M14 Forum

zarrinvz24

I've been looking around to purchase either a 6" Ruger GP100 or an very early 70's Colt Python. I can't afford both and I'm really unsure of which to buy. They both have so many pro's and con's: The GP100 would be cheaper and stronger and can have a great trigger with work, but the Colt will probably appreciate in value. I've never been a stainless guy so I suspect that the Ruger would be only a range tool, while the Colt would be treasured - however I want to shoot it, and am hesitant due to the number of timing stories on the internet. Anyone have any stories that might help to tip the scales one way or the other?

daveboy

Owned a 6" stainless GP-100 for many years and shot it with a lot of stiff handloads. Loved it. I thought about the Python and loved the Python of old. But, the new Pythons just didn't seem as nice to me as the earlier ones. Plus, if I remember right, the Colt brings a premium price. Loved my Ruger, but finally sold it for almost what I paid for it.

daveboy

glockshot

Spam or filet ??? The Ruger is a very gun choice,however....The colt Python was 1 of the finest handguns ever made..They are super strong and I never had a better or smoother trigger than on my pythons or troopers.Yes,it will cost you,but if you can afford get it..you wont regret it..Find a mith that knows how to do colt trigger jobs and it will be like butter !!

Iggy

As I own several Rugers including a 6" GP100, don't think I am putting Ruger down. I look at Ruger as a nice entery lever revolver, it is dependable and simple but they are a little rough around the edges. Similar to a Chevrolet or Ford car - simple, dependable and inexpensive, economy! Smith & Wesson is like a Cadillac/Lincoln - more expensive but also has finer detail, smoother. The Colt Python is Legendary, whether or not that is true, I do not know.

If you are looking for a shooter - go with the GP100 because you will not hurt the vaule by using it. If you are looking for a collector - go with the Colt because they always bring a premium.

zarrinvz24

Thanks guys! I've spent days reading random firearm forums regarding the Python, has anyone here ever experienced problems with timing? Any personal horror stories? The internet makes it seem like in a couple years spare parts will be non-existant and nobody will be around to service them.

Beavis1971

I have a 4in stainless Ruger GP100 and a have quite a few older Smiths and I love them. I can't see paying a premium for a Colt Python because they finally made a revolver with a decent trigger. That being said, the old Pythons were finished nicely.

Guerito

To me, it would boil down to what I wanted to do with it.

Python: shoot it a little and admire it a bunch.
Ruger: Shoot it a bunch, admire it a little.

bd111

+1. Ditto. There's working guns and investment guns. Through nobody's fault, just the passage of time and discontinuation of the line, the Python you'd want has become an investment gun. The Ruger revolver is a strong, dependable double action working gun that won't break your wallet or your heart if it gets stolen, lost, dropped, or scuffed up.

dozier

Never, and I've owned mine since 1967. I must admit that it has had more .38 wadcutters out of it than full blown .357 mag. 2-3k rounds thru it and it locks up as tight as when it was new. Not many know that as you apply pressure to the trigger, the cylinder locks up tighter. A fact Jack!!! Maybe this is why the timing myth was started??? dozier

jbrooks

The old er Pythons ar real ferraris.. I've had mine since 1976. Hand fitted and interior completely polished.

Rumors out there say the Python can go "out of time". Well, maybe. Any revolver can do that. But it would take a truckload of heavy shooting to do that. When I was younger I shot mine all the time. After all, it cost about $300.00 back then, about the same as the S&W Model 27 I have. So I shot them both quite often.

Speaking of the Model 27, "they" say it goes out of time too, 'cuz the cylinder is so large and massive. Could be, but mine is still OK after all these years. Who knows? Maybe they'll be just fine when my great-grandkids have them. If they can still own such evil weapons...

My Python is srill tight as a Swiss bank vault. Back in the old days, somebody (I forget who) made a replacement V-spring for the Python, the idea being that V-springs have a "reputation" of breaking more easily than coil springs. But the V-spring is what gives the Python it's esceptional trigger pull. I put the original back in, 'cuz the replacement just didn't feel right.

If you have the bucks, buy the Python (if in excellent condition) and save up for the Ruger.

JWB

apf383

I'd go Python myself, and did. It's more of a novelty to me at this point, not a safe queen, but not something I shoot all the time either. Once in a while, with light .38 loads and it will last forever. If you want to punish a revolver with heavy magnum loads, then the Ruger, or a S&W for that matter, for sure.

jbrooks

Good point. The way you check double-action revolver lockup and timing is to:

1. Cock the hammer and hold back.

2. While holding the hammer firmly to the rear, Pull the Trigger, NOT releasing the hammer.

3. TRY to rotate the cylinder with your other hand. You can't on a Python. NO play at all.

4. Repeat 1 to 3 for all 6 holes. You will get the same results.

Now, take any new revolver and try that. :) S&W revolvers aren't made the same way, BTW, so you will get some play more than likely. My 2 Ruger Security Six's are almost as tight as the Colt Python.

The Colt follow-ons to the Python (Trooper, ."357 Magnum", etc) all have coil springs (improved! HA!) but they wobble when you do the above test.

JWB

ripcord

No contest...go with the Python.

mkd357

That would be like comparing a F150 to a Mustang. Different weapons with different uses. It depends on what you really want to do with your revolver.

I have a sweet old S&W that I adore. Definitely my favorite pistol in my collection. I tend to take her out to the range when I visit my buddies in Chicagoland. I am the only person in my group rocking a 6 shooter & I love it. However when I go out to shoot my steel targets every weekend it isn't with my Smith&Wesson. I shoot my CCW Glock the most for good reason. I carry it & want to stay sharp as can be with it. I just bought a Ruger Bisley Blackhawk to do some serious six gun shooting with. I intend to take her out every weekend too as an alternative to my G26. As well as use it as a field gun when I go camping & such. Do I love my S&W any less? Heck no! I just want to baby her a bit =)>

With your choice I would need to think about it too. If they Colt is a deal then definitely pick it up. They are sweet revolvers that will serve you just fine. Do you want to shoot hot loaded .357 magnums through it all the time? I wouldn't! But .38 specials should be just fine for extensive shooting. It will become a gem in your collection & you will dote on it for the rest of your days! You could always buy a Ruger or S&W down the road for more of a shooter/field gun. On the other hand if they want 2 mortgage payments & your first born child for the Colt maybe go with the Ruger & shoot the heck out of it, full power loads & all! Good luck with your purchase!

willriskit

I have shot the same 4" and 6" Pythons in competition for thousands of rounds with excellent results. I bought both of these walking around at shows for considerably less than retail. Not only are they consistently fine shooters but with a little care, they keep their looks. Pistolwise, my best competitor has a S&W 686 which is a lower cost practical alternative to the Python and would probably be my second choice. I bought my first Python as a young Marine in 1963 and one of our staff NCO's expressed the opinion that it was "too pretty to be any good." At the range that weekend, he got to eat his words.