See, this always happens.
1) Everyone saying the 586 is as good as a Python is wrong. Sorry, but you're just wrong. You may like your 586 but it doesn't even approach the quality level of the Python and was never intended to do so. The 586 (and 686) are working guns and were not meant to be... and are not... deluxe models like the Python. Simple truth, here. The Model 27 compares to the Python, not the 5/686.
2) Maybe a good smith can slick up the S&W action. That's not the point.
3) The Colt trigger system is different from the S&W. Most shooters prefer the S&W trigger feel, some favor the Colt, others don't care to choose. Again, this has nothing to do with the quality of the gun.
4) This old business about the Colt having a weak action is bull. The Colt system is more inclined to go out of time because it uses the cylinder hand to help hold the cylinder in place during firing but this hardly makes the action weak. It means the hand will wear out more quickly but many Colts go a long, long time without trouble.
Case in point: I have an Officers Model Target made in 1930. This gun was used for years in competition matches and has fired countless thousands of rounds. The action is just as tight and well-timed today as the day it left Hartford. Same for my 1949 Officers Model, my 1967 Official Police and my 1968 .357 Trooper. I have a Python made in 1975 that has never been fired with anything but full-power Magnum ammo (my handloads, not wimpy factory stuff) and it shows no sign of distress. Sure, individual guns may have problems as can any mechanical device, and I admit the Colt system is more likely to show wear faster, but it's ridiculous to say the Colts will absolutely brerak down or wear out in 1,000 rounds, or 10,000, or any particular number.
If you like your 5/686, fine. They are good guns. They are what they were meant to be. They were not meant to compare to the Python and they don't.
Jeff Cooper once said of the Python- "It's expensive because it should be."
csa
