Python custom work

Jack First offers replacement parts, not Colt parts.
One of the few remaining Colt specialists would not use their hands on two of my V-Springs I sent him, said they're not "the same". Did not like 'em.

When I talked to them a while back about a hammer to keep as a reserve for the Python I finally sold, they told me "Our Python hammer isn't the same as a Colt hammer, but it's similar."

Not at all suggesting anybody avoid First, just advising that if you think you're going to get Colt parts from them, you're mistaken.

Understand what you are & are not getting when you order from them.
And, any hand you do order would still have to be fitted.
Denis
 
When you are talking about a $150-$250 action and/or service job, without parts, you begin to understand why the Colt is less popular than a S&W for custom work, or simple repairs. It just hurts too much when you have to send it to someone. Don't forget the $50-$150 round trip via gunshop mailing or direct via UPS or FedEx.
 
Jack First offers replacement parts, not Colt parts.
True, and Jack First's people make no bones about it. Heck, IIRC, Colt CS mentioned this fact as well.
One of the few remaining Colt specialists would not use their hands on two of my V-Springs I sent him, said they're not "the same". Did not like 'em.
Not terribly helpful. FWIW, the spring that Jack First sent me was remarkably similar to the OEM part. Maybe not a perfect copy, but it was pretty well done and it fit & worked with no drama. YMMV.

When I talked to them a while back about a hammer to keep as a reserve for the Python I finally sold, they told me "Our Python hammer isn't the same as a Colt hammer, but it's similar."

Not at all suggesting anybody avoid First, just advising that if you think you're going to get Colt parts from them, you're mistaken.
Of course you won't be getting them from Colt either.

Understand what you are & are not getting when you order from them.
And, any hand you do order would still have to be fitted.
Click to expand...

If someone has a consistent, reliable source for honest to goodness Colt manufactured parts for my Python, I love to hear about it.
 
Over,
In no way did I suggest the First operation is at all deceptive about what they sell.
My mention of them telling me up front on my phone conversation with them re the Python hammer should have dispelled any mistaken notion of that.

On the First hand, I told you what Cunningham told me when we were waiting for him to locate two NOS hands for my Colts he had at the time. I did not press for exact details, since he knows far more about the guns than I do I took his word for it.
Whether you find it helpful or not is immaterial to my purpose in posting.

The purpose of the post you repeat was to advise new people who may be watching this thread that while Jack First does offer a valuable service in what they do, they do not sell "Colt" parts.
They fabricate and sell parts for Colts, among other things.
There is a difference.

They fabricate their own, and anybody with a problem V-Spring Colt considering First as a source for replacement parts should understand in advance what they're getting.
None of which is saying anyone should avoid First, as I also said earlier.

When you mention Colt referring you to First for Python parts, a newbie could quite easily get the erroneous impression that Colt "factory" parts can be obtained from them.
My intent was to clarify that.

And, we already knew that "you won't be getting them from Colt either."
This all points up the inherent problem in trying to keep Pythons & other old Colts with that action running.

Limited sources for parts, limited options for repair facilities, and long delays in getting work done.
Denis
 
I have always had the impression that you had to have some mystical powers to be able to work on Colts.

I'm with you Jim. There are surely intellegent folks out there that could learn how to work on these old revolvers. Maybe there just isn't enough money it to attract the right people. I would like to learn how to do some smithing if I had the chance.
Click to expand...
I like your take on this and I wanna be on your side with it, it absolutely seems like an open position for someone to fill and have a slate FULL of work.

However... :p
I'm reasonably intelligent and could probably learn without hurting myself.
Click to expand...
It's not you anyone cares about getting hurt...
It the Colt Revolvers you may butcher up in the process of your learning! :D;)
 
Americanpistol.com....

If it were me & I had the time/$$$, Id look into the American Pistolsmiths Guild; www.AmericanPistol.com .
There may be a trained, qualified shop or gunsmith near you that does custom work on Pythons.

As for the backlog or time, I wouldn't be pushy. The Python has been out of regular production for years. To wait a few months isn't that bad for quality work.

Clyde
 
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