Smith Equivalent of a Python?

[Olympus]

Is there one? I'm not at all familiar with Smith revolvers. What model would be their top of line equivalent to the Colt Python?

Why is that the majority of Smith revolvers don't have the full length barrel lug? Maybe it's just me, but I think the full length looks so much better.

Since I'm having so much trouble finding a Python that's decent enough, maybe I might try my hand at Smiths. I'm looking for a .357, no 44s. I'd also like to keep it at the 4 inch or 6 inch barrel lengths. What are my options? Spare no expense!

 

[rswartsell]

The top of the line Smith .357 is the model 27. Prior to the Model 27 this was the "registered magnum" produced in the '30's and would cost you at least as much as a Python. The Model 27 had a less costly service version that is called the Model 28.

 

[harmonic]

Since I'm having so much trouble finding a Python that's decent enough,

Have you tried gunbroker.com yet? If you have, and can't find one good enough there, I doubt any Smith will please you.

If you haven't tried gunbroker.com then go to that web site, scroll down to the "firearms" category on the left hand side of the page and click on revolvers. Then, up in the "search" feature, type in "Python." There are three pages of Pythons being sold.

 

[MrBorland]

Why is that the majority of Smith revolvers don't have the full length barrel lug? Maybe it's just me, but I think the full length looks so much better.

It's my understanding that the full-length underlug appeared on Smiths in response to the Python, so Smiths to this point didn't have them, and many of the models available today are continuations of those pre-Python models.

Some like the looks of the full underlug, but many feel the full length underlug makes a 6" barrel feel very muzzle heavy.


Are you only asking about bone-stock Smiths? If you simply want a smooth and accurate Smith with a full underlug, I'd get a 686 and have it massaged by a good revolver 'smith. You mentioned you wanted a .357mag, possibly with a 6" barrel - if this is for target work only, Clark Custom Guns can build you a very nice bullseye .38spl revolver for about what you'd pay for a Python.

If you're asking about stock Smiths, I'd look at early Smiths, when they put guns together with a lot of hand fitting (though they won't have a full underlug). What constitutes "early" is arguable, but I'd say you'd be safe in the 5-screw era (1952 and earlier).

 

[DickM]

As others have said, the discontinued Model 27 is the top of the Smith line in .357. A good one will be a bit less money than a Python, but still expensive.

For much less money (perhaps half), and particularly if you really want the full-lug barrel, the Smith Model 586, also discontinued but generally available, is worth looking at. I have a couple of them and they're very comfortable guns to shoot, and very attractive as well - I also like the full-lug barrel. Even more commonly available, if you don't mind stainless, is the 686, which is often cited as the one revolver to own if you're owning only one.

 

[Olympus]

Yeah, I've tried Gunbroker for the Pythons. I found their prices to be a litte inflated. I've messaged the sellers for about 5 different ones and I just can't come to an agreement. For a Python, I'd rather take my time and find one that I can see and handle in person before I pay that kind of money.

As for the Smiths, I saw a few of the 27s at a gun show this weekend and almost picked one up, but I just didn't know much about them. For the Smith, I think probably the 6 inch barrel is out. I just think the partial lug looks too funny on them. It's not so bad on the 4 inchers so I think I'd probably like to stay with the 4 if possible. I'll have to check out the custom place that was listed.

I really like the 586! I like the 686 as well but it just seems like it's a common Smith.

 

[ArmedBear]

686s are about the most common current production Smiths apart from J-frames, and they're all full-lug.

Good shooters, too.

Really not sure what you're talking about.

Nothing wrong with a Python, of course...

 

[Black Knight]

DickM - I just checked S&W's website and they still list the 27 as in production. Both the 4" and 6 1/2" list over $1000.
As others said the 27 is their top of the line 357. As far as apearance is concerned the 586 and 686 are the Python's "look a like" without the vent rib. I have 2 Pythons and a 686 and while I love the Pythons if I had to decide which to carry in uniform on the street I would go with the 686. The Python has been discontinued by Colt so sooner or later repair parts are going to get scarce and expensive. My 686 has a trigger that is slightly heavier than my Pythons' but is still fine.

 

[Olympus]

What about 581s? Those look similar to the 586.

 

[Phydeaux642]

What about 581s? Those look similar to the 586.

The same gun with fixed sights.

 

[Olympus]

What's the going rate for a 586? I don't think I've even ever seen one. Seen plenty of 686s though.

 

[ArmedBear]

Smith did a small run of 586s a few years ago. Not sure when they quit making them as a regular catalog item; at some point, people stopped buying many blue revolvers as "working guns."

 

[Olympus]

I think the 586 is going to be a winner for me. I just can't get myself around the partial lug of the other Smiths. Think I can pick one up for $450 or $500? Should I plan on spending more?

 

[DickM]

DickM - I just checked S&W's website and they still list the 27 as in production. Both the 4" and 6 1/2" list over $1000.

Yes, that's technically correct - they reintroduced the 27 as part of their "Classic" series. I don't know how the new 27 compares with the original, which was discontinued in 1994, but at a minimum it would have the IL.

What's the going rate for a 586?

You should be able to pick one up in pretty nice shape for $450 or so. I recently bought one that had been converted to a round butt (all 586s left the factory as square butts, AFAIK) for $300 in a private sale, but that was an exceptionally good deal.

There are a couple on Gunbroker right now that you might want to take a look at.

 

[MrBorland]

There's a 4" 586 on joesalter.com now for $550 and a 6" on collectorsfirearms.com for $580. Maybe a bit on the high side, but IMO, not too much, especially considering condition. You might find one locally or on an auction site for less.

http://www.joesalter.com/detail.php?f_qryitem=10966
http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=27763

 

[harmonic]

I just think the partial lug looks too funny on them.

Maybe you want to consider this model 27. It has the 3 1/2 inch barrel and is a wonderfully balanced handgun. It's pricey, but you might want to keep an eye out.

 

[VINTAGE-SLOTCARS]

For years I carried a 586 with a worked over action on duty. This was was my primary duty gun, smooth and accurate. I had it hard chromed and the sight blade done later. I carried this 4" for 10 years untill we switched over to a semiauto or I'm sure I'd still have that in my holster. The weight and ballance are second to none. The 586/686 are loved by their owners. Good luck and find a nice condition one for yourself.

 

[Guillermo]

As the owner of a Python as well as other .357's I understand your dilema.

The Python has a distinctive look and a spectacular trigger.

While I too love the look of the 27 and its ilk, it is not as striking as the Python. Some consider the partial barrel lug to balance better.

If your desire for a Python replacement is not primarily due to aesthesis but rather the phenomenal trigger pull, you can get most of the way there with gunsmithing.

I am a fan of the 4 inch Smith 19. A good gunsmith can slick the action can make it smooth as greased banana peels on a glass floor.

 

[Olympus]

First question, why is the link from joesalter have the 586 with import markings? I don't really know what the reason for that would be and in any case, I don't think I'd want to spend that money for something that was import stamped up.

I've also considered the 3 1/2 27 as well. That's the only barrel length that I think looks decent with the lug. But, like the picture, I've only seen those with the small grips and I really prefer the larger grips.

I would prefer to have the gun have the Python look. With regards to the trigger, I figured I would have it slicked up by a smith anyway. I just prefer the full lug look so that's what I'm wanting to go with.

 

[Hawk]

If you're talking strictly aesthetics, and it appears you are, will the full length underlug be enough? That Python was pretty swoopy in 1955 and part of it was the vent rib.

S&W has made one of everything at one time or another but I can't offhand think of something where they've actually done a vent rib.

DW "looks" more the part than any S&W I'm aware off and Taurus has some vent rib product though the rib is sometimes overwhelmed by other design elements.

The lockworks of Colt's and S&W were different in ways many consider fundamental. If the intent is simply to identify a "flagship", the original registered magnum might be the ticket - if it were to coincide with Python production dates (1955 and later) the 27 is probably the deal.

The looks of the Python are somewhat iconic. This isn't necessarily a good thing - I noticed that the red, white and blue revolver on Brady's web site appears to be a Python as does the sculpture in front of the U.N. building in NY.

And there's Grant Cunningham's series on revolver aesthetics:
http://grantcunningham.com/blog_files/34b030ec6abcaaa19dd83977b98ff91a-248.html

 

[Olympus]

Well I think the vent rib is definitely a major factory of the Python and I absolutely LOVE that part too. But take it away, and I still think it would look like an awesome gun. Then look at it like this, keep the vent rib and take away the full lug on a Python and I think I would be less impressed with its beauty. So just by that basis, personally the full lug has a greater weight for me than the vent rib.

I don't know anything about Dan Wessons and I don't want a Taurus revolver.

 

[Bubba613]

A 19 or a 66 or even 686 that has gone through the Performance Center is probably a better gun than the Python, which is massively over-rated. In fact, it might be the over-rated handgun in America.

 

[harmonic]

But, like the picture, I've only seen those with the small grips and I really prefer the larger grips.

Au contraire, mon frère. There are plenty of target grips on these guns. Plus, target grips are readily available as aftermarket items.

Myself, I never liked the Python grips. Too wide at the bottom; too narrow at the top.

 

[Olympus]

A 19 or a 66 or even 686 that has gone through the Performance Center is probably a better gun than the Python, which is massively over-rated. In fact, it might be the over-rated handgun in America.

They sure do look sexy though!

 

[hinton03]

The price of a good Python has gone crazy over the past 7 years. I paid $850 for my 1965 Python in 2002; unfired with box and papers. Now the same gun is about $1,500 on gun broker.

No other gun I own has gone up in value at that rate.