Colt + Ruger = Cougar ?

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AZHighCountry

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I recently acquired one of these. It has a Ruger Police Service Six frame and a 6” Colt Python Barrel. I saw another of these this week. The blue finish on both guns is beautiful. The action on mine is very nice. I have not fired it yet to see how it shoots.

Does anyone know the history of these revolvers? All I have been able to find is that it was a popular custom about 20 years ago. I have been into guns a lot longer than that and mine and the other one I saw this week are the first I have ever seen.
 

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As I understand it, the original hybrid was a S&W (mod 19?) with a Python barrel- Smython or Smolt. The idea was to get the best trigger and the best barrel together in one gun. Why people began making the Ruger/Colt hybrid I can't say (except that it's pretty cool). That is a great looking gun you have there. I guess the adjustable sight was added when the barrel and bluing were done.
 
Looks sexy, let us know how it shoots!

Was the other one you saw for sale? =)
 
id honestly buy a ruger gp100 if it had something like that. Really a nice combination.

Is this something one could create? buy both guns and take them to a gunsmith for fitting?
 
I also have 2 GP100's, a Python and a King Cobra. This "Cougar" is close to the Python for finish, probably better than the King Cobra and much better than the Rugers. I would guess the idea was the strength of the Ruger with the appearence of the Python.

I am taking several firearms to a sale tomorrow and will probably take this one along to see more what kind of interest it generates than to actually sell it. But, if someone comes along with a trade that trips my trigger I will probably let it go.

As far as making one I don't see why you would do that with the cost of Pythons now. If I had a Python barrel only or a gun that had a badly damaged frame I may consider it. It realy does have a great look and feel.
 
I guess the thing is if you want a durable 357 with a Python barrel, just keep the barrel on a Python. If you want a better trigger, avoid the Ruger (not that they can't be smooth and light, it's just that the trigger pull is so long compared to the others). I think the Cougar is the best looking of the hybrids and parent guns though the Python hammer is nice looking.
 
The Ruger trigger on the Cougar is long but very smooth and light. It has had a very good trigger job on it. Who ever built this thing did excellent work. Wish I knew who it was, I would definatly take my smith work to him.
 
Python barrels had a reputation for great accuracy with 148-grain target wadcutter bullets, and for a while, there were plenty of new-in-the-wrapper Python barrels out there, for 'smiths to mount onto S&W and Ruger sixguns. There are not nearly so many available Python barrels out there these days.
 
i believe your Couger is built on a Security-Six...adjustable rear sight

the first Smolt i knew bout (built on a M-19) was built by Bill Davis (PPC champion) of Cake-Davis in Sacto CA. the shop foreman (Kerry) screwed an extra Python barrel on a Security-Six because he just thought it looked cool.

the advantage of a Python barrel, on either a S&W or Ruger, was better accuracy with the 148gr HBWC Match ammo due to it's 1-14" rifling and it's "choked" barrel...that and the extra forward weight of the underlugged barrel

the Couger is a much handier package than the GP-100
 
Hamilton Bowen is still making these.

A Redhawk with an Anaconda barrel.
RH%20w%20Anaconda%20bbl.jpg
 
The coolest looking gun I ever saw was a Smith M-686 with a stainless Python 4-inch barrel a Detective buddy of mine used to carry in a custom-made shoulder holster. The accuracy was amazing, and it looked like a factory gun until you looked closer.

Another cop I knew had a blued Smith (don't know the model, but I'm betting it was an M-19) that had a three-inch Python barrel, he got the barrel from Numrich years ago, the first 3-inch I'd ever seen. I've had a thing for three-inch guns ever since!

PJ
 
A guy named Glen (don't remember the last name right now) built morphed revolvers including the Cougar in the '80's. For awhile he was an instructor at the gunsmithing school at Yavapai CC in Prescott. Good chance it might be one of his works. I'm guessing the theory is the durability of a Ruger and the accuracy of a Colt. Probably most people were interested in them becuase they are custom, distinctive and are sharp looking. Interested to know how it shoots and hope you post and update.
 
i believe your Couger is built on a Security-Six...adjustable rear sight
Click to expand...

Actually, it looks to be a Service Six...with a S&W rear sight. The top back of the frame is right for a Service Six and not a Security Six.

The frame looks to have been fitted with a S&W adjustable sight.

You've got the best of three...Ruger + Colt + S&W

I'm envious...wonder who built the gun? :)
 
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