Available Revolvers: Colt Python and S&W 686 Go Head to Head

Top is our test Python in stainless steel and black finger-grooveless combat grips. They weren’t tacky but still gave great control of the Colt. At bottom is the 686-2 from Smith & Wesson, itself pretty pricey at around $900. We loved the Python, but our pocketbooks complained. For thousands of dollars less, we have to recommend shopping for an early Smith and replacing the grips.

Revolvers changed the firearms world when Samuel Colt introduced the first true production model revolver available to the general public. Since then they have been surpassed by semiautomatics in capacity and overall use, but when it comes to reliability and staying power, can you really beat a classic wheelgun? In this test we look at two revolvers head to head that are considered by some to be the best available: the Colt Python and the Smith & Wesson Model 686-2. …