1963 Python Royal Re-Blue Project [Day: 116] It Arrived!: 4/10/14

[SFOGUN]

I just received the call from Colt asking for my CC# then confirming that my Snake is in the “Queue”.

There’s been some talk around the forums if Colt was even accepting non warranty service so I called…
very polite Colt employee advised that they just started re-taking Custom Shop work just recently and for a full refinish…
should take them about 120 days based on the work that’s already at the factory.
Packed up the Python and overnight shipped via FedEx to Colt in Hartford Ct.
The shipping cost from one of those mailboxes Etc. stores was jaw dropping but I said to myself “shut up it’s your grail gun man – Go with it”
That was on Dec. 6th. Perfect timing I received Colts call the same time my paper invoice arrived in the mail. BTW, the lady from Colt who called me today mentioned
the “Queue” which was Day 1 for me is about 6-8 Month.
This note in the envelope seems to confirms this…

I’m getting a full royal blue refinish plus getting the action to factory spec.
Also having some ivory handles made; but not from Colt.

Here is the Before picture and stay tuned 8-9 months for the After!
(Both snakes below are the same gun just different lighting)

Cheers,

[gun toting monkeyboy]

Cool! I was worried that this was going to be a thread about trying to cold blue a python or something. Wise choice to have the factory do it.

[ZenMastaT]

That gun looks amazingly different in those two photos. Astounding what a little light and photo work can do!

[RealBarber]

Very cool, hope it turns out great

[GM4spd]

They should do a great job,far better to have this work done by the
factory. Refinish does diminish a guns value but having a refinish by the
factory does not affect the value as much,good luck,will be looking
for the pics. Pete

[1911R SSS]

Keep us updated, by the way do you mind telling how much they are charging, thanks

[kurac]

good luck, I hope it turns out for you.

[Lead Waster]

They should do a great job,far better to have this work done by the
factory. Refinish does diminish a guns value but having a refinish by the
factory does not affect the value as much,good luck,will be looking
for the pics. Pete

This is op's Grail Gun, the 'value' is irrelevant if he never sells it. I'm guessing itll just be passed onto his kids and eventually nobody would even know t has been reblued.

[Aircraftman]

There has recently been some negative feedback on Colt's work posted here. I for one have had them refinish 3 guns and have been VERY pleased with the work (only negative is the long wait time).

I think you will be very happy with the results

[Cool Custard]

I'm jealous!

[nstoolman1]

Keep us updated, by the way do you mind telling how much they are charging, thanks

+1 I am also interested.

My 61 needs some attention also.

[nickel plate]

Are the grips shown in your photos aftermarket to the original purchase? Possibly Pachmayrs, Los Angels, CA? Are they stamped Colt inside? From what little I know, your 1963 Python should have wood/walnut Generation I or II grips.
If that is the case, start shopping now for a set of wood Gen I or IIs as the rubber grips when replaced may when screwed down dig into the new bluing over time and leave a permanent upper perimeter impression unlike the wood stocks.
Do a serial number search if you haven't already done so.
Nice project and effort by you.

[SFOGUN]

[Day:5] Feels like a Month has Passed

+1 I am also interested.

My 61 needs some attention also.

Hi Guys, Ive attached the latest Colt Custom Shop price list, For the reblue and action work...ran $600 aprox with total spend over that due to shipping and some extra customization that we will save for the unveiling

When you call into Colt, you'll be placed on hold for a while... during that time you will listen to Colt advertising/propaganda and they mention the Custom Shop work specifically referencing refinishing and how that will increase the value of your vintage Colts with less than perfect finish... but thats marketing. The true cost can only be determined by 2 people , the current owner and the next owner. I'll let you all know what I think its worth when she's back in my hand all dirt harry style.

I wanted to share this experience with all my peers in case you are contemplating refinishing or sending back your Gem back to Colt for work... Like Waster said, this is my Grail gun so most likely it will be passed down to family. I have no kids yet but the night is young

[nstoolman1]

Originally Posted by nstoolman1
+1 I am also interested.

My 61 needs some attention also.

Hi Guys, Ive attached the latest Colt Custom Shop price list, For the reblue and action work...ran $600 aprox with total spend over that due to shipping and some extra customization that we will save for the unveiling

When you call into Colt, you'll be placed on hold for a while... during that time you will listen to Colt advertising/propaganda and they mention the Custom Shop work specifically referencing refinishing and how that will increase the value of your vintage Colts with less than perfect finish... but thats marketing. The true cost can only be determined by 2 people , the current owner and the next owner. I'll let you all know what I think its worth when she's back in my hand all dirt harry style.

I wanted to share this experience with all my peers in case you are contemplating refinishing or sending back your Gem back to Colt for work... Like Waster said, this is my Grail gun so most likely it will be passed down to family. I have no kids yet but the night is young

Thanks for the info.

[Rigidarm]

Have a Python 4" I used to protect myself and property in SF in the Phelan Building in the 70's and 80's. I was a jeweler for 21 years. Bought it new in the glass at a gun shop for $370.00. Was a real good tool back then and still is.
Anyway, thanks SFOGUN for the refinish info. My gal is 98-99 % because I was very careful with her but might want to use Colt custom shop sometime.