Python or L-frame?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Mike OTDP

Mike OTDP

Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2007
Messages
2,315
Location
Somewhere in Maryland
I've got an itch for a 6-inch barreled revolver. I'm torn between a Python or a S&W 586. Cost counts...but it isn't critical. What I'm looking for is a good, accurate gun, mostly for single action. Might shoot some NRA bullseye revolver matches with it. Thoughts?
 
Mike OTDP said:
I've got an itch for a 6-inch barreled revolver. I'm torn between a Python or a S&W 586. Cost counts...but it isn't critical. What I'm looking for is a good, accurate gun, mostly for single action. Might shoot some NRA bullseye revolver matches with it. Thoughts?
Click to expand...
I'd love a python but the price and few issues that have surface steer me away from that. I'd say a used pre lock 586 that's in good shape. Or if don't mind mim and locks buy new, that stuff don't bother me much. Than take the 500 bucks you save vs the python and buy a bunch of ammo or reloading stuff and shoot like he dickens.:)

Jury is still out on the new pythons, but man are they nice looking.
 
I wanted a Python when I first became interested in handguns but thought I could not afford one, so I "settled" for a six inch Ruger Security Six. Eventually I figured out that there was not a lot of difference in practical accuracy between quality revolvers. Either of your options will serve.

That said, the S&W is much less expensive. It's also available in a seven round version.
 
I've got a 581 and a 2020 Python. If I was just looking for a good 357 revolver, I'd go with the best price between the two guns. For that reason if for no other reason, of the two, the Smith and Wesson wins hands down. I got my 581 a few weeks ago for $400.00. I doubt you'll find many in that price range, but they must be out there. Even a brand new 686 carries an MSRP of around $850. Street price is probably lower. Used Smith and Wesson's are plentiful and priced accordingly.

The Python on the other hand is selling for at least the MSRP of $1499, or higher in some cases, if you can find one. Not quite twice the 686's MSRP, but close. Used ones are...well, we all know what a used Python goes for.

There have been some reported problems with the Python. I personally haven't experienced any, but there are reports. Of course when the 5/686 series first came out they went through a recall. My 581 shows the mark of having been recalled and repaired. They've have what? 30 years or so to fix that problem, and apparently have. I'm sure Colt will also.

So, the way I look at it is, if you just want a 357, get a Smith and Wesson...or a Ruger. Or whatever else catches your eye. In my case, I got a Python, because I wanted a Python and was willing to pay for it. A Smith and Wesson or a Ruger, no matter how good they are, just don't scratch the itch. As for the quality, shootability or whatever, I put them about even. Oh. I think the Python looks better, but that's just me.
 
Would probably go with an L frame though I would consider waiting for things to shake-out on the new production Pythons before I made up my mind.
 
What can the Python do that an L-frame can't? I'd argue that they are both equally handsome guns. The price difference will pay for a master action job and some nice grips.
 
I'm partial to Colt, but in this case, I'd buy a used blued Smith & Wesson, and use the remainder of that money for speed loading pouches, holster, and as much ammo as I can buy. And/or reloading stuff.
I once handled what I think was a 586, it was a good price. Was a fine revolver. If that's the one you're talking about here, then definitely get that.
 
I owned a Colt Python and it was a fine revolver. I parted with it to buy a Colt SAA that had sentimental value to me. I replaced the Python with a 4" Model 586, then acquired a 6" model. Never missed the Python one minute after acquiring the Smiths.

The L-Frame Smith has the longer cylinder like the Model 19, hence it will accept those long heavy bullets that protrude out the front of the cylinder on the Python and N-Framed Smiths. Its ruggedness is right up there with a Ruger Blackhawk!


Bob Wright
 
I have never fired a Python but I don't see how it's even possible to be $700.00 better than a 686 Smith. Mine is a first class gun all the way around. If the new Pythons are really $1500.00 worth of awesomeness they must be straight from heaven or something.
Not putting down a Python, I just don't see them being THAT much better than the others.
 
I own a couple of older Pythons. Great guns but overpriced. I shoot them on occasion. I'll never sell them because one of them was my first revolver that my father bought me for high school graduation. $269 Brand New in 1975. Been shot well over 25k rounds. The other one I bought cheap, so I'll keep it and shoot here and there. That being said, especially when considering the money factor, I'd rather have a 686. I own a 2.5', 4", 6" 7 inch and a 8 3/8" All PreLock. . All get shot regularly. Factory actions are not normally as smooth, but my 7" and 8 3/8" are both smoother now than either of my Pythons. A new set of springs does wonders and a real gunsmith can make them even better. If you are patient and look around you can buy 2 Model 686's for the cost of a Python. And the availability of aftermarket grips is almost endless.
 
CajunBass said:
So, the way I look at it is, if you just want a 357, get a Smith and Wesson...or a Ruger. Or whatever else catches your eye. In my case, I got a Python, because I wanted a Python and was willing to pay for it. A Smith and Wesson or a Ruger, no matter how good they are, just don't scratch the itch. As for the quality, shootability or whatever, I put them about even. Oh. I think the Python looks better, but that's just me.
Click to expand...

I agree with this, I want a Python down the road simply because I want one. Same as I would like a Colt SAA with a 7.5” barrel over a Uberti replica.
Now for me, if I wanted something that I knew I was going to put a lot of rounds through, I would get that S&W, Ruger, Uberti replica.
 
ontarget said:
I have never fired a Python but I don't see how it's even possible to be $700.00 better than a 686 Smith. Mine is a first class gun all the way around. If the new Pythons are really $1500.00 worth of awesomeness they must be straight from heaven or something.
Not putting down a Python, I just don't see them being THAT much better than the others.
Click to expand...
In Colt's defense, if they are all finely machined, then it is worth it. S&W has gone to MIM for all its innards. Ruger has always been cast but is also now using MIM parts. If the new Python is all machined steel and done like it should be, coupled with the excellent polish work I see in the pics, that would make it a definite step up. Kinda like comparing a Uberti to a USFA. Blindfolded, I can't tell the difference between a Uberti and a Colt but DEFINITELY know it when I'm working the hammer on a USFA.

Of course, the rule of diminishing returns is always in effect. Doubling the cost isn't going to produce double the gun. Double it again and the gap narrows. A Korth costs three times that of the new Python. Is it three times the gun? That's debatable. For many, it never could be. For those who appreciate what they are, how they are made and what they do, it's definitely worth it.
 
I'd have to see a new Python in person and try it out before deciding on a preference, but if it's not twice as good as an L-Frame, I won't pay double the price for it. Right now I could just about buy 2 686's for the price of one new Python, plus have the option of a 7th round.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

R
  • Locked
S & W serial numbers/mfg/ship date
Replies
3
Views
325
Jonesy814
Jonesy814
Confederate
  • Locked
The Better Gun: Colt Python or S&W 686?
2 3 4 5
Replies
110
Views
25K
SwampWolf
S
Huntolive
  • Locked
Deciphering Frame Size Across Brands
Replies
14
Views
2K
Huntolive
Huntolive
Olympus
  • Locked
Smith Equivalent of a Python?
2 3 4
Replies
77
Views
3K
Brian Dale
B
U
S&W 686 Plus vs. Colt Python 2020--Prices
Replies
11
Views
428
JDeere
J
Back
Top