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The Colt Python and Smith & Wesson 686 6 Inch models are two of the most respected .357 Magnum revolvers, each offering distinct advantages in performance, craftsmanship, and intended use. While both revolvers feature double-action/single-action operation, stainless steel construction, and full underlug barrels, their differences in trigger design, frame construction, and overall refinement set them apart.
The Colt Python, known as the pinnacle of revolver craftsmanship, boasts a hand-fitted action, vented rib barrel, and an ultra-smooth V-spring trigger, making it a top choice for precision shooting, competition, and collectors. The S&W 686, built for rugged durability and duty use, features a coil spring action and L-frame construction, offering reliability, lower maintenance, and excellent all-around performance at a more affordable price.
In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down size, accuracy, trigger performance, carry options, reliability, and overall value to determine which revolver is the better fit for your needs. Whether you’re after a competition-ready masterpiece or a practical workhorse revolver, this guide will give you the definitive answer in the Colt Python vs S&W 686 debate.
Colt Python 6-Inch: The Benchmark of .357 Magnum Revolvers
The Colt Python is a six-shot, double-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, widely regarded as one of the finest production revolvers ever made. First introduced in 1955, the Python was designed as Colt’s flagship revolver, built to exceed the standards of law enforcement, target shooters, and collectors. With its 6-inch barrel, high-polish stainless steel finish, and meticulously hand-fitted components, the Colt Python remains a symbol of precision craftsmanship and top-tier performance.
Weighing approximately 46 ounces, the Colt Python’s full steel construction contributes to its legendary durability while helping to mitigate felt recoil, making it more manageable even with heavy .357 Magnum loads. The revolver’s full underlug barrel not only improves balance but also reduces muzzle rise, enhancing shot-to-shot accuracy. The Colt Python features an elevated vent rib along the top of the barrel, a signature design element that aids in heat dissipation and target tracking.
Throughout its history, the Colt Python has been favored by elite law enforcement units, competitive shooters, and revolver enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of .357 Magnum performance. After being discontinued in 2005, Colt revived the Python in 2020, modernizing its internal components while retaining its classic design. Whether for target shooting, hunting, or collection purposes, the Colt Python’s unmatched craftsmanship, superior accuracy, and smooth trigger make it a gold standard among double-action revolvers.
Smith & Wesson 686 6-Inch: A Workhorse .357 Magnum Revolver Built for Performance
The Smith & Wesson 686 is a double-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, designed for durability, reliability, and all-around shooting performance. First introduced in 1980 as part of Smith & Wesson’s L-Frame series, the Smith & Wesson 686 was developed to handle the high pressures of magnum loads while maintaining a manageable size for both duty use and target shooting. The 6-inch barrel variant balances accuracy, recoil control, and velocity, making it a popular choice among competitive shooters and hunters alike.
Weighing approximately 44.2 ounces (unloaded), the S&W 686 is slightly lighter than the Colt Python but still provides excellent recoil mitigation. The full underlug barrel design shifts more weight toward the muzzle, reducing muzzle flip and improving follow-up shot accuracy. The revolver features a stainless steel frame and cylinder, offering corrosion resistance and ruggedness suitable for both range use and field carry.
With a six or seven-round cylinder option, fully adjustable rear sights, and a replaceable red ramp front sight, the S&W 686 provides versatility for both precision shooting and defensive applications. As a result, it has become a mainstay in law enforcement, competition shooting, and personal defense, praised for its balance of affordability, durability, and performance. Whether on the range or in the field, the Smith & Wesson 686 stands out as a practical, battle-proven revolver that delivers consistent results in real-world scenarios.
Colt Python vs S&W 686 Size Comparison
The Colt Python and S&W 686 are full-size .357 Magnum revolvers built for accuracy, stability, and durability. Their identical 6-inch barrel length makes them well-suited for target shooting, hunting, and home defense rather than concealed carry. Both revolvers are nearly identical in size, but the Python’s higher mass provides a slight advantage in felt recoil reduction, whereas the 686’s slightly longer frame offers a marginally extended sight radius, aiding in precision shooting.
| Specification | Colt Python (6-inch) | S&W 686 (6-inch) |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Magnum | .357 Magnum |
| Weight | 46 ounces | 44.2 ounces |
| Height | 5.5 inches | 6.0 inches |
| Width | 1.55 inches | 1.56 inches |
| Overall Length | 11.5 inches | 11.94 inches |
| Barrel Length | 6 inches | 6 inches |
| Cylinder Capacity | 6 rounds | 6 or 7 rounds |
| Front Sight | Interchangeable Red Ramp | Red Ramp |
| Rear Sight | Fully Adjustable | Fully Adjustable |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Frame Size | Large | Medium-Large |
| Frame Type | I-Frame | L-Frame |
| Action Type | Double-Action/Single-Action | Double-Action/Single-Action |
| MSRP | Approximately $1,499 | Approximately $999 |
Colt Python vs S&W 686: Enhancements, Accessories & Range Performance
The Colt Python 6-inch and S&W 686 6-inch are both high-quality .357 Magnum revolvers, but their enhancements, accessory compatibility, and range performance set them apart. Built with stainless steel frames, six-round cylinders, and double-action/single-action operation, both are designed for precision shooting, though they cater to slightly different preferences.
The Colt Python features a full-length underlug, vented rib barrel, and an adjustable rear sight, providing exceptional stability and accuracy at extended distances. The Smith & Wesson 686, with its slightly lighter build and L-frame design, delivers a more utilitarian feel while still offering excellent recoil control. At the range, the Python excels in precision and smoothness, while the S&W 686 provides a robust, slightly more rugged feel, well-suited for both competition and duty use.
Colt Python vs S&W 686: Trigger Performance & Action
The Colt Python and S&W 686 both utilize double-action/single-action (DA/SA) triggers, but their feel and mechanics set them apart. The Colt Python is renowned for its exceptionally smooth factory trigger, featuring a V-spring system that delivers a 9-10 lb double-action pull and a crisp 3.5-4 lb single-action break. This results in a silky, rolling pull with minimal stacking, making it one of the best revolver triggers for precision shooting and competitive use.
The S&W 686, while highly respected, has a heavier double-action pull of around 10-12 lbs and a 4-lb single-action break. Unlike the Colt Python’s V-spring, the Smith & Wesson 686 uses a coil spring mechanism, which, while rugged and reliable, has a slightly grittier, more resistant pull in DA mode. However, it remains predictable and smooth, with many shooters opting for aftermarket spring kits to enhance performance.
Colt Python vs S&W 686: Accuracy
The Colt Python and S&W 686 are both highly accurate .357 Magnum revolvers, but the Colt Python holds a slight edge due to its refined barrel design, weight distribution, and ultra-smooth trigger. The Python’s one-piece, precision-machined barrel with a vented rib and recessed crown enhances shot consistency, while its full-length underlug minimizes muzzle rise, allowing for tighter groupings at extended distances.
The S&W 686 is also exceptionally accurate, with a well-balanced design and fully adjustable rear sight, but its heavier double-action trigger can make precision shooting slightly more demanding compared to the Colt Python’s lighter and more refined 9-10 lb DA pull. At 25 yards, both revolvers are capable of sub-2-inch groupings with quality ammunition, but experienced shooters often find the Colt Python’s smoother action translates to more consistent accuracy in competitive and target shooting scenarios.
Colt Python vs S&W 686: Reliability & Durability
The Colt Python and S&W 686 are both built from stainless steel and designed to handle full-power .357 Magnum loads, but their durability and maintenance needs differ. The Smith & Wesson 686 is widely regarded as the more rugged, duty-ready revolver, featuring a coil spring action and L-frame design, which enhances long-term durability while requiring minimal maintenance. Its simpler internal mechanics and robust construction allow it to withstand high round counts with fewer timing or wear issues.
The Colt Python, while exceptionally well-made, has tighter tolerances and a more refined V-spring trigger system, which makes it more sensitive to fouling and wear over time. Historically, older Pythons developed timing issues after extensive use, though Colt’s modern re-release has reinforced these components for better longevity. The Colt Python delivers unmatched smoothness and precision, but it requires more frequent maintenance to keep its action in peak condition.
Colt Python vs S&W 686: Carry & Holsters
The Colt Python 6 Inch and S&W 686 6 Inch are full-sized .357 Magnum revolvers designed primarily for range use, hunting, and open carry rather than concealed carry. Their weight—46 ounces for the Colt Python and 44.2 ounces for the S&W 686—makes them less practical for everyday carry but well-suited for shoulder holsters, chest rigs, and OWB holsters.
For comfortable open carry, the best Colt Python holster options include premium leather OWB holsters that provide a secure fit and allow for smooth draw. Given its heavier frame, a high-quality shoulder holster or chest holster is also ideal for field carry.
The Smith & Wesson 686, with its L-frame design and optional seven-round cylinder, is similarly best carried in reinforced OWB holsters for easy access and retention. The best S&W 686 holster options include contoured leather OWB rigs for range use and durable shoulder holsters for extended carry in outdoor settings.
While neither revolver is optimized for concealed carry, proper holster selection ensures comfort, accessibility, and retention, making them effective for hunting, open carry, and competition shooting.
Colt Python vs S&W 686: Why Were They Made?
The Colt Python and S&W 686 were developed to serve different yet overlapping roles in the revolver market, each reflecting its manufacturer’s approach to .357 Magnum Colt handguns and S&W handguns during their respective eras.
Introduced in 1955, the Colt Python was designed as a high-end, precision-crafted revolver, built to be the finest Colt handgun of its time. With hand-fitted components, a full underlug barrel for better balance, and a remarkably smooth V-spring trigger, it quickly earned a reputation as the “Rolls-Royce of revolvers.” The Colt Python was marketed toward law enforcement, competitive shooters, and collectors, offering elite-level craftsmanship and performance.
The S&W 686, introduced in 1980, was developed as a rugged, duty-ready alternative, built to withstand the heavy use of law enforcement officers and high-volume shooters. Smith & Wesson designed the S&W 686 on their L-frame platform, creating a stronger, more durable revolver that could handle full-power .357 Magnum loads more reliably than their earlier K-frame models. The use of a coil spring action and simpler internal mechanics made the S&W 686 easier to maintain, ensuring long-term reliability with minimal tuning.
Colt Python vs S&W 686: Potential Issues
The Colt Python, while renowned for its ultra-smooth trigger and precision craftsmanship, has historically been prone to timing issues, especially under high-round-count shooting or excessive rapid fire. Its V-spring trigger system, while refined, requires regular maintenance to prevent wear. Additionally, the Colt Python’s high-polish stainless finish is more prone to visible scratches and smudges, making it less forgiving for heavy-duty field use.
The S&W 686, built for durability, is generally more low-maintenance due to its coil spring design and L-frame construction, but some users report a heavier double-action trigger pull compared to the Python’s lighter pull. While the S&W 686 holds up well over extended shooting sessions, its cylinder release latch can sometimes feel stiff, requiring occasional tuning. Additionally, early models had occasional forcing cone erosion issues, though modern versions have addressed this.
Colt Python vs S&W 686: The Verdict
The Colt Python and S&W 686 6 Inch models represent two of the finest .357 Magnum revolvers, each excelling in specific roles based on design, performance, and user preference.
The Colt Python, with its hand-fitted components, ultra-smooth V-spring trigger, and high-polish finish, is the gold standard for revolver craftsmanship. Designed for precision shooting, competition, and collectors, it delivers superior accuracy and an unmatched trigger feel, but requires more maintenance to preserve its legendary action. The S&W 686, built for duty use, self-defense, and high-volume shooting, is more rugged and lower-maintenance, thanks to its coil spring design and L-frame durability.
For those seeking elite craftsmanship, collector appeal, and the smoothest trigger on a factory revolver, the Colt Python remains the ultimate choice. For those looking for affordable durability, reliability, and all-around performance, the Smith & Wesson 686 stands out as the best balance of power and practicality.
