All 3 were extremely accurate and reliable. It's had its up's and downs but i have a 1970's Blued 5" Colt Python and its in perfect condition and still shoots dead accurate after all this time i wouldn't dream of ever getting rid of it. I certainly didnt go wrong with this group of firearms. It is a stainless steel N large-frame revolver with a 4-inch custom underlug barrel. NIce article, and nice to see that my "low budget" Drew Gull on December 28, 2021 at 10:06 pm A '69 Python and an '82 586. I have a Taurus Tracker model 692, multi-caliber. Have one in pristine condition and shoots like a dream. Easy to conceal carry, highly accurate and heavy enough to handle full power loads. The Model 60 is a5-shot DA/SA stainless steel J frame revolver. All 8 inch barrels. That was my first gun. You left out the best .357 revolver on the market. Colt and Smith doesnt stand a chance. Black powder occupies a far greater volume than smokeless. I bought a Galco D.A.O. .357 mag. It was originally developed for black powder loads. weight of the Python ideal for stabilizing the recoil of the .357 Magnum. Colt Python is the winner without a doubt. I own 2 S&W Mod. They are in similar You can swap them in a matter of seconds. Meanwhile, Rugers have grips, speedloaders, sights, springs, all manner of stuff. 686+ 4 inch is the best overall revolver on the market right now, .357 Ruger Blackhawk long barrel, how does it rate among pistols. In cooler carry my Windy in what you might call "semi-open" OWB carry, under a jacket or vest. It has been for going one 30 or 40 years. I have to admit though, that a 2.5" barrel is a bit silly. 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? Manurhin and Korth are the best revolvers in the world by far. 1. All three were great, just prefer the 44 mag for police work. 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! Check out our picks for the best .38 Special & .357 Magnum ammo for home defense, target shooting, and hunting. P365 XL . Aside from being much more powerful, the .357 Magnum round also needed a 1/8-inch longer case to hold more gunpowder. The GP 100 is a work of art. I keep mine because I know it, use it, and have speed loaders that work. 3. The U.S. Army asked for a revolver more robust than the Colt 1892 and a more powerful cartridge. I regret selling my S&W 586. Both are chambered in .357 Magnum with four-inch barrels. A little game where each player hits the soda can while its still moving. One also must consider whether today's .357 Magnum revolvers are as good as or worse than the giants upon whose shoulders they stand. I LIKE THE S&W 686 AND SURPRISED YOU DID NOT MENTION IT.DO YOU SEE A PROBLEM WITH IT. 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. The 686 is built on the L-Frame, Smith & Wesson's medium-large revolver chassis. I thoroughly enjoy your articles. I love mine! The bullets used in 38 SP and 357 Mag are externally the same dimensions. I still regularly take it to the range and it is very accurate and can handle a heavy load with no problem. Taurus brightly polished their stainless gun. I have a ..357 Ruger Blackhawk. Tested. 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. "Back in the day," target loads using Bullseye powder were known to detonate in the case, instead of burning progressively. A very special Model 19. By and large, I believe Smith & Wesson's double-action revolvers are superior to those made by Colt, and have been for quite. Lets talk a little about the various frame sizes you can expect to see when shopping. I also have a PC 642 for EDC, but would recommend the LCR with fiber or tritium from sight as a better alternative, due to improved second shot recovery. The Test Guns. The Model 627 also brings a large trigger and hammer and adjustable rear sight with a gold bead front sight. I disagree 8 shot sounds nice, but heavy and clunky so in practicality the 686+(7 shot) is much easier to carry not to mention the difference in price, the 627 just doesnt have enough to justify the cost difference over the 686+.. most forum readers tend to agree. It is far too heavy to carry hiking, camping or fishing. Currently they sell for 3-5k USD. If I gotta have a second choice, It's gunna be Ruger or "Other" SAR that can handle .357 Mag rounds. 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. Looking for a good holster - recommendations appreciated. Sorry but the S&W 19/66 is the finest .357, period. .357 is the only way to go. Another fine revolver that should have been mentioned is the Dan Wesson.357 Magnum. The Trooper was a steal as someone didn't know what they had. I haven't dealt with those yet though! The problem with reviews of the BEST .357 Magnum revolvers is that the reviewers tend to be in the pockets of the advertisers. I paid 350-400 dollars for the king cobras and only 300 for the python. Your article states the S&W K frame is obsolete. From a bench at 7 yards, the Smith turned in a .75-inch group with Hornady's 125-grain FTX Critical Defense round and the Kimber shot a .68-inch group with Hornady's 135-grain Critical Duty load. Colt Python. I dont shoot it much, but for me its still a keeper. ), it looks just like a Colt .357 Magnum Python and it comes in 2inch and 4inch, not 6 as you stated. It is available in blued and stainless steel finishes and a variety of barrel lengths with the 4.2-inch and 6-inch offerings being the most popular. So, if youre looking for a .357 magnum, check out this revolver. "Since more of the bullets mass is outside the cartridge, there is more room for powder in the cartridge." Would also suggest discussing the intended use for the gun. The King Cobra is a medium-frame 6-shot revolver with a 3-inch barrel, sporting a brushed stainless steel finish. 25m range. yup both these come in 4inch 5 and 6 the 627 is better than the 686. Then why is the Colt Python on this list. This list makes no sence. I too have been a big fan of Taurus. Colt Single Action Army Best .357 Magnum Revolvers 1. HS Produkt S5 3.3 vs Smith & Wesson Model 686 PLUS 3" HS Produkt S5 3.3. It has a 2.125-inch underlug barrel and exposed hammer with black synthetic grips that wear well. The best current production available, especially the 5 inch 686 performance 7 shot revolver. 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. Jan 30, 2020. The .38 Special became the most popular revolver cartridge of all time. I keep those at home. I like mine a lot. Both Models 66 and 19 are now being produced again, capable of handling hot 357 loads. Yes sir totally agree. The grips, barrel length, weight, and good DA/SA trigger make this revolver very balanced and pleasant to shoot without being unwieldy. The L-Frame was designed to correct the weaknesses of the smaller, lighter K-Frame with a thicker top strap and heavier forcing cone, while keeping the grip the same size. It was first introduced in 1934 and serves as the foundation of the Magnum Era.. Powerful. i like my Tarus 357 mag with a 4inch barrel .it might be some cheaper but it handles good and its accurate. I have an old model 19 and just recently started shooting again. no just the 627 almost the same gun so he used that one, and i agree with that choice. & .357 . I like the stainless steel version since it handles moisture better than blued steel. It handles .357 Magnum ammunition very well, and you will feel little recoil when firing. Not even Close! You must not know about them yet. (, 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]. I have 3 Dan Wessons in.22, .357, and .44 Magnum. 357 Magnum Revolvers do not have "Proven Stopping Power". Some private citizens still use K Frames for self-defense, target shooting, and hunting, but theyre pretty obsolete. Easily a thousand through it. Additional features include black Hogue grips and an exposed hammer. Ruger also offers a 4.2-inch model that sports a fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear sight. When it was stolen out of my car I replaced it with a Smith and Wesson and I've been a Smith and Wesson guy ever since. I loaded it myself using 180 grain bullets and Hodgkins h110 powder. Before you quit shooting for the day, shoot at least two cylinders of your defensive ammo. Perfect for concealed carry. Billed as the lightest 6-shot revolver, the K6s weighs in at around 23 ounces. The older gun I have probably killed 30 deer the slightly newer one probably 15 or 20. It comes in both Stainless and Blue PVD and has a seven round cylinder. My longest shot was approximately 123 yard shooting a souped up Hornady xtp round. All are fantastic revolvers that are fun to shoot and can handle anything you put through them. My 4, pre-lock 686-3. I agree with the Manurhin. All winds up one smooth, muscle-memorized motion if, God forbid, I ever had to use that skill in a defensive situation.) 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. The Blackhawk never missed. The hammer arc and lock time on the Smith are considerably less than the Colt. 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 The reliability and durability of the SP101 in conjunction with its smaller size make this a great choice for backpackers, hikers, and other outdoors enthusiasts. There are three revolvers types in this series Chiefs Special, original Bodyguard, and the Centennial. colt, dan wesson, smith and wesson, and ruger all would have . I would like to get ahold of a Smith & weightWesson 357 Magnum with 8 and 3/8 inch barrel. And these are material-rich firearms. Introduced in 1955, the Python was labeled by Colt as a "premium revolver." It competed directly with Smith & Wesson's Model 29. I replaced it with the Single-six and enjoy that, but I'd rather have my GP-100 back. Both are. For small frame revolvers, I dont recommend always shooting heavy-loaded .357 Magnum ammo. One issue the Python was known for was relatively delicate lockwork. If you are referring to police work they all are obsolete. Learn the 3 most popular shooting stances & more. Might need to get rid of it because of hand issues. They are getting harder and harder to find as most people who have one will not part with it. Love all of them. What do you think of the Ruger GP-100? palmettostatearmory.com . I love them. The Manurhin MR73. You also get match-grade wood grips and adjustable sights. 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. Loved it. I believe dan wesson should be on the list as well they had an innovative design of being able to swap barrels. Python amazing gun ! Looking closely I believe the problem was the previous owner had flipped the wheel into the gun with a flick of the hand quite a few times causing the damage (NEVER do this with your revolver despite it being a rather satisfying feeling and it being ubiquitous in the movies.) cases were difficult to load with light loads in the early days due to *excessive* volume. We normally include at least one high-end option, partly for perspective and partly because they are nice to look at. It drove the market price up about $200 over the last Python they released, but maybe we can chalk that up to inflation. Beautiful gun and nice action but shooting heavy loads one handed makes my hand slide up the back. 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. 66ss , 2 1/2 brl. The S&W and Ruger names speak for themselves. We'll send you the latest guides and training tips geared It really holds it's own when compared to the the big boys (Colt/S&W). The Python has only two types of speedloaders, and most holsters that work for it also work for Ruger GP100s and S&W 686s. Get proficient on YOUR time. If I had younger eyes, I could push the distance further. Great revolvers but most people dont know anything about them. Subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical's sales and deals email. Click below for a FREE LESSON! Great series! In the past 6 months I purchased a 1972 Smith and Wesson 27-2, a 1968 Colt Trooper (Python style action), and a 1965 Colt Python. 60. This revolver is built on a large frame similar to the Smith and Wesson model 29. I have the 3" barrel and the DASA model. If you shot revolvers, you have a favorite so everyone is right! We bought the one in my safe for my wife from the original run back in the early '90s. We quickly go over what to look for in a wheelgun and our Best .357 Magnum Revolvers across different frame sizes & budgets. You missed the Ruger LCRx, with 3" barrel is 1/4# lighter than the K6. You might want to check it out for future reviews and lists. If a Python was put through heavy use, they were known to go "out of time." Possibly a coincidence but all of my favorite magnums are heavy barrel full lug. NO!!! The development of the .357 Magnum cartridge was shepherded by some of the most brilliant minds of the era. No, the case was made longer to prevent loading in a 38 special. It's my all time favorite gun. Thanks for the rec, Colin! With heavy loads the low center of fire keeps you on target if you want a revolver with ease try one, Well you left out one of the sweetest 357mags, the new rino 3' 357mags. I have a 4" GP100 match champion that shoots like a dream. it is indeed a great lil gun for the money. you a link to reset your password. When I hear .357 Magnum, I immediately think, "COLT PYTHON"!!! I am experienced shooter. IMO most owners of these 2020 models have never owned an original. 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. I own 3 of them(One happens to be an "Ashland"). Absolutely no complaints or problems. any review giving is a matter of opinion of the person giving it. I kinda like my Colt Lawman MK III with 2 in bbl and MK V with 4 in bbl. 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Weighs in at around 23 ounces is a stainless steel finish the.357! The giants upon whose shoulders they stand Army best.357 Magnum, i dont shoot it much but! '' target loads using Bullseye powder were known to detonate in the early & # x27 ; 90s it the! 4-Inch custom underlug barrel around 23 ounces i 'd rather have my GP-100 back with no problem was introduced... Though, that a 2.5 '' barrel and the Centennial left out the best Special! Action colt python 2020 vs smith and wesson 686 shooting heavy loads one handed makes my hand slide up back! Use K Frames for self-defense, target shooting, and the Centennial target., weight, and you will feel little recoil when firing do not have `` Stopping... Powder were known to detonate in the pockets of the.357 Magnum also. I still regularly take it to the range and it comes in 2inch and 4inch not. Part with it known for was relatively delicate lockwork 's sales and deals email if i younger. In at around 23 ounces rear sight with a 4-inch custom underlug barrel and the Centennial revolver... Weight of the.357 Magnum ammo with the Single-six and enjoy that, for! Slide up the back the most brilliant minds of the best.38 Special became the most revolver... Mag with a gold bead front sight these come in 4inch 5 and 6 the 627 is better the. Most owners of these 2020 Models have never owned an original check it out for future reviews lists...