Colt Python Repair

[Evil Quint]

I was hoping you all could give me some advice on the best course of action to get a Python repaired. Here is the deal:

I took out my dad's Colt Python 357 yesterday and shot 100 rds (50rds 357 first then on to 50rds 38). This gun has an issue with the trigger not reseting. After each round I have to manually flick the trigger forward and it will snap into place. I can do it with trigger finger as it requires very little pressure but obviously there is an issue. My dad claims he stopped shooting it a while ago for the same reason. He does not recall when it started but its been like this for a while. I suspect the trigger may have had work done but being this is my first outing with a Python it could be its just that light naturally.

By the way the 357 casings don't always come of of the cylinder easily. The ejector pushes them out so I can grab them by hand and get them out but they don't drop out. I suspect it could be a good cleaning is needed. the 38 shells drop right out.

So I live in San Diego and would like to get all this fixed. Do you suggest I call colt or??? Please keep in mind this gun is very special to us and as you know a Python is a collector item to say the least so I want to be careful who puts their hands on it even if it costs me a little more. Any advice would be appreciated.

[redcliff]

Personally I would probably go with Grant Cunningham. http://www.grantcunningham.com/colt-...nsmithing.html He's very highly thought of, but I have no idea on his wait times.

Some repair parts for Pythons are not available any longer from Colt. I've heard that S&W will refuse to return a firearm which has a problem where the repair part is unavailable; I don't know if Colt does the same but I wouldn't take a chance.

[J-cat]

Cylinder and Slide also do great work on Pythons. I suspect your mainspring is broken which is no biggie. It's a "v" style leaf spring where one end powers the hammer and the other returns the trigger. They brake because people like to bend them to alter the feel of the trigger pull. The cylinder prolly only needs to be deleaded. You can do that with a bronze brush, Shooters Choice lead remover, and a cordless drill. I personally would not pay $100 for shipping and another $100 to install a $10 part that does not require fitting.

[redcliff]

Cylinder and Slide also do great work on Pythons. I suspect your mainspring is broken which is no biggie. It's a "v" style leaf spring where one end powers the hammer and the other returns the trigger. They brake because people like to bend them to alter the feel of the trigger pull. The cylinder prolly only needs to be deleaded. You can do that with a bronze brush, Shooters Choice lead remover, and a cordless drill. I personally would not pay $100 for shipping and another $100 to install a $10 part that does not require fitting.

Got a source for Python V-springs where they're in stock? I wouldn't mind picking up a spare.

Heres a review of a C&S Python action job: http://coltpython.blogspot.com/2009/...and-slide.html

[Barbarosa]

If you are near north county check out Cal Custom Guns in Fallbrook. Dave, the owner and gunsmith, owns several Pythons and does a great job on repairs. Dont know if I am allowed to post their phone number but if you google cal custom guns the link to their facebook has the phone number.

[jazman]

Personally I would probably go with Grant Cunningham. http://www.grantcunningham.com/colt-...nsmithing.html He's very highly thought of, but I have no idea on his wait times.

Some repair parts for Pythons are not available any longer from Colt. I've heard that S&W will refuse to return a firearm which has a problem where the repair part is unavailable; I don't know if Colt does the same but I wouldn't take a chance.

It's VERY tough to get on his waiting list, he rarely opens it. Once you are on the list it will take 2 or 3 years to get to the top. Trust me on this one. You may want to send it to Colt.

[J-cat]

Got a source for Python V-springs where they're in stock? I wouldn't mind picking up a spare.

Heres a review of a C&S Python action job: http://coltpython.blogspot.com/2009/...and-slide.html

I emailed coltparts to see.

[nstoolman1]

When I first got my Python (a 1961) I took it to the range and after about 20 rounds it failed to rotate the cylinder.
When I got home I opened her up and found the insides all full of powder residue. It had not been opened and cleaned in forever.
The hand was stuck and would not return to grab the cylinder. If you are comfortabe opening it up you might look inside.
It may be as simple as a good cleaning. Or as some have suggested a mainspring.

[J-cat]

Just if you decide to do it, use the right screwdrivers and don't pry the sideplate off. Strike the opposite side with a non-marring mallet and allow the vibrations to work the sideplate loose.

[redcliff]

I emailed coltparts to see.

That was nice of you, thanks. I had heard they had discontinued them a couple years back, but maybe they've had some more made. Wolff doesn't list any for the Python.

[saki302]

If it's simply a mainspring replacement and you're passing by L.A., I can get it in for you in about 10-15 mins while you wait.

Any work past that, you need a pro. These things are like watches inside, nothing like a Smith!

-Dave

[GM4spd]

Python ms is not a $10 part. Very hard to locate ! The one pictured is the 2piece version! Pete

[J-cat]

$30 part. Still not worth paying $200 to swap out.

[J-cat]

Here you go:

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Products/1365010A.htm

$20 and in stock.

[Evil Quint]

Thanks so much for the advice so far and Please keep it coming. Below is a pic for you all to drool over. Cal Custom Guns is about an hour from me so I may give them a call. If it was my GP100 I would have already taken it apart but I am hesitant to disassemble a Python. Maybe I'll watch some youtube vids to build my confidence.

This gun has a serial of E71XXX (also has a J underneath it). I suspect its somewhere in the 70s? Let me know if you can help place the year. Its in pretty good shape but I do suspect it has not had a good internal cleaning in a really long time.

Thanks again to those who are helping me. I may try to give Colt a call later today. I let you know what they say.