Python Problem

R

Rainier

Inactive
The trigger on my Python is sticking for a second or two after each pull. It feels like it's just gunked up, but I don't have much experience so I am not sure.
I've read the archived posts on this board about pulling apart the Python, but was advised not to by a gun dealer when I went seeking the recommended hollow ground screwdriver set. He warned of messing up the seam between the frame and the plate and recommended a gun smith.
Is he being overly cautious?
Is there a way to clean out any gunk without pulling it apart? Is it gunk at all, or is it most likely another issue?

Thanks for any input guys!
 
The "sticky" problem could be anything from dried-up gunk and grease, a bad mainspring, or a worn or defective part .

My best advice for "do-it-yourself" is to buy a copy of Kuhnhausen's "The Colt Double Action Revolvers: A Shop Manual" Vol One.
This is available from Brownell's, Midway, and most book sellers, both local and on-line.

If you do it at home, you will need a good screwdriver set.
This isn't that expensive since you can buy the handle at most hardware stores, and I can tell you which bits you'll need to order from Brownell's.
You only need 3 or 4 bits for this.

If you just don't feel confident with trying this at home, I can recommend sending it either to Colt, or to:

Pittsburgh Handgun Headquarters
1330 Center Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15229
(412)766-6100

Or to Cylinder & Slide.
 
It won't hurt to open up the action and clean it. Get the manual that has been mentioned and a set of gunsmith screwdriver bits. Read the chapters required and carefully open it up. Look closely at how everything works and fits together. Remove the parts, clean the parts and the frame, relube the contact surfaces, and reassemble. Just make sure you don't bend the mainspring out of shape, lose any small springs or plungers, or stone any surfaces to change engagement surfaces.
It ain't rocket science, but it does require you to pay attention to details.
 
It's much easier to hash up the innards of a Colt double action revolver than a Smith & Wesson.

The Kuhnhausen book is definitely a worthy investment.

Before disassembling the Python, I'd remove the cylinder, yoke, and stocks, and soak it for a day or two in brake cleaner or mineral spirits, then squirt it down liberally with a good oil. If the trigger still feels sticky, there's a problem. If it feels less sticky, it's probably just dirty.

If it needs work and you're not 100% confident, it may well be worth your while to contact the good folks at http://www.cylinder-slide.com
 
Thanks for the feedback, guys.

It did end up just being gunk. I'd never even been introduced to those aerosol solvents before. I blasted the hell out of it with Birchwood Casey's Gun Scrubber and was pleased to see a stream of pitch black liquid running out of it. After spraying some Break Free CLP in there, it's working smoother than it did the day it was handed down to me.

I'm still going to pick up Kuhnhausen's book so I can break it down, per Standing Wolf's suggestion, for a more thorough cleaning.

Dfariswheel, could you reply with the bits I need? These bits use a standard hex driver? Whether I end up tearing it apart or not, I would like to put a different set of grips on it, so I at least need that bit.

Thanks again!
 
Brownell's Python bits:
#150-3 or #150-4. Side plate screws. (Buy both).
#150-3 #080-150-330
#150-4 #080-150-435
Crane retention screw and stock screw.
#210-03 #080-210-330

In the case of the Python and most other E&I frame Colt's, these will USUALLY do.

If you want to get fancy, buy Brownell's Law Enforcement screw driver handle #080-088-001 which has a "clip tip" spring retention for the bits, OR buy the collet handle #080-089-000 which retains the bits with a screw collar.

Both of these are exactly the right size for gun work.
 
In my experience about 95% of gun malfunctions are caused by the gun needing cleaning. These are precision parts with close tolerances and it doesn't take much dirt, lint, dried oil, etc to gum up the works. Glad it turned out well.
 
In my experience about 95% of gun malfunctions are caused by the gun needing cleaning.
Click to expand...
Me too. That goes for most mechanisms, clean em and they magically fix themselves. :)
 
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