I had to reload my Colt Detective Special in the midst of a 1974 gunfight w/three armed robbery suspects. If there was any difficulty getting that cylinder open & recharged I didn’t notice it. Good video.
The Vent Rib barrel is basically the essence of the Python. If it didn't have that singular feature, it would never have been as popular as it is. That MAKES the gun.
The more I look at the older pythons, the double action seems to be a chief complaint. Beautiful guns all around! I'm leaning toward the S&W fir a purchase. Great content, and very educational!
I had a 4 inch S&W 686. I bought it used for $450.00. It probably had one owner because it had the original wooden grips, which, along with the stainless steel frame, made it pretty heavy and you could beat someone to death with the barrel alone. I have dry-fired a Colt Python and it felt okay in my hand. As beautiful as it looks, I think I’d rather go with the 686 for its strength and durability. You can’t go wrong with either of these handguns.
You can’t. My 686 I had was a very nice and beautiful gun. Quality was top notch. I wish I wouldn’t have got rid of this one. Only bad thing is that someone had done an amazing trigger job on it, which made it have some light primer strikes in double action on cheaper ammo
People don't buy original Colt Pythons because they're 6 times better than a 686. They're buying them to collect and sit in a safe because they WANT an iconic firearm. I own 3 Pythons including a 1977 nickel 6" unfired. I also own 3 686's...two 6" and a 2", all pre lock. I actually like shooting the 686's more. Colt triggers are smooth but tend to stack unless they're worked on. The myth of the super smooth stock Colt trigger is perpetuated by people who don't shoot them apparently. I also hear people say that because Colt is introducing a new line that it will affect the value of the originals. Not happening. It's like saying because Dodge made a new Challenger that the 1970's were going to drop. Two totally different animals. Enjoy both for what they're meant for!
You make sense. I just got a near mint 1953 k 22 Masterpiece . The thing can literally drive tacks, it makes me forget about semi autos. A Smith single action is other worldly. My 2 cents.
Compare it to the Smith 686 performance or Dan Wesson custom. Smith have a faster trigger return fast shooting second shot. Colt Python have one of the best single action out of the box trigger. I have both since the 80's shot reliably then again I don't shoot massive amount of magnum through it so it's not heavily over worked
I own the 686+ (7 round model) and the gun is outstanding. With the 686 you can get parts and upgrades anywhere and there are not the infamous timing issues, as with the Python. I absolutely love the Python - don't get me wrong. But there are clearly pros and cons to both handguns.
Rev. Gunn yessir, the only thing about it is that they only made the 7 shot in a pre lock for around 1-2 years if I’m not mistaken, but now they make a 7 shot locked gun and you can find them all day long for 550-600$
I agree with you on the Double Action comparison. Smith & Wesson has a superior D/A trigger , "a smooth rolling action" where the Colt has a (STACKING) heavier Double Action trigger pull. Also correct on the Single Action, goes in favor of the Python (best as a Bullseye target action)
Also, the Smith & Wesson 586/686 was designed as both a combat revolver. However it can easily be converted to a competition revolver. Where as the Colt Python was originally designed to be a large frame .38 Special Revolver, that was bumped up to .357 magnum. It's a finely tuned DA/SA revolver that's main purpose is for target shooting. It's was not intended for speed shooting, or for Combat. That's why most people would choose a S&W, Dan Wesson, and Ruger over a Colt Python. You get a great durable SA/DA Revolver for about 1/4 of the price.
Justin Booth that’s the truth to. The python is known for its beauty. I could care less about the da or whatever else, that’s why I can’t wait for colt to reproduce it, just so I can have that look at a fraction of the price they are currently
@@GoldenWebb and prelock Smiths prices continue to increase. I'm hoping their prices don't skyrocket like the Pythons. Im lucky if I am ever able to afford an old King Cobra let alone a Python.
Dewell Javier I wouldn’t worry myself man, I couldn’t ever see the price of a Smith come anywhere near a colt python unless it was a custom shop or a rare one like a 3 inch 66 or others. The 686 will always be around that 500-800$ price
@@GoldenWebb Smiths are fantastic guns. Smooth double action triggers and incredible barrel profile especially on the N frames. I got a model 57 no dash for 750 from the same store I got my 686 from. It has the target trigger and hammer. Smooth as butter.
Never owned a Python and it doesn’t look as if I ever will. I do have a beautiful 686 that I would swear by. I also have a beautiful model 29 made in the late 70s. I already feel as though I own the best revolvers made anywhere in the world.
I love my 686!! Bought it used a long time ago. The front sight has a rotating disk for elevation. It is quick and easy and works but have yet to figure out what it is even with the internet. Never bought a gun or knife because of it's collector value yet I seem to have blindly stumbled into a couple.
I’ve got both (several 686) colts are over priced and have timing issues, there nice but not as reliable as the 686. My python was my grandpas it sits in a safe, I have hunted with a 686, I regularly shoot the 686s and carry a 686 (when not concealed/at the ranch). And if I were to buy another .357 (I’m not have to many already) I’d get a 686.
Stock grips back then. Goncalo Alves target stocks. Hit Ebay if you have a 686 with a square butt. Thats what I did with my 29-10. Got rid of that new age garbage.
S&W all the way, python is over described by some people, the only revolver can beat the S&W is Korth, which is too expensive to buy, so I conceder S&W the best revolvers on earth
Pretty much buy it for the looks, old ones for the collectors value and just a talk piece. The python was never meant to be able to handle a hefty diet of 357 mag where it was more on the 38 target frame. When I had an older python, if/when I did shoot it, it was mainly 38 special and maybe a handful of 357 mag.
@@GoldenWebb I have always loved the colt snake guns but to buy one would go against my true love of collecting stainless smith pre locks. The 686 combat magnum variants being my all time favorite for .357, and the model 67 combat masterpiece for .38 special. Great channel keep up the great content!
Great video, GoldenWebb! The classic Battle of the Titans. Tantamount to the epic Ali vs. Frazier fight from 1971. I have to say I love both of these revolvers equally, having owned both. Wish I still had 'em now! :'-( Thanks for a fun and informative video! God bless. :-)
My first choice would be a MR73 but my second would be my 6inch 686-6. The colt is just a collector piece at this point and even the modern production colts are delicate.
686 all the way, didn't care for the python price and the Smith is just durable. I feel like I am gonna break the python. Definitely not a Zombie apocalypse gun. I wouldn't be smashing heads with it for sure. Lol.
The difference between what is the best and what is effective is minimal. I agree with your assessment, I'd go with the Smith. It's more affordable, it just as effective, and it's more durable than the Colt. Nothing wrong with a safe queen, but I want a gun I can fire. Now if given a Python, I'd sell it for more ammo or other equipment.
I often wonder why the Python is not compared to the revolvers that preceded it. The Python was not the first in a series, it was the last. There are two other Colt revolvers that are functionally identical to the Python. The 686 is not. The other two Colt Revolvers are the Colt Officer's Model Match (OMM) and the Trooper .357 target. (NOT Trooper MKIII) The last models of which were made from 1953-1969. The OMM is a .38 Special revolver, the Trooper is a .357 and was "father of the Python" The Trooper target uses the same action, trigger, hammer and sights as the Python. So does the OMM. Both the OMM and the Trooper .357 are available for a small fraction of the of the price of an older Python and less than half the price of a "new" Python. I own both. The OMM I have is the most accurate handgun I have ever fired (and I'm old and been shooting for a long time). If I blindfolded you and handed you either of them, you would not be able to tell it wasn't a Python. They lack only the functionally useless full underlug and vent rib. If you are looking for a great range gun, the OMM is the best choice. And they are usually available for about $100 less than the Trooper .357. Range use is going to be .38 Special ammo anyway, unless you are a wealthy masochist. If you just have to have a .357, then go for the Trooper .357 Again...the later, post 1969, "Trooper MKIII" is NOT the same gun. They are good, sturdy revolvers, but NOT comparable to the pre-1969 models.
Nothing wrong with the smith. I think its the Buick compared to the Caddy Colt. That Colt in Blue steel is a sexy beast. I also think that the cylinder lock pull release is better in my opinion than the Smith's push release cylinder so you don't unlock it when drawing it out of a holster. Colt stopped making the sexist hand gun ever made raising the price. Supply and demand. You're not just paying for the gun itself. You're paying for the Brand Colt. It's history as a quality gun maker.
686 is the best for the money 357 revolver ever made. Well, except for the 19/66 maybe. But after that, for sure. Well, except for a GP100 with a trigger job, but above that definitely. but man, that SP101 looks so nice... but it only holds 5. Well, nevermind any of that. Yeah, I'll keep my 686. And probably get a 586 later to match. And maybe a new Python once they work out the kinks. Because the Python has always been such an iconic revolver. Too bad Rick Grimes had to jack up the damn prices on them so much. Thanks Colt for bringing it back.
Very helpful I know dick about hand guns and can't hit shit and that 2 to $4000 price tag for the python is unacceptable for virtually the same gun! For the S&W price tag I'll get that and a not firing replica of a colt and be happy as hell for the purchase!
👍Enjoyed your video. I own a SW686 357 6" n 4". Both r 6+1. I like the extra rd. I agree with u about price. A new Python is twice the price of a 686 also new.✌🇺🇸🇺🇸
I love shiny wheel guns. You sound like Lindsey Graham. Jus sayin Thanks for the vidjah dude O, and python seems like a automatic transmission. Give up longterm robustness for luxury. I might be wrong too. It has happened before.
You are making an unfair comparison. One gun is a gentleman’s collector item that can be used but really isn’t because it has collector value and the other gun is high end but is still an every day working man’s revolver. You just cannot compare and conclude cheaper is better because the are many guns even cheaper than the Smith.
once again, EXPERTS that remind me of a new car dealer... dont know crap about the internals, BUT man it sure is pretty! Python has HUGE grips, and if you have a small hand... BUY a Ruger security six.... OR buy 8 Security 6's for the same price.
I have a S&W 586-3 and did a trigger job on it. Unbelievable trigger, after I did that, no stacking it just slid across till the hammer dropped. Single action was hair trigger. Colts have trigger stacking, I don't like stacking.
I had to reload my Colt Detective Special in the midst of a 1974 gunfight w/three armed robbery suspects. If there was any difficulty getting that cylinder open & recharged I didn’t notice it. Good video.
Glad you made it out alive brother. LEO here as well. Stay safe brother
As incredible as the Colt is I just can't get past the awkwardness of Colts cylinder release!
MCGEE1115 a lot of people didn’t like that either, especially when you try to manipulate it as quick as the smith. That colt just has the iconic look
The Vent Rib barrel is basically the essence of the Python. If it didn't have that singular feature, it would never have been as popular as it is. That MAKES the gun.
The more I look at the older pythons, the double action seems to be a chief complaint. Beautiful guns all around! I'm leaning toward the S&W fir a purchase. Great content, and very educational!
I had a 4 inch S&W 686. I bought it used for $450.00. It probably had one owner because it had the original wooden grips, which, along with the stainless steel frame, made it pretty heavy and you could beat someone to death with the barrel alone. I have dry-fired a Colt Python and it felt okay in my hand. As beautiful as it looks, I think I’d rather go with the 686 for its strength and durability. You can’t go wrong with either of these handguns.
You can’t. My 686 I had was a very nice and beautiful gun. Quality was top notch. I wish I wouldn’t have got rid of this one. Only bad thing is that someone had done an amazing trigger job on it, which made it have some light primer strikes in double action on cheaper ammo
People don't buy original Colt Pythons because they're 6 times better than a 686. They're buying them to collect and sit in a safe because they WANT an iconic firearm. I own 3 Pythons including a 1977 nickel 6" unfired. I also own 3 686's...two 6" and a 2", all pre lock. I actually like shooting the 686's more. Colt triggers are smooth but tend to stack unless they're worked on. The myth of the super smooth stock Colt trigger is perpetuated by people who don't shoot them apparently. I also hear people say that because Colt is introducing a new line that it will affect the value of the originals. Not happening. It's like saying because Dodge made a new Challenger that the 1970's were going to drop. Two totally different animals. Enjoy both for what they're meant for!
You make sense. I just got a near mint 1953 k 22 Masterpiece . The thing can literally drive tacks, it makes me forget about semi autos. A Smith single action is other worldly. My 2 cents.
Compare it to the Smith 686 performance or Dan Wesson custom. Smith have a faster trigger return fast shooting second shot. Colt Python have one of the best single action out of the box trigger. I have both since the 80's shot reliably then again I don't shoot massive amount of magnum through it so it's not heavily over worked
I would definitely go for the 686 preferably the 7 round plus model
I own the 686+ (7 round model) and the gun is outstanding. With the 686 you can get parts and upgrades anywhere and there are not the infamous timing issues, as with the Python. I absolutely love the Python - don't get me wrong. But there are clearly pros and cons to both handguns.
Rev. Gunn yessir, the only thing about it is that they only made the 7 shot in a pre lock for around 1-2 years if I’m not mistaken, but now they make a 7 shot locked gun and you can find them all day long for 550-600$
Smith N. Wesson the 686 is made like a straight up tank. You really can’t beat it
Python is Beautiful, but highly overpriced. The 686 does exactly what the python does for half the price.
Yessir it does!
You can argue that with any firearm. A cheap $400 ar-15 does the same thing a $2,000 daniel defense ar-15.
fact
I agree... Colts are essentially overpriced showpieces. The 686 has proven durability and the best trigger overall.
I agree with you on the Double Action comparison. Smith & Wesson has a superior D/A trigger , "a smooth rolling action" where the Colt has a (STACKING) heavier Double Action trigger pull. Also correct on the Single Action, goes in favor of the Python (best as a Bullseye target action)
Also, the Smith & Wesson 586/686 was designed as both a combat revolver. However it can easily be converted to a competition revolver. Where as the Colt Python was originally designed to be a large frame .38 Special Revolver, that was bumped up to .357 magnum. It's a finely tuned DA/SA revolver that's main purpose is for target shooting. It's was not intended for speed shooting, or for Combat. That's why most people would choose a S&W, Dan Wesson, and Ruger over a Colt Python. You get a great durable SA/DA Revolver for about 1/4 of the price.
precisionmarksman yessir it is. Both have there ups and downs
Justin Booth that’s the truth to. The python is known for its beauty. I could care less about the da or whatever else, that’s why I can’t wait for colt to reproduce it, just so I can have that look at a fraction of the price they are currently
@@GoldenWebb checkout Yankee Marshal's new video on the Colt Python. Trust me, you're gonna want to hear what he has to say.
Naw yall got it ass backwards. Smith has better single and colt better da. Least for the new 2020 colts.
Hey I got a S&W 686-4 Powerport for 500 last year at my local gun store. Its as smooth as butter and dead accurate.
Dewell Javier that’s a killer deal, in my neck of the woods, the 686 pre lock goes from 700-800. On gunbroker there going for around 550-600
@@GoldenWebb and prelock Smiths prices continue to increase. I'm hoping their prices don't skyrocket like the Pythons. Im lucky if I am ever able to afford an old King Cobra let alone a Python.
Dewell Javier I wouldn’t worry myself man, I couldn’t ever see the price of a Smith come anywhere near a colt python unless it was a custom shop or a rare one like a 3 inch 66 or others. The 686 will always be around that 500-800$ price
@@GoldenWebb Smiths are fantastic guns. Smooth double action triggers and incredible barrel profile especially on the N frames. I got a model 57 no dash for 750 from the same store I got my 686 from. It has the target trigger and hammer. Smooth as butter.
Aside from aesthetics, the 686 will do everything the Python can do and even better.
Yessir it will
I paid $350 for my 686..... in '95. Still love it. Fondling it right now.
Never owned a Python and it doesn’t look as if I ever will. I do have a beautiful 686 that I would swear by. I also have a beautiful model 29 made in the late 70s. I already feel as though I own the best revolvers made anywhere in the world.
Nice video
I have the same guns, the only difference is my python is an 82 E-Nick and my Smith is a 96 dash 4 7 shot. Both are awesome guns 😎
- Fearfulpath2 - yes they are! I almost picked up a E nick before I got this one. Them are pretty pythons also
I love my 686!! Bought it used a long time ago. The front sight has a rotating disk for elevation. It is quick and easy and works but have yet to figure out what it is even with the internet. Never bought a gun or knife because of it's collector value yet I seem to have blindly stumbled into a couple.
I’ve got both (several 686) colts are over priced and have timing issues, there nice but not as reliable as the 686. My python was my grandpas it sits in a safe, I have hunted with a 686, I regularly shoot the 686s and carry a 686 (when not concealed/at the ranch). And if I were to buy another .357 (I’m not have to many already) I’d get a 686.
My 1982 vintage 586 shoots 7/8" groups to this day.
That’s amazing brother! Thank you for viewing my friend
Great video bud!!
Alan Garcia thanks man! I appreciate you viewing!
Where did you get those S&W target grips? I agree, they look great. Thanks so much
Scott F they actually Came on this gun from factory!
Stock grips back then. Goncalo Alves target stocks. Hit Ebay if you have a 686 with a square butt. Thats what I did with my 29-10. Got rid of that new age garbage.
S&W all the way, python is over described by some people, the only revolver can beat the S&W is Korth, which is too expensive to buy, so I conceder S&W the best revolvers on earth
Is there a torture test for the python or do people just buy it to say they have one?
Pretty much buy it for the looks, old ones for the collectors value and just a talk piece. The python was never meant to be able to handle a hefty diet of 357 mag where it was more on the 38 target frame. When I had an older python, if/when I did shoot it, it was mainly 38 special and maybe a handful of 357 mag.
@@GoldenWebb I have always loved the colt snake guns but to buy one would go against my true love of collecting stainless smith pre locks. The 686 combat magnum variants being my all time favorite for .357, and the model 67 combat masterpiece for .38 special. Great channel keep up the great content!
Great video, GoldenWebb! The classic Battle of the Titans. Tantamount to the epic Ali vs. Frazier fight from 1971. I have to say I love both of these revolvers equally, having owned both. Wish I still had 'em now! :'-( Thanks for a fun and informative video! God bless. :-)
Bear Gunn i couldn’t have said it better myself! They are both amazing weapons but in the end you really can’t go wrong with either
Both are awesome! I have them both in 4". I wish I could afford to get the 6" versions too.
I miss my old 686 and python. They was both nice.
My first choice would be a MR73 but my second would be my 6inch 686-6. The colt is just a collector piece at this point and even the modern production colts are delicate.
No Colt revolver ever had the beautiful lines of a S&W.
Great video sir! Stay safe out there!
686 all the way, didn't care for the python price and the Smith is just durable. I feel like I am gonna break the python. Definitely not a Zombie apocalypse gun. I wouldn't be smashing heads with it for sure. Lol.
Matthew LaRue yea lol, that thing would be out of timing the first time it was dropped
Great video you made the right decision I too go with the 686 winner
Thank you for viewing my friend and thank you for your kind words!
Great video! I’ve got both the s&w and the colt, only that my 686 is 4.25” and the python 6”. I love them both for different reasons. 👈🤠
Which one is your favorite?
Don’t know where you purchased your python. I purchased mine new for about 1500. I have both.
They are about at MSRP now
Both beautiful. But I’ll take my GP 100 anyday.
Love Smiths, but GPs are built like a tank!
The difference between what is the best and what is effective is minimal. I agree with your assessment, I'd go with the Smith. It's more affordable, it just as effective, and it's more durable than the Colt. Nothing wrong with a safe queen, but I want a gun I can fire. Now if given a Python, I'd sell it for more ammo or other equipment.
I often wonder why the Python is not compared to the revolvers that preceded it. The Python was not the first in a series, it was the last.
There are two other Colt revolvers that are functionally identical to the Python. The 686 is not.
The other two Colt Revolvers are the Colt Officer's Model Match (OMM) and the Trooper .357 target. (NOT Trooper MKIII) The last models of which were made from 1953-1969.
The OMM is a .38 Special revolver, the Trooper is a .357 and was "father of the Python" The Trooper target uses the same action, trigger, hammer and sights as the Python. So does the OMM. Both the OMM and the Trooper .357 are available for a small fraction of the of the price of an older Python and less than half the price of a "new" Python.
I own both. The OMM I have is the most accurate handgun I have ever fired (and I'm old and been shooting for a long time). If I blindfolded you and handed you either of them, you would not be able to tell it wasn't a Python. They lack only the functionally useless full underlug and vent rib.
If you are looking for a great range gun, the OMM is the best choice. And they are usually available for about $100 less than the Trooper .357. Range use is going to be .38 Special ammo anyway, unless you are a wealthy masochist. If you just have to have a .357, then go for the Trooper .357
Again...the later, post 1969, "Trooper MKIII" is NOT the same gun. They are good, sturdy revolvers, but NOT comparable to the pre-1969 models.
I'd rather have the smitty, any smitty. I've got a new python and a smitty and really prefer the smitty all based on the trigger
Yessir!
Nothing wrong with the smith. I think its the Buick compared to the Caddy Colt. That Colt in Blue steel is a sexy beast. I also think that the cylinder lock pull release is better in my opinion than the Smith's push release cylinder so you don't unlock it when drawing it out of a holster. Colt stopped making the sexist hand gun ever made raising the price. Supply and demand. You're not just paying for the gun itself. You're paying for the Brand Colt. It's history as a quality gun maker.
I like the smith better then the new colts
I just purchased a 686 Deluxe.. what a firearm.... incredible fit and finish. I’m not sure the Colt is the better revolver.
986C I’ve seen some very night ones, it’s questionable for sure!
Yo you gotta chill it with the ads bruv. 6 in 11 mins?
TheBlackStealth sorry, TH-cam put them in there themselves
@@GoldenWebb well you can take them out
TheBlackStealth they help pay for the ammo
I agree with you for the most part.
themouas thank you for that my friend
The vent rib just collects lint and dirt
686 is the best for the money 357 revolver ever made. Well, except for the 19/66 maybe. But after that, for sure. Well, except for a GP100 with a trigger job, but above that definitely. but man, that SP101 looks so nice... but it only holds 5. Well, nevermind any of that. Yeah, I'll keep my 686. And probably get a 586 later to match. And maybe a new Python once they work out the kinks. Because the Python has always been such an iconic revolver. Too bad Rick Grimes had to jack up the damn prices on them so much. Thanks Colt for bringing it back.
Love your vids. Lots of good content and opinion. Thanks.
Charles Ware thank you for the kind words and thank you for viewing my friend
Very helpful I know dick about hand guns and can't hit shit and that 2 to $4000 price tag for the python is unacceptable for virtually the same gun! For the S&W price tag I'll get that and a not firing replica of a colt and be happy as hell for the purchase!
👍Enjoyed your video. I own a SW686 357 6" n 4". Both r 6+1. I like the extra rd. I agree with u about price. A new Python is twice the price of a 686 also new.✌🇺🇸🇺🇸
tbh i think the 686 is the cousin of the Colt Python.
Crying Over Elizabeth I believe it is to
I am actually gonna get a 686 can you please tell me where you got your gun holster that looks like Rick?
Crying Over Elizabeth Tex shoemaker went out of business back in 2017. You can no longer buy them
Well crap
I love shiny wheel guns.
You sound like Lindsey Graham. Jus sayin
Thanks for the vidjah dude
O, and python seems like a automatic transmission.
Give up longterm robustness for luxury.
I might be wrong too. It has happened before.
Thank you for viewing my friend! I love them all! Thank you for your kind words
You are making an unfair comparison. One gun is a gentleman’s collector item that can be used but really isn’t because it has collector value and the other gun is high end but is still an every day working man’s revolver. You just cannot compare and conclude cheaper is better because the are many guns even cheaper than the Smith.
How much 😂
once again, EXPERTS that remind me of a new car dealer... dont know crap about the internals, BUT man it sure is pretty!
Python has HUGE grips, and if you have a small hand... BUY a Ruger security six.... OR buy 8 Security 6's for the same price.
I have the 686-6 plus deluxe,its a winner ! Check it out!
I already have and I love them! Great pistol my friend!
You picked the wrong one.
I have a S&W 586-3 and did a trigger job on it. Unbelievable trigger, after I did that, no stacking it just slid across till the hammer dropped. Single action was hair trigger. Colts have trigger stacking, I don't like stacking.
The 686 is a jewel brother!
Your gun fumbling is strong
Braxton Powell Eddie!
Braxton Powell yessir*