Colt Python repair ?'s

R

rballi

New member
I found an old 6" Nickel 357 Python, according to the SN it was made in 1970. The finish is ok, no pits or rust, just some surface scratches that I'm sure could be polished out. It has rubber grips and... the bad news is that it's been hacked! This apparently had been someones competion gun and it's now kinda DAO. The hammer has been bobbed and a brass 'teet' was braised to the back of the trigger to stop single action cocking. I must say the action is smooth as glass as I compared to another Python. Also, I noticed the inside of the barrel has an unusual ring in it. I checked the outside and it seems to have a very slight raise in the barrel. The vents are not bent and the frame does not seem stretched, and the barrel to cylinder gap seems fine. Asking price is $375. What do you think? Leave it as is? Fix it? Pass on it?
I priced the barrel at about $120, the trigger about $30, and the hammer (which nobody seems to have in stock) about $65. Gunsmith work, well, is negotiable. How much should I worry about the barrel ring?
 
"I noticed the inside of the barrel has an unusual ring in it."

It could be somebody fired a squib round (stopped in the barrel) and a live round right after. That is not good. You'll need a new barrel and it will have to be gunsmith installed.

"This apparently had been someones competion gun and it's now kinda DAO. "

Usually, on a DAO conversion, the smith removes the SA sear on the hammer so that part might be gone as well. I don't know if it has to be bought separately from the hammer.

"a brass 'teet' was braised to the back of the trigger to stop single action cocking."

It's possible the trigger is still stock except for that and you could use the trigger if you grind that thing off. I believe the purpose of it is to limit trigger overtravel and make for faster shooting.

"What do you think? Leave it as is? Fix it? Pass on it?"

I have seen Pythons out here in kalifornia which were "blueprinted" and restored to perfect original condition (with pro trigger jobs) selling in the $900 - $1000 range. It is likely less back east. You decide if you want to restore it.
 
You're looking at almost $600 in the revolver and parts alone. This covers only the problems you've identified. You may find more. Parts aren't just dropped into a Python, thye must be fitted. Unless your gunsmith is really competent with Colt I frame revolvers, and unless he "owes you one", I'd take a pass on this.

BTW, a ringed barrel may shoot well, but sooner or later it will cause troubles.

A patient and persistent search should yield a nice Python for very little more.

Bob
 
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Given all of the problems you know about, and probably some you don't, I'd pass. You are obviously going to have to replace the barrel, hammer, and possibly the trigger. Labor, by a skilled 'smith will not be inexpensive, and when you are done refinishing the frame may be in order to have a really fine gun. If you are willing to keep it as it is, plus a new barrel you might consider it. Otherwise I wouldn't.
 
A decent 95+% blued Python is bringing $600 in most of the shops I frequent. Premiums apply to special models and nickel plate.
Doing the arithmetic you're at $590 for the gun and parts, haven't paid the 'smith or have any knowledge of other issues.
I'd shy away, but that's me.
Take Care
 
I got it anyway.

Well, I went ahead and jumped in with an agreement that if it doesn't group, I can bring it back or rework the deal. According to the owner the gun shoots good. I know the guy, we trade alot, and he would not BS me. I ended up getting the gun for a 30-30, 303 sporter, (both truck gun quality)and $50. I'll try and shoot it today with wadcutters, jacketed, and HP's. If it shoots good, I might just keep it as a beater Python (oximoron?) and be forced to practice my double action shooting skills. The action on this gun makes my other Pythons seem like they are filled with sand.

Here in South Texas, the cheapest Pythons go for $500-$600 in good, not great shape. Average selling price is around $750 plus or minus.
 
Needs new bbl (either chop it down :eek: or dump the bulged barrel & use as a paperweight), new trigger, new hammer. Trigger and hammer have to be fitted too. Is it cost effective or cheaper to buy another one? You figure.

Would I? Yes only because I can do it myself (happen to have a couple of new barrels for the older model laying around too). In fast, my first "used" Python required a new hammer (someone bobbed it) which I replaced myself.
 
Shot it at noon today after my gunsmith took a look at it. He gave it his blessing and let me shoot it at his indoor range. I started with 1 test fire shot behind a wall, no blood, no lead spit, gun still in one piece. Loaded up a cylinder of 38 148gr wadcutters and shot at 12 yds and kept them within 2"-2.5" free hand. Examined the gun, no problems. Loaded up a cylinder of 38 158gr FMJ, same result. Tried some 38+P Hollow points, no problem either. I did not try 357's in it. I had the gunsmith try it out two cylinders downrange and said everthing seemed fine and said 357 should not hurt it. I like it and probably will keep it. He said that if I do ever decide to get a barrel, to first let him cut and crown this one to a 4" and see if I like it.
 
Four inch Pythons have the best balance. If cutting the barrel to four inches also removes the bulged spot, then its accuracy might improve.
 
PICS

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Looks like you got somebody's old PPC gun. Back before the S&W 686 came out, Python's were very popular.

Your gun has an Ellison rear sight, which the PPC folks favored.
As I recall they liked them because they had enough adjustment to allow the gun to be sighted to drop the bullets into the scoring area by using the "head" of the target as the sight picture.
 
I and several others around here shot Pythons in PPC.
We all put post front sights on along with the Elliason rear. I don't know if you could get a head or neck hold with the ramp front that this gun still has. Mine had the rear bottomed out for a 50 yard head hold with wadcutters, a click or two off bottom for SWCs in Distinguished.
I got a 4" for IDPA SSR, one of the other guys still active just rebarreled his PPC gun.
 
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