I have a Python, purchased it new, and traded a M686-1 and lots of cash for it. Wish I kept the M686-1
The Python has a smooth action, great single stage trigger, and it is accurate. This is not a rifle, it does not have an optical sight, I am not shooting with a rest, I shoot off hand, so I cannot shoot to the capability of either a Python or a M686. At some level, the pistol is either "accurate" or it is not. And it has to be pretty bad not to be accurate.
I consider this good.
I was able to buy back an early M686, one that has the firing pin mounted hammer. This is the only stainless S&W with a blue finish that I have seen, and I wanted it.
Based on my experience, and that of others, Colt revolver lockworks will get out of time well before the S&W will. It all has to do with the timing, a Colt locks up as the hammer falls. And that cylinder hand/cylinder ratchet system will in time, be out of order. When Colt stopped working on Pythons, that was when I stopped shooting the thing.
This is an acceptable alternative
And so was this.