Smith 686 PC vs Colt Python

[ColtPythonElite]

My main shooter Pythons are 1974 and 1978. I shoot them a lot and don't baby them. Never had a timing or lock up issue....Do Pythons some times have maintenance issues? Sure, but they aren't as common as some Internet experts would lead you to believe.

 

[Paul7]

Wasn't gonna comment on this one, but what the hey? I'll wade right on in.

It's not like I lobbed the grenade by starting the thread.

1.) OP, do you actually HAVE a Python for comparison?

2.) Does your 686 PC by chance have an internal lock? If so, and you're comparing it to anything with ANY class at all, you should be laughed off this forum.

And yes, I have a safe full of S&Ws.

No kidding, here's a 686 PC that locked up, possibly due to the dumb lock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaR6NdBzZO4

Never heard of a Python doing that.

 

[Paul7]

Which comparatively speaking they do not maintain for very long.

To keep a Python going takes more effort than a S&W. Pythons remind me of the British sportscars of my youth, beautiful but high maintenance.

The Python lock work is similar to the older Colts, there are lots of them around from the last 100 years that have fine timing and lock up. I suspect for some that don't they weren't properly lubed and maintained.

 

[Nom de Forum]

My main shooter Pythons are 1974 and 1978. I shoot them a lot and don't baby them. Never had a timing or lock up issue....Do Pythons some times have maintenance issues? Sure, but they aren't as common as some Internet experts would lead you to believe.

In comparison to what? The point is compared to a S&W L frame (sans lock), Dan Wesson, or Ruger does anyone think the Python holds up as well?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

In comparison to what? The point is compared to a S&W L frame (sans lock), Dan Wesson, or Ruger does anyone think the Python holds up as well?

My statement needed no comparison qualifier. My statement was based on my experience. I would guess I have had as many or more Pythons go thru my hands as anyone on this forum. I acknowledged they sometimes have issues, but so do Smiths. Dig deep enough and you will see the OP's 686PC is currently at S & W having a timing issue repaired.

A comparison to a pre- lock Smith, Ruger or DW is an off topic derailer to the original thread

 

[Nom de Forum]

My statement needed no comparison qualifier. My statement was based on my experience. I would guess I have had as many or more Pythons go thru my hands as anyone on this forum. I acknowledged they sometimes have issues, but so do Smiths. Dig deep enough and you will see the OP's 686PC is currently at S & W having a timing issue repaired.

A comparison to a pre- lock Smith, Ruger or DW is an off topic derailer to the original thread

The OP asked us to "chime in" with why his Smith is better than a Python. In my opinion the greater required maintenance for Pythons, no matter how minimal it is in your very valid experience, makes the Smith a better revolver. Sure Smiths have issues but in my experience less so than Pythons.That is on topic as is a comparison to Ruger and Dan Wesson. I have never expressed the opinion the Python is a greatly inferior revolver to the Smith.

 

[Paul7]

The OP has not been back here, but he has been posting about problems with his PC on another thread he started.

No wonder he hasn't been back.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

The OP asked us to "chime in" with why hisSmith is better than a Python.

I can't see how his Smith is better than a Python considering it is in the shop getting one, possibly two issues repaired.

 

[Nom de Forum]

I can't see how his Smith is better than a Python considering it is in the shop getting one, possibly two issues repaired.

I can't disagree with that point! I would hazard to guess that somewhere there is a Python or two being repaired because of a timing issue. Beyond the mere discussion of his gun, I stand by my opinion about the differences between Colt Pythons and Smith and Wesson L frames.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I admit if I were choosing a gun to beat on, it wouldn't be a Python. Of course, it wouldn't be a Smith either considering I am a Colt man. My choice would be and is a King Cobra. My shooter KC has had about 30k stout magnums put through it and is still tight as new....Of course, that's off topic and a whole other can of worms.

 

[Nom de Forum]

I admit if I were choosing a gun to beat on, it wouldn't be a Python. Of course, it wouldn't be a Smith either considering I am a Colt man. My choice would be and is a King Cobra. My shooter KC has had about 30k stout magnums put through it and is still tight as new....Of course, that's off topic and a whole other can of worms.

For me it is a GP100. Pythons are beautiful, S&Ws are pretty, but GP100s while merely good looking are tough.

 

[MotorCraft]

Ruger GP-100 Royal Phoenix

 

[Waveski]

FWIW , Regarding the durability of the Colt lock-up : I own a 1947 Official Police which is still perfectly tight. Anecdotal , but there it is.

 

[mavracer]

Ain't living in a free country with the ability to choose grand.
I have a Python and a 686 and for that matter a GP100, 327 trr8, SP101, a snub 19, a Speed Six and a model 60.
They all have good points and bad.

 

[Reloadron]

Ain't living in a free country with the ability to choose grand.
I have a Python and a 686 and for that matter a GP100, 327 trr8, SP101, a snub 19, a Speed Six and a model 60.
They all have good points and bad.

So many guns and so little time.

Should have had background sound for that post with fifes and drums in the background.

Ron

 

[OrangePwrx9]

I've got both. I prefer the 686. My 686 is the old 6" Power-Port version and it has an excellent trigger. Both SA and DA are superior to the Colt and it's scary accurate.

I think the Python is a very good gun, but overrated. I'm not complaining, though. New, mine was only $375...many, many moons ago.

OTOH, my 586 went back to Smith 3 times before it got sorted out. Accuracy was terrible. That thing was a disappointment for years.

Being hand-built, the Python's quality was more likely assured. With the 586/686, it's luck-of-the-draw.

 

[the lone gunman]

This one,