Refinishing a Python, expected cost/turn around time?

[xbananax]

So I recently acquired an older .357 Colt Python from my neighbor, it used to be his service pistol when he was a LEO 20+ years ago. It's in pretty good condition for its age and for the asking price it was a steal. The finish has some wear and tear as well as some light surface rust where it sat in his holster over the years.

I plan to send it to Colt for new grips and a refinish (gonna see if they can re-stamp the pony as well), but according to the representative the final price won't be determined until the pistol has been received, and she was unable to give me anything but a generic estimation on the turn-around time of the whole process.

I was hoping someone here has sent a firearm back to colt (or knows of someone) for refinishing and could tell me how long it took to receive it back as well as how much it cost them.

Heres a picture of the colt (I could not get the camera to focus for the life of me, was kind of in a rush).



Thanks!

[JAFGO]

It's a bit difficult to tell from the blurry photo, but from what I can tell, it looks pretty decent. Perhaps a bit of delicate use of 0000 steel wool with your favorite gun oil would make that Python more palatable to you.

But, for all things Colt, log on to http://www.coltforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php
I'm sure you'll get your answers there.

[Army]

If you do send it to Colt, be sure to keep all correspondance, work orders, and letters expressing that the Colt factory or Colt custom shop did the restoration. Bodes well for resale value.

[brianm767]

I too am curious, my father handed down to me his Python when the CHP went to the 4006, along with his 4" stainless .38 S&W and 4006 on his retirement,

I keep it oiled, but there's allot of bare metal showing, if you do send it out, let me know how much they charge and the turn around time,

[The SoCal Gunner]

Ask the guys over at the forums on www.m1911.org. I'd say shoot it a few before you get it re-done.

[Miltiades]

Data point - S&W factory refinishing price list

You might be interested in what S&W charges for similar refinishing of a blued revolver. Their price list is on the S&W website at:

S&W Refinishing Price List

High Bright Polish (blue, stainless steel or nickel) $200
Glass Bead Nickel (except Stainless) $166
Standard Polish & Blue $166
Glass Bead Blue & Stainless Steel $123

[Californio]

I would check here:

http://www.coltforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php

The Factory may not be the best place to have it worked on, remember many of the old Factory guys that hand fitted your gun may be long gone in the Stainless Steel age. High Polish Blue is an Art form and the factory may not be able to offer what it once did.

[tankerman]

I would check here:

http://www.coltforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php

The Factory may not be the best place to have it worked on, remember many of the old Factory guys that hand fitted your gun may be long gone in the Stainless Steel age. High Polish Blue is an Art form and the factory may not be able to offer what it once did.

The Colt factory is the only place you should have this done. Colt will do the job right. Colt will be expensive. High Polish is not easy or cheap.

Send it elsewhere and you will end up with a $300 refinished piece of crap.

[xbananax]

The Colt factory is the only place you should have this done. Colt will do the job right. Colt will be expensive. High Polish is not easy or cheap.

Send it elsewhere and you will end up with a $300 refinished piece of crap.

I got the python for only $250 via a friendly neighbor, so I don't mind spending a bit to restore it to like new status.

But should I be expecting a fee of $400 and up?

[Californio]

The Colt factory is the only place you should have this done. Colt will do the job right. Colt will be expensive. High Polish is not easy or cheap.

Send it elsewhere and you will end up with a $300 refinished piece of crap.

I stand corrected. The Colt Forums did recommend the Factory. I was thinking some one like Gene Williams.

[pklin1297]

I think I may have missed it but did you mention how you want this Python refinished? If you want the factory bluing finish then maybe the factory is the best bet (though I have seen fine examples from other refinishing shops). If other options (nickel, chrome, etc.) is also plausible, there are other refinishers available...

[BigRich]

You could also send it to Fords

http://www.fordsguns.com/

[RRangel]

You could also send it to Fords
http://www.fordsguns.com/

Some nice guns. That site needs a redesign.

[tankerman]

I got the python for only $250 via a friendly neighbor, so I don't mind spending a bit to restore it to like new status.

But should I be expecting a fee of $400 and up?

You can expect to pay several hundred dollars, if you want the gun restamped it will cost more.

Colt does the best high polish blue. Sending it back to them is theonly way to insure the value is kept intact. When the disassemble your gun there is a likelyhood they would replace parts if necessary and tune the gun as needed. Often at no additional charge.

Expect your gun to be gone several months, maybe up to 6 months.

Send it in, don't bother them by asking when it will be done. You will get it back when the job is complete. You will be happy.

Otherwise shoot the gun and be happy, but please don't send it elsewhere.

[xbananax]

You can expect to pay several hundred dollars, if you want the gun restamped it will cost more.

Colt does the best high polish blue. Sending it back to them is theonly way to insure the value is kept intact. When the disassemble your gun there is a likelyhood they would replace parts if necessary and tune the gun as needed. Often at no additional charge.

Expect your gun to be gone several months, maybe up to 6 months.

Send it in, don't bother them by asking when it will be done. You will get it back when the job is complete. You will be happy.

Otherwise shoot the gun and be happy, but please don't send it elsewhere.

Eh, guess that means its getting a lot of use this weekend before I send it off!