Help me decide 686 or Python?

[m1a_scoutguy]

627 over both View attachment 239292

I wanted a 627 "forever" but was not going to pay the Gunbroker premium and scalper prices! I went to my local gun guy and said the hell with it I'll buy a Python, but when I did that, he told me that some 627s had been showing up so I waited. Lucked out a week later a 627 showed up @ his distributor and he grabbed it for me. While the Python is an awesome pistol, I'm glad I got the S&W,8 shots great trigger and I saved a couple hundred bucks++ . I couldn't be happier. I still may get a Python, but then maybe not,LOL

 

[FP1201]

Revolvers have gone sky-high while Pistols have gotten cheaper, and honestly I've gone back to shooting a wheel gun for fun and practice, and around the House and in the Cars I often have a .357 Revolver within reach...FWIW: I bought a used "new" King Cobra off this Board IIRC for a really good price; I had to do a little cleaning & tweaking, but it's turned out to be a good gun; three inch barrel, smaller Frame, but not Detective Special or Chief's Special small...smaller than the original KC, smaller than the S&W K-Frame, but not much...about perfect for a Woman or someone with a small stature.
I was given several hundred rounds of .38 and have been blowing through them with a K-Frame that I reworked...Painted over pitmarked, but proves "Pretty don't shoot".

 

[S&W Fan]

I own two 586’s , a 4” no dash and a 6” -3 , both are excellent shooters and I bring one or the other to the range whenever I go. Among my various .357 revolvers they are my favorites to shoot.
I have never shot the 586 L- comp but I’ve read a lot of good things about them.

 

[Podmonkey]

I own two 586’s , a 4” no dash and a 6” -3 both are excellent shooters and I bring one or the other to the range whenever I go. Among my various .357 revolvers they are my favorites to shoot.
I have never shot the 586 L- comp but I’ve read a lot of good things about them.

I really like the proportions of the 586 L-Comp, it has that similar bulldog esthetic as the 627 snub nose but better balanced, not as cartoony, which admittedly I do like. When it comes to reclvolvers I definitely seem drawn to the shorter barrel models. The L-Comp is a Performance Center model so it should have the same great action as your beautiful 627 there and the L-Comp is also cut for moon clips which I am not so super keen on due to that potentially causing issues with accuracy and light primer strikes when not using the clips but we shall see of that is actually a thing. For carry I do think moon clips are a good option and I will carry the L-Comp just to see what it's like and maybe even regularly in the colder months. I'm really excited and I can't wait till I get it.

 

[JaguarJaguarGolf]

I have two 686+'s that I really like; 5 inch & a 3 inch barrels. I carry the 5" in the woods when hiking. ( I hike on my hunting clubs property so the pup can run free and I can target shoot). It usually rides in a chest or shoulder holster.
I don't carry the 3" much. I like it but I don't use it much. I carry the .357 Mod 19 snub nose more often.

But I mix it up. I like my 10mm's and I like my .45's.

I've gone rouge though and picked up a 6" nickled Mod 57. An absolute beauty.

Best of Luck with your 586. They are a handsome piece.

 

[dsdmmat]

I wanted a 627 "forever" but was not going to pay the Gunbroker premium and scalper prices! I went to my local gun guy and said the hell with it I'll buy a Python, but when I did that, he told me that some 627s had been showing up so I waited. Lucked out a week later a 627 showed up @ his distributor and he grabbed it for me. While the Python is an awesome pistol, I'm glad I got the S&W,8 shots great trigger and I saved a couple hundred bucks++ . I couldn't be happier. I still may get a Python, but then maybe not,LOL

Yeah, the LGS had a 4” on the shelf when I bought my 929, I told them that is great but you need to get me the 5” barreled gun. So they did, I bought three revolvers in the last year. The 929, 625 and 627.

 

[JaguarJaguarGolf]

Yeah, the LGS had a 4” on the shelf when I bought my 929, I told them that is great but you need to get me the 5” barreled gun. So they did, I bought three revolvers in the last year. The 929, 625 and 627.

I feel your pain

 

[Tinman]

I own both. So should you.

 

[FP1201]

I have two 686+'s that I really like; 5 inch & a 3 inch barrels. I carry the 5" in the woods when hiking. ( I hike on my hunting clubs property so the pup can run free and I can target shoot). It usually rides in a chest or shoulder holster.
I don't carry the 3" much. I like it but I don't use it much. I carry the .357 Mod 19 snub nose more often.

But I mix it up. I like my 10mm's and I like my .45's.

I've gone rouge though and picked up a 6" nickled Mod 57. An absolute beauty.

Best of Luck with your 586. They are a handsome piece.

I'll tell you I've wanted a 10mm Revolver for years, but haven't ever found a deal on a 610.

 

[S&W Fan]

I'll tell you I've wanted a 10mm Revolver for years, but haven't ever found a deal on a 610.

Same here, and I’m looking all the time, but I’m also looking for the needle in the haystack too. 5” no lock with unfluted cylinder.

 

[dsdmmat]

I'll tell you I've wanted a 10mm Revolver for years, but haven't ever found a deal on a 610.

They are nice, my dad and I got a pair of 6.5” barreled versions 1995 then I picked up a 4” in 2021. When my dad died in 2022 I got the match to my 6.5”.

610, 610, 610, 929, 625.

 

[JaguarJaguarGolf]

I'll tell you I've wanted a 10mm Revolver for years, but haven't ever found a deal on a 610.

I‘ ve only seen 1 in the wild, used 4 “ 2 weeks ago in Ulster County

 

[FP1201]

I‘ ve only seen 1 in the wild, used 4 “ 2 weeks ago in Ulster County

I see them ever once in a while, then see the price tag and think "Ho Lee Fuk, I didn't pay that much for two Delta Elites!"

 

[S&W Fan]

I saw a 5” barrel 610 no lock on GB this morning with 2 grips , Original box and docs for two grand !

 

[Criticalt]

The Python s definitely a "better" made revolver in that it has a better fit and finish and moves and sounds like a Swiss watch.
The S&W is just as accurate and reliable...... and a few hundred dollars less.
I have a 686 and a GP100.
I honestly and whole heartedly prefer the GP.
I can shoot it better, the weight is better in my hand and I absolutely think they look better.......and its a BIT less expensive than the 686. But that's just my opinion. Ive had zero issues with either after many thousands of rounds.
But damn, the GP100 has gone up in price.
The MSRP is over a grand!!

 

[Xae289]

I thank you all for your input and with each post I was going back and forth on my decision. However I now have a 586 L-Comp on order with my LGS. @S&W Fan will be gratified to know that my shop's distributor had 19 of that model in stock. Should be here by the middle of next week, street price of $1,310 which I don't think is too bad.
@Xae289 I suppose that if I am going like for like on a .44 Mag the companion to a 586 L-Comp would be a 629 Stealth Hunter.

Awesome choice. That's high on my list when I finally get me a .357 Mag. The Stealth Hunter is a cool choice. I prefer the Magnum Hunter for looks, but it's close. Then there's also the weighted barrel Competitor for its own cool factor and to really make the .44 a pussycat without the extra noise and flash of a comp.

 

[Podmonkey]

I saw a 5” barrel 610 no lock on GB this morning with 2 grips , Original box and docs for two grand !

Hoo boy is that a spicy price! I must confess that I don't quite see the appeal of a 10mm revolver what with 10mm and 357 ballistics being right on top of each other. However I learned years ago that when it comes to guns when you scratch it, there isn't any logic to it sometimes. Good luck on your GB adventure!

The Python s definitely a "better" made revolver in that it has a better fit and finish and moves and sounds like a Swiss watch.
The S&W is just as accurate and reliable...... and a few hundred dollars less.
I have a 686 and a GP100.
I honestly and whole heartedly prefer the GP.
I can shoot it better, the weight is better in my hand and I absolutely think they look better.......and its a BIT less expensive than the 686. But that's just my opinion. Ive had zero issues with either after many thousands of rounds.
But damn, the GP100 has gone up in price.
The MSRP is over a grand!!

In terms of functionality and usability I have always figured the 3 were on par with one another and it was just down to how much pretty you wanted to pay for. Ruger it's seems is really leaning on theirn reputation for solid QC with what they are asking for their revolvers. I do agree that the GP100 has several advantages over the competition, the cylinder release, the one piece frame construction and the lockup all being among them. The GP100 just lacks a certain sexiness to me, but if it were a purely working gun I was after I'd probably choose the Ruger.

Awesome choice. That's high on my list when I finally get me a .357 Mag. The Stealth Hunter is a cool choice. I prefer the Magnum Hunter for looks, but it's close. Then there's also the weighted barrel Competitor for its own cool factor and to really make the .44 a pussycat without the extra noise and flash of a comp.

The Stealth Hunter also has two little compensator ports right at the end of the muzzle. I don't think they are at all necessary given the 7.5" barrel and that incredibly beefy barrel shroud. I bet thing shoots softer than a 686.

 

[Vapor]

Are the Ruger revolvers like gp100 not anywhere in the same league? This is a serious question, I really don't know.

 

[Podmonkey]

Are the Ruger revolvers like gp100 not anywhere in the same league? This is a serious question, I really don't know.

Absolutely they are, maybe not quite as pretty but absolutely high quality guns. It's mostly just about preferences.

 

[Vapor]

Absolutely they are, maybe not quite as pretty but absolutely high quality guns. It's mostly just about preferences.

That's totally fair. I was just curious. Someday I hope to pick out .357. Money just isn't there right now

 

[Criticalt]

Are the Ruger revolvers like gp100 not anywhere in the same league? This is a serious question, I really don't know.

The Rugers are every bit as good as the 686 in my opinion, and better in a couple ways. The main thing for me is that the GP100 is just better looking. Its more of an old West look and less of a 1970s cop look like the 686. The new S&W have the stupid hammer lock which looks ridiculous. Is it a mechanical failure issue? Who knows, every extra moving part can fail. There is a youtube video out there of a 686 hammer lock not unlocking. Had to be brought to a gunsmith who sent it to S&W. Thats not an issue unless you have your hammer locked when someone breaks in to rape you. Too me, thats enough to sway a decision.... but thats just me.
I have both, and have for many years.
For ME, the GP100 shoots better and has a better weight dispersement.
And has less muzzle rise with hot 357....again, just me maybe.
And before anyone tries the "fan boy" thing, I have a GP100, a 10/22 and a gen one Wrangler from Ruger. I will not even say online how many S&W I have.
But, I have more than half a dozen S&W revolvers, all made before the hammer lock except my 686. I edc a S&W auto loader 99% of the time. Im definitely more of a S&W fan than a Ruger fan, but the GP100 is my favorite mid sized revolver.

 

[Podmonkey]

The GP100 has several significant good points to it- The cylinder has lockup at both ends but both points are actuated by the single release button which is clever and convenient. The frame is a one peice construct with no side plate; instead the lockwork comes out as a sub assembly that is integral with the trigger guard not too dissimilar to the FCU of the P320.which makes maintenance and repair simpler and easier. Some people prefer the rounded shape of the rear of the frame which the contour of the hammer matches.
Personally I find the fit and finish of the Ruger to be rougher, the trigger isn't as smooth but the thing I dislike the most about the GP100 is that the hammer is a flat piece of stamped steel. It has no contouring and it has a loose, rattliy fitment that I just cannot stand.
The crown on the muzzle also isn't very refined. All in all the GP100 is a fine and quality revolver but lacks a certain je ne sais quoi for me.
But you certainly won't go wrong buying one. Doubtless an easier sell for Ruger when the GP100 was several hundred dollars cheaper than it's competitors.

 

[Podmonkey]

Anybody have some good holster recommendations for the L-Comp? Something suitable for heavy yet compact(ish)? Are revolvers too wide for IWB? Would this thing be to heavy for a high riding holster? I'll be wanting something a bit fancier to suit this classy beast.

 

[Xae289]

Hoo boy is that a spicy price! I must confess that I don't quite see the appeal of a 10mm revolver what with 10mm and 357 ballistics being right on top of each other. However I learned years ago that when it comes to guns when you scratch it, there isn't any logic to it sometimes. Good luck on your GB adventure!

In terms of functionality and usability I have always figured the 3 were on par with one another and it was just down to how much pretty you wanted to pay for. Ruger it's seems is really leaning on theirn reputation for solid QC with what they are asking for their revolvers. I do agree that the GP100 has several advantages over the competition, the cylinder release, the one piece frame construction and the lockup all being among them. The GP100 just lacks a certain sexiness to me, but if it were a purely working gun I was after I'd probably choose the Ruger.

The Stealth Hunter also has two little compensator ports right at the end of the muzzle. I don't think they are at all necessary given the 7.5" barrel and that incredibly beefy barrel shroud. I bet thing shoots softer than a 686.

Yea, the Stealth Hunter has porting and the Magnum Hunter has a compensator. I like my 629 Classic a lot - 5" barrel, full underlug. Carries almost as well as a 4", but has the muzzle-weight of a 6 and bullet velocity is only about 100-150 fps less than my 7.5" Super Blackhawk. It's more traditional of a look than I think you'd like though.

Even though you said you would go with the same brand for the .357 and .44, I think you'd like the looks of the Colt Kodiak. Colt Kodiak - Colt's Manufacturing LLC

 

[kev74]

Anybody have some good holster recommendations for the L-Comp? Something suitable for heavy yet compact(ish)? Are revolvers too wide for IWB? Would this thing be to heavy for a high riding holster? I'll be wanting something a bit fancier to suit this classy beast.

I've got a couple of DeSantis leather OWB holsters for revolvers that I'll use when it's cooler out. Good quality, look good, hold up very well, and the price is fair.

 

[Xae289]

Anybody have some good holster recommendations for the L-Comp? Something suitable for heavy yet compact(ish)? Are revolvers too wide for IWB? Would this thing be to heavy for a high riding holster? I'll be wanting something a bit fancier to suit this classy beast.

As for the holster, I can't recommend this company enough for a good leather holster. Sourdough Pancake™

This is an OWB holster, you can order it with removable IWB straps, and you can even get a harness to use it as a chest holster. I've carried my 629 in all those ways with that holster. I'm 5'7" and IWB gives me no problem. You can also customize the look quite a bit with patterns or exotic leathers. I got mine in black with scale embossing and border stamping.

 

[Criticalt]

The GP100 has several significant good points to it- The cylinder has lockup at both ends but both points are actuated by the single release button which is clever and convenient. The frame is a one peice construct with no side plate; instead the lockwork comes out as a sub assembly that is integral with the trigger guard not too dissimilar to the FCU of the P320.which makes maintenance and repair simpler and easier. Some people prefer the rounded shape of the rear of the frame which the contour of the hammer matches.
Personally I find the fit and finish of the Ruger to be rougher, the trigger isn't as smooth but the thing I dislike the most about the GP100 is that the hammer is a flat piece of stamped steel. It has no contouring and it has a loose, rattliy fitment that I just cannot stand.
The crown on the muzzle also isn't very refined. All in all the GP100 is a fine and quality revolver but lacks a certain je ne sais quoi for me.
But you certainly won't go wrong buying one. Doubtless an easier sell for Ruger when the GP100 was several hundred dollars cheaper than it's competitors.

Thats another thing pro GP for me.
I don't like the puny case hardened hammer and case hardened trigger on the 686 as much as the GP......again, just my preference. Annnnnnd, I much prefer the cylinder release on the GP.
Speaking of the one piece casted frame on the GP, a LOT of people criticize this aspect not realizing how tough casting has become. Over the last couple decades casting steel has improved a LOT.
There are parts on airplanes, 5 ton trucks, tanks, and heavy equipment that are cast, BECAUSE they need to be strong.
I can't really comment much because I have no idea how Ruger casts their parts, but people just saying that other revolvers are tougher because they are cast shows their ignorance. Properly combined alloys with good quality control can make casted steel many times stronger than it needs to be for the low pressures of a firearm.
But again, Ruger might use crappy steel and crappy casting techniques. I personally have never heard of one failing.

 

[Podmonkey]

Speaking of Carry Comps I have just seen that Smith & Wesson is doing a Carry Comp series version of their M&P line. And they look seeeeeeexxxxxxyyyyy! I have been considering a 2.0 compact purchase for a while now, I think perhaps this new type cinches it for me.
They look like something Agency Arms would turn out.

 

[Xae289]

Thats another thing pro GP for me.
I don't like the puny case hardened hammer and case hardened trigger on the 686 as much as the GP......again, just my preference. Annnnnnd, I much prefer the cylinder release on the GP.
Speaking of the one piece casted frame on the GP, a LOT of people criticize this aspect not realizing how tough casting has become. Over the last couple decades casting steel has improved a LOT.
There are parts on airplanes, 5 ton trucks, tanks, and heavy equipment that are cast, BECAUSE they need to be strong.
I can't really comment much because I have no idea how Ruger casts their parts, but people just saying that other revolvers are tougher because they are cast shows their ignorance. Properly combined alloys with good quality control can make casted steel many times stronger than it needs to be for the low pressures of a firearm.
But again, Ruger might use crappy steel and crappy casting techniques. I personally have never heard of one failing.

I'm not a fan of Ruger's double-action revolvers personally. It's mostly the aesthetics. Rugers just don't have a refined look to them, IMO. I love the single-action revolvers. I think those are a nice balance of aesthetics and rugged build.

As far as their casting process goes, their castings are very, very strong, but they do require a little more material than forging to get there. Case in point, Ruger's GP100 and S&W's L-frame are almost exactly the same size and weight. S&W recently released the L-frame M69 in .44 Magnum. Ruger also released a .44 GP100, but it was only a .44 Special.

You move up one frame size and it kinda switches. The Ruger Redhawk .44 is well-known for being built tougher than the S&W6 629. The thing is, these guns will be similar sized, but the Rugers have much thicker topstraps, have bulkier frames, and are heavier. Forging is the stronger process all theings being equal, but Ruger has an excellent casting method and very strong designs.

 

[Podmonkey]

The big bore Ruger revolvers do have more appeal for me. The Super Redhawk in particular is an iconic revolver that I should take into serious consideration when it is time for a .44.