S&W 686 Plus vs. Colt Python 2020--Prices

[UncleEd]

First off, let me say I have always been happy Colt got back into
the revolver business big time, especially now with the blued ones.

Second, I've always been a S&W fanboy followed by loving Rugers.
Also I used to own several Pythons in the early 1980s.

But I've been looking at online prices for new-in-box S&W Model
686s Plus (seven shot) and stainless steel Pythons 2020.

For a brief time I handled two of the new Pythons and shot one. Nice
but I hated the ridged trigger and to me a slightly "squishy" trigger.
Maybe I should describe it as "too soft" but that's just me and
my familiarity with a very large variety of Smiths and Rugers. Also
the standard sights on the new Python are cheap.

What I found in my online checking and it was consistent, the new
Python is steadily $500 more than the S&W 686. They were around
$1,450 vs. $950 respectively.

The Python is nice but I just don't get that it's $500 nicer or
better. Surely, what issues some might have with the S&W they
can be corrected fairly cheaply and still keep the gun hundreds
of dollars cheaper.

And I maintain S&W quality remains quite high. Some (many)
might debate this statement (sleeved barrel, internal lock, etc.).

So when I had an itch, mind you only an itch, to perhaps try
another Python 2020, I scratched that itch and happily sighed,

$500---yikes.

 

[dh1633pm]

It’s a tale as old as time, the 686 versus Python. It’s up to the buyer to determine value. Got a 686, would trade up in a heartbeat with $500 to give up willingly.

 

[Mark_Mark]

It’s a tale as old as time, the 686 versus Python. It’s up to the buyer to determine value. Got a 686, would trade up in a heartbeat with $500 to give up willingly.

pre-lock 686 are $800
pre-CZ Python are $2,000+ the Sky

I’m going to get more 66!
66-2 is $800 at my honey hole. but I’m gun broke again

 

[ontarget]

It’s up to the buyer to determine value.

Precisely!
Value to me is not in a roll mark, or a brand name.
I would never pay the cost of admission to the Python party because I just don't see the "value" between it and a 686 being $500. apart.
That's not to say there aren't differences and I'm definitely not saying a Python isn't a good gun. I've handled them, and they are certainly good guns. But so is the 686.
I wouldn't spend the extra for a Python for the same reason I wouldn't spend 4k on a 1911. Neither would increase my shooting ability of their platform, so to me the cost differences wouldn't equate to a better value.

 

[Targa]

I can’t disagree at all UncleEd. I bought a Python simply because I wanted a Python, I do not think they are better than a 686, certainly not $500 better. I won’t lie, that pony on the side plate was a large part of my purchase decision.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I can’t disagree at all UncleEd. I bought a Python simply because I wanted a Python, I do not think they are better than a 686, certainly not $500 better. I won’t lie, that pony on the side plate was a large part of my purchase decision.

THANKS YOU! Glade I’m
not the only who likes Brand + Bling!

we should start a “Just as good”
club

 

[vanfunk]

I WANT a 686. I want a 2.5”, a 4” and a 6”. I love the look and the design is now over 40 years old, so it’s a classic. I literally have dreams about a 4” with Keith Brown Roper grips. My lament is that I have not been able to find a new one, and I mean one, with even a passable trigger. I did find a new 586 with a sublime trigger and I was 90% there with it but decided to sleep on it. In the morning, it was gone. If and when I find one with even an ok trigger, I plan to buy it. Otherwise it’s a $300 trigger job to bring it up to par. Comparatively, Colt triggers have been good to excellent and that, to me, has been a better value. Accuracy may be a wash, I’m not sure?

Notwithstanding the unacceptable triggers, I don’t think S&W is capable of making an inaccurate .357. All my Colts have been superbly accurate. The sights are “ugh” to “ok” and definitely improved with Wilson Combat or Kensight units for $90-100. I share your lament over the ridged trigger and wish they’d offer a wider, smooth version or at least one without prominent serrations. That said, I’ve gotten used to it and don’t notice anymore. Other gripes? I don’t care a wit about the lock on S&Ws or the QR code on Colts. I moved on quickly.

So! My hope it that you buy that 686 you want and give us a full report! Trigger pull, accuracy with .38 and .357 ammo, detailed pics, the whole shebang. It won’t take much to push me towards the cash register, either (it’s just that gawdawful trigger; damn you S&W!)

 

[Mark_Mark]

I WANT a 686. I want a 2.5”, a 4” and a 6”. I love the look and the design is now over 40 years old, so it’s a classic. I literally have dreams about a 4” with Keith Brown Roper grips. My lament is that I have not been able to find a new one, and I mean one, with even a passable trigger. I did find a new 586 with a sublime trigger and I was 90% there with it but decided to sleep on it. In the morning, it was gone. If and when I find one with even an ok trigger, I plan to buy it. Otherwise it’s a $300 trigger job to bring it up to par. Comparatively, Colt triggers have been good to excellent and that, to me, has been a better value. Accuracy may be a wash, I’m not sure?

Notwithstanding the unacceptable triggers, I don’t think S&W is capable of making an inaccurate .357. All my Colts have been superbly accurate. The sights are “ugh” to “ok” and definitely improved with Wilson Combat or Kensight units for $90-100. I share your lament over the ridged trigger and wish they’d offer a wider, smooth version or at least one without prominent serrations. That said, I’ve gotten used to it and don’t notice anymore. Other gripes? I don’t care a wit about the lock on S&Ws or the QR code on Colts. I moved on quickly.

So! My hope it that you buy that 686 you want and give us a full report! Trigger pull, accuracy with .38 and .357 ammo, detailed pics, the whole shebang. It won’t take much to push me towards the cash register, either (it’s just that gawdawful trigger; damn you S&W!)

View attachment 1198507

686-6 Performance Center. $1050-$1100 all day! New Too and someone checked it at the factory

 

[UncleEd]

When it comes to S&W triggers on the new guns, I don't
find them bad. They are usually heavy but so were the
ones produced in the 1960s.

In my case, I've tinkered with the inside of S&Ws for so
long that I find it easy to "adjust" them to my liking if
not already there. I like a solid feeling, call it somewhat
heavy, trigger. Speed is not a main priority.

Usually the triggers from the factory are smooth albeit
heavy, meant to be for reliability as "combat" guns and
not competition or target guns.

Jerry Miculek has spoken on this subject a number of times
and he readily admits that the guns you see him shooting
are competition or exhibition not "combat" in the sense of
factory trim.

 

[MrBorland]

Usually the triggers from the factory are smooth albeit
heavy, meant to be for reliability as "combat" guns and
not competition or target guns.

Right. "Smooth" is more important than "light". Even so, it's a rare gun who's trigger can't be improved with a good action job by someone who knows what they're doing. Most of my revolvers have triggers which have been worked on, but my 3" M65 from the 90s is one of those rare factory gems. If you're ever lucky enough to find one of these gems, hang onto it!

 

[Mark_Mark]

Right. "Smooth" is more important than "light". Even so, it's a rare gun who's trigger can't be improved with a good action job by someone who knows what they're doing. Most of my revolvers have triggers which have been worked on, but my 3" M65 from the 90s is one of those rare factory gems. If you're ever lucky enough to find one of these gems, hang onto it!

I don’t mine a little heavy but I have to have SMOOTH.

 

[JDeere]

That's why there are choices and only you can decide which is right for you. I have a 686+ and I have 2 of the 20 model Pythons. The out of the box triggers on the Pythons are better imo. Those ribs on the triggers don't bother me at all. I don't even realize they are there. I also have the KC Target and she is a fine weapon at the range. The 686+ and my 586 spend more time in the safe since I got the Colts. I did upgrade the sights to Wilson's and change the grips on the Colts. I do have a 70's 28-2 that is sweet all the way around...