Python vs GP100

[gregmac1984]

Ok here is the deal I know the python is the best revolver ever made however I was wondering if any one out there can give me a little help. I looking to get either a python or a gp100, how much of a difference in handling is there, because as far as price goes there is a huge difference, plus finding one and if I get a python it's not going to just sit in the safe. Is spending to extra money really worth it.
Thanks in advance.

[rogervzv]

When I was making my own decision about this I went with the GP100, which I believe is perhaps the finest revolver ever made. For the money it is a terrific value. And it is backed by the best customer service/support in the world, which cannot be said for the Python, which is long out of production.

[Ripon83]

Duh...clearly...hello....BOTH !

Just kidding you....I'd buy a Python first because the GP 100 is likely to be more available at reasonable prices later. Pythons have gone up in a bad economy; what happens if the economy ever gets better? There is rumor Colt will make a DA snake gun next year but I don't think it'd be a python and even if it was - people would covet the older one's.

[wang949]

Short answer: As a working gun IMO, Python is not worth the extra $ vs. GP100.

For half the price, you could get a new gp100, shoot it all you want your whole life, die, and it would still be good to go. GP100 = tank.

I've never shot a Python though, so take that into account.

[Legasat]

If you are a collector, and you see this gun as an investment, and it won't be shot very often, Python.

If this is going to be shot, or a Home Defense gun, GP100.

[rogervzv]

If you are a collector, and you see this gun as an investment, and it won't be shot very often, Python.

If this is going to be shot, or a Home Defense gun, GP100.

Yes, I was looking at the OP's post as asking for suggestions about a shooting revolver. I have fired a Python and it is a fine revolver, but I will take the GP100 for a SD, HD, and range gun. If you want something to keep in the safe and fire on rare occasions you can't beat a Python, that's for sure. It is a very collectable piece, and I would imagine that most people who own one nowadays do so as collectors. But if you want a beautifully made firearm, backed by impeccable customer service, that you can shoot forever without worry, you can't beat a Ruger GP100 IMHO.

[Bongos]

Depends on what you really want to do, the Colt Python is practically a handmade and tuned gun by Colt Master Gunsmiths (if it was an early one from the 1960-1970s anyways, not sure of later ones). What Colt python have going is a very smooth action and trigger pull, kinda like the ferrari of the Revolver World. The disappointment of the python is it cannot digest a consistent diet of full power 357 magnums. THe Actions loosens up as well as things tend to break.

The Ruger GP100 is one of the most strongest 357 available, it can consistently eat everything..it's considered the Tank of the revolver World, it's a Tool and it will do it's job. The Issue with the GP100 is because it is built like a Tannk, it's one of the heaviest 357.

A nice medium of the two would be the S&W 66, well balance and have the fine points of both Python and GP100... the S&W actio can be achieve to the level of the python but having a smith work on the action, the cost will still be a fraction of the python's cost...

you decide...

[rogervzv]

The 686 is a fine revolver and the one I considered when ultimately going with the GP100. I think that the GP100 trigger is about as smooth as the Smith in the current productions of both revolvers. I actually liked the GP100 trigger because it has a crisp snap just before the hammer falls, which allows you to fire DA almost like SA. Hickock45 praised this attribute in his YouTube eval. of the GP100.

The 686 is a great revolver though; and S&W is a great company.

[Sturnovik]

The 686 is a fine revolver and the one I considered when ultimately going with the GP100. I think that the GP100 trigger is about as smooth as the Smith in the current productions of both revolvers. I actually liked the GP100 trigger because it has a crisp snap just before the hammer falls, which allows you to fire DA almost like SA. Hickock45 praised this attribute in his YouTube eval. of the GP100.

The 686 is a great revolver though; and S&W is a great company.

I agree. I find I like smiths alot more quality wise, but the GP100 can take alot of damn abuse for less money. OP, I recommend a GP100, unless you are just a collector.

[shooting4life]

I am a smith guy and would always recommend a smith over the other two but if this is your first revolver then get the ruger. You can also look for a used Dan wesson, they are of good quality and you can change the barrel lengths.

[GSwain]

Have a GP100, stainless with a 6" barrel. Absolutely love it, extremely accurate and solidly built. Thinking about getting a second one for the girlfriend.

[compulsivegunbuyer]

GP100, great gun for the money, and if you run out of ammo, it makes a great bludgeoning tool. Except the barrel, the entire gun it cast. Colt Python, GP 100 does not hold a candle to it. Lighter than the GP 100, all forged parts, no cast, hand fitted, no transfer bar, and sounds like a fine swiss watch when operating the action. GP 100 is a good gun at a resonable price. It's manufacture is comprised of many cost savings measures. Colt Python is made the old way, by craftsman. Not cheap to make, and no corners cut in the manufacturing process. Made back when you held a gun out of the display case and were truly impressed by the fit, finish, and craftsmanship.

[Fishslayer]

The 686 is a fine revolver and the one I considered when ultimately going with the GP100.

Agree.

Python the greatest revolver ever made? Sure, for people who like Pythons.

Some people like what the Ruger delivers, others S&W. I prefer Smiths but would grab a GP100 in a heartbeat.

I'd love to have a Python but it would have to be a pretty good deal. IMO they're just way overpriced for what I would do to the poor thing.

[gorenut]

Yup, my opinion echoes a lot of others. The smoothest revolver I've shot was a Colt Python. I don't know if I'd ever own one though. If you need repairs on it, be prepared to spend a pretty penny on top of the small fortune you've already spent on em.

I owned a GP100 and have nothing but praise for it. However, this year I've moved on to S&W revolvers and haven't looked back. I see S&W as the middle grounds between a GP100 and a Colt. For a utilitarian tool that you can shoot without worrying at all, GP100 can't be beat. The frame is an over-engineer beast and I've never had any issues of wear anywhere on it. While the S&W seems to be more refined/finessed (in design) and balanced, I've noticed more wear on certain parts on mine (first one I had showed a chip on the sighting plate near the hammer, second one has wear, but no chip).

[wu_dot_com]

colt python all the way...

looking at your thd made me take out my python.

in a situation like this, you need to look at the actual trade offs.

python seems to have a myth going around that because its precisely made, its more fragile than other options. i can assure you this is not the case. a python will not go out of time quicker than others under normal usage. i.e, do not shoot over charge .357 consistently.

under realistic situations, most of us will not have enough money to shoot .357 all the time. so the likelihood of actually breaking anything on those guns are relatively small.

as others have said, the python action is much smoother from a factory gun. but thats not to say that its best of the best trigger you will get. a performance center smith 627 v-comp is much smoother and it cost the same price as a python.

a real deal breaker here should be only on price. if you can justify the cost, then go for a python because you know you will get good trigger and an aesthetically more pleasing gun. if you'r only concern is the trigger and performance, then i would recommend you to go with a smith 627 Vcomp.