Colt Python vs S&W 686/Ruger GP100

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Mr. Mosin

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Have a question. Looking for *unbiased* answers. Is there anything that objectively warrants the $1500 MSRP on the new Python ? Anything functionality wise that makes it double the MSRP ? Forget the Colt pony on the side, just compare apples with apples. Anything better than a slicked up GP100 or Performance Center 686 ? Because I can buy roughly 2 GP100's or 686's (though I wouldn't buy a new one) for the price of a Python.
 
Based on the fact that the masses haven’t handled the new Pythons yet, this is very difficult for anyone to answer.

However, if the new Colts are a step above in fit, finish, and a lack of a need to return to a factory for correction, then an increased MSRP is already worth it to some of us.

The owners of the new King Cobras and such seem very pleased with the action on their guns. Hopefully that translates to the Python.
 
Depends on the design of the Python. If it has the traditional double lockup of the original Python it's no contest. But, I doubt the new one has that as it makes the gun too expensive.
 
One of the gun magazines back in the 1980's did a pretty thorough side by side comparison between the 686 and Python. The 686 won.

Since then there have been numerous attempts to do the same with GP-100 vs 686. Final conclusions have been mixed on that. I've had both and just like the "feel" of the 686 better. But if I were looking for a hard use, even abuse resistant revolver to survive TEOTWAWKI I'd choose GP-100.

That said I have neither. I sold them after buying a S&W 28. Just like it better.

I think the primary advantage of the Python is as a collectable that will grow in value.
 
I think the primary advantage of the Python is as a collectable that will grow in value
I hope that isn't the case. I want to see pythons being carried and used. Anything will remain beautiful if left new in the box, the real appeal should be a slick action, nice trigger and inherent accuracy. I know that collectors will buy a good number of these , I hope shooters get just as many or more. Anything intended to rise in value isn't likely to be used, I think the high price is only justified if it's a great shooting gun not just a pretty face.
 
With the state of colt as a company I'd go with one of the others if your talking about using the gun a lot. I like colt and have a few, but you never know if warranty service will be a thing or not or who will be doing it. How they havent folded already is beyond me considering that the only two guns they really sold for the last 25 years are also made by 500 other companies and following the loss of the m4 contract.

For just casual use or collecting then all that makes no difference.
 
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Here we go ..... Range Rover .... Ford ...... Chevrolet ...... Toyota...

Take your pick. We’re fortunate that we have choices, and as an owner of each (the revolvers, not the vehicles), each in their own right are fine specimens and I can’t shoot well enough to tell the difference in accuracy between them (if that is your criteria). It just depends on the mood for the day of shooting ... YMMV
 
One of the gun magazines back in the 1980's did a pretty thorough side by side comparison between the 686 and Python. The 686 won.

Since then there have been numerous attempts to do the same with GP-100 vs 686. Final conclusions have been mixed on that. I've had both and just like the "feel" of the 686 better. But if I were looking for a hard use, even abuse resistant revolver to survive TEOTWAWKI I'd choose GP-100.

That said I have neither. I sold them after buying a S&W 28. Just like it better.

I think the primary advantage of the Python is as a collectable that will grow in value.

What was the criteria of the test?
 
Colt may go bankrupt, but I doubt they'll ever be gone. Too iconic. If whoever ends up owning the rights is willing to provide service is another story but I suspect colt will be here long after I'm gone. Maybe their revolvers will bring colt back to the mainstream, doubt it but it's possible. Don't know the last colt anyone was excited to get.
 
Take this mostly tongue-in-cheek as I am not a Colt or 357 Magnum fan. They are all 357 Mag so there is that {snore boring}. But the cylinder release on the python goes the wrong way and we all know that will get you killed on the streets, three times. I am a big revolver fan but not a fan of 357 Mag so I have to say all three are not of much interest to me and at twice the price of the 686 or GP100 the Python make the least sense of the three. I highly doubt the new Python is going to have a trigger that is twice what a S&W can be and I doubt it will take twice the abuse the Ruger can take.
 
Colt may go bankrupt, but I doubt they'll ever be gone.

I agree completely. No doubt someone would buy them. But look at auto ordinance, Thompson, ithaca, etc that sold. Or worse, companies like parker shotguns and those that were bought and forgotten. And I'm a fan of their rifles and 1911s personally. I've sold more than one gold cup, 69xx rifle, and a couple deltas to people with my recommendations and by letting them use mine. But anything on either of those can be fixed by anyone who has ever seen a 1911 or AR too. I have a couple old Colts that I'm afraid to shoot because no one can be trusted to fix them or they are worth too much....and to me that's fine but I wouldnt recommend that to anyone who actually wants to use the gun
 
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Colt has gone bankrupt like 6 times now. I want a Python because they look good and hopefully feel and shoot 90% as well as the old ones. But a nice slicked up GP100 or 686 is a lovely thing also.
 
Colt has gone bankrupt like 6 times now. I want a Python because they look good and hopefully feel and shoot 90% as well as the old ones. But a nice slicked up GP100 or 686 is a lovely thing also.

Everyone is making guesses, I might as well make mine...I think this new Python is gonna have a better trigger than the old ones.
 
Python will never be mass produced enough to make it just a good carry gun. The last time I saw a Python in a holster was a local cop in Baraboo WI and that was circa 1979.
I also don't think a new Python is really a good investment regarding a collector's POV, Colt's new 1903 is an example, in fact, the original 1903's in collectors grade don't really go for that much especially compared to say a collector's Colt Peacemaker.
If Colt is asking $1500.00 for the Python then it's going to be a limited sale targeting people who have an emotional or nostalgic connection and nothing more. I can get a beautifully restored Model A for under $15,000 when they once commanded a higher price and certainly the original investment was much higher but what would I do with it?
Revolvers may one day make a comeback when magazine pistols will all be regulated to 8-10 shots but by then, I think guns will just be outlawed entirely and this will happen within the next 30 years if we don't have that fight out now when my generation, the generation that were connected to the greatest generation, are still alive.
The Python was a very nicely tuned gun out of the box, visually pleasing too, but structurally it is a K frame without the forcing cone issue. It was a "practice with .38 load .357" revolver just like the K.
Is it worth $1500.00? Not as an investment.
 
I think this new Python is gonna have a better trigger than the old ones.

I bet it will be nice. People hate on automation and machine made parts but I'm a 20 year employee in manufacturing. Any factory with more than a couple employees can't have the consistency that modern machinery can make. Oversized and then Hand fitted parts CAN certainly be better, but that's up to the quality of the employees and often how good of a day they are having or how close it is until quitting time. Lol. Same reason an moa rifle used to be rare even in nice guns but now it's pretty much standard even from an axis
 
Colt has gone bankrupt like 6 times now. I want a Python because they look good and hopefully feel and shoot 90% as well as the old ones. But a nice slicked up GP100 or 686 is a lovely thing also.

Why get a “new” one if it’s only as good as “90%” of an old one? Seems like you’re really saying you want an “old” one.

At any rate, Colt is trying to capitalize on rebranding, something every manufacturer does at one time or another. From my research (Google fu) it appears this “second generation” Python doesn’t share many of the traits (qualities?) of the “first generation” Pythons. It will sell, and it will be critiqued to death, but who cares? We have choices, fellas. That’s what’s really important at the end of the day. That is something to be thankful for, and kudos to Colt for bringing more wheel guns out (instead of plastic)!
 
Take this mostly tongue-in-cheek as I am not a Colt or 357 Magnum fan. They are all 357 Mag so there is that {snore boring}. But the cylinder release on the python goes the wrong way and we all know that will get you killed on the streets, three times. I am a big revolver fan but not a fan of 357 Mag so I have to say all three are not of much interest to me and at twice the price of the 686 or GP100 the Python make the least sense of the three. I highly doubt the new Python is going to have a trigger that is twice what a S&W can be and I doubt it will take twice the abuse the Ruger can take.

Enough rounds through the gun, as anyone *should* do, and "goes the wrong way" is... irrelevant.
 
I bet it will be nice. People hate on automation and machine made parts but I'm a 20 year employee in manufacturing. Any factory with more than a couple employees can't have the consistency that modern machinery can make. Oversized and then Hand fitted parts CAN certainly be better, but that's up to the quality of the employees and often how good of a day they are having or how close it is until quitting time. Lol. Same reason an moa rifle used to be rare even in nice guns but now it's pretty much standard even from an axis
Yep! Knowing my luck, I'd spend the extra money on the beautiful dream hand fitted gun and get the one made on Friday before a holiday weekend by hung over sleep deprived employee....
 
Python will never be mass produced enough to make it just a good carry gun. The last time I saw a Python in a holster was a local cop in Baraboo WI and that was circa 1979.
I also don't think a new Python is really a good investment regarding a collector's POV, Colt's new 1903 is an example, in fact, the original 1903's in collectors grade don't really go for that much especially compared to say a collector's Colt Peacemaker.
If Colt is asking $1500.00 for the Python then it's going to be a limited sale targeting people who have an emotional or nostalgic connection and nothing more. I can get a beautifully restored Model A for under $15,000 when they once commanded a higher price and certainly the original investment was much higher but what would I do with it?
Revolvers may one day make a comeback when magazine pistols will all be regulated to 8-10 shots but by then, I think guns will just be outlawed entirely and this will happen within the next 30 years if we don't have that fight out now when my generation, the generation that were connected to the greatest generation, are still alive.
The Python was a very nicely tuned gun out of the box, visually pleasing too, but structurally it is a K frame without the forcing cone issue. It was a "practice with .38 load .357" revolver just like the K.
Is it worth $1500.00? Not as an investment.

That fight seems inevitable.
 
Just wait and see - it's a brand new revolver and only a "chosen few" have handled it and shoot it. Judging from the pictures, new Python's lockwork have some neat upgrades from the previous Cobra/King Cobra action. And comparing it to the old style Colt lockwork is futile - this is a new gun, with new guts. Just evaluate it for what it is, don't compare it to something vastly different just because of the same name.

And something else to consider - I, for example, favor the old stacking DA on Colt vs S&W. I'm not saying that it's better, but I just prefer it that way. Hell no, who am I kidding - that stupid S&W style DA is killing me, it feels like I'm pressing on a piece of a useless rubber thingie. Just don't know when that bloody hammer will let go... About the cylinder release - Colt is fine with me. But I'm a lefthander, so that style serves me rather well as I do loading/unloading quite differently from "the rest of the world"...
All that rambling goes only to say, that in many occasions personal preference and perceived, imagined "superiority", plays a huge role in the end conclusions, even if the "evaluator" is not aware of that simple fact.
 
The last time I saw a Python in a holster was a local cop in Baraboo WI and that was circa 1979.
My python is a shooter, and it does get out from time to time.
I cant say what the new guns will be like, but I can say that the only revolver that I ever shot that was as smooth as a python was a S&W performance center version.
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