looking for a 6"

[jwharris]

I have a Ruger P345 (for my night stand) and a S&W Model 19-3 4" (for hers). I was at a falling-plates shoot recently and experienced the joy of shooting a 6" python. Wow! I'm hooked.

I can't afford the $1k+ price tag for a python so what's your opinion on the next best 6" .357?

I'm looking at the S&W 586 or 686. Is the finish the only true difference? Anyone wanting to unseat this choice with your favorite 6"?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ala Dan]

I vote for the 6" Smith N' Wesson 686-5~!

 

[rnovi]

Ask yourself how hard you want to push a .357. If you want to burn full power loads all day/night, or if you want to explore the outter fringes of what the .357 can do, get a Ruger GP100 .357.

If you want to target shoot or enjoy lower powered .38 spec loads, then go with the Smith.

 

[Jim PHL]

To answer your question, yes, the only difference between the 586/686 is the finish. I'd personally go older (19/66) or newer (520/620) only because I am partial to the half-lug vs. full-lug barrel. (Just an appearance preference for me.)

 

[Majic]

Like the Python? Then look for a Colt Trooper (not the MkIII, but the original Trooper) or a Colt 357. Both has the same action as the Python and can be found for half the price.

 

[johnny blaze]

I have been to several auctions where Pythons have sold between 450 and 700. The dealers want way more, 750 to 1200. You may be able to pick one up if you look around. I have seen some pretty rough ones sell for good money, however.
The Smith is a very good revolver in the 6 inch. I like the stainless model, the 686.

 

[Kevinch]

Go for an older 686, say a -1 or -2. Great guns, I've owned a 6" -1 since the late 80's & it is a favorite.

 

[LAH]

Get the 586/686 in six inch and don't look back.

 

[COK]

686 / 586 are fine guns , if you should fine a Trooper MK5 you might want to take a look at that. I shoot both and would not want to give up either one.

 

[LAH]

COK said: 686 / 586 are fine guns , if you should fine a Trooper MK5 you might want to take a look at that. I shoot both and would not want to give up either one.

Creeker agrees.

 

[raveneap]

This is my 586 no dash I found at a show a year or so ago. Beautiful and a great shooter.

 

[461]

Get a Ruger GP-100 or a Smith 586/686 and send it off for an action job and you'll have a better all around gun for about half the cash. Of course you'll have to forego the brag factor and just be happy with good gun.

 

[treebeard]

I bought a 586 about a week ago and it is AWESOME to shoot. It's crazy accurate at 15 yards and at 25 yards I can group pretty good too. The 6" barrel balances out really nice.

 

[6inch]

While I enjoy my (3) 686's they don't compare to my 6" Python.

Save up and get a Python!