Is there any way to do a single shot exemption on a Colt Python

[esp1]

since its a wheel gun ? I mean the 6" in barrel version would qualify, right ? Isn't there someway to block out 5 out of 6 cylinders ? . . .

[nothinghere2c]

Could probably check this out...

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=404273

[bwiese]

since its a wheel gun ? I mean the 6" in barrel version would qualify, right ? Isn't there someway to block out 5 out of 6 cylinders ? . . .

Oh sweet jeezus, please don't be silly. I've warned about this before several times.

There are only two key Roster-exempt handgun categories (aside from C&R/antique entities):

• single-action revolvers
• single-shot pistols

Both must be dimensionally compliant:

• Exempt SA revolvers must have min. 3" bbl length + min. 7.5" overall length;
• Exempt SS pistols must have min 6" bbl length + min. 10.5" overall length.

Clearly it's easier to do a SS revolver (if lockwork is favorable) than to do some scratch-up-the-bluing barrel attachment or weird lengthening grip to do a single-shot [if it were even legally-technically possible].

You proposal, at best, would create a weird "single shot revolver" which is nonexempt.

A 'revolver' is not a 'pistol', and a 'pistol' is not a 'revolver'. Misuse of these terms indicates a noob/nonexpert, and use of these terms by expert in court would be critical: words and definitions mean things.

W can produce expert witness testimony about precise gun category terminology; when we half-arse things like you propose, it's a loser: mixing & matching won't get you exempt. Game over.

Now, if you wanted to go to the time & trouble fabricating a NONREVOLVING tilt-out slab chamber - a la the discontinued Ruger Hawkeye -



... then you would have something callable by expert testimony - as well as the manufacturer itself - as a 'pistol' and not 'revolver'. The costs of this and skills/materials required are likely not realistic for most folks, however.

PLEASE FOLLOW THE DAMNED RECIPE AND DON'T GET CREATIVE IF YOU DON'T KNOW WTF YOU'RE DOING!

A lot of thought has gone into this Roster exemption process and it's now had years of testing without legal issues (...and when the Sacto PD cops that tried to save a few bucks and skip this, they got in trouble and lost their jobs.)

Somewhat reliable reports indicate that Colt Pythons have a DA sear somewhat similar to what is being used in S&W revolvers. I have not verified this. Furthermore on poking around a Python, it's easy to screw things up/scratch things up, esp by damaging the knife edges on sideplates during removal. Know what you're doing and maybe buy the Jerry Kuhnhausen book(s) on Colt DA revolvers [the Python action is liable to differ from King Cobra, Diamondback etc somwhat.]

Removal of this DA sear should make the gun a single-action revolver: the final end test is that a separate cocking action, and a separate trigger pull to drop the hammer to fire are both required. This should be able to be done repeatedly and reliably and safely so gun passes the 'smell test'.

[esp1]

Somewhat reliable reports indicate that Colt Pythons have a DA sear somewhat similar to what is being used in S&W revolvers. I have not verified this. Furthermore on poking around a Python, it's easy to screw things up/scratch things up, esp by damaging the knife edges on sideplates during removal. Know what you're doing and maybe buy the Jerry Kuhnhausen book(s) on Colt DA revolvers [the Python action is liable to differ from King Cobra, Diamondback etc somwhat.]

Removal of this DA sear should make the gun a single-action revolver: the final end test is that a separate cocking action, and a separate trigger pull to drop the hammer to fire are both required. This should be able to be done repeatedly and reliably and safely so gun passes the 'smell test'.

Thanks for the great info from a legal standpoint but I want to point out that you are correct in your doubts about the "DA sear" for a Python.

There is not a DA sear on a Python. The only way to render the Python into a SAA pistol would be to permanently modify the trigger as well as hammer.