.

The lock time on the Smith is by far faster. You can get better and faster service from Smith & Wesson, and if need be, work on it yourself.

I lost my faith in Colt many years ago, because of their financial troubles and erratic customer service.

Are they in business this week?

Chris

 

[PX15]

Hi there,

I have owned both the Python and the King Cobra and 3 S&W 686's. The python was a beautiful revolver and the King Cobra went back to the factory the same week I got it from timing problems.

The lock time on the Smith is by far faster. You can get better and faster service from Smith & Wesson, and if need be, work on it yourself.

I lost my faith in Colt many years ago, because of their financial troubles and erratic customer service.

Are they in business this week?

Chris

I purchased a like new Colt Detective Special last year (1972 production) and it was not accurate. (poi was h/l of poa). I called Colt Customer Service and they said to send it back and they would give me an estimate of cost to solve the accuracy problem.

A week later I got a short letter stating the problem was identified and would be repaired at no cost to me.

Two weeks later it was returned to me pre-paid shipping, and a letter with it stated that the poi should be poa now, and the d/a trigger action had been polished and improved too. All no cost.

So, in my limited experience with Colt Customer Service I have found them to be excellent. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Colt firearm should one pop up I desired, and I have complete faith in that Colt Customer Service would help me if the firearm had a problem.

Just my experience and opinion.

Best Wishes,
JP