Who to trust for Python work?

[savasyn]

I have a mid '70s Python that I wouldn't mind having someone qualified take a look for a potential timing issue as well as possibly smoothing the double action pull out a bit. The single action release on this gun is 2nd to none in my experience, but the DA pull isn't nearly as light or clean as my mid '50s Colt Official Police .38. I'm sure it can be with a minimum of work, though.

Anyway, who still does top quality work on Pythons? Does Colt still do anything with them, and if so, are they a good choice?

I know this is unlikely, but is there anyone in Los Angeles I could go to so I wouldn't have to ship it?

Thanks!

[BigRich]

Cylinder and Slide did mine and it is incredible.

[savasyn]

Thanks!
I've never heard of them, where are they located?

Never mind, I found their webpage

[blackfalcon]

You can also try King's Gun Works in Glendale. They seem to specialize in 1911 type guns, but they installed some new sights on my python several years ago with no problems. Their guns are a bit pricey, though. http://www.kingsgunworks.com/

[jazman]

Colts are very tricky, not everyone can do them justice. If you are in no hurry, check out Grant Cunningham up in Oregon. He closed his waiting list last year and hasn't opened it yet, so I think you would be at least a year out but I have heard he is the best Colt smith still alive and working.

[BigRich]

Jazman,
You are exactly right. The Colt system (Python etc, not coil spring models) are best left to an expert or you will end up with problems. Cunningham is good. C &S is also good. There aren't many good Colt smiths left. C&S did their master tune on my 6" Python. The single action breaks at 2 lbs. and the double action pull is 8.5 lbs. without any perceptible stacking. It will pop Federal magnum primers in DA 100%. It has also popped all the other brands I have tried in DA mode but C&S does not guarantee that for the master tune. Pythons are nice guns but tricky to work on. Have it done right.

[randy]

Send it back to Colt.

[stevie]

Try Alan Tanaka, he is in Gardena

[Mute]

All good recommendations. You can also try Bain & Davis in San Gabriel. They do solid work with Colt revolvers.

[savasyn]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I definitely want to have it done right so I'll start saving up money for one of the high end places.

[9mmepiphany]

don't scrimp on a Python action...or any other leaf spring Colt.

there's no such thing as a "light tune/touchup" on one. once you open one up, you mind as well go all the way. the Colt action is all about angles and camming surfaces...there are alot of very good S&W pistolosmiths i wouldn't let near a Python

mine was done awhile ago, by a smith i can't find anymore, but i've heard some very good things about Tanaka and Cunningham. there used to be a Python guy in FL, who installed a "roller bearing" action...Walt Sherman?

[wbray1966]

hi , i had seen your post about finding someone to do a custom tune on a colt python. the best advice that i could give you and im strictly a python collector would be to send it to colt because there not as high as most people think. it would cost you the same amount to have colt do the action tune than just any gunsmith.i have there custom shop price list and its only $160.00 for python custom tune and $30.00 there and back.that's a total of $220.00 its hard to beat that.the best thing about it is joe at the custom shop will put the gunsmith that works on pythons to do the work to your gun.and you will be glad you did because there's a difference.the action will be smoother because it was colt custom tuned.

[wbray1966]

also,if you decide to send that python to colt dont wait to long because right now they work on pythons but they could stop at anytime.thats just how colt is.

[tankerman]

I have a mid '70s Python that I wouldn't mind having someone qualified take a look for a potential timing issue as well as possibly smoothing the double action pull out a bit. The single action release on this gun is 2nd to none in my experience, but the DA pull isn't nearly as light or clean as my mid '50s Colt Official Police .38. I'm sure it can be with a minimum of work, though.

"Light" has nothing to do with the action, that's the springs. If your Python is not as smooth as you Official Police, then someone probably has already messed with the action. Once you rework the action the gun will lose value. If it must go in send it back to Colt.

Open the gun up, if you have a timing issue something(s) is/are probably heavily worn. Python's are not difficult to take a part or put back together and don't let any FUD-fool tell you otherwise, the only folks that have a hard time with them probably can't even identify a screw driver or heard about Colt's from Joe-Blow the local gunshop hero.

[saki302]

I've gotten very good at smoothing S&W actions over the years, but I won't touch a Colt Python. I've taken them apart and put them back together, but when you start messing with angles and such- better leave that to a true expert.

I would personally sned it to Colt- you will retain more value that way, just keep all your paperwork with the gun and sell it with them.

-Dave