Gun Tests shooters had a lot of fun pitting two 357 Magnum revolvers in the October 2024 issue.
Contributing Editor Joe Woolley’s Houst on test team fired a Smith & Wesson Model 586 and a 4-inch-barrel Colt Python head to head.
Colt Python PYTHON-BP4-WTS 357 Magnum, $1600
Smith & Wesson Model 586 150909 357 Magnum, $900
We selected a range of bullet weights for this test, including 110-grain jacketed hollow points, 125-grain all-copper hollow points, and 158-grain jacketed soft points.
Both of these revolvers feature well-crowned muzzles with the Python (left) showing a recessed style (arrow) for extra protection.
Both revolvers sport beveled cylinders for easier holstering, but the Python at right shows a bit of extra work there (arrow).
- Like many features on these handguns, the grips are similar in size and appearance. The Python is shown at left.
- The Python shown at left had the better double-action trigger pull, but we preferred the smooth face on the 586 for comfort and function.
- The Python posted very good results with all three ammo weights tested.
The S&W 586 preferred the two lighter bullets, like this group with the Corbon 125-grain DPX.
These three targets show the progression of our shooting with the Python in the speed runs.
The S&W also kept all rounds in the A Zone, but its heavier trigger made us push to the right.
Normally, we’d choose a winner between these two, but these revolvers graded out so closely, that the shooter will have to determine if the Python is worth the extra $700.
So pick one and have fun! We’ll see you at the range.
