Python vs GP100

[honeywalnutshrimp]

I look at it like this... Gp100 is a toyota some may not want them but even they have to admit buying a used one with a lot of miles on it is still gonna get the work done for years to come.. A python is like either a classic collectors car or a new exotic.. fast beautiful exclusive made very well but gonna cost you if ever you do need work done and usually stays in the garage and only come out when your showing it off.. Pythons are amazing craftsmenship design and finish the gp100 is the working mans firearms one that's gonna be shot again and again

[wu_dot_com]

i've seen many said to fix a python will cost you an arm and leg... but how many people have actually send their python back for fixes? how much does those fixes cost?

from the research that i've done with actual numbers, the cost for sending a python back to colt to fix is not much more than reasonable.

sure its not going to beat the lifetime warranty by ruger, but its not like it will cost thousands of dollars just for a fix. it might set you back anywhere from 50-60 to a couple of hundreds depends on what you want done.

[harbinger007]

I've had a 4" SS GP100 for about 20 years and this thread lead me to view Hickock45's video on the 3" GP100 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq3UdULuqt8. Don't know how I missed that before (though I haven't watched all of his videos I thought I had scanned through his playlist). One thing pointed out by some comments to the video is that the screw is backing out of the cylinder latch. I just looked at mine and it's still in place and I've shot quite a bit of hot loads in it. Other people reported they had it happen to them and they used some Loctite.

[Sky_DiveR]

I keep reading about how "Fragile" Pythons are but I've seen or heard of very few that's gone in for repair. That being said, you can't lose with either one of those fine handguns.

Pythons are smooth, pretty, and accurate. They cost more cuz they required more handwork to smooth up the action and polish up the exterior. I've seen em digest thousands of rounds and still keep working. They also have a better resale value because of the extra work put in at the factory and the mystique of being the best, smoothest, and most refined revolver.

Rugers are durable and can get the job done. I've felt Rugers that have been sent in and the triggers are just as smooth. I've also seen 'em sent in for a polish job and look just as nice as a Python. I've seen them digest thousands of rounds and still ask for more. Only downside I see is that if you have all those upgrades done to a Ruger, you won't get you money's worth on those upgrades when you sell 'em. It will never resell for as much as a Python.

Either will stand up to proper use and maintenance in my opinion. Even full house magnum loads. I look at it like this.... It's just like owning a Cadillac Escalade compared to a Chevy Suburban with similar interior and upgrades (Chrome, leather interior, etc). They will both do the same thing, operate the same way, and hold up with proper maintenance and care. Only the Escalade has pride of ownership, the name "Cadillac", and resale value. The Chevy Suburban can have as much pride of ownership, but will not resell for as much even with the similar upgrades.

[Bongos]

colt python all the way...


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.

.

I don't necessary agree, I know a lot of LE back in the Day whom use and shoot pythons, and they shoot a lot. also, for a period, pythons were used in competitions. If you reload, the "shooting" part is not an issue. Sure parts break and yes, you send them in for repair, to some a +$1000 revolver is just another Tool/Toy.. they are meant to be shot. A good friend of mine has a collection of O/U shotty well over the $25k-$30K mark, he shoots those all the time in hunting and target pratice,... heck his loaner is a $6k shotty. It's all the prospective.

BTW, I look at reloading a a therapy.. otherwise it would be cheaper buying factory ammo

[westcoast362]

Another plus for the Ruger is that if you are ever bored you can spend a few minutes reading the barrel.

[den888]

For a collector, a Python has no equal. For a shooter, the GP is excellent.

[butch952]

I would go with the Ruger

[PingPongBob]

Pythons are waaayy overrated except for the bluing. (For the life of me, I don't get the vent rib for a handgun)

If you have a problem with it, how many local gunsmiths are there to fix it?

GP100s are as tough as tanks, and the double-action trigger pull is like steering a tank.

Get an older S&W any model and you won't be sorry.

Of course this is just my opinion, having owned all of the above.

Edited to say how much I hate the warnings and all roll marks on Rugers.

[hybridatsun350]

Pythons are only going up in price... nuff said!



How could you say no to a gun like that?

[scarville]

I think a 686 is better all around gun than a GP100 but if your choice is between a Python and GP100, I recommend the GP100. The Python is a beautiful firearm and more rugged than people give it credit for but it is just not up the quality of today's S&W or Ruger revolvers.

[drunktank]

I like how the GP100 has a beefier cylinder. Heck the whole thing is beefy . To me the trigger break is more crisp but the python feels smoother if that makes sense. My uncle and friends have both and shoot both religiously. I never knew the background/manufacture process of either but it felt like the s&w was more "refined". That said I'd buy the ruger just because it costs less and I don't baby my guns as far as using them, taking on trips, etc.

I want both as should you! :0)

[JTROKS]

A GP100 will always be a shooter for me, I have one since the mid 80s and it is still shooting accurately and never needed a tune up. I don't have a Python, but I do have a King Cobra, and a S&W 686 Plus pre-lock. It's always the GP100 going to the range with me.

[GW]

Python is really a collector's piece these days. Definitely worth having in your collection but for a shooter I would go GP-100

[Q619]

IMO Ruger makes the toughest revolver around, Colt made the nicest revolver around, Smith is a compromise between the two. You can't go wrong with a revolver from one of these three companies. That being said, due to lack of support and availability of parts on the part of the Python: I'd get a Ruger or a Smith. If you plan on shooting it sparingly, especially if all you shoot is .38's: the Colt will be fine. They tend to go out of timing after lots of hot magnum loads and need it corrected. The other two have a much lesser chance of this. ESPECIALLY the Ruger.

If you're really hot on the Ruger, you might want to hunt down a security six. I believe it to be a nicer gun than the GP100 that is just as durable and can be had for a VERY reasonable price on the used market.

My favorite revolver that I put the most rounds through is my Smith 686 but my Ruger Security Six gets backpacking duty.