Python vs GP100

[scidx]

I believe he meant the "transfer bar".

[scidx]

With all this talk about firearm strength...

...I would just pick up a nice 6" Blackhawk.

And, where can I find this .357 revolver for $1.98?

[Sunday]

The Python in a wonderful revolver something to take to the range . The
ruger is like a timex watch, it takes a licking and keeps on ticking. It depends what you want out of the revolver.

[Onlyincali]

I'm sorry for the stupid question....but what on earth is this "LOCK" everyone keeps talking about. I frequently see revolvers being sold as "pre-lock" but cant figure out what on earth that "lock" is. I've held and squeezed the trigger on many revolvers and STILL dont know what the heck this lock is... anyone?

[Peter W Bush]

I have a 6" Python, a 4" Python, a 6" GP100, a 3" Model 19, and a 2 1/2" Model 10, both pre lock. The 19 has a great trigger and is built like a tank. The GP100 is also a great revolver, no question. BUT, there is no revolver I have ever handled that has a better trigger than my Pythons. If I was going to only have 1 revolver as a shooter, it probably wouldn't be the Python. But since I have 3 revolvers I can beat the hell out of, I am very happy to have the Pythons. I have yet to handle a finer revolver.

[DannyZRC]

I'm sorry for the stupid question....but what on earth is this "LOCK" everyone keeps talking about. I frequently see revolvers being sold as "pre-lock" but cant figure out what on earth that "lock" is. I've held and squeezed the trigger on many revolvers and STILL dont know what the heck this lock is... anyone?

the "lock" is an internal firearm lock, a key can be inserted and turned to render the firearm inoperable, or once so rendered, the key can be used to return it to a functioning state.

people find it philosophically distasteful, and further, there are some examples of the lock managing to lock itself under recoil forces.

[Onlyincali]

Thanks! So is this gp100 "pre-lock"? Are locks now mandatory on revolvers being sold NEW in CA? What year did this start?


Pics below. Prelock? Or not...

https://picasaweb.google.com/sdcounty.ca.gov/RugerSP100?feat=directlink#

[ianS]

Thanks! So is this gp100 "pre-lock"? Are locks now mandatory on revolvers being sold NEW in CA? What year did this start?


Pics below. Prelock? Or not...
https://picasaweb.google.com/sdcount...at=directlink#

Ruger GP100 and SP101 revolvers never had internal locks. I believe there are certain single action Ruger revolvers that might have them but they're not mounted on the frame.

The vast majority of current manufacture S&W revolvers have internal locks on them. Even the Pro and Performance Center revolvers that cost well over $1000, which is sad. Its a voluntary thing S&W did in other words CYA. Its not a CA thing. I'm not sure exactly what year it started but I'd put it about 2003 or so? Anyways, certain lightweight (aluminum/scandium) revolvers shooting magnum loads have locked up in the past when fired. Its a really small percentage but the argument is if it never had them it never would have happened. Why throw in a potential issue that really has no benefit? There have been incidents with all steel revolvers locking up but they are even fewer a farther in between.

Personally, buying new, I feel Rugers are the best bet today. Their triggers are quite nice. Nicer than most people would lead you to believe. I'd say their triggers are equal or better to current S&W revolvers (non Performance Center). They're rugged, well made, and exceptional values compared to the premium S&W charges for theirs. ( I used to own a 686 with a lock and currently own a GP100). Buying a revolver without a lock felt good.

[Mr. Casull]

I agree the Ruger is the way to go. Why you can use it as a hammer if the need arises! And from the looks of some of the Rugers I've seen that is what they are primarly used for.

[gorenut]

I agree the Ruger is the way to go. Why you can use it as a hammer if the need arises! And from the looks of some of the Rugers I've seen that is what they are primarly used for.

I'd also have to agree with this overall. Unless I specifically wanted something like 7 or 8 shots, I'd go with Ruger with revolver. With whatever money left over, you can even buy yourself a good trigger job if you're not happy with the out of box trigger.

[resident-shooter]

Python sure is a quality gun, but the best revolver ever? Highly arguable. Like others said, if you want a doll to look at and one that appreciates in value, go with python. If you want a quality gun at more than reasonable gun... and you want to shoot it all day long, go with GP100.

[brianm767]

To me

Ruger GP100 = Toyota Camry
S&W = Toyota Avalon
Colt Python = Lexus LS

[compulsivegunbuyer]

http://bowenclassicarms.com/

This guy does incredible things to Ruger double action triggers. The wait is a little long though.

[scarville]

Its a voluntary thing S&W did in other words CYA. Its not a CA thing.

Not entirely. When S&W was sold the new owners asked the Bush Administration to rescind the HUD agreement and were refused. The Administration said they had no interest in enforcing it but left in place to be activated by a future administation.

[gregmac1984]

Wooooow. I want to thank everyone for the feed back!!!!!!! Just to get some things straight though I did not rule out the s&w 686, I am just new to the revolver world, and saying the python was the best revolver ever made was not the right statement to make. I appreciate all the info, and points everyone made. If any one is willing to teach or show me some things about any of the revolvers disscussed, that would be awsome. Thank you to everyone who posted something. I will take all of this into the gun shop when I got to buy.!! Thanks again.


Thanks Greg aka "mac"