Ruger Cougar worth it with this Colt barrel?

wagsfn · Jul 30, 2021

I recently found a forgotten SS Colt King Cobra 6" 357 magnum barrel. From what I remember it's a NOS and guessing 1988-1992 manufacturing period? A couple slight handling marks but basically new. When I purchased it I was thinking Security Six Series "Cougar" (the Python was more popular obviously). Retiring in a couple months and was thinking putting this together as a retirement project or just forgetting about it, period.

Overall cost is my main issue. I'll first need another SS Security Six (beater if lucky), and then a competent gunsmith who is familiar with want I'm looking to do. Am I throwing money away or should I just dump this barrel? But dog gone do those Ruger Cougars look neat...... Thanks!

RoninPA · Jul 31, 2021

To start - JUST MY OPINION

If you have the money and want it done, go for it. You'll have to find a SS Security Six - so figure $600-$700 depending on where you are. And I think you will be VERY lucky to find a "beater" SS Six of any kind. Then finding a gunsmith who wants to take the time to do it right will cost you. Personally, if I were to do it I'd want the gunsmith to remove the barrel markings and either leave it smooth or put custom markings on it.

I'm sorry to say that it would then be a niche gun and you probably would not get what you invested in it unless you find someone who really wants it.

For that kind of money you can buy a GP100 and it will look pretty close with the full underlug and you can get it spiffed up (high polish, etc.) and not spend a fortune.

All that said, contact Bobby Tyler at Tyler Gun Works ( https://www.tylergunworks.com/ ) in Friona, TX and ask him for an estimate. Bobby and his crew does EXCELLENT work. Here is one he did for me:

Snake45 · Jul 31, 2021

Go for it!

hittman · Jul 31, 2021

No doubt I've "wasted" more money on dumber stuff.

It's YOUR money so your call. Just know going in this is not something you'll get your money back on. Limits your potential buyers a bunch.

Look at all the single action custom guns sold here and elsewhere. Folks are always claiming the asking price is half what they've got in it.

arfmel · Jul 31, 2021

My practical side says buy a GP-100 and have it slicked up if it's needed.

Heck, get one in .357 and one in .44 Special.

T.A. WORKMAN · Jul 31, 2021

It would NOT! be a Cougar if you removed the Colt verbiage from the barrel! The look would be gone JMO
I have handled and shot a few of these conversion's and all were a joy. Go for it!

Terry

seasterl · Jul 31, 2021

Doesn't Bowen install Colt barrels for the Ruger's? If you do the project, make sure the gun shoots tight groups. You wouldn't want to do the project if the gun isn't going to be accurate. Personally, I like the look with the Colt barrel, but I'd make sure it's very accurate when all the dust settles. BTW, are the old Colt barrels supposed to be better or just look different?

RoninPA · Aug 1, 2021

T.A. WORKMAN said:
It would NOT! be a Cougar if you removed the Colt verbiage from the barrel! The look would be gone JMO
I have handled and shot a few of these conversion's and all were a joy. Go for it!

Terry

Terry, Excellent point, I really didn't think of that when I posted.

Thel · Aug 1, 2021

Another person to consider for the conversion would be Alex Hamilton of Ten Ring Precision in Texas.

wagsfn · Aug 1, 2021

I appreciate all the positive feedback. Like I assumed and knew, this will be an expensive project with little to no return on my investment in the future. The game changer for me is a reasonable priced SS Security Six. Good luck I guess? But you never know. Until then I'll leave this barrel out to keep my interest alive for the time being.

eveled · Aug 1, 2021

I'm not sure I'd do it without the vented rib. That's what makes it so distinctive looking.

RSIno1 · Aug 1, 2021

https://www.jgsales.com/smith-wesson-10-revolver,-38-special,-no-barrel,-blued,-gss,-cai-marked,-used,-s-w.-p-104679.html?SID

Here is what you need to make a real head scratcher hi-bred.

Biggfoot44 · Aug 2, 2021

Will you enjoy it ? If so , go for it .

Are your plans contingent upon getting your $ back out of it ? Avoid it .

Snake45 · Aug 2, 2021

eveled said:
I'm not sure I'd do it without the vented rib. That's what makes it so distinctive looking.

This is true. The finished product is just gonna look like a 6" GP100 at first glace. :?

daveg.inkc · Aug 2, 2021

RoninPA said:
To start - JUST MY OPINION

If you have the money and want it done, go for it. You'll have to find a SS Security Six - so figure $600-$700 depending on where you are. And I think you will be VERY lucky to find a "beater" SS Six of any kind. Then finding a gunsmith who wants to take the time to do it right will cost you. Personally, if I were to do it I'd want the gunsmith to remove the barrel markings and either leave it smooth or put custom markings on it.

I'm sorry to say that it would then be a niche gun and you probably would not get what you invested in it unless you find someone who really wants it.

For that kind of money you can buy a GP100 and it will look pretty close with the full underlug and you can get it spiffed up (high polish, etc.) and not spend a fortune.

All that said, contact Bobby Tyler at Tyler Gun Works ( https://www.tylergunworks.com/ ) in Friona, TX and ask him for an estimate. Bobby and his crew does EXCELLENT work. Here is one he did for me:

Simply beautiful, Ron!!! Very nice.

Ale-8(1) · Aug 2, 2021

eveled said:
I'm not sure I'd do it without the vented rib. That's what makes it so distinctive looking.

Yep, all ya need is a Python barrel. :wink:

Ruger Cougar worth it with this Colt barrel?

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