GP100 v. Python v. SW686

wfanfan_glock17

wfanfan_glock17

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I am pretty sure that the Python is probably the best quality, but which of these three the gp100, python, or S&W 686 would you say is the best buy for the $$$$$.? All things considered.

I think I am leaning toward getting the Ruger but I dont want to buy a "dud" just to save a few $$$$$.:D
 
.... I'm slightly biased, admittedly the Python is beautifully finished, but that comes at a hefty price. So, my choice would be the S&W ...easy parts, price is not too bad, wide variety of options, lots of aftermarket grips etc.etc. The Rugers are functional, and certainly reliable, but they don't seem to sell as quickly on the used market, and personal bias, 'don't look as nice, nor feel as good, as the S&W ..... handle all three before you decide, no doubt one will feel better in your hand and point better for you ! ...David K.
 
wfanfan_glock17 said:
I am pretty sure that the Python is probably the best quality, but which of these three the gp100, python, or S&W 686 would you say is the best buy for the $$$$$.? All things considered.

I think I am leaning toward getting the Ruger but I dont want to buy a "dud" just to save a few $$$$$.:D
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Buddy of mine has a 686, I went with the GP100 mostly due to price. $600 for a stainless version is a lot better than the $1,050 that the 686 costs, and after firing both I can't figure out why the 686 is $450 more. To me it was a no brainer, the GP100 won and would win every time.
 
Having owned all 3 its like trying to say which of your kids is your favorite(U know u have one but u really cant say). While the Colt is the nicest finished, I lean toward the 686 or the GP100. Certainly the 686 has the smooth trigger that S&W is known for but I find the GP to be a pretty close match. For durability, the nod goes to Ruger as that baby is built to last. Accuracy is equal in my opinion. Like what has been said above, heft each model and see which feels best for you. Personally I would change the grips on each over to a Hogue or similar but the 686 has far nicer looking stock grips.
Bottom line, either is fine depending on which fits you best, but for all around bang for the buck, I lean towards the GP...Opinions will vary but thats just my $.02CAD, + GST.
Cheers
dB:)
 
Some folks claim that the best bang for the buck in any aspect is to take a good used GP100 and send it to a GOOD gunsmith for tuning. On the end, you will end up with tough built GP100 with slickness of 686, for about $650-750. How much you can get out of this investment when you sell it is another story. However, if I like the gun and want to keep it, I’ll go this way.
 
I've owned all 3 as well, and put lots of round thru them. I loved my Pythons, but Smiths and Rugers will do the job. With a bit of minor tweaking (i.e spring kits), they can all have really nice triggers. You should also consider the K-frame S&W's (Model 19, 66, etc.), because they are usually cheaper, easy to find, and shoot beautifully, (unless you plan on using alot of heavy .357 loads). A tuned K-frame has one of the smoothest actions of any revolver.
 
I cannot comment on the Python as I never handle one in person. But they do look the coolest in picture. I have a 686 and is my best handgun so far. I handle a GP 100 and I think the grip is very comfortable. Trigger is not as nice as 686, both the GP and 686 has great balance which is very important for any handgun. I think the best bang of buck would be the GP 100, you can buy a NIB from Whole sale sport at about six hundred bucks. But a good used 686 is about a little less than $500. Mine is a used M686-5 and shoot perfect.

Trigun
 
Here's my $.02 worth. I've had all three, I still have a 686.

The Python CAN be a work of art, IF you have a pre-1970 (or so) version of it. It's now discontinued except out of the Colt custom shop, I'm told - think HUGE price tag. The later produced models were nowhere near as nicely executed as the early ones. Also, the triggers on them CAN NOT be made as smooth as the triggers on the average S&W. I know someone here's going to throw a hissy fit about this talking trash about how nice their Python trigger is, etc. But let me put it to you this way:

Look at the trigger geometry. Anyone monkey with half a brain can see the S&W design has less bearing surface and more mechanical advantage in the trigger. I've never seen a S&W with a hammer mounted firing pin that couldn't be turned into a delightful trigger pull. On the other hand, I've seen lots of pythons with much less than ideal pulls that good pistolsmiths gave up trying to improve on ;) It's just an engineering fact. S&W's trigger design is BETTER.

Of course, if you want to better compare apples and apples, compare a 1960's era S&W Model 27 to the python. No contest. I'll take the model 27.

Ruger is a rugged and dependable tool. Not much more I can say about it - it works. But it gets no style points, is overly heavy, and the trigger is again, not as good as the S&W.

If it were me, I'd look for a used 686-4 or earlier version. You can't go wrong with such a gun. Of course, any of the three would serve you well. It's a Ford/Chevy/Dodge thing IMHO.
 
Pythons are the only factory revolver that doesn't require a trigger job. It comes from the factory with a good trigger. Hence the much higher cost. After that, I'm with Claven. It's a toss up. Both the Smith and the GP triggers are easily done, so buying on price and how well each one fits your hand, alone, is fine.
Personally, my GP is the only revolver I've ever had that didn't need the grips changed to fit my hand, but that just my wide, short hands.
 
Claven2 said:
Here's my $.02 worth. I've had all three, I still have a 686.

The Python CAN be a work of art, IF you have a pre-1970 (or so) version of it. It's now discontinued except out of the Colt custom shop,

Sorry but Colt custom shop has stopped producing the Python.:)
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okcorral1881 said:
Claven2 said:
Here's my $.02 worth. I've had all three, I still have a 686.

The Python CAN be a work of art, IF you have a pre-1970 (or so) version of it. It's now discontinued except out of the Colt custom shop,
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Sorry but Colt custom shop has stopped producing the Python.:)
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Well there you have it! If you want new, scratch the Python off your list. Used ones aren;t exactly cheap either. Ya pays alot for tha Poney ;)
 
In my mind you can compare a M686 and a GP100; they are equals and you will be well served by either. Rent and shoot both the M686 and a GP100, then pick the one you like best.

When you compare a Python to another handgun it has to be the S&W M27. The resale is better on the Python but the M27 is as well made and in fact my pick. I gave $450 (US)for my used M27 sans box etc; it is a joy to shoot and a pleasure to just hold.

Regards,

Richard :D

My M27-2:
f9927bd4.jpg
 
Ive fired all three and after that I chose a 686. At that time the GP had just come out and there wasnt as much a price difference. The python was a lot more and I wanted stainless anyway. I didnt like the trigger in the GP, my pref. It had wood grips at the time, changed them for Pachmyrs used em for years, got sucked by reviews and ads to hogues, went back to pachmyrs. My pref is 686, but try all three if you can before you make a decision. Now, I just got to get a 617... gotta bug black john some more... Good luck finding a python too.
 
I've had them all, still have a Python and a 27 (as well as a 28, the cheap version of the 27), but remember the way the question was posed. FOR THE MONEY, which is the best choice, and the best bang for the buck is the Ruger. Wouldn't swap a Python or a 27 for one, but it is what it is. - dan
 
I have 6 L-Frames and love them.

The biggest problem with the Python is the trigger stacks just before letoff (gets stiffer), else they are a piece of work, overprice and over rated too.

The GP100 is a decent gun, but the triggers are stiff, and very few 'smiths know how to rework them successfully.
 
I currently own 4" versions of the GP and Python. and a 6" S & W 586. I know you're comparing the 686 but this is close.

The Colt definitely has the best trigger out of the box. With the pet loads in both .38 and .357 I like, I have found the 586 to be the most accurate.

The GP has the heaviest #### and trigger pull of all of them but it feels like you could load it to the hilt with nitro and it wouldn't even wrinkle it.:D

All good choices but I prefer my S&W for accuracy.
 
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Claven2 said:
snip...

Also, the triggers on them CAN NOT be made as smooth as the triggers on the average S&W. I know someone here's going to throw a hissy fit about this talking trash about how nice their Python trigger is, etc. But let me put it to you this way:

Look at the trigger geometry. Anyone monkey with half a brain can see the S&W design has less bearing surface and more mechanical advantage in the trigger. I've never seen a S&W with a hammer mounted firing pin that couldn't be turned into a delightful trigger pull. On the other hand, I've seen lots of pythons with much less than ideal pulls that good pistolsmiths gave up trying to improve on ;) It's just an engineering fact. S&W's trigger design is BETTER.

Of course, if you want to better compare apples and apples, compare a 1960's era S&W Model 27 to the python. No contest. I'll take the model 27.

snip...
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New, the GP100 is the best deal if its more than $150 difference. For $150 I'd buy the Smith.



Claven2
I have to take issue with a couple of your points:

1. The "python type" lockwork debuted in @1905 whereas the 686 lockwork debuted in @ 1947

2. To compare "apples to apples" you would have to utilize a S&W "long action" compared to the Colt "long action"

Better your example were a pre-war "long action" M&P or N-frame, than a post-war "short action" N-frame. You do have a valid point in regards to the '60s competition; the M.27 was Smith's "flagship" product just as Colt's was the Python.

A 5/686 Smith can be tuned to compare positively to a factory Colt Python as you describe, mainly because so few g'smiths today specialize in Colt tuning.

A properly tuned V-spring Colt (Python ect) has NO comparison.


Oh yeah, I have a pair of M.27s and no Pythons...(mainly 'cause I always thought they were overpriced).
 
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