You can swap them in a matter of seconds. This is using the gun in single action. You Pew-Pew guys(and gals) are doing a great job. That was my first gun. The .357 Magnum revolver was then known as the Model 27, built on an N frame. My kimber1911,45 ultra carry 2, &metro arms 1911 .45 hard chrome are too big for carrying ideally and my beretta 9mm is to. TF. Answer (1 of 16): A detailed answer would require far more time than I can spare, but I have what I believe is a valid, solid opinion, and will attempt to list my reasons. Manurhin and Korth are also completely unobtainable for the vast majority of people. I love my Chiappa Rhino. I have no complaints against the Taurus revolvers except for the polymer 357, for obvious reasons--those are two words that simply don't belong together. Yeah the Smitty is one fine well crafted pistol, BUT my Danny will out shoot it all day long!!! I was in my twenties and knew nothing. I am experienced shooter. Easy to conceal carry, highly accurate and heavy enough to handle full power loads. The hammer arc and lock time on the Smith are considerably less than the Colt. I won! This revolver is built on a large frame similar to the Smith and Wesson model 29. I own one and compared it to the Ruger sp101 before buying the Kimber K6s. At that time I looked at Ruger's Security Six, Colt's King Cobra, and Smith's 686. Get proficient on YOUR time. Strong and very accurate. and have never had a problem with any of them. I bought mine new in 1974 (I think it was in '74) and still haven't shot any that I like as well. Hmmm. yup both these come in 4inch 5 and 6 the 627 is better than the 686. Both are chambered in .357 Magnum with four-inch barrels. But it can be argued that the gun the GP-100 was derived from, the Security-Six, was a vastly superior gun. Great article. If you are referring to police work they all are obsolete. 2020 Python vs S&W 686 6 0 1715 Views In General Comparing two similar revolvers, the 2020 Colt Python and the S&W Model 686. Lets talk a little about the various frame sizes you can expect to see when shopping. if you want more, get a set of Karl Nill grips for the gun and send it to Frank Glenn or the gunsmith of your choice for an action job. I like mine a lot. Used a S&W 6" 686 for years in U.S.P.S.A matches even had a compensator milled in it, the hotter the load the less the muzzle would rise. On the plus side, these guns can handle large amounts of heavily loaded .357 Magnum ammunition. I dont prefer it for carry, for that I chose my sig p380 hd. If there is a S&W that has become redundant now it is the heavy L frame guns. My longest shot was approximately 123 yard shooting a souped up Hornady xtp round. The average group size for the 1975 Python was 2.52 inches, while the 2020 Python's was 2.17 inches. Stock springs on the 101 are pretty stout for the ergonomics but a wonderful piece and I also own a Colt Trooper MKIII with a 4 barrel and target trigger and hammer. And the 2&1/2 barrel version is considered by myself and many knowledgeable handguners to be the best all round snub nose .357 ever. They are amazing guns. At least their single actions are mostly true internally to the originals. I own 4 357s, SW Model 19- SW Model 686+1, SW Model 586 Distinguished Combat Magnum and a Model 66. The Ruger GP-100 is a 6 or 7-shot .357 Magnum revolver with a DA/SA medium frame revolver. I am a highly prejudicated in favor of larger caliber revolvers (smallest being a S&W .38 w/ 4.5" barrel) for what i call the three H's- Hunt, Hit, and Hurt- bringing down food, accuracy/proficiencey with the firearm (obviously needed for H1and H2) and puttin the hurt on evildoers up to no good (Home invasion, self and others personal safety etc) I've never had one jam, stovepipe, fail to feed etc My 357 of choice is a Ruger Blkhwk w/ 6.5 bbl I also own two 41 mags, a Ruger and a S&W ,both have 8 3/8" bbls- slight edge to the Smith for quicker reloading- 2 Colt 45 long 6" and 1 has a 4.5 AND just for shits n giggles 2 Heritage Ruffies a 6.5 and a 9 inch both with 22lr and 22 mag cylinders Not to worried bout the ol' CCL aspect I enjoy the article and the other replies to each to their own. But the companys first .357 Magnum revolvers wouldnt show up until 1934. I have the 3" barrel and the DASA model. Offered in four sizes for medium (K) and medium large (L) frame . Left my pinky hanging off the end. To me that comparison is apples and oranges. Colt Python. The gun features a fully adjustable rear sight, match trigger, and is completely hand-fitted to exacting tolerances. My opinion. An officer traded it in and I was fortunate enough to see it before anyone else did. Keep 'em coming. I would think your Model 66 would approximate the Colt King Cobra Target. I replaced it with the Single-six and enjoy that, but I'd rather have my GP-100 back. I target shoot with my 4" It drove the market price up about $200 over the last Python they released, but maybe we can chalk that up to inflation. Their size also makes them easy to draw and bring to bear quickly. They would continue to make the 6 Python, in some number, all the way to 2006. Ever since 1955, the Python was a deluxe revolver in every way intended to win competitions, take game, and serve for personal defense with no need for further modifications. Model 5033 Ruger Redhawk .357 Magnum: Top Pick. SW are fantastic guns, just never loved the short hammer pull, again, not what I was used to. The great stopping power myth is that there is a "best." All 3 were extremely accurate and reliable. One of the GP-100's claims to fame is its robustness. The 686 is a heavy duty gun and will take more heavy .357 rounds than the Python before it goes out of timing. These revolvers usually weigh between 20 and 40 ounces unloaded. Python amazing gun ! Probably have over a 1000 rounds through this pistol and still shoots straight and true. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. They are in similar I sure tames the recoil, but I didn't care for the trigger. The Colt has an eight-pound double-action pull. I'd like to know where the S&W 586-L comp fits into this discussion. Thank you. New Colt Python Vs. 686 GoldenWebb 54.1K subscribers Join 18K views 3 years ago #GoldenWebb Support the channel by subscribing to Big Daddy Unlimited! Doesn't make a very good concealed carry firearm. Colt did a bang-up polish job that . This revolver tames the recoil with even the heaviest loads. But if any of y'all out there got a long barrel 357 Smith I sure would like to find one. no gun is a must as its all in the opinion of the person who makes the liks. One issue the Python was known for was relatively delicate lockwork. The new 4-inch barrel Colt Python has . This gun is also quite stylish with an 8-round fluted cylinder and choice of black synthetic or wood grips. I manufactured ammo for over a decade commercially. And when this article was written S&W were producing their new K frames that have been reinforced through the forcing cone area. My general impression at the time was that the Ruger was the most durable, the Smith had the best trigger (both out-of-the-box and with a little more work). It's made to shoot. S&W Model 27 And I speak as an owner of both models (as well as Pythonsoriginals, not the remake). Steel is a little heavier, and better controls .357 Magnums recoil. The extra length prevents the revolvers cylinder from closing and locking into place. Im still partial to a S&W 13-3 I have and it has a lot of miles on it. And though the recoil was a bit sharper, the gun was the ideal hunting, camping, hiking and fishing gun -- none of which could be said of the heavier, klunkier GP-100. It handles .357 Magnum ammunition very well, and you will feel little recoil when firing. 357 Magnum is a bit to handle but I can shoot 38 Special thru it all day long. When we sent the gun to S&W for examination, detonation was their determination, likely due to a light handload. Aside from being much more powerful, the .357 Magnum round also needed a 1/8-inch longer case to hold more gunpowder. Ive had a S&W Mod.19 for roughly 35yrs. In this era of tiny semi-autos, gun companies aren't just selling snubnose revolvers, they keep coming out with new models and tweaked versions of existing designs. Most of their models start at $3,000+, that just isn't reasonable for most people. Tested. The one thing that I did notice was about 99% of the competitors used S&W revolvers, could be how easily it was to make a very nice trigger pull or because of the way the cylinder was unlocked for faster reloads. Always has been. Read the article again, the Taurus didn't make the list, just an honorable mention, and rightly so. Flexibility and dead on accuracy in one package. I keep those at home. S&W Model 66 By the way, whats wrong with the Taurus? Our grips are made with our proprietary G-10 material in multiple . weight of the Python ideal for stabilizing the recoil of the .357 Magnum. .99 Cents for the first month!. double-action pull than the Python. You have the date incorrect on the release of the Ruger GP100. First is for 357 mag & 38 sp. I already own some of the recommended revolvers and I am happy with them. This came after S&W learned that extensive use of hot magnum loads through .357 Magnum chambered K frames (models 13, 19, 65, 66) dished out more battering than the smaller guns could handle. This gun is FABULOUS! Subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical's sales and deals email. Hahahha, is that your "professional" opinion? The N frame is the largest frame used for the S&W .357 Magnum revolvers. There is no "proven stopping power" for a particular caliber gun. The model 627 Tracker has been one of the nicest shooting revolvers I've fired. The King Cobra is a medium-frame 6-shot revolver with a 3-inch barrel, sporting a brushed stainless steel finish. ), it looks just like a Colt .357 Magnum Python and it comes in 2inch and 4inch, not 6 as you stated. But you know what they say, Close is only good in Hand grenades and Horse shoes. This ammo has diverse use ranging from target shooting to self-defense and hunting. Lots of great guns and points here but as with any beat of list, you like what you like. I have a Taurus Tracker model 692, multi-caliber. The Test Guns. Yes, the Blackhawk can take any hot 357 round in stride. However, I did recently find the Taurus Tracker 692. Colt Python. Printing is a challenge. It is not in S&W or Ruger league or prestige but for basic day to day practicality on the street or bedside I'd put it up against anything, really. The 2020 Python is made from a stronger material, with 30% material in the top strap. I have two of your choices: S&W model 60 with 2.25 I prefer the 4-inch underlug barrel, adjustable rear sight, and ramp front sight. Gunbroker.com. Check Sturm, Ruger & Co.'s website for GP100 serial number dates that indicate S/N 170-00001 (1st Issue) was first "shipped" in 1986. Generally I never shoot the gun in DA, as a matter personal preference and much better accuracy. Although extremely expensive, the MR73 is regarded by many as the finest .357 magnum revolver ever made. The problem with reviews of the BEST .357 Magnum revolvers is that the reviewers tend to be in the pockets of the advertisers. Have had a stainless 4" barrel Ruger GP 100 down here in Australia (50 yard range use, no Concealed Carry Permit possible here), for about five years, and can attest to the solid build and reliability of the gun. The U.S. Army asked for a revolver more robust than the Colt 1892 and a more powerful cartridge. This list makes no sence. I just still don't understand why they are suddenly worth so much money. Small frame revolvers usually weigh between 12 ounces and 2 pounds when empty. Also comes with holster and 2 speed loaders Great gun in great condition. It was popular with the public and used in the U.S. military from 1873 to 1892. for a front blade sight and fixed rear sight. NIce article, and nice to see that my "low budget" The 158-grain semi-jacketed soft point bullet permits the quicker transfer of energy, which enables the bullet to do more damage. You can also order a 3 or 7-inch barrel if you prefer. Bought a GP100 Match Champion. It is a bit heavy in weight but, with an excellent OWB holster, it can be carried concealed. i wouldnt even consider a python over a smith and wesson. If price is of no concern nor is nationality, how could the Rhino be left out? The latter is an ideal range gun, but it can't compete accuracy-wise with the S&W 686 (which is far more accurate and which isn't even on the list), and when it left the range, it wasn't very useful except as a drawer gun and a paperweight. Given mine I will have to very respectfully stand by my post Sir. Looking for a good holster - recommendations appreciated. The Manurhin MR73. and a colt would not even be on my list. I loaded it myself using 180 grain bullets and Hodgkins h110 powder. I was lucky enough to grow up with .357s available to shoot and since then it has always been my go to cartridge. The Kimber feels beefier, it is finished better than any gun for the money. I have owed both, so here is my two cents on them. Allmost every round through them have been full house 357 Mag. It's accurate and its heavy barrel retards the recoil, which can be sharp at times. I like the stainless steel version since it handles moisture better than blued steel. Their prices are still reasonable, but they are starting to climb, as the name start to get respected again. "Since more of the bullets mass is outside the cartridge, there is more room for powder in the cartridge." The King Cobra is a three-inch barreled, medium-frame .357 with a weight of 28 ounces and a brushed stainless steel construction. Black powder occupies a far greater volume than smokeless. you a link to reset your password. If I gotta have a second choice, It's gunna be Ruger or "Other" SAR that can handle .357 Mag rounds. Fred is an old hand when it comes to firearms. In similar enough meaning it definitely is a WIN though. In fact I ordered 2 S&W 640 Pro series revolvers but did not take possession of one of them because it kept locking/jamming up while cycling PLUS the cylinder HAD TO BE FORCED OPEN! There was (and is) PLENTY of volume in the 38 special case since the 38 spl was originally a black powder cartridge and the .357 was developed using denser smokeless powder. You also get match-grade wood grips and adjustable sights. Hey all. People may well see I have a gun. I have hand loaded just about everything in .38 and I still carry it as needed, I also have a 357 lever rifle to go with it. Featuring an 8-shot cylinder and a factory-tuned action, this revolver is hard to beat. have the s&w 627 with the 2.635 inch looking at getting the 327 trr8 or the r8 in the 5inch i think it is mot sure yet and u should change the taurus to the 608 from the 66ss same size just 8 shots. I too have a GP 100 and a S&W 686 Plus. Additional features include black Hogue grips and an exposed hammer. What is your opinion of this pistol and what do you estimate its value to be in excellent to new con dition.. Less than a box of shells has been fired through it.. You forgot the Dan Wesson. The Kimber's biggest advantage, however, was that one extra round. Have one in pristine condition and shoots like a dream. Another fine revolver that should have been mentioned is the Dan Wesson.357 Magnum. .357 you can imagine. You must not have fired the Taurus Tracker. All three were great, just prefer the 44 mag for police work. The Colt has a more personal story. If you have a S&W for example, you can look up on their website to see what frame you have and select that particular frame. vs. . sticking with the old .38/.357 combo. Yay .357 revolvers! Then you are obligated to consider all the magnum revolvers in and out of production. Price puts them out of reach for many people. Select what level shooter you are! We all have our favorites and that's ok. It was commissioned as a gift for Richard Grob, the Director of Security and Operations for Elvis Presley Enterprises. Ruger also offers a 4.2-inch model that sports a fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear sight. The Manurhin MR73 is a 6-shot .357 Magnum revolver that is available in barrel lengths between 4 and 8 inches with a deep blue finish. Following its 2005 hiatus, Colt reintroduced the new-and-improved Python in 2020, reasonably priced at about $1500. .357 is the only way to go. Clean and mean. It's my all time favorite gun. I put the 2 and 1/2 inch barrel on, loaded with .357 and with no hearing protection, pulled the trigger. The GP-100, Redhawk, and SP-101 would later follow. Since more of the bullets mass is outside the cartridge, there is more room for powder in the cartridge. vs. Sig Sauer . I have a Security Six that I like and a K6s 3" DASA that I love. Not to mention, the gun is devilishly handsome. The EAA Windicator* .38/.357 magnum from European American Armoury is an excellent choice not mentioned here.especially for those on a bit of a budget. Federal, Remington and Winchester have all proven accurate and useful. Ruger GP100 .357 Mag: Top Pick. The 2.25-inch and 3-inch models offer synthetic black grips, front ramp sight, and fixed rear sight. Great combo with a short lever rifle for the truck. It was the first time I ever shot a gun. More barrel affords me a balance I am very accustomed to. Preferably the 3" Wiley Clapp version. After 35 years this one is still my favorite. Of course this is just my opinion. It features a fixed rear sight, brass bead front sight, and Hogue Overmolded rubber grips, While heavier than the standard Colt Cobra, the extra weight. Then, as now, everyone wanted more powerful ammo. Striker-Fired Compact Pistol Chambered in 45 ACP . Your article states the S&W K frame is obsolete. 1. I have the Taurus 357. I love them. Nope, y'all missed this one.The S&W 66-2 is the Finest .357 Revolver. You must not know about them yet. Jan 31, 2021 . any review giving is a matter of opinion of the person giving it. The older pistols, if new in the box . That is why I love this combination caliber. Python 3" vs. Smith & Wesson . I also owned a 3" SP101. See Also: Shoot-out: Colt Python vs. Smith & Wesson 686. It is hardy and I expect its useful life to outlive mine if cared for but as far as that goes it does need thorough cleaning after a range session especially (again) around the ejector wall, grime can build up there and cause ejection problems (this contributed also to the more lasting problem I mentioned I believe). So work of art for a operating gun not a collector that sits and never ever will it get packed ! Great revolvers but most people dont know anything about them. I had a GP-100 and loved it. and has been a faithful sidearm with no complaints. Type your new password and hit button below to confirm it. Sorry, Ted, but you might "bez" mistaken. Love the way it handles. Best .357 ever!!! For me the only guns that compete in terms of my own accuracy at self-defense range would be my 1911 and S&W revolvers. Smith & Wesson . Might need to get rid of it because of hand issues. Description: Smith & Wesson 686 Revolver. My carry gun is SP101. Currently own a GP100 6 Stainless with a 9lb hammer and 10lb return spring and I polished all internals and its as smooth as mayonnaise its a 6lb 7oz double action pull. Simple. Smith and Wesson lengthened the .38 Long Colt cartridge slightly and improved performance from a 152-grain bullet at 750 fps to a 158-grain bullet at 850 fps. 357 Magnum Revolvers do not have "Proven Stopping Power". I still regularly take it to the range and it is very accurate and can handle a heavy load with no problem. That's it. You left out the very best .357 Magnum revolver: the Smith and Wesson 686 plus. I shoot exclusively reloads now, but 357 or 38spc both run excellent in it. Ive owned a Ruger GP-100 since the late 80s-first handgun I ever purchased and 100% agree with your points on the gun and versatile ammo options in general. Best .357 Revolvers: Top Picks for Gun Enthusiasts and First-Time Gun Owners. Not obsolete - maybe not as popular as they were, but not obsolete. The Smith & Wesson trigger is much more difficult to stage as it does not "stack" like the Python. I personally have a 6" blued Python, circa 1978, that is new-in-box, never fired, and have no intention of firing it. Rereleased in 2020, the Colt Python made its return as a 6-shot DA/SA revolver with a high-polish stainless steel finish. Be sure to read all about the K6s in our review! I dont have anything else but I think thats enough to get it done. But it was easily done by a gunsmith (unlike S&W and Ruger revolvers, it is not easily screwed off to replace and disassembling/reassembling revolvers in general is not for the faint of.heart) cheaply. Hands Down the best .357 Magnum Revolver is the Colt Python. Standard markings, with serrated ramp front and adjustable rear sight. Series. 2020 Python vs S&W 686 Watch on CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Pistol batesvilleshooter.com He is focused on helping others protect themselves and their loved ones, and getting the most out of their time at the range. The Safariland Comp II Speedloader is injection molded and its push-button operation combines maximum speed with easy reloading, making it popular for duty applications. And the Ruger GP100 7-shot with 4 barrel. All in all, apart from the inherently higher quality that you get with S&W and Ruger, the Windy is pretty much equal to any gun on this list when it comes down to all practical purposes and I'm quite fond of it. Learn all the important stuff about handgunswith none of the attitude. Depending on configuration, values have settled between $1,800 and $5,000 for clean examples as most of us hope that Colt will eventually reintroduce the ultimate snake gun. As with the small frame revolvers, I prefer DA/SA trigger action and stainless steel. If I can't shoot itIt's a gun that needs to be shot. So many choices! Colt revolver fanatics love to tout the Python but Colt walked away from that market years ago leaving S&W as the de facto standard. 25m range. A Python will weigh a couple of ounces less than a 6 shot 686. I have 9's 45's but the revolver is my favorite to shoot. That's with 357 mag ammo. The smallest group was 1.95 inches. The price was very affordable too. S&W Model 19 w/ 4" barrel, Pachmayr grips, and a sweet trigger job. I haven't dealt with those yet though! Copyright 2023 Pew Pew Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Colt Python 357 Magnum 6In Stainless Revolver . Which is exactly what I own and will never let go of. You left out the best .357 revolver on the market. One area where the Ruger GP100 and the S&W 686 absolutely smoke the Colt Python is availability of aftermarket parts. I've tried the .44SW Mag. I regularly carry my Windicator when in situations where deep concealment isn't a necessity (OWB under winter clothing will be fine; it'll stick out a bit in light clothing; IWB appendix carry is possible and the most concealed position available. mitigates recoil and muzzle lift. What about the S&W 686? I like it better than my smS&W. Who writes these articles. Psa Dagger Compact 9Mm Pistol With Extreme Carry. The newer Model 627 is a beautiful handgun, but I like my Model 28 best. Reliable. umm your going to deep with all that. If I had younger eyes, I could push the distance further. The trigger is good from the factory, but can be tuned to a very nice pull. I know nobody likes to mention the "t" word, but honestly, Taurus has really stepped up their game, and more importantly, their quality control over the past couple years. You will get better accuracy in rapid-fire on the second and third shots. The single action pull comes in at about three pounds while the 686 is 10 pounds in double action and the single action pull is about 2.5 pounds. Both triggers are comparable. While these guns are powerful, their large size and heavy weight make them harder to conceal. This statement in the article is incorrect, "the .357 Magnum round also needed a 1/8 inch longer case to hold more gunpowder." Ammo kinetic energy and shot placement determine what we call "stopping power", not the gun. It's definitely my "funnest" gun, and bought purely for the "cool" factor. Numerous times people have offered to buy it. The extra powder space in the .357 comes from seating the bullet farther out in the case with a cannelure, not from the extra length, which adds little in the way of volume. Learn the 3 most popular shooting stances & more. You want J frame size 6 shots get a Kimber K6S they are excellent out of the box, You didnt even mention the model 19? You can also find some L Frame revolvers that are somewhere between the K and the N in frame size. You should check it out. towards your level. (nickel 686) The '69 Python has a trigger designed to "stage" for target shooting. As I said before I find it very, very accurate despite having fixed and rather primitive sights. Colt .357 Magnums: the original Python, the 2020 Python and Colt's first .357 Magnum, a 7- inch barrel New Service. I know you can't possibly include every 357 magnum you like, but for this aerticle I was surprised to see the Kimber K6s left out. The K6s is soooooo much nicer! The only problem with it was the grip was too small. The S&W model 19 and SS version 66 was/is one of the best law enforcement sidearms of all time. Bought a security 6 (4" barrell) about a year ago. That was the only issue I've ever had. Have a S&W Model 686 Six shot .357 magnum with a 4" barrel. Definitely a 357 fan. The 15-2 is still available on the used market and at a reasonable price. I purchased a new Kimber K6s and a new S&W 640 Pro last month. You can also shoot for extended time periods without feeling recoil discomfort. It will list just about every 357 magnum, new and used for you to look at. K comp is by far my favorite 357mag..Colt Python has become to crazy to purchase..$$$$$$. All the Revolvers you listed are excellent but you left out one of the best 357 Mag. The price of a new Colt Python .357 Magnum revolver has no bearing on the price of a collector-grade Python. If one wants to put a "Super Tune" into both guns the Colt will have a lighter double action pull down around 6 pounds; single action will be somewhat lighter in the Smith. *to be pedantic, Americans people often pronounce "Windicator" as intuitively spelled for us "WIN"-dicator; but being a German gun, it's pronounced "VIN-dicator", same as the English word "vindicate." I think the rhino has it won hands down ,design reduces recoil ,still shoot my pythons and a bunch of distinguished combat magnums by s& w but the rhino is my favorite because of reduced recoil. I have handled some Redhawks in the store: Damned heavy, but certain to survive the thumping they 'impart' to the target when you run out of ammo. A relative newcomer in comparison to some of these models, the Kimber K6s comes in a few different models with the main two being the standard K6s (Double-action only), and the DASA (exposed hammer). But a wheel gun is history. Thanks! When selecting a .357 Magnum revolver, keep in mind frame size and capacity so you can be sure to pick the one thats perfect for you. While these guns are powerful, their large size and heavy weight make them harder to conceal. Depending on the gun, all Safariland Speedloaders may require custom grips to ensure proper clearance. Get a 686 to play with. (, We noticed that you have previously logged in with your, Check what do you get by creating an account, Bookmark and compare your favorite firearms, 8 Best .357 Magnum Revolvers [Proven Stopping Power]. First Video with S&W Model 686-1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyjUGUxel54 First video with 4" Colt Python: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOj2gdzo46k