Python vs. King Cobra Target?

[Huntolive]

I have the king cobra target. I will have a new Python soon. You will end up with both in the end.

You will only end up with both in the end if you buy the king cobra Target first.
What you really should decide is what barrel length you want if you want to hunt with it get the 6-in python.
Otherwise to me it's really a question of money if you can afford the difference in price definitely get the python financially you can't go wrong buying the Python first.
Either way the python is the right choice and will save you having to buy the king cobra Target which is nice but kind of blah.

 

[Huntolive]

And not to change the subject from my OP....but is the Python that much better than the 686 to justify the price tag difference?

Oh boy, now we're really dive into the world of subjectivity
A python is a python and there's only one python.
It Is Better than a 686 in every way. whether it's worth twice the cost of 686 is the same as me asking about if a Korth is worth three pythons.
If you are not hung up on getting a colt and owning a colt then there are multiple excellent options out there that are arguably as good functionally for Less than either but few will hold the resale value of the Python if that matters to you.
Remember if you get the 4.25 Barrel python there's not much difference in the weight between that and the 4.25 Barrel King Cobra and you can easily concealed carry either but if you want to concealed carry get the 3-in king cobra. I fell in love with it.

The fit and finish on the python is hands down superior to the king cobra the king cobra Target is decent but underwhelming.
Both the king cobra 3 inch and the python are both nicer.

 

[ms6852]

LOL....I'm actually torn here. I just don't know if the extra $600 is worth it for the Python. Plus, the Python is so pretty! I'd hate to beat it up with lots of use.

I own pre-dash 686 and original colt python and because I am a lefty I prefer the 686, simply because it is easier to shoot and work the cylinder . So that is why I never saw an interest in buying another colt, but if I had to choose I would go for the King Cobra Target and shoot the heck out of it.

 

[bannockburn]

SwampWolf

Not in my opinion, certainly not the new Python sans the "Royal Blue" finish of the original. I like them both but I'd choose the Smith, especially, as Electricmo observed, if it was a prelock 686 and even more so if it was a "Plus" variant.

I most heartily concur with you and and Electricmo!

 

[red rick]

And not to change the subject from my OP....but is the Python that much better than the 686 to justify the price tag difference?

I didn’t think so in the 80’s when I bought my 686 . But it had a lot better DA trigger and IMO a nicer looking revolver , especially the blue . It would have been a better investment if you look at buying a gun and selling it later . I wouldn’t want a new 686 today . The Ruger has always had the reputation of being one of the strongest revolvers , but I have never wore any gun out , my bad .

 

[Archangel14]

What's the big deal about "pre-lock"? Are the pre-lock 686's that much better than the current production? From what I read, people talk about the pre-lock version like it's some kind of grail. I saw a Jerry Miculek video where he described how he thinks today's S&W revolvers are better than the older versions. I believe he was talking about a model 19 in that instance, but I imagine that all of the modern S&W's a great firearms.

 

[Choctaw]

As funny as this statement is, it's probably the exact reason why a Python is preferable.

I had a King Cobra and it absolutely had the worst trigger of any firearm I have ever owned. I have never owned a Python but have wanted one ever since I was a kid. Actually, I haven't had much luck with Colt products.

 

[SwampWolf]

What's a fair price for a new Python these days?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

It will probably be hard to get one under MSRP. I wouldn't pay over it.

 

[Targa]

I don’t know what would be fair but my limit is MSRP which is $1600 .

 

[Gone Hiking]

This winter, my wife volunteered to pick up some reloading supplies for me in her travels. We had this text exchange while she was at the LGS, lol! She called me and said she'd put a downpayment on the Python to hold it for me if that's what I wanted. Bless her, but I didn't want a 6" barrel. I wanted a woods gun with great sights that could also fit in a HPG Kit Bag. After some quick research, I realized there was a big weight penalty with the Python, regardless of barrel length. A couple of weeks later, I happened to be in when they had just put out a King Cobra Target model that I pounced on. This turned out to be PERFECT!

 

[hannstv]

This winter, my wife volunteered to pick up some reloading supplies for me in her travels. We had this text exchange while she was at the LGS, lol! She called me and said she'd put a downpayment on the Python to hold it for me if that's what I wanted. Bless her, but I didn't want a 6" barrel. I wanted a woods gun with great sights that could also fit in a HPG Kit Bag. After some quick research, I realized there was a big weight penalty with the Python, regardless of barrel length. A couple of weeks later, I happened to be in when they had just put out a King Cobra Target model that I pounced on. This turned out to be PERFECT!
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View attachment 1003356

That is a terrific photo. Colt needs that in their ads.

 

[jdavis123]

You have read all the opinions and arguments. However, since you say money will not be a concern, you need to have a hard look at Manurin or Korth revolvers. I personally would opt fo the Manurin but either will top the two Colts. They are pricy but smoothness of their actions and durability is legendary.