S&W 686 or Colt Python ?

[Tubwaa]

Hi

I am just starting pistol shooting here in Australia and the laws are rather more limited than in the US regarding calibres allowed. Basically I believe the largest you are allowed here is the .357

For a good all round gun which allows me to shoot most disciplines that my club runs I have been told to get a .357 since it will let me shoot .38's as well, 6" barrel and double action - which is a shame because the Freedom Arms pistols look to be a level in quality above everyone else.

The guys at my club have recommended the S&W 686 - is there anything else out there I should look at ? I want to get as high a quality pistol as possible so that I can only blame myself not the pistol !

Someone suggested the Colt Python as being the best however I am not sure if these are available anymore ?

Sorry for all the questions but from flicking through the posts on this site there seems to be some very knowledgeable people out there !

thanks for your help

 

[xring44]

The Smith&Wesson 686 will do you well, they are fine handguns.

The Colt Python is a fine revolver but hard to find anymore.

 

[Johnny_Revovler]

G`day Tubwaa. I`ve just completed the ordeal of handgun licence aquisition in Australia. A Python is available to you here, I think I `ve seen 2 for sale in last 12 months or so, very fine guns. The Smith & Wesson is a VERY popular revolver in this country for good reason, its good, end of story. However, I bought a Ruger GP100 in 357 mag. New prices, the Ruger is about $200 AUD cheaper, actually I see second hand 686`s for what I could have got a new GP for. Basically, people who know and are unbiased will tell you the 686 has a better trigger out of the box than the GP100, and consequently will be always a little better with mods. The GP is tank strong. I chose the GP cause I like the style of the thing more than anything, oh and the price.
As to calibre here: First line says: 9mm and .38 is the maxium, however! You can own up to .45 if it is to be used for silouette competition. Best advice is: Talk to the folk at you local club, and visit the Firearms licencing branch of you state`s website, all the info you require is there. Good luck with it all, it took me about 10 months all up from first step ( joining the pistol club ) to the last ( bringing my GP100 home! woo hoo! )

 

[Smokepole]

Python vs S&W 686

Hi! Smokepole here in the Americas. (Peoples Republic of California) I have experience with both those guns and the GP100 also mentioned. I have had two Pythons over the years and I think they are the BEST handgun ever made. The action is shorter than the Smith and glass smooth. Because it was originally designed as a target gun the trigger stacks up at the end of the double action stroke for an almost single action type of let-off. This can be milled away by a competant gunsmith if you don't like it. I left mine alone. When shooting double action faster you won't even notice it. The Smith 686 can be tuned to have a fantastic trigger also. Not quite that of a Python but damn close! My brother has one and is very happy with it. I think my Python (4 inch bbl) is more accurate because of the 1 in 9" twist but that's my opinion. Also the double action trigger stroke is longer than the Colt and, I believe, starts out harder and lets up at the end where the Colt is more even throughout the stroke. Shoot them side by side before deciding. The GP100 is sturdy but the action sucks and can't be made to compete with the Python or Smith. Not as accurate either. I had a 4 inch and I liked it's toughness but that's about it. Maybe because it's investment cast as opposed to milling that they're not as sweet. Good gun though. I wouldn't hesistate to stake my life on one but for serious target shooting the Python and Smith will put it to shame. Just my opinion.......

 

[Standing Wolf]

The Colt Python is a fine revolver but hard to find anymore.

Colt is no longer making Pythons.

Speaking strictly as a Python aficionado: I think they're better revolvers than Smith & Wessons, especially older Pythons and those whose triggers have been slicked up by knowledgeable gunsmiths—but they're now twice and sometimes thrice as expensive as Smith & Wessons. Are they that much better?

Nope.

The day they went out of production, they became collectors' items. Parts have never been abundant. Gunsmiths qualified to work on them are few and far between. Costs aren't likely to level off before the day politicians begin to keep their high-sounding promises.

 

[johnny blaze]

I have had several Pythons. Everyone of them managed to get out of time and lock up. They are no longer with me.
Don't get me wrong, they have a very good trigger pull, really smooth. They are however, getting really expensive.
The 686 has never gotten out of time or locked up on me. They can be had pretty reasonable, and have a decent trigger pull out of the box. I would go with an older one, without the lock if you can find one in decent shape.

 

[Steve C]

I'd say get the Python if you can find one. In the long run it will appreciate in value faster and if you decide to replace it in a couple years you'll be able to by 2 S&W's for what you'll get selling the Python.

 

[ARTiger]

The 686 is a great gun. If you don't mind parting with a few more $, and if these are available down under I'd highly recommend the 627 Performance Center version. It's an 8-shooter that can use moon clips. The trigger is like glass and the action is the smoothest I've ever seen.