Which is a better 357 revolver: Python v SW 686 v Ruger GP100?

Which is a better 357 magnum revolver?

  • Colt Python

    Votes: 87 23.5%
  • SW 686

    Votes: 141 38.1%
  • Ruger GP100

    Votes: 90 24.3%
  • Tough call. They are at par with each other.

    Votes: 52 14.1%

  • Total voters
    370
  • Poll closed .
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"Ruger only" only applies to large frame Blackhawks and Redhawks in .45Colt. I don't know why anyone would think it applied to all Rugers in all chamberings.

The GP is no stronger than the 686.
 
Mostly, it's about personal preference and intended use. I've carried a S&W 586 and a Ruger Security Six in the field as a cop. Owned a KGP100, but didn't carry it. I've had co-workers who carried and swore by the Python. All have performed flawlessly. To rate each gun, I would say the Python is probably the best for durability, looks and worksmanship. The S&W looks good too and is rock solid, but, out of the box just isn't as polished as the Python as far as feel and smoothness of the action. The Ruger, like most Rugers is chunky and kind of ugly. The action isn't near as smooth initially but it can take a nuke strike and keep plugging. I polished the inner parts of my Ruger (which, internally is simple compared to the other two) and the action was as good as any S&W or Python I've come across (for duty use). The Ruger is the most user friendly for maintenance as it can be broken down with no tools and doesn't have small springs or parts that fall out easily. So, what is it used for and what is your preference? Form, functionality or somewhere in the middle?
 
I would guess the three are about equal. It all comes down to cast and clunky vs. forged and sleek. For me life's too short to go around packing ugly heat.:D
 
If you read my whole post I was talking about a Blackhawk
I read your whole post and it's entirely irrelevant. What does a Blackhawk in .45Colt shooting "Ruger only" loads have to do with a .357Mag GP???
 
It has nothing to do with a 45lc. All the Rugers are overbuilt, and the "Ruger Only Loads" apply to all the Blackhawks and Super Blackhawks.
 
I feel like an arguing with an 8yr old.

One more time.....

THE TERM "RUGER ONLY" ONLY APPLIES TO LARGE FRAME BLACKHAWKS AND REDHAWKS CHAMBERED IN .45COLT. IT APPLIES TO NO OTHER GUNS OR CHAMBERINGS. IT HAS ABSOLUTELY NO RELEVANCE TO A DISCUSSION ABOUT THE GP-100. IS THAT SIMPLE ENOUGH FOR YOU TO UNDERSTAND???
 
For me life's too short to go around packing ugly heat.

Life could be even shorter if your sleek heat is out of time. Im just jokin around. I hope to have a Colt Python and a Smith 586 or 686 one day.
 
All three are fairly equal in most aspects (accuracy, reliability, shootability).
But, in my opinion, the Ruger has a few advantages...

Over-built to handle practically any load.

A superior cylinder release design.

A much superior disassemble method.

Much better bang-for-the-buck.



It would be great if Ruger made the GP100 trigger just like the LCR's trigger.
The LCR has the best stock DA trigger of any revolver that I have ever shot.
 
So my reloading manuals are incorrect when they list 357 mag and 44 magnum loads as "RUGER ONLY"? You obviously know way more than the people who published the manuals.
 
I'm a great Ruger fan, but I have no use for the GP-100. The balance is horrendous and even the 4-inch model feels like I'm holding a hammer! I have a few Security-Sixes and they're outstanding. The S&W 686 is, in my view, is the best of the three models mentioned in the OP.

I love the Colt Python. It's a well crafted pistol that has a proven record of accuracy. The bluing is legendary; however, the downside is its small pawl/hand, which wears too quickly and requires frequent re-timing of the gun. This can be fixed by hard chroming the pawl, which increases wear significantly, but it's a pain.

The 686 was designed to meet or beat the Python and, in my opinion, it succeeds. It's still a bit heavy for my taste, but the balance is superb. The 4-inch model is ideal. The 686 costs far less than the Python, is built to exacting specifications, has an excellent action and an enviable reputation.

I'd love to give the thumbs up to the Ruger, but the Security-Six has been shown to shoot up to 30,000 hot magnum loads without the locking cylinder and other innovations. And I've never thought that one spring doing the work of two is better! It's hype. The gun also throws most of its weight forward by virtually eliminating the steel grip. It's a nub. In a survival situation, if you destroy the grip for whatever reason, that nub will be difficult to turn back into a grip. I realize this is a reach, but the balance of the gun isn't. The action of the GP-100 also is significantly inferior to those of both the Python and the 686 which, out of the box, are fabulous.

I'd love to have a Python, but if I lived in Alaska and needed a reliable .357, my choice would be the 686.


Magnums_1.gif

RugerSecurity-Six_2-1.gif

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Python by far the smoothest of the three. The less expensive way to go is with the Colt Trooper 357. Python ( new army frame I believe?) with a plain heavy barrel. Can be found in the 5-600 dollar range.
 
I am fond of Smiths and have more than my share, but I voted for the Colt. There is just something about a Python.
 
I'm a great Ruger fan, but I have no use for the GP-100. The balance is horrendous and even the 4-inch model feels like I'm holding a hammer!
What?!?

The 4" GP100 balances just fine.
It's just a tad nose heavy, which is a good thing when shooting, as it reduces muzzle flip and helps get back on target quicker.
Especially when firing rapid double-action.

Besides, one of the great things about a revolver is the ability to customize the grips....you can always add some weight to butt to give your revolver any balance you like.
 
So my reloading manuals are incorrect when they list 357 mag and 44 magnum loads as "RUGER ONLY"?
I would LOVE to know what manuals have "Ruger only" sections for anything but .45Colt.
 
Really hard to say, because I don't know what perameter you are referring too. I went with the 686 because it is the best all round one listed. The Python is like a Rolls Royce, its looks the best, it shoots the best (in my opinion), but parts are hard to come by, nobodys really works on them in my neck of the woods and they are expensive.

The Ruger is great, but it's heavy. It will probably out last both of these guns even if you neglect it.

The S&W shoots good, looks good, parts are a dime a dozen, and even I work on them mechanically.
 
Having held both I think they're about the same. Any difference is negligible in the hand. These were both 4" guns, full underlug, and the 686 was actually a 7-shot, with one extra hole.

Maybe someone here has both in their safe and can weigh 'em for us.
 
I would have no problem with any of the three for a self defense gun.I have a 6" Python, a 4" Model-19, and a 4" Model-686 with a Millet red dot and BSquare rings and mounts. Due to my poor eyesight, the -686 is the most accurate for me. However, I often shoot with a man who brings his 14y.o. daughter to the range. She can take my Python and do the 50 yrd popcan dance. All three shoot better than my eyes will allow me.
 
686+ vs GP-100 vs Python

Here's a photo to show you the difficulty in making the decision.
The fourth gun, second from right, is a 586 with night sights.
I had to threaten one of our sons with telling their mother how the jade plant died ten years ago, to get a couple of them back for pictures.
All are wonderful to shoot and I have never hesitated to take any into the field. All but the 586 have been on backpacking trips, in my holster or that of a companion.
Python GP-100 586 686+ sm.jpg
 
Response to Hammerdown77
According to my 'lectronic kitchen scale,
my 4" stainless steel Ruger GP-100 weighs 2-lbs, 7.5 oz, and
my 5" S&W 686+ 7-shooter weighs 2-lb, 5.75 oz.
The GP-100 does feel a little more muzzle heavy than the S&W, but does not present an issue for me.
See previous post for photo.
 
Python fetish

Just in case anyone wonders just where my unrepentant loyalty lies . . ..
All are wonderfully accurate with glass smooth actions. The two on the right are clearly former LEO, and are earlier models. The finish is worn and there is surface rust, and the finish wear is reflective of considerable shooting. I don't really care for the look of the stainless steel model, but you have to hold it to appreciate that finish.
Pythons small.jpg
 
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