Posted: 6/22/2026 11:03:15 AM EDT
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I am stuck. I want a 4" 357. My excuse is it will be a woods gun. I don't need a woods gun. I say 375 over 44 mag because I will shoot it more. Local fun store has a Colt Grizzley and a stainless Ruger GP 100 4.24". 686 is also an option, but I am not drawn to it. I know the Ruger is a tank. It should be able to handle a steady diet of full power loads. Ruger customer service is legendary. I am drawn to the Colt. It has a better trigger and a ported barrel. It is shinier. Oddly enough it weighs an ounce more. There are reports of modern Colts having issues with the rear sight and trigger return spring. Those are things I could fix or replace myself if they were issues. What say ye? |
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| The Colt definitely has a loyal following, are well made but if I was looking for something to hold up under a steady diet of full power 357 I’d buy the Ruger GP 100. They are easy to work on, the trigger assy is a unit, no side plate. Other than a screwdriver to remove the grip, it doesn’t require anything else to disassemble. I think it’s just a stronger gun. |
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I like the classic colts, but I'd say Ruger. I have a GP 100 Match Champion 10mm and it runs great. I figured the sub-nuke loads I run in it would have shaken it loose, but no. |
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I have two of the new Pythons and a number of GP100s. For knocking around the woods, Ruger all day. The new Colts are nice, very nice. There has been some gripping about the new rear sights being less than Colt like. I can't say I noticed. I did get a trigger job on one of mine, California drop test makes the single a bit stiff. My local guy handle it easily. I don't know if the Grizzly would have that issue. Oddly my Viper didn't, it may just be a Python thing. People snivel about Ruger triggers. I never thought they were bad. Different, maybe a touch heavier, but entirely serviceable. And easily tweaked if so inclined. I think the Letts grips used by Ruger are just about perfect. Strictly a personal thing. Don't overlook the used market. Ruger tends not to hold value like some other brands. Good for me as I buy almost all of my stuff used. |
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The GP100 is very underrated and is the best bang for the money. The only negative is it isn't fit and finish as nice as the Colt. The Pythons are very, very nice and worth the price especially if you nit pick fit and finish. I like the 3" Python more than the 4" - just personal preference- no real reason. I just like shooting it more. The GP 100 is very accurate. I think my son's Gp 6" is more accurate than my 6" Python or I just shoot it better. |
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While the Colt is indeed the nicer and better revolver, is it worth the price difference to you? I'm guessing the Colt is likely double (or more) the price of the Ruger. The Grizzly is definitely a Python that's meant to be shot. But if I'm paying that much coin for a revolver, it's probably not going to be carried (or even just fired) regularly. |
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I will say whichever one you choose please go through it with a fine tooth comb before you buy it. IMO putting together good revolvers is becoming a lost art. They are out there, but it's a roll of the dice each time. Not like buying a Glock where 99.9% of the time everything is going to be a ok. Having owned many examples of Colt and Ruger revolvers I'm partial to the Rugers. The action to me is more simple and robust. Either way you can't go wrong though assuming you check it out thoroughly before purchase. |
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Originally Posted By maxima2: The GP100 is very underrated and is the best bang for the money. The only negative is it isn't fit and finish as nice as the Colt. The Pythons are very, very nice and worth the price especially if you nit pick fit and finish. I like the 3" Python more than the 4" - just personal preference- no real reason. I just like shooting it more. The GP 100 is very accurate. I think my son's Gp 6" is more accurate than my 6" Python or I just shoot it better. I saw this posted on the deals page here: https://battlehawkarmory.com/product/colt-python-.357-magnum-6rd-3-bead-blasted-stainless-steel-revolver |
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A gun Smith said he want that wild about Colt actions because with a few more tiny parts in them they could get jammed by debris working working it's easy into the action. But to mention that that they can develop timing issues. That being said Colt needed up the action to help address the timing issues which goes along with comments I've seen that Colt redesigned the new gun. I'd still get a Ruger. No side plate so you got a stronger frame. Reliable design, robust and doesn't cost $300 more |
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| Both are solid choices and built like tanks. The current Colt I frame lockwork is an updated version of the MKIII style Trooper action of the late 1960s, which is regarded as one of the toughest medium frames ever built. The GP100 is essentially a Security Six on steroids. The The Colt will have a much better DA pull. The Ruger feels "chunky," but the Colt is not exactly a lightweight by any means. I'd personally choose the Colt, but would not feel cheated if I got the Ruger instead. |
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Originally Posted By pokey074: Colt couldn't make my Python 100% in double action even after two trips back to the factory. Colt is dead to me and I will never own another. #1: 686. #2: GP100. I’ll never understand the collective grudge people on the internet have against the pony. When S&W or Ruger puts out a lemon, people shrug it off for what it is, a lemon. When Colt does it, the entire company gets condemned. |
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Originally Posted By CheemsK1500: I’ll never understand the collective grudge people on the internet have against the pony. When S&W or Ruger puts out a lemon, people shrug it off for what it is, a lemon. When Colt does it, the entire company gets condemned. I think a lot of people attribute Colt as pure Americana. Basically America good, therefore Colt always good and anyone who says differently is a communist! People recoil at that when they get a bad product from the Pony and go for a ride on the anti Colt train. Truth is Smith, Ruger and Colt all put out complete garbage from time to time. Some more than others depending on the year. But I think this goes back to my point that there are less and less competent people who are able to properly QC, repair, or tune a revolver. It takes, time, money, and an experienced individual to make that happen, and modern corporations with modern accountants hate all those things and actively cut any of those expenditures where possible. |
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GP100 hands down. Mine gets a steady diet of 200gr HCGC +P loads. Plus it takes 20 minutes to do a fluff n buff and spring swap to slick the trigger up nicely. IMO I had a 4" Match Champion, but I sold it as I absolutely love my 3" Wiley Clapp. The MC was a full lug like the WC but had the regular Ruger sights. For some reason, I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it, but the Novaks on my WC (and regular sights on pretty much any other gun) are fine by me. Other people shot it fine too, so maybe I'm a little slow. 
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Originally Posted By NorthPolar: GP100 hands down. Mine gets a steady diet of 200gr HCGC +P loads. Plus it takes 20 minutes to do a fluff n buff and spring swap to slick the trigger up nicely. IMO I had a 4" Match Champion, but I sold it as I absolutely love my 3" Wiley Clapp. The MC was a full lug like the WC but had the regular Ruger sights. For some reason, I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it, but the Novaks on my WC (and regular sights on pretty much any other gun) are fine by me. Other people shot it fine too, so maybe I'm a little slow. The Wiley Clapp GP100 is one of the best revolvers made. |
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Originally Posted By CheemsK1500: I'll never understand the collective grudge people on the internet have against the pony. When S&W or Ruger puts out a lemon, people shrug it off for what it is, a lemon. When Colt does it, the entire company gets condemned. Originally Posted By CheemsK1500: Originally Posted By pokey074: Colt couldn't make my Python 100% in double action even after two trips back to the factory. Colt is dead to me and I will never own another. #1: 686. #2: GP100. I'll never understand the collective grudge people on the internet have against the pony. When S&W or Ruger puts out a lemon, people shrug it off for what it is, a lemon. When Colt does it, the entire company gets condemned. |
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The Ruger Match Champion GP100s are the best of the lineup, IMO. If not for that, try out the Colt, presuming they fixed the issue one user was having about the hammer return spring notch constantly snapping because it was a poorly cast MIM part. |
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Not a Colt fan, I just don't like the way they feel in my hand (and yes, I've shot original Pythons that had amazing triggers and own or owned several Colt revolvers) but if you can live with a King Cobra, PSA has them on sale for $600 right now (just saw that in their daily email) https://palmettostatearmory.com/colt-king-cobra-carry-357-magnum-2-revolver-matte-stainless-kcobra-sb2bb-s.html That said, of the big three US revolver makers, I'll take a Smith first, then Ruger (who have gotten stupid on their pricing and not that bargain work guns they used to be) and lastly Colt. |
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I'd go with the Colt, I have one and it's a shooter. My current count on new Colt revolvers are 2 Pythons (both 4-inch, 1 SS, 1 Blue), 1 SS 6-inch King Cobra 22, 3 Anacondas (4-inch SS 45 Colt, 4-inch Blue 44 Mag, 6-inch SS 44 Mag), 1 Grizzly, 1 Kodiak and 1 Viper. I've had zero issues with any of these. I was sure that I would hate the Viper but it has held up under a pretty steady diet of 357 Magnums. The only one I was not happy with was a 4-inch King Cobra Target in 357. It didn't offer Target Grade accuracy, my S&W Model 10 was consistently better than it, so it went back. I'm not exactly a Colt fanboy but 9 out of 10 seems like a good track record to me. The only reason to choose a GP-100 over a Python frame might be if you shoot left-handed and want to use it for anything beyond a range gun. II find that the Colt cylinder release may not be very intuitive for left-handed shooters. The modern Colts, especially the bigger Anaconda frames can hold their own with the Rugers as far as strength. I could never say the same for S&W. |
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Originally Posted By CheemsK1500: So you're making the bold assumption that no other company has done something similar to anyone else ever? Originally Posted By CheemsK1500: Originally Posted By pokey074: Because it went back twice. I'd swear off any gun company in that situation. So you're making the bold assumption that no other company has done something similar to anyone else ever? |
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Thank you to all. Next week I will be bringing a new GP 100 home, largely based on recommendations here. At the end of the day I am a very utilitarian person anyways. Another store had a July 4th sale. They took in partial trade a pistol that had been sitting in the back of my safe for years. That saved me the trouble of selling it myself. They actually gave me more in trade than I expected. I will use the cash difference between the Ruger and Colt to buy a leather holster, speed loaders, ext. Yes I know it's 4.25" The 4" reference in the subject was a ball park size. I picked it over as best as I could. One reason I steered away from S&W is I have had problems with their CS in the past. Ruger on the other hand has given me fantastic CS service, even when I was at fault. Thank for the reference to PSA sale on the King Cobra. I definitely want something with adjustable sights. I also wanted something where I new I could easily mount an optic plate if I choose too. Someone refenced a sale at Blackhawk Armory. They are dead to me. They refused to sell ammo to me because I am in IL. Why would I buy a gun from them if they don't want my business? The only reason to choose a GP-100 over a Python frame might be if you shoot left-handed and want to use it for anything beyond a range gun. II find that the Colt cylinder release may not be very intuitive for left-handed shooters. Mine gets a steady diet of 200gr HCGC +P loads. |
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+P and +P+ are high and extreme pressure spec loads. For example Buffalo Bore makes a .44 magnum +P+ that has a very limited number of guns that can shoot it, but nearly matches their heavy .454 Casull in performance. This load in .357 is locally made and puts a 200gr bullet at around 1300 fps. It’s pretty stout to say the least. Edit: I just went to buy more and apparently the company closed under Covid. Guess I’ll have to just load them myself. |
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Originally Posted By Ewald: @MikeSearson I am a lefty. I have a Police Positive and a Colt Detective. I actually find the pull back cylinder release of Colts to be more intuitive than the push of S&W. How do you manage that? I'm assuming you don't have a double-jointed left thumb? So you use your right thumb? Left trigger finger? Or hust break your grip and adjust? |
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Originally Posted By MikeSearson: How do you manage that? I'm assuming you don't have a double-jointed left thumb? So you use your right thumb? Left trigger finger? Or hust break your grip and adjust? Right thumb over the top. Push cylinder release with thumb. Use right index finger to push cylinder out. Leave index finger in the cylinder window. Muzzle up. Punch empties out. Muzzle down. Use left hand to manipulate speed loader. Close cylinder. Reestablish grip. Back in business. *If my life ever depends on speed loading a revolver, I am in big trouble anyways. I took the new GP 100 out to the range. I roughly zeroed it at 25 yards with .38 Spc. UPS guy delivered a few flavors of 357 ammo yesterday. I have a lot of work to do in developing muscle memory for a DA revolver. I also need to find a decent leather holster. |
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Originally Posted By Ameshawki: I have two of the new Pythons and a number of GP100s. For knocking around the woods, Ruger all day. The new Colts are nice, very nice. There has been some gripping about the new rear sights being less than Colt like. I can't say I noticed. I did get a trigger job on one of mine, California drop test makes the single a bit stiff. My local guy handle it easily. I don't know if the Grizzly would have that issue. Oddly my Viper didn't, it may just be a Python thing. People snivel about Ruger triggers. I never thought they were bad. Different, maybe a touch heavier, but entirely serviceable. And easily tweaked if so inclined. I think the Letts grips used by Ruger are just about perfect. Strictly a personal thing. Don't overlook the used market. Ruger tends not to hold value like some other brands. Good for me as I buy almost all of my stuff used. People figured out how good the older rugers are. They are not only holding value, but commanding a premium. |
Trusting your life to the benevolence of an armed criminal is not a strategy, it is stupid!
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Originally Posted By shotar: People figured out how good the older rugers are. They are not only holding value, but commanding a premium. |
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Originally Posted By DrMark: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/11039/Ruger_Security-Six_06_sm_JPEG-3826590.JPG Originally Posted By DrMark: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/11039/Ruger_Security-Six_06_sm_JPEG-3826590.JPG Originally Posted By DrMark: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/11039/Ruger_Security-Six_06_sm_JPEG-3826590.JPG I have a 6", and as of yesterday also a 4". 
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Trusting your life to the benevolence of an armed criminal is not a strategy, it is stupid!
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Originally Posted By shotar: People figured out how good the older rugers are. They are not only holding value, but commanding a premium. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By rhaney02: 1991 GP 100 I bought new for $285 back then. Still tight and in time and will not sell it for any amount of money. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/153587/20160917_152613_jpg-3826809.JPG Unless you are a counter terror commando tier 0 operator shooting 1k rounds of .357 a day, 5 days a week, your not going to wear out a ruger. |
Trusting your life to the benevolence of an armed criminal is not a strategy, it is stupid!