FOr what you are talking about, the 586 or 686 for sure, I've had one of each, loved 'em, the 586 is definitely prettier, but for some reason the mechanism of the 686 was much smoother, and it was the barrel length I preferred, 4".
several questions about .357 magnum revolvers
- Thread starter joop
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"The Model 28 (is) comparable... with the Python..."
Spewing Diet Coke all over keyboard...
The 28 is a nice, serviceable revolver. But comparable to the Python?
Puleeeease...
Maybe I should have said in size. LOL!!
No doubt the Python was/is the Cadillac in fit and finish and the 28 is a GMC, but I managed to hold my own with that 28 in PPC competitions etc for half the price and I never shot it out of time.*G*
40 years ago I wanted a Python so bad I could taste it, but I couldn't/can't afford one, I've still got that Model 28. Considering the price and the availability of service and repairs today, I think I'll just keep the S&W.
From a practical aspect, if I was picking a .357 to shoot and enjoy today, I'd still pick the Highway Patrolman.
Spewing Diet Coke all over keyboard...
The 28 is a nice, serviceable revolver. But comparable to the Python?
Puleeeease...
Maybe I should have said in size. LOL!!
No doubt the Python was/is the Cadillac in fit and finish and the 28 is a GMC, but I managed to hold my own with that 28 in PPC competitions etc for half the price and I never shot it out of time.*G*
40 years ago I wanted a Python so bad I could taste it, but I couldn't/can't afford one, I've still got that Model 28. Considering the price and the availability of service and repairs today, I think I'll just keep the S&W.
From a practical aspect, if I was picking a .357 to shoot and enjoy today, I'd still pick the Highway Patrolman.
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I believe it was the Registered Magnum that evolved into the M27.
The Destinguished Combat Magnum is the 586/686.
Saxon Pig nails it in post number 12 IMO.
There are a number of very good .357 out there, but IMO the one that Defined the class is the first.. Registered Magnum, and the superlative example being the former or Colt Python.
Let's not forget the Ruger "Six" series guns for good utilitarian .357's either.
Thanks for all the great info guys! As far as reloading goes I will be learning how to and I believe I will be inheriting some manuals to go with the equipment. And given my current job/financial situation I think I'll be going with the Ruger GP100.
bflobill_69
Member.
The COLT Python is gorgeous... but it is damn hard to beat the trigger action on a model 27!
Used model 27's are a great value. If I had a Python, I would prolly not want to shoot too much.
I would go out and shoot freinds .357's, or rent a couple from your local shooting range to see what you like...
What will it be used for mainly?
Bflobill69
Used model 27's are a great value. If I had a Python, I would prolly not want to shoot too much.
I would go out and shoot freinds .357's, or rent a couple from your local shooting range to see what you like...
What will it be used for mainly?
Bflobill69
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Guillermo
member
Saxon Pig pretty much said it all.
If price was no object, Python
Nice amount of cash I buy a 27
Smith 19 or Trooper are also great
Strapped for cash? Buy a 66. 4 bills and you can get a nice used one that will serve you well
most versatile? Dan Wesson Pistol Pack
If price was no object, Python
Nice amount of cash I buy a 27
Smith 19 or Trooper are also great
Strapped for cash? Buy a 66. 4 bills and you can get a nice used one that will serve you well
most versatile? Dan Wesson Pistol Pack
bflobill_69
Member.
19 or 66...
+1 Guillermo
The S&W models 19 and 66 are essentially the same gun, and an absolute pleasure to shoot...
+1 Guillermo
The S&W models 19 and 66 are essentially the same gun, and an absolute pleasure to shoot...
I just purchased an S&W 686. It's a super comfortable to shoot and genuinely accurate revolver. Believe it or else, it's right up there with my SIG X-5 in terms of it's ability to put the projectiles where I'm aiming the barrel. And I just have the 4 inch model. Recoil is very tolerable too.
I almost bought a used Python, but man they are expensive. One of the few guns i'd feel bad about shooting and scuffing up.
A GP100 is a nice chunk of steel too. So is the Security Six. The security six is a beautiful gun in it's own right.
I almost bought a used Python, but man they are expensive. One of the few guns i'd feel bad about shooting and scuffing up.
A GP100 is a nice chunk of steel too. So is the Security Six. The security six is a beautiful gun in it's own right.
content
Member
Hello friends and neighbors // The first one? I agree with SaxonPig in principle... and would love to have the gun shown in his pic very much.
Even with the recall, I'd say this one defines the .357 magnum:
1983 6" S&W .357/.38 Model 586 Distinguished Combat Magnum
I might be a little biased.
The Ruger .357 Blackhawk is my choice for Single Action.
Even with the recall, I'd say this one defines the .357 magnum:
1983 6" S&W .357/.38 Model 586 Distinguished Combat Magnum
I might be a little biased.
The Ruger .357 Blackhawk is my choice for Single Action.
Guillermo
member
While I love Colts, I gave my daughter a Model 19 for her 15th birthday as it may be one of the most versatile guns made.
Black Knight
Member
I have several 357s. Two Colt Pythons and the others are S&W. While I love my Pythons I would recommend you look at the Ruger GP100, or a good used S&W 586, 686, 28 or 27. I say a used gun in good shape (pre-lock) is what you should look for. While the S&W 686 is the same size as the Python the S&W 27 is the one that started the 357 craze. The majority of my guns have been personally owned security duty weapons and show holster wear but all function just fine. I have spent many long hours carrying, and trusting my life to them; and to me they are just as viable today as a defensive weapon as they have ever been.
Smith & Wesson added a locking device built into the revolver around 2001.
These guns can be identified by a hole with a small arrow above it just above the cylinder release latch.
It is a very hot topic, as there are some reports of the lock engaging itself under recoil making the gun inoperable.
Many people dislike this feature.
LawofThirds
Member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2008
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If you're looking for a bargain, it's hard to pass by a 586/686 or 19/66 police trade in (they're still floating around, recently saw 4" 686 no dashes at 380 each with heavy holster wear and interiors that looked unfired). Any of the models named previously are worth a look though.
Guillermo
member
not really. There are people with the ethics of Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Joseph Stalin and those that loath the Mata Hari like capitulation.
Ok, so back to the OP's original questions...
You made the analogy of SAA is to Vaquero as Python is to...
Colt King Cobra or Trooper MKIV.
I have Python's and love that Colt feel, but they are too nice to shoot a ton. I picked up a nice blued 4" King Cobra a while back and wow was I impressed. It may not have that slick Python DA pull, but it points just like one and shoots tiny groups. You can find them for $500-800 instead of $1000-2000 for the Pythons.
You made the analogy of SAA is to Vaquero as Python is to...
Colt King Cobra or Trooper MKIV.
I have Python's and love that Colt feel, but they are too nice to shoot a ton. I picked up a nice blued 4" King Cobra a while back and wow was I impressed. It may not have that slick Python DA pull, but it points just like one and shoots tiny groups. You can find them for $500-800 instead of $1000-2000 for the Pythons.
I picked up a well-used pre-model 27 on Gunbroker, paid a gunsmith to go over it and make everything right; he had to do some hand-fitting of new parts. Whole deal ran about 750. The pistol should go another generation without needing any work. I couldn't be more pleased. Best part is there's no temptation to make it into a safe queen; there's no reason not to take it out and blast away.
roaddog28
Member
Hi,
Here is my collection of 357s in the order of preference.
1. S&W model 28-2 4 inch- N frame (large frame) also the model 27.
2. S&W 686-3 4 inch- L frame (large medium frame)
3. Ruger GP100 4 inch Stainless Steel- medium frame and can take heavy loads.
4. Ruger Police Service Six 4 inch-medium frame (handles like the Smith K frame only stronger.
5. S&W model 66-4 4 inch- K frame ( probably the best handling 357 but not the best for shooting 357s on a regular basis.
For me the N frame S&W is the most comfortable revolver to 357s in double action. The N frame Smith will handle just about any sane 357 round. The L frame Smith and the Ruger GP100 are overall about the same. Both are excellent choices and will handle any factory 357 round in large amounts. The K frame Smith and the Ruger Police Service Six are the small medium frame 357s revolvers. They are lighter and easier to carry. I would give the edge to the Ruger Police Service Six in shooting 357s because it is stronger than the K frame Smith.
For me the Colt Python is more of a collectible to keep because they go up in value. They shoot great. My brother in-law has one and its a great shooting revolver. But the price one is between $1000 to $1500 in most areas to find a good one.
I hope this helps,
roaddog28
Here is my collection of 357s in the order of preference.
1. S&W model 28-2 4 inch- N frame (large frame) also the model 27.
2. S&W 686-3 4 inch- L frame (large medium frame)
3. Ruger GP100 4 inch Stainless Steel- medium frame and can take heavy loads.
4. Ruger Police Service Six 4 inch-medium frame (handles like the Smith K frame only stronger.
5. S&W model 66-4 4 inch- K frame ( probably the best handling 357 but not the best for shooting 357s on a regular basis.
For me the N frame S&W is the most comfortable revolver to 357s in double action. The N frame Smith will handle just about any sane 357 round. The L frame Smith and the Ruger GP100 are overall about the same. Both are excellent choices and will handle any factory 357 round in large amounts. The K frame Smith and the Ruger Police Service Six are the small medium frame 357s revolvers. They are lighter and easier to carry. I would give the edge to the Ruger Police Service Six in shooting 357s because it is stronger than the K frame Smith.
For me the Colt Python is more of a collectible to keep because they go up in value. They shoot great. My brother in-law has one and its a great shooting revolver. But the price one is between $1000 to $1500 in most areas to find a good one.
I hope this helps,
roaddog28
roaddog28
Member
Confederate, I disagree with your statement about the Ruger Speed-Six. The Speed-Six is the same revolver as the Security-Six. Internals are the same and frame. I would agree that a 686 or GP100 will take 357s longer but the Ruger Security/Service/Speed Six series are stronger than the S&W K frame magnums. I have all of the revolvers mentioned in this thread except the Colt Python.
roaddog28
roaddog28
Hondo 60
Member
IMHO the best are as follows:
Smith & Wesson Model 13
Smith & Wesson Model 19
Smith & Wesson Model 65
Smith & Wesson Model 66
but not necessarily in that order. ;-)
Smith & Wesson Model 13
Smith & Wesson Model 19
Smith & Wesson Model 65
Smith & Wesson Model 66
but not necessarily in that order. ;-)
rswartsell
Member
Just in the interest in completing the discussion of quality .357 Magnum revolvers, there are 2 significant foreign made examples of the breed to touch on albeit briefly.
The German Korth is an extremely well engineered and executed revolver with a price so ridiculously high as to make a discussion of its relative worth pointless. It does have a notable cylinder release/cartridge ejector design.
The French Manhurin is a well respected quality weapon that, while not in the neighborhood of the Korth may exhibit artificially high prices due to its rarity and some collector interest in the US.
The German Korth is an extremely well engineered and executed revolver with a price so ridiculously high as to make a discussion of its relative worth pointless. It does have a notable cylinder release/cartridge ejector design.
The French Manhurin is a well respected quality weapon that, while not in the neighborhood of the Korth may exhibit artificially high prices due to its rarity and some collector interest in the US.
anheiserglock
Member
Smith & Wesson 686
If not the Colt Python, then a Smith and Wesson 686 is without question the next best thing in the .357 magnum platform. Search this forum you'll see.
If not the Colt Python, then a Smith and Wesson 686 is without question the next best thing in the .357 magnum platform. Search this forum you'll see.
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