First Review: GP100 vs S&W 686 vs Colt Python

[larkja]

Great write up, thanks! But I don't think you can get the 636 4" for under $800 anymore. At least I couldn't find one.

You might be right. Sportsmans has it listed, but out of stock. The new version is also out of stock. So, kinda' hard to get an actual retail price. And gunbroker is usually 10% or so higher. Even if it's $900, it's still a good value once the springs are in place. But it would probably be a toss-up between the Ruger and Smith at this price.

[bergmen]

This is a very well done report! Great details, photos and links to spring kits. I have a 4" blue GP100 I bought about 15 years ago that is stock (except for Ruger fiber optic sights). I should get one of your recommended spring kits, I never realized there would be such an improvement.

I also have the Kimber K6S 3" DASA. I put the target grips on it to extend it slightly. It is not the nicest looking revolver in my safe but I couldn't put it down at my LGS once I felt the butter smooth action and trigger. Best I have experienced in a stock DA revolver of any make (although I have not tried them all).

I don't plan on shooting full power .357 Magnum loads out of this, I load at levels between .38 Special +P and low end .357 Magnum in .357 cases. Just a range toy.



Dan

[bergmen]

BTW, my Kimber is very close to the same size and weight as my older Ruger SP-101 in .38 Special. Ruger is 5 rounds, Kimber is 6. Here is a photo for comparison (look how huge the GP-100 looks alongside the others).



Dan

[lastinline]

[larkja]

This is a very well done report! Great details, photos and links to spring kits. I have a 4" blue GP100 I bought about 15 years ago that is stock (except for Ruger fiber optic sights). I should get one of your recommended spring kits, I never realized there would be such an improvement.

I also have the Kimber K6S 3" DASA. I put the target grips on it to extend it slightly. It is not the nicest looking revolver in my safe but I couldn't put it down at my LGS once I felt the butter smooth action and trigger. Best I have experienced in a stock DA revolver of any make (although I have not tried them all).

Thank you.

Never considered the Kimber, but have read it has a smooth trigger. Definitely recommend you try the spring kit for the GP100. If you don't like it, you can always switch back. But I think you will be very pleased.

Now I just need to get back in and try to polish some of the surfaces to eliminate the creep.

[SDDAVE56]

Excellent write up. Looking forward to your Korth vs Manurhin comparison.

[larkja]

Excellent write up. Looking forward to your Korth vs Manurhin comparison.

Don't really care for the Korth, but if I could get my hands on a Manurhin...

[larkja]

Finally had a chance to polish the internals. Followed this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0jFwUq_-VU

My original readings:

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.

New readings:
DA - 3 lbs 10.9 oz to 4 lbs 11.8 oz
SA - 1 lb 5.8 oz to 1 lb 14.9 oz

Still stacks a bit with the DA pull, but the SA creep is virtually gone. Almost imperceptible take-up, then the wall and a crisp break. This revolver really comes alive with about $20 worth of parts and 1 hours work of work. Removing and reinstalling the trigger group this time was much easier.

[golfish]

Nice review. I've been looking at all 3, you've got me leaning towards the Colt.

[larkja]

Nice review. I've been looking at all 3, you've got me leaning towards the Colt.

All three are nice, but the Colt is definitely the most refined out of the box.

[golfish]

All three are nice, but the Colt is definitely the most refined out of the box.

Which one is the better bang for your buck?

I picked up a gun at 2AZone yesterday and I looked at a GP100 6". I also looked at a GP101 3" barrel in .38sp. The 101 was really nice and small. I really liked that one. It would make a nice carry gun.

I thought it was a GP101. I guess its SP. I don't see it on Rugers site so it might of been a used guns.

[bergmen]

Which one is the better bang for your buck?

I picked up a gun at 2AZone yesterday and I looked at a GP100 6". I also looked at a GP101 3" barrel in .38sp. The 101 was really nice and small. I really liked that one. It would make a nice carry gun.

I thought it was a GP101. I guess its SP. I don't see it on Rugers site so it might of been a used guns.

I have a Ruger SP-101 3" in .38 Special. First year of manufacture (1989). I love it, nice, tight, accurate, smooth DA and SA. Here is a picture (2nd from left), I changed the grip to a full size Hogue style since the SP has a short grip with only a 2 finger hold.



This is one of my favorite revolvers.

Dan

[larkja]

Which one is the better bang for your buck?

I picked up a gun at 2AZone yesterday and I looked at a GP100 6". I also looked at a GP101 3" barrel in .38sp. The 101 was really nice and small. I really liked that one. It would make a nice carry gun.

I thought it was a GP101. I guess its SP. I don't see it on Rugers site so it might of been a used guns.

Personally, I think the 586/686 is the best value. Spend $20 on a spring kit and you have a sweeeeet shooter. It's not as smooth or refined as the Colt (they really did a great job), but if you're looking for a shooter, the Smith is really nice.

[golfish]

Personally, I think the 586/686 is the best value. Spend $20 on a spring kit and you have a sweeeeet shooter. It's not as smooth or refined as the Colt (they really did a great job), but if you're looking for a shooter, the Smith is really nice.

I do like the 586. I need to get a new one in my hands..I guess I should just buy all 3 like you did. It'll probably take me all year


I love it, thanks Dan...I'm really behind on revolvers. The only DA I have is an old H&R 22lr.

[Phalanx20mm]

Nice evaluation thanks for taking the time to write up the comparison.

I've been shooting my 2020 Python 4.25" quite a bit with 38 special and 357 mag. The trigger is as smooth as any revolver I've ever shot. Also have a 686 from 1982 and a Securty Six from about 1981.
Revolvers tend to multiply.

Can't wait to get a 3" Python.