.357 Magnum Revolver Smith and Wesson or Colt?

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lyle1

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I am enlisting my fellow CGN'ers for some help. I have taken a break from Restricted Firearms for two or three years. I sold off most of my collection as I thought I was done with the hobby.
However, I recently got the "bug" again, but only want to pickup one very nice .357 revolver that I can shoot, and be proud to pass down to my son some day. In the past I have had many vintage Smith and Wesson K, L, and N frames. My preference for this caliber would be the L frame first, and the K frame second.

Another thought to consider is a new Python. I do have reservations as the new 2020 version had some teething issues as the start, but apparently they have been rectified.
Also, are they really worth more than double the price of a nice vintage Smith and Wesson?

So my question to my fellow CGN'ers is, do I try and find an excellent example of a Vintage Smith and Wesson or save up the extra money for a new Python?

Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated.
 
There is nothing wrong with new Smith & Wesson revolvers, I've never had any issue with the internal lock so many people complain about. If I didn't own a revolver and was considering buying a Colt Python I wouldn't. I'd buy a S&W 686 and a Ruger Blackhawk.
 
My first revolver was a no-dash 6" 686. It has target grips on it, gorgeous gun. That one's a keeper for sure. The Pythons are nice guns, but you get more for your money in a Smith IMO.
 
lyle1 said:
I am enlisting my fellow CGN'ers for some help. I have taken a break from Restricted Firearms for two or three years. I sold off most of my collection as I thought I was done with the hobby.
However, I recently got the "bug" again, but only want to pickup one very nice .357 revolver that I can shoot, and be proud to pass down to my son some day. In the past I have had many vintage Smith and Wesson K, L, and N frames. My preference for this caliber would be the L frame first, and the K frame second.

Another thought to consider is a new Python. I do have reservations as the new 2020 version had some teething issues as the start, but apparently they have been rectified.
Also, are they really worth more than double the price of a nice vintage Smith and Wesson?

So my question to my fellow CGN'ers is, do I try and find an excellent example of a Vintage Smith and Wesson or save up the extra money for a new Python?

Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

I say you try to get out there and fire examples of the ones you're interested in. Buy the one you like the most.

-S.
 
I have a 686-1 that I purchased in 1987 and it has worked flawless. My vote is biased towards the 686 but I have shoot the Colt Python and it was very nice.
 
I've shot both, bang for buck the Smith would be the one to go for. However, if you've got a little extra money and can accept paying more for a few things that aren't necessary but are nice to have... then I'd go with the Python for the finishing and buttery smooth action.

If you want to go even higher quality the Manurhin MR73 is an heirloom quality revolver that's K-Frame sized. I haven't shot one but it's on my list of grails.
 
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lyle1 said:
I am enlisting my fellow CGN'ers for some help. I have taken a break from Restricted Firearms for two or three years. I sold off most of my collection as I thought I was done with the hobby.
However, I recently got the "bug" again, but only want to pickup one very nice .357 revolver that I can shoot, and be proud to pass down to my son some day. In the past I have had many vintage Smith and Wesson K, L, and N frames. My preference for this caliber would be the L frame first, and the K frame second.

Another thought to consider is a new Python. I do have reservations as the new 2020 version had some teething issues as the start, but apparently they have been rectified.
Also, are they really worth more than double the price of a nice vintage Smith and Wesson?

So my question to my fellow CGN'ers is, do I try and find an excellent example of a Vintage Smith and Wesson or save up the extra money for a new Python?

Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

How much Python shooting have you done? As a long time SW shooter I found the cylinder release something to get used to on Colts.
I say go for the SW for shooting and Colt for legacy or cool for a change factor.
 
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welcome back Lyle1. You know the Smiths so suspect you may need to scratch the Python itch before deciding. You can pick up a mint new gen for 1900-2K, and probably sell it for the same if it doesn't suite you. They are nice and Colt has worked out the bugs. I'm a big S&W fan too, though.

Manurhins which I believe you are acquainted with, would be top of the list know doubt but 3.5K is getting up there. Too bad none of the existing new stock have the Nill grips.
 
For some reason, I've always preferred Smith and Wessons. I had a blued Python in the early 90's, found the cylinder release clumsy to use. My 686-3s felt better than the Python. Feel is a personal thing. Have had a couple of 586s but preferred the 686 for its stainless steel material. Bought and sold 6 686-3s and a 66-2 over time. Sold all and I've kept a 686-3 6 inch with the Silhouette front sight.

But the best overall revolver for me is the S&W K frame 357. Our family has a couple of 65s and a newer 66-8. If I can find a pre-lock 66 in mint shape, that will be my heirloom gun. Wait, what am I talking about, all Smiths are heirloom guns as fair as I'm concerned, even my 17-3.
 
I started out buying S&W revolvers but switched over to Colts; generally smoother actions and better accuracy, especially in the Python.

I still own several Colts but no Smith's.
 
Ruger gp100 built like a tank,,,, accurate will last a very long time,,,, I have S&W revolvers as well in 357 k and L frames,,,, even a couple of snubs great guns but if I could only have one it would be the 4.2 inch blued GP100 I have as well
 
Well I have a 686 NO Dash former US Custom with a 4.14" barrel and much prefer the Ruger GP-100 4.2". The Ruger, with a spring kit and shims has a much better trigger pull over my 686 and with Lett Grip vs Pachmeyer (SP) the Ruger weighs less. Both are excellent and both are light years better than the new Pythons by Colt. The Snake guns died for a reason...they could not compete with the equivalent Smiths back in the day. Today they are way over priced IMHO for what you get.

My recommendation to the OP is look for a 4.2" Ruger GP-100 on the EE, install a spring and shim kit in the gun and never look back. Solly Canadian makes a very good holster for the gun as well.

Take Care

Bob
 
Dukester said:
How much Python shooting have you done? As a long time SW shooter I found the cylinder release something to get used to on Colts.
I say go for the SW for shooting and Colt for legacy or cool for a change factor.

As a long time SW shooter I always found the Colt cylinder release a little hard to get used to.
Click to expand...

...and the cylinder rotates the wrong way!

Auggie D.
 
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