Are the same sans finish? It appears that the 586 is the blued version, whilst the 686 is stainless. Is that correct?
I've owned one or two blued and three or four stainless versions as well as at least one fixed sight version of the L frame. IMO they are the best .357 made with the stainless adjustable sighted 686 the absolute top.
Have you ever fondled a Python??
Yes, have owned several, and while they are beautifully made and usually very accurate, I much prefer the feel of the S&W. I also like the fact that the ejector rod acts as a forward lock on the S&W design, but that's admittedly getting a bit academic. My 686 is as accurate as the Pythons I've had, FWIW.
