Which would you pick?

[Min]

Smith & Wesson 686-4. 7-shot. No internal lock.



Colt King Cobra. Recessed cylinder.



Both stainless, both 4 inch barrel, both .357 Mag.

 

[gunmn74]

The colt for sure.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Colt for certain. I made the mistake of passing on a used one for $400ish if I recall. Wasn't there when I went back.

 

[JohnnyOrygun]

The Colt! I have that exact one, and if I could I would buy another. I absolutely LOVE it, can't say enough good about the king cobra.

 

[R_Thornhill]

I have never shot the colt but I do have a SW 686 .357 mag with a 6'' barrel and I love it. But without shooting both I would not be able to make an informed opinion. But I am very happy with my Smith. Good luck on your decision..

 

[Eightball]

I'd lean towards the Smith, but due to my age, I value the idea of the company still making the product still and several decades from now, as a "just in case" for spare parts and warranty work.

Plus, I'm just used to S&Ws triggers and cylinder releases.

 

[RON in PA]

The 686, better trigger and the company still makes the product.

 

[notbubba]

I would lean towards the Colt because I've seen many 686 for sale but almost no Colts.

That may just be just around here.

 

[MMCSRET]

Just checked my current inventory; I would pick the Colt, as it seems I prefer Colts, as it appears I have in my possession about 10 times as many Colts as I do Smiths. Must be an indication of the very beginning of a possible tendency towards the initiation of a trend in the direction of "COLT".
Thank you for the opportunity to expound.

 

[gmh1013]

no question

the Colt...I have a Diamondback .38 and would never sell it.

 

[PzGren]

I shot both extensively and my vote as a shooter goes clearly to the S&W 686. If you collect, the Colt might be more interesting.

 

[btg3]

...my vote as a shooter goes clearly to the S&W 686. If you collect, the Colt might be more interesting

+1... Pretty well sums up how to evaluate the situation. But with the Colt, you could have your cake and eat it too, because I'd certainly shoot the Colt as opposed to making it a safe queen.

 

[MMCSRET]

Absolutely!!!!!!!! Shoot the Colt, thats why it was built, and from the picture, why the previous owner bought it. SHOOT, I thought everybody could see that; its casual to even the most obvious observer!!!!

 

[MachIVshooter]

I'd opt for the Smith. The King Cobra was the economy version of the Python, isn't worth any more than a 686, and doesn't shoot as nice. That, and I think the cylinder release on a S&W is much more ergonomic than a Colt.

 

[Nicodemus38]

id take the 686 hands down. if i buy a gun ill be shooting it. id be too much reluctant to shoot the cobra much at all, if the internals get screwy its much easier and cheaper to get a Smith and Wesson product fixed.

 

[rondog]

You had me all confused! I thought at first that was just the Colt pistol up against a mirror, and I was wondering where the S&W photo was.

 

[Walkalong]

Both fine guns. Prices? I would probably go with the Cobra, as 586/686's are easier to find reasonably priced.