Colt Python Repair

[J-cat]

It's not hard. You just need the right screwdrivers. Otherwise you'll mess up the screws. Do not let a local gunsmith work on it. I made that mistake once 20 years ago and he put a ding in my gun. Just because they call themselves something don't mean they are. Don't trust anyone with an irreplaceable Python.

[gregorio]

I've got to ask - why did you keep firing 100 rounds if you knew the gun was broken?

I agree with the others about mainspring. Not too hard to replace. While you are at it, give it a good cleaning. Sounds like this poor girl has been abused.

[dfletcher]

I see someone else has tracked down the part, here's a schematic:

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufacturers/Colt-33188/Revolvers-35751/IFrame-38003/Python-36588.htm?results=All

The mainspring is pretty much a drop in part, easy to replace and ought not require fiddling with anything else. That's a bit unusual for the old Colts as their parts are interdependent - fiddling with one often requires fiddling with another.

A pair of needle nose pliers and proper screwdriver(s) are all you should need to replace. But, there could be another reason your Python is hesitating and it's not as easy to correct - or it is a simple fix.

Note that the lower leading edge of the rebound lever (#44) rides on a cam on the stem of the hand (#27) and if the gun is not properly assembled instead of riding on the cam it will rest on the round stem itself. When that happens the trigger will most likely not reset & the reset manual reset will feel very soft. So I would first check to ensure the hand is fully seated on the trigger and that the rebound lever is resting on the cam properly. Bit of a long shot, but that would be my first check. Go so far as removing the sideplate only. Press in on the hand just a touch, then lift up on the rebound lever - if the hand was not fully seated you should feel it push in just a bit.

The other issue, if not the hand improperly seated or a broken/lazy mainspring, is a worn hand. If the hand is worn too much the rebound lever will go past its proper point on that same cam. I've had some worn out as heck Colt hands and not had that happen, but I suppose it's possible. If that's the case you'll have to replace the hand. Replacing a Colt hand is a challenge, not nearly as easy as a Smith.

I have Ruger revolvers also. Just my opinion, but if you can take apart and reassemble one of those the Colt is a breeze. Once you remove the mainspring it's all just a little jigsaw puzzle. And nothing will go "boing" and fly away.

[saki302]

If you bring it by L.A., I can swap it for you, I've done Pythons before.

Bring me a beer or a box of ammo and call it even

I DO have the correct screwdrivers, I've replaced a broken internal part on a Python before. You'd be surprised how much work I've done over the years for calgunners- mostly the 'here's a box of parts, please fix it' variety.

-Dave

[GM4spd]

As another poster pointed out it may not be the mainspring. I would be
surprised to see a ms break while inside the gun. As for a part from
Numrich,I would be leery of the part until I had it in my hand! They have
been wrong before on their applications and some of their parts are not
made for longevity,I have seen this on more then one occasion.Pete

[ronrichards64]

My new condition Trooper MK111 did that from dry oil and not being used for years , I just did a cleaning to the outside. I have a Python also , Put about 300 rds thru it in 30+ years of owning it.

[Evil Quint]

Thanks for the continued advice. I don't have any LA trips planned in the near future but I will keep you in mind.

I ordered the part from the link above as for $20 its worth a shot. I suspect the place to start is a good cleaning as many of you mentioned so I will likely try to take it slightly apart and see if it looks like I can handle it. I will gladly let you know how it goes. It will probably be after I get the part. If it turns out the mainspring needs to be replaced I like to do it all at once rather than try to remember how to put it back together a week later.

By the way I always do a quick "coupon code" google search for any website I order from. I found that if you call that place from the link above during business hours and press 1 they give you a $5 off shipping online code so it was only $2 to ship. Apparently it resets each day.

[23's Dad]

Get a copy of Colt Revolvers by J. Kuhnhausen

http://www.amazon.com/The-Colt-Double-Action-Revolvers/dp/B000IXMGDS

It is a great book to have on-hand before you crack the side plate open.

[Wrangler John]

Where did I read an article in a recent gun rag where the author was touring the Colt factory relative to the AR and spotted a Python on a bench? When he asked about it, the Colt rep said it just a revolver in for repair. The author wondered if it was a prototype being evaluated for reintroduction, given the circumstances.

I have a few Colt revolvers, in fact I carried a Colt Trooper (the original built on the Officers Model Match) in .357 Magnum for about 5 years. It was the Target Model with target grips, wide hammer spur and trigger, and was equipped with Eliason rear sight. I had a complete action job done by the late Bob Chow a San Francisco gunsmith noted for accuracy work. Shooting double action with either wadcutters or .357 magnum rounds it was quite easy to cut the black out of a B-8 target at 25 yards, in single action the 10 ring disappeared.

A modern reintroduction of the Python, using modern lockwork and machining techniques would be desirable. My 6" Colt Anaconda in .45 Colt is an example of a good starting point for a redesign as the flat mainspring is gone in favor of a coil mainspring. We could expect a lack of hand fitting for a new Python, yet cost of that fitting was what killed the original Python.

In any event, I hope you find the parts and service for your Python, these were the premier revolvers of the time, and have not been surpassed.

[J-cat]

Modern CNC can easily hold the tolerances to enable the mass production of a Python. It's just that Colt doesn't want to invest in it.

[Fatcat]

http://www.amazon.com/The-Colt-Doubl.../dp/B000IXMGDS

It is a great book to have on-hand before you crack the side plate open.

I have that book and recommend it highly. Send you a PM on a pistolsmith resource.