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Update: 1/21/22. Had a chance to polish the GP100 trigger. Results in post #54.
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Been on a revolver kick lately and narrowed it down to the “Big Three” - GP100, Smith & Wesson 586/686, and the new Colt Python, all in .38/.357. Couldn’t decide so purchased one of each. The GP100 is the 3” version with the trench on the top vs adjustable sights. The Smith is the 4” 586 (the blued version of the 686). And the Colt is the 4.25” Python.
I tested the DA and SA in their stock form and the Colt, with zero modifications, is the clear winner. But, with a small amount of money and time, the Ruger and Smith turn into absolute dreams.
You’ll notice the grips are all non-stock. I don’t have tiny hands but found the stock grips for all three just didn’t fit me very well. So, I purchased a NOS rubber grip with wood insert off ebay for the Ruger, and Hogue grips for the Smith and Colt.
Since I’m a noob, the things that matter to me are 1) Accuracy, 2) Trigger, 3) Modifications, 4) Easy to work on, and 5) Value. I’ll get to these at the end.
Let’s jump right in…
1 all.jpg
Ruger GP100, 3”
Of the three, this is the least refined, but it’s a tank. I couldn’t find a 4” version so opted for the 3”. In its stock form, the DA trigger is very heavy and stacks. I tested 10 pulls on my Lyman gauge, and it ranged from 11 to 12 lbs - yikes!. The SA was, of course, better, but it was creepy and averaged between 5 and 6 lbs. Then, I installed a spring kit and WOW! I purchased the Wilson Combat Spring Kit - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1004161213
It comes with three hammer springs (9, 10, & 12 lbs) and two trigger springs (8 & 10 lbs). I used the 10 lb hammer spring, and the 8 lb trigger spring. I again took 10 readings, and the DA pulled a low of 5 lbs 1.8 oz, to a high of 5 lbs 7.5 oz. The SA ranged from 1 lb 12.7 oz to 2 lbs 6.5 oz. The DA still stacked a bit near the end, and the SA still has a tiny bit of creep, but sooooo much better.
2 Ruger.jpg
Smith & Wesson 586, 4”
I have a 1961 Model 10 and compared the blueing. The older blue is definitely nicer and has more of a mirror finish. But, the new blue is still very nice. For those that won’t look at the new models because of the Hillary Hole, you’re definitely missing out. These are nice revolvers. In stock form, the DA is heavy at around 10 to 11 lbs, and the SA is crisp but heavy at around 4 to 5 lbs. I purchased the Wilson Combat Spring Kit - https://shopwilsoncombat.com/Custom-...oductinfo/178/
It came with one leaf spring and three trigger springs (12, 13, & 14 lbs). In addition to changing out the leaf spring, I also ground down the tip of the hammer spring screw just enough to take off the tip. I used the 12 lb trigger spring. Installing the trigger spring is much easier on the Smith than the Ruger. On the Ruger, the entire trigger assembly drops out the bottom and unless everything is properly aligned, it is a pain to get back in. On the Smith, take the side panel off, remove and replace the spring, and voila. I followed Jerry Miculek’s video and it was very easy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9gn7zE5b3g
After installing the spring kit, the DA pull ranged from 3 lbs 14.9 oz to 4 lbs 12.2 ozs. The SA pull ranged from 1 lb 13.0 oz to 2 lbs 12.3 oz. With such light pulls on both the Ruger and Smith, I was concerned I would get light primer strikes. I shot 50 rounds of .38 out of all the revolvers and had zero ignition issues.
3 Smith.jpg
Colt Python, 4.25”
Of the three, the Colt is the most refined in its stock form. It is finished very well with no sharp edges. The cylinder swings in and out and rotates the smoothest of the three. Because this is a new model, and I really didn’t want to eff with the Colt, I did no modifications. The only change was the grip. In its stock form, the DA pull ranged from 5 lbs 11.9 oz to 6 lbs 10.5 oz. The SA pull ranged from 3 lbs 15.6 oz to 4 lbs 15.5 oz. Even though the trigger was heavier than the other two after modifications, the Colt still had a very smooth DA pull and the SA was crip with zero creep.
4 Colt.jpg
Accuracy
I was using 6” splatter targets set at 10 yards. I shot 50 rounds of .38 through each. I did not shoot any .357 because I have a lot of .38 and very little .357. I am by no means an expert marksman with a handgun, but I was able to get consistent 2” groups from all three.
The Ruger does not have adjustable sights, and shot a bit high and to the left. So once I adjusted, I was GTG. It’s heavy and with .38, the recoil was nominal.
Out of the box, the Smith shot the best. It has adjustable sights and was off just a little to the left (about 1”). Elevation was right on. As with the Ruger, recoil was nominal and the Hogue grip soaked up any recoil there might have been.
I had a hard time getting the Colt on target. Out of the box, it was shooting high and waaaaay left (almost 4”). I was able to adjust the sights, but had to compensate for the elevation. Once on target, I was able to group well. Recoil was nominal, but I did notice a bit more snap than with the Smith, even though they both had the same Hogue grip.
1st - Smith
2nd - Ruger
3rd - Colt (merely because out of the box it was not good)
Trigger
I covered the DA and SA pulls earlier so won’t rehash. With zero modifications, the Colt wins hands down. But against modified revolvers, things change. I found the Smith to be the most pleasant and smoothest. I was also the most accurate with the Smith because of the smooth trigger. I even found myself enjoying shooting DA more than SA and was just as accurate.
1st - Smith
2nd - Colt
3rd - Ruger (even though it was lighter than the Colt, it still stacked and the SA was still a bit creepy)
Modifications
Colt revolvers just don’t have as much support as the other two. I would say a slight edge goes to the Smith, but you can still find a lot of parts for the GP100.
1st - tie, Smith & Ruger
3rd - Colt
Easy to Work On
From my basic modifications, grips, hammer springs, and trigger springs, the Smith was the easiest to work on. The side plate comes off and everything’s there. As mentioned earlier, the entire trigger assembly comes out the bottom on the Ruger and getting it back in can be a chore. It took me a few tries to get it right. Didn’t try working on the Colt.
1st - Smith
2nd - Ruger
3rd - Colt
Value
In stock form, the Colt is definitely the nicest of the bunch. But spend $20, and all that changes. The Python was one of my grail revolvers so I had high hopes. It didn’t let me down. I shot the Colt first because I just couldn’t wait. And I thought it was really good, and aside from the sight issue, I really liked it.
I have had many Rugers - Security Six, GP100s, and SP101s. Have sold them off for the next shiny thing that came my way. I see the GP100 as the Toyota of the gun world. It’s not the prettiest or sexiest gun out there, but it does what it was designed to do really well. And it just keeps on going. Ten years ago, the GP100 was a great Value. Unfortunately, they are now priced higher than a stainless 686. So, I wouldn’t consider it the best value now.
You can buy a bare-bones 4” stainless 686 from Sportsman’s Warehouse for $740, while the stainless 4” GP100 is $820, and the Python is $1,500. I paid a little more for the 586 because I like blued revolvers (~ $900). So a little more than the Ruger and a lot less than the Colt. Spend $20 on a spring kit and 30 minutes installing, and I would argue the stainless 686 is the best value out there.
1st - Smith
2nd - Ruger
3rd - Colt
Summary
My plan was to purchase all three to review and keep one or two. If you don’t plan on modifying anything, I would say the Colt is by far the best revolver. It is well finished, smooth, sexy, and has the Python mystique. But put a little time and money into the Ruger and Smith and damn they are really good. In fact, and this will probably upset a lot of people that plunked down serious cash for the Python, I would argue they are better than the Python. And yes, the Ruger and Smith did have spring modifications, but these are so cheap and easy, I don’t know why anybody wouldn’t do them.
So, if I had to keep only one, it would definitely be the 586. I think it looks great, has a great trigger, is comfortable, and I would argue is the best value around.
All three were brought home, thoroughly cleaned and lubed, and lovingly put back in the safe. For now, not sure I can part with any of them. But in the future, you might see one or two in the marketplace. But the 586 will be with me for a while.
Thanks for reading.
--------------------------------------------
Been on a revolver kick lately and narrowed it down to the “Big Three” - GP100, Smith & Wesson 586/686, and the new Colt Python, all in .38/.357. Couldn’t decide so purchased one of each. The GP100 is the 3” version with the trench on the top vs adjustable sights. The Smith is the 4” 586 (the blued version of the 686). And the Colt is the 4.25” Python.
I tested the DA and SA in their stock form and the Colt, with zero modifications, is the clear winner. But, with a small amount of money and time, the Ruger and Smith turn into absolute dreams.
You’ll notice the grips are all non-stock. I don’t have tiny hands but found the stock grips for all three just didn’t fit me very well. So, I purchased a NOS rubber grip with wood insert off ebay for the Ruger, and Hogue grips for the Smith and Colt.
Since I’m a noob, the things that matter to me are 1) Accuracy, 2) Trigger, 3) Modifications, 4) Easy to work on, and 5) Value. I’ll get to these at the end.
Let’s jump right in…
1 all.jpg
Ruger GP100, 3”
Of the three, this is the least refined, but it’s a tank. I couldn’t find a 4” version so opted for the 3”. In its stock form, the DA trigger is very heavy and stacks. I tested 10 pulls on my Lyman gauge, and it ranged from 11 to 12 lbs - yikes!. The SA was, of course, better, but it was creepy and averaged between 5 and 6 lbs. Then, I installed a spring kit and WOW! I purchased the Wilson Combat Spring Kit - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1004161213
It comes with three hammer springs (9, 10, & 12 lbs) and two trigger springs (8 & 10 lbs). I used the 10 lb hammer spring, and the 8 lb trigger spring. I again took 10 readings, and the DA pulled a low of 5 lbs 1.8 oz, to a high of 5 lbs 7.5 oz. The SA ranged from 1 lb 12.7 oz to 2 lbs 6.5 oz. The DA still stacked a bit near the end, and the SA still has a tiny bit of creep, but sooooo much better.
2 Ruger.jpg
Smith & Wesson 586, 4”
I have a 1961 Model 10 and compared the blueing. The older blue is definitely nicer and has more of a mirror finish. But, the new blue is still very nice. For those that won’t look at the new models because of the Hillary Hole, you’re definitely missing out. These are nice revolvers. In stock form, the DA is heavy at around 10 to 11 lbs, and the SA is crisp but heavy at around 4 to 5 lbs. I purchased the Wilson Combat Spring Kit - https://shopwilsoncombat.com/Custom-...oductinfo/178/
It came with one leaf spring and three trigger springs (12, 13, & 14 lbs). In addition to changing out the leaf spring, I also ground down the tip of the hammer spring screw just enough to take off the tip. I used the 12 lb trigger spring. Installing the trigger spring is much easier on the Smith than the Ruger. On the Ruger, the entire trigger assembly drops out the bottom and unless everything is properly aligned, it is a pain to get back in. On the Smith, take the side panel off, remove and replace the spring, and voila. I followed Jerry Miculek’s video and it was very easy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9gn7zE5b3g
After installing the spring kit, the DA pull ranged from 3 lbs 14.9 oz to 4 lbs 12.2 ozs. The SA pull ranged from 1 lb 13.0 oz to 2 lbs 12.3 oz. With such light pulls on both the Ruger and Smith, I was concerned I would get light primer strikes. I shot 50 rounds of .38 out of all the revolvers and had zero ignition issues.
3 Smith.jpg
Colt Python, 4.25”
Of the three, the Colt is the most refined in its stock form. It is finished very well with no sharp edges. The cylinder swings in and out and rotates the smoothest of the three. Because this is a new model, and I really didn’t want to eff with the Colt, I did no modifications. The only change was the grip. In its stock form, the DA pull ranged from 5 lbs 11.9 oz to 6 lbs 10.5 oz. The SA pull ranged from 3 lbs 15.6 oz to 4 lbs 15.5 oz. Even though the trigger was heavier than the other two after modifications, the Colt still had a very smooth DA pull and the SA was crip with zero creep.
4 Colt.jpg
Accuracy
I was using 6” splatter targets set at 10 yards. I shot 50 rounds of .38 through each. I did not shoot any .357 because I have a lot of .38 and very little .357. I am by no means an expert marksman with a handgun, but I was able to get consistent 2” groups from all three.
The Ruger does not have adjustable sights, and shot a bit high and to the left. So once I adjusted, I was GTG. It’s heavy and with .38, the recoil was nominal.
Out of the box, the Smith shot the best. It has adjustable sights and was off just a little to the left (about 1”). Elevation was right on. As with the Ruger, recoil was nominal and the Hogue grip soaked up any recoil there might have been.
I had a hard time getting the Colt on target. Out of the box, it was shooting high and waaaaay left (almost 4”). I was able to adjust the sights, but had to compensate for the elevation. Once on target, I was able to group well. Recoil was nominal, but I did notice a bit more snap than with the Smith, even though they both had the same Hogue grip.
1st - Smith
2nd - Ruger
3rd - Colt (merely because out of the box it was not good)
Trigger
I covered the DA and SA pulls earlier so won’t rehash. With zero modifications, the Colt wins hands down. But against modified revolvers, things change. I found the Smith to be the most pleasant and smoothest. I was also the most accurate with the Smith because of the smooth trigger. I even found myself enjoying shooting DA more than SA and was just as accurate.
1st - Smith
2nd - Colt
3rd - Ruger (even though it was lighter than the Colt, it still stacked and the SA was still a bit creepy)
Modifications
Colt revolvers just don’t have as much support as the other two. I would say a slight edge goes to the Smith, but you can still find a lot of parts for the GP100.
1st - tie, Smith & Ruger
3rd - Colt
Easy to Work On
From my basic modifications, grips, hammer springs, and trigger springs, the Smith was the easiest to work on. The side plate comes off and everything’s there. As mentioned earlier, the entire trigger assembly comes out the bottom on the Ruger and getting it back in can be a chore. It took me a few tries to get it right. Didn’t try working on the Colt.
1st - Smith
2nd - Ruger
3rd - Colt
Value
In stock form, the Colt is definitely the nicest of the bunch. But spend $20, and all that changes. The Python was one of my grail revolvers so I had high hopes. It didn’t let me down. I shot the Colt first because I just couldn’t wait. And I thought it was really good, and aside from the sight issue, I really liked it.
I have had many Rugers - Security Six, GP100s, and SP101s. Have sold them off for the next shiny thing that came my way. I see the GP100 as the Toyota of the gun world. It’s not the prettiest or sexiest gun out there, but it does what it was designed to do really well. And it just keeps on going. Ten years ago, the GP100 was a great Value. Unfortunately, they are now priced higher than a stainless 686. So, I wouldn’t consider it the best value now.
You can buy a bare-bones 4” stainless 686 from Sportsman’s Warehouse for $740, while the stainless 4” GP100 is $820, and the Python is $1,500. I paid a little more for the 586 because I like blued revolvers (~ $900). So a little more than the Ruger and a lot less than the Colt. Spend $20 on a spring kit and 30 minutes installing, and I would argue the stainless 686 is the best value out there.
1st - Smith
2nd - Ruger
3rd - Colt
Summary
My plan was to purchase all three to review and keep one or two. If you don’t plan on modifying anything, I would say the Colt is by far the best revolver. It is well finished, smooth, sexy, and has the Python mystique. But put a little time and money into the Ruger and Smith and damn they are really good. In fact, and this will probably upset a lot of people that plunked down serious cash for the Python, I would argue they are better than the Python. And yes, the Ruger and Smith did have spring modifications, but these are so cheap and easy, I don’t know why anybody wouldn’t do them.
So, if I had to keep only one, it would definitely be the 586. I think it looks great, has a great trigger, is comfortable, and I would argue is the best value around.
All three were brought home, thoroughly cleaned and lubed, and lovingly put back in the safe. For now, not sure I can part with any of them. But in the future, you might see one or two in the marketplace. But the 586 will be with me for a while.
Thanks for reading.
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