problem Python?

[impact]

I just picked up a used 4 inch polished stainless Python. I shot the gun this sat. The gun shot fine in SA mode. Just for the heck of it I shot her in DA! The gun missed fired about 30% of the time. What do I need to look for? could it be a timing issue or a weak hammer spring? The gun has good lock up. No movement in the cylinder at all.

 

[CobrayCommando]

You must have had a hell of a time buying it from that woman, she seemed to be very adamant about not letting it go... Just out of curiosity, does it have any "holster wear"

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=178092

 

[impact]

Well she gave it to me for a good price! I just didn't know there was anything wrong with it

 

[impact]

I just took her grip off! the gun that is! and I can not make the gun fire without the cylinder being locked up! But I do see the hammer in SA mode comes back a little more than in DA mode! I can see where a weak hammer spring would not make a good firing pin strike?

 

[Dfariswheel]

It's not uncommon to find a Python with a "Vee" spring that was "Billy Bobbed" in an attempt to lighten trigger pull.

The way the Python trigger pull is lightened and adjusted is by inserting a piece of drill rod between the two legs of the "Vee" spring, and cocking the hammer.
This puts a slight bend in the spring and lightens the pull.

Unfortunately, Billy Bob usually doesn't have a trigger pull gauge, so he just shoves whatever he has in there and bends the spring.

Often, it's bent too much and you get mis-fires in DA.

In these cases, it's also common for the revolver to be 100% reliable in single action.

Here's the factory spec for the Python trigger pull weights:
Double Action---12 Pounds Max.
Single Action---2.5 pounds Min. 4.5 Max.

If in doubt, buy a new mainspring.

 

[impact]

Thanks Dfariswheel! you are loaded with tons of good information.