Colt Python vs. S&W 686+: Which to Pick?

[@PatRMG]

8:11 I've been sending my Smiths to TK Custom for full replacement of the MIM parts and they have came back with an action that is so smooth!

[@Hermit58]

Me, too! Great shop! I even had them laser their logo onto my gun!

[@BigSam63]

What does that cost? Do you save any money over just buying the Python?

[@Hermit58]

@@BigSam63 I honestly do not remember. Money wasn't an issue at the time. Mine is the 627, the eight shot 357 Magnum. I also own the Colt Python. That one did not need to go anywhere for anything. It was perfect right out of the box!😉

[@d.b.hemlock]

I edc CCW my 3" Python and couldn't be happier with it.

[@Yoko.Kurama]

Can you shoot a lot of 357 in it no problem? Or does the recoil hurt after a bit?

[@yodaevil]

I have the 2.5 for carry. And the recoil does put a little hurting after 30 rounds, but in a carry situation you’ll never get to that. Love that gun. Nothing against the smith, it’s a great gun, but I just like the look of a python. Damn sexy revolver

[@LA_Commander]

@@d.b.hemlock that is a nice revolver

[@JimTempleman]

I recommend the 3" S&W 686+ because it has a full length ejector rod.

[@jmcrae825]

I agree. I have one. Love it!😊

[@calebclark6739]

So does the Colt 3”.

[@Gieszkanne]

With the new locking system of the k frame 19/66 the 2.5 also could have a full lenght ejector.

[@petersimon5060]

Colt python cant compare they are not reliable the barrel freezes up when you go back and forth 357 to38 special their is a problem and that's just me saying that many of my friends have the same problem with pythons the smith686 is by far the better gun.thats the one to buy for sure. The watcher.

[@tammykennedy4165]

Colt don’t have the keylock

[@guaporeturns9472]

Thanks for sharing with us. Every Colt I was ever around eventually developed timing/jamming issues but those were older ones , I have no experience with these new Colts…. I’ve always had good luck with S&W

[@professorpewpuew]

They redesigned the cylinder pawl so there won't be as much strain on the hand. The disadvantage is that the single action pull is heavier.

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@professorpewpuew Yeah so I heard.. the one advantage the Colt had was the light , smooth double and single action , but if they had to give some of that up for increased durability/reliability then so be it , seems a good trade off. Edit: still has the weird grip angle and inferior cylinder release imho

[@lostwreckage]

@@professorpewpuew I actually heard that the SA sucks because Colt/CZ wanted to make sure they could pass the California drop test so the Pythons could make the California DOJ approved roster. Proper polishing of the SA sear eliminates this problem, but there are few qualified gunsmiths to do this. I prefer to do my own work, but the lack of availability of parts means that a botched job means you're sending your firearm back to Colt. I've messed up a few extractor stars on Smiths, but you can buy a new one at Midway for like $30. Not an option for Colts

[@sjr3124]

I want a blued 2.5” Colt Python. Now that is a beautiful carry gun!

[@sparky_-mf2cs]

686 is thee best combat revolver.

[@samslaughter6828]

You make me laugh

[@garyking3697]

Very Nice, I also have both of these excellent revolvers in 2.5" barrels only my 686 is not the plus only six rounds. These are both good choices either will serve well.

[@professorpewpuew]

I'd like to get a six shot 686 before long. So many loader options.

[@alexandrueftenie9834]

Really nice revolvers! 💯💯💯💯💯 Good video! You are very good in double action!

[@ironhorse127]

Both beautiful revolvers. I just never cared for the grip angle on the Colts. Uncomfortable to me.

[@kmo9219]

The extra round in the 686+ gives it the edge in my opinion. If a vented rib was all that important, a guy can get that with a Taurus.

[@justusbryant7366]

You dummy.

[@samslaughter6828]

You are a MORON ! I cant believe you would say Taurus and Colt in same breath. IDIOT!

[@LionquestFitness]

Excellent comparison! The Hillary hole is the deal breaker for me. Colt Python if I could afford one.

[@raya8633]

Locking mechanism can easily be removed!!!

[@samslaughter6828]

$$$ Hold what you got till you get what you want!

[@frankbutta9344]

I’ve had a couple of new Pythons, and own a couple of 686+ revolvers. I sold the Pythons after a Colt rep told me they don’t sell parts, not even a sideplate screw(?!?). It’s probably just me, but I’m much more accurate with my 2.5”/4” 686+ revolvers.

[@davey_og_chainz]

I've always wanted a Python/Diamondback but either couldn't find one or afford one, so I opted for a 4in. 686 Plus. I have absolutely no regrets in getting the 686.

[@light_walker4500]

I have both, the higher bore axis on the 686 steers me toward the colt tbh. 7 shot ain’t nothing either. Glad to have them, both perfect explanations of a defensive pistol imo. Great vid thanks man.

[@leadfarmer556]

Bore axis, bro these are revolvers. Wtf you talking about bore axis.

[@raya8633]

Congratulations on both those beautiful guns, I own 2 686+ in 4”& 2.5” barrels no regrets love them both. For home defense I have gp100 4” & sp101 2.25”.

[@samslaughter6828]

Ruger! Really? Junk

[@totizabayle377]

I had owned both but always prefer the 586 plus. I have een partial to S&W revolvers for I think they have shorter trigger travel in double action which is ideal for repeat shots. Good presentation.

[@lostwreckage]

Unlike the Colt, the Smith rebound spring can be changed to the shooter's preference because it is it's own spring. The Colt spring, however, controls both the hammer drop AND the reset. This would be fine if Colts didn't have a trigger reset that can cause binding unless the shooter adapts to the trigger. I love Smith triggers and don't want to adapt to an inferior system. Pythons ARE beautiful! I'll give them that.

[@fa-ajn9881]

Between the 2.5 python and the S&W 327. Any insight?

[@fa-ajn9881]

I also like the newer colt viper with its gutter sights but just feel like I would always wish I had a python if I got it. Feels just as nice as the python in person.

[@TARandFEATHERS]

Good job. I can't help myself, I'm just a .38 revolver kinda guy.

[@montecraig7032]

I have both and hate the round butt on my 686 plus. The cylinder release bites my thumb with heavy loads. I wish the Pythons cylinder was slightly longer. It limits bullet selection. You can now get an Elliason rear sight from Kensight for the new Pythons.

[@jackrackham7942]

Did you have any problems with the Python’s rear sight? Others report the sight loses zero with use.

[@billbrown4745]

There is a tiny allen screw you loosen when you adjust the windage then re-tighten to keep the sight from moving. The geniuses who complain about the rear sight have yet to figure this out.....

[@alfredpaquin3563]

My only issue with the Python, I own one, but the cylinder release prevents reloads with a speed loader.

[@mikehenrybell2398]

My HKS PY-A speedloader works just fine

[@righteous6996]

Great review, thanks! I'm gonna buy my first revolver for the range shooting. Is 3" enough for 15-25 yards or you would recommend 4" revolver? Thanks in advance.

[@fa-ajn9881]

Very interested in the 2.5 python with it’s smaller grips then the rest of the pythons… what do you think of it for ccw?

[@captainbuck5969]

It appears all the trigger pulls went bang.

[@davidinghram2494]

If you want to look at it, the Python. If you actually want to use it, the Smith.

[@steel1911]

Great video thank you! I've been watching it over and over as I'm Undecided between the new matte finish/hogue grips Python 2.5 or the Smith PC 686+ 2.5". I already have a PC 629 2.5" sub 44mag ,PC 327 2" 8 shoot and a high polish Python 4.25" . The Python is butter smooth even more than my smith PC's. That said 686 PC is a 7rd almost same size and super nice also🤷🏼‍♂️

[@samslaughter6828]

Colt

[@learningone7786]

Wonder why the 2.5" Python trigger guard is different than the 4".

[@markconner3234]

I own both, don't EVEN TRY TO COMPARE any revolver to the Colt.

[@samslaughter6828]

Well put

[@chrisstandingbear1947]

They're both good, get both.

[@666devilknight]

Not being a smart ass, but you should wrap the supporting hand’s thumb around/over top of the shooting hand, rather than trying to hold it like a semiautomatic. It will give you better recoil control and keep that thumb safely away from the cylinder gap.

[@LA_Commander]

Let's see. The Colt is $1500 msrp. The Smith is $1000 msrp. The Colt has 6 shots, the Smith has 7 shots. And the Smith is no wider than the Colt even with that 7th shot. The Colt has a serrated trigger, the Smith has a smooth face trigger (which I prefer). The Smith is also about 2 oz lighter. The Colt is better looking. But the Smith is, overall, the better revolver for the money. For the extra $500 for the Colt you don't really get anything much better than the Smith. Except one less round.

[@manderson7173]

And more of a jewel… The fit/finish on the Pythons is far superior to any Smith I’ve handled

[@LA_Commander]

@manderson7173 that's about the only thing, if true, that would even remotely justify the 50% increase in price.

[@justusbryant7366]

Yea you dont own one do you lol. Colt is better. That gun is so accurate and the da trigger is amazing!!!! It looks good too. I love smith too but i want both and have both.

[@LA_Commander]

@@justusbryant7366 can't afford one. Thought I had explained that already in the review...

[@justusbryant7366]

@@LA_Commander i mean you got the 3 inch with that stupid grip. No wonder you think the smith is better

[@rickperry5022]

I'm biased towards the S&W 686+. Nothing wrong with the colt

[@ThePalmettoProletarian]

I just bought me a brand new King Cobra carry 2in love it

[@philcollamore3149]

No eye protection! What a PRO

[@maxmoody3074]

686+

[@lostwreckage]

I might be the outlier here, but I absolutely hated the trigger on the Python that I owned. The gun was beautiful and the lockup was impeccable, but the SA was awful compared to my Smiths. The DA was smooth but not better than older Smiths or newer ones with some very easy trigger work (in my opinion and based on a sample size of 1). I did have new King Cobra that had a much better trigger, but the reset left a lot to be desired, which is common with Colts. I miss the Python, but the Smiths I've worked on and tuned are things that I hope to never need to sell. The new Anaconda has my eye, though. Also, as another poster commented, the availability of parts or even qualified gunsmiths make the Smith a better choice.

[@rcas350pilot8]

The choice is easy, they are both beautiful guns, get both.

[@mrbee145]

I have both in various barrel lengths 😂. That’s the way to go

[@randyreynolds1045]

Smith❤

[@ironmikehallowween]

I will never buy a pistol with that ugly hole in it. I still buy Smith classics and old Smiths and love them. But, most new revolver purchases are Colts. They are excellent. But, for 357 magnum snubs, I mainly use a Rhino. It’s fantastic. Thanks for the video.

[@montecraig7032]

I sold my 686 plus and bought my fourth python. I hated the round butt on the Smith.

[@ronniecolemanministries]

Love the686!!!

[@robspath4203]

I chose the Python. I chose poorly.

[@jamescottrell7367]

Have a 586 no dash and it ahoots like a dream .

[@samslaughter6828]

Better keep that one!

[@kevinpotter1860]

Check out 5 Star Firearms Speed Loaders... The Best

[@TheGunnyBadger03xx]

Virtually equal revolvers, but the 686 carries that 7th round and gets the nod from me.

[@brujoobscuro]

Got both

[@randyreynolds1045]

smith all the way❤

[@Gieszkanne]

The +1 round make the decision easy!

[@Hermit58]

Another round is what you want? How about one more? I found 8 rounds of .357 magnum to be even one better, with my S&W 627 😉

[@texmexshoots]

The correct answer is to get both! 😁

[@professorpewpuew]

My wallet 😢

[@texmexshoots]

@@professorpewpuew Yes indeed. But you can rest assured they will retain their value.

[@kmo9219]

The correct answer is to get a 686+ and a 7-shot GP100...

[@RichiesHouse]

The smith is the rational choice .

[@ricktoole9991]

Smith and Wesson all day long

[@AlfredHermansen]

Neither... Both have become far overpriced with absolutely atrocious QC issues... I recently bought a Taurus Executive Grade for less than half the price that puts both to shame in build quality, attention to detail, and trigger feel, not to mention accuracy...

[@leadfarmer556]

Taurus, 😂. Not even close to smith and wesson. Just admit your poor and can’t afford a better pistol.

[@AlfredHermansen]

@@leadfarmer556 Not poor. I own several older, classic Smith's and Colts, but wouldn't buy a new one...

[@AlfredHermansen]

@@leadfarmer556 Not poor. I own several older, classic Smith's and Colts, but wouldn't buy a new one anymore... By the way why do all the older, classic Smith's and Colts sell for so much more than the new ones if they are made so well now? Answer that... ... ... Then, great American craftsmanship. Now, like most all things "American made," Overpriced Junk...

[@chrispena4582]

Carry both at the same time

[@Stew-rl9qk]

Kimber k6s

[@journeyquest1]

686 plus 3 inch like i just bought.

[@brandtbollers3183]

S&W.Always.

[@AHMEDShaker-r5n]

good 357

[@kevinpotter1860]

SW for me...

[@francisgarner1751]

PS AT THE END YOU DID PUT YOUR GLASSES 😊

[@ronalddavidson8449]

Dude, you ding the barrels together WOW What is wrong with you? Couldn't believe what I heard and saw Remind me not to hand you my Guns .

[@garycaouette4778]

It doesn’t have fixed sights…

[@user-jd8gv9td3l]

GP100

[@dalecharles811]

New python are junk

[@guaporeturns9472]

How so?

[@francisgarner1751]

😢 shame no eye protection. Please don't make new shooters think it's OKAY!!😮‍💨

[@bobyjones3905]

Are you happy he put his glasses on

[@alanfine9825]

I stopped watching as soon as I saw you start to shoot without safety glasses.....cardinal sin. I can't watch a reviewer who is breaking a major safety rule, and also gave numbers on the DA/SA Pull without a measuring device to prove the "claimed" numbers.

[@bobyjones3905]

So do you not like his shirt or haircut to

[@mikehenrybell2398]

I never shoot with glasses, nor do millions of shooters and soldiers around the globe.

[@BabaBlueJay]

I own an older 686-3 with the old forged/chromed hammer & trigger with gorgeous 🥰 wood 🪵 combats. Best gun I own.

[@professorpewpuew]

I like the new Smiths a little more than the Colts, but those old Smiths are really something to delight in. I have always been a Model 10 guy but I have been hunting for an old magnum for a bit.

[@buddysumner4022]

686 every day of the week and twice on Sunday,