That is a nice looking pistol.

The revolvers from S&W PC shoot very well or the ones I have shot do.

That's a new one on me, they're not even the same frame size. The 4 inch model 27 weighs 46 1/2 ounces, the 4 inch Python weighs 36. The 4 inch 686 comes in at 39 1/2 ounces. The 4 inch model 19 was about the same weight as the 4 inch Python, the problem was the 19's weight was in the frame while the Pythons was more forward in the barrel ( The reason it had a weaker frame) making it a better set up. One of the reasons we used to put Python barrels on Model 19's and got the best of both worlds, I guess S&W got the picture and came out with the 686 that answered all our problems.

Smolt.

My mom has a 686. It's a fine revolver. I am partial to the Ruger Blackhawk and old vaqueros. The Rugers are stout guns and very accurate. The Colts I have shot are all smooth as butter. IMO, you can't go wrong with Ruger, Smith or Colt.

The Ruger single actions are a whole different story, my favorite all around pistol.

I’ve got a 4” and 6” 686 and love them both. I also have a performance center 7 shot 686 snub.

I have held and shot the Rugers and while they are slightly better than my Taurus, I don't care for them compared to any of my S&W. The S&W are superior in nearly every way.

I currently have a 629 44 mag and a model 10 38. I own no Rugers and have not/will not be in the market for one. I love ruger - own a 10/22 and AR556, but I just don't care for their revolvers at the price point they're sold at.

Lots of odd comments. A single six is a single action rimfire. Blackhawks and Vaqueros come in .357 but are also single action. So do you want an SA or DA? For a slight edge in budget and strength in the DA, the GP100 is the choice. Someone mentioned the Ruger Super Redhawk but it doesn't come in .357. I would choose the 686 if I were after the best workmanship and feel. I would not at all consider the Colts myself. The older Rossi and newer Taurus models are generally copies of the S&W's. Depending on the era (read older), A Rossi can be a good choice. I had an early '80's M85 .38 Special that was very well made. The S&W/Rossi double action triggers are easy to improve. If you want to go single action I'd need to know the power level you're after because I don't like the Ruger trigger on the New Model (post 1973) at all compared to European copies of Colt SAA's...but Rugers are the only ones I'd trust with big loads.

I don't know about "odd", but I made a WRONG statement. I incorrectly referred to my .357 as a single six. It is a Blackhawk. I own both, and will soon have a Redhawk.

I'm often wrong. Not an admission you see often on here.

I had a 586 and loved it , ammo got too rare

Sorry, just pulled pic from the internet.

As others have mentioned I would give the Ruger GP100 a serious look. I have a 2.5 Talo and a 4.2 and love them both. Definitely agree though that the trigger on the 686 will be nicer out of the box.

I like the GP-100s, even carried one on duty once upon a time, but IME the 686s have actions out of the box that are better/smoother than a GP-100 that has been worked over.

A worked over 686, or any other Smith revolver, done by the right gunsmith is amazing.

The N-Frame .357s like the 27s and 28s are the best combination of shootability and durability.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

Carried a 686 as a duty weapon for many years. No hiccups and no problems. Great pistol! It'll never let you down.

Life is too short not to own a Python. One of my few " I will never sell " firearms.


Mo

I have a S&W 686 Talo Edition with a 5” barrel and love it! For me, the 6” was too long and the 4” was too short, just personal preference. The 5” was perfect. My only complaint is that the special Talo edition grip is a bit on the thin side, but it can be replaced. Otherwise, it’s a great shooter! I paired it with a Henry Big Boy in .357, so it’s nice to roam the ranch with both in hand using the same caliber.