My Python project - returning her to glory

[Aircraftman]

A few months ago a member started a thread on fixing up beater guns. I had just started my project to bring back a Colt Python from near death and posted a few pics.

Well the project has just completed it latest stage and I'm real excited with the results so far. I thought I'd start my own thread in case anyone wants to follow the progress.

One note of caution if you're a "Colt Purest" you will not like this project (and a good reason I probably won't post this on the Colt Forum), but for me it has been very educational and enjoyable.

Okay, to recap, I bought this Python earlier this year for $750, it is a 1959, 6 inch, blue gun and this is what it looked like when I received it:

[xMAC1x]

Talk about a tease.

[leeber18]

I really want to see what this has become!

[Aircraftman]

As you can see it was "put away wet". In fact I think it spent some time in the bottom of a lake as the action was full of dirt and other unidentifiable stuff. The barrel bore was unsalvageable, but in spite of the crap in the action, it was in perfect time and oh so smooth. I took it all apart and cleaned it.
Here it is all taken apart with a few replacement parts.


I next removed all the old blueing and started sanding the rust pits. Here it is after a few days of work



I couldn't stand to look at that ruined barrel any more so I had to cover it up

[Aircraftman]

Next it was off to Mr. Frank Glenn for some major surgery. I can't say enough about Frank he is the only guy besides Colt I would let work on one of my snakes. His turn around time is very quick, plus he is a super nice guy!

Frank rules

(had to get that plug in there)

[xMAC1x]

Very nice, looking good.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

Ajax22 needs to see this thread. Outstanding project, Pythons are too nice to just let rust away!

[bsg]

didn't want to, but had to look. wish you the best on your old 59.

[Aircraftman]

So here it is back from Frank. I spent another night sanding and sent if off to Bob Cogan of Accurate Plating in Alabama. These guys are very highly recommended and even do subcontract work for Colt. I'm hoping for a Bright Hard Chrome refinish but Bob will need to see if the gun can be polished to that degree as there are still pits in the gun. If not he provides other finishes that would be more forgiving.






Hardly looks like the same gun (I guess it's not as half of it is new)

[penguinofsleep]

...and who says "boating accidents" are a bunch of bs.

[perpetual otter]

Wow! This thread is already bad ***!

[Aircraftman]

I love the balance of the 3 inch barrel and how cool is the unfluted cylinder!!

I need to decide if I'm going to engrave the barrel. I was thinking just "Python" on the left side and "357 Magnum" on the right side. My buddy said it's not a Python anymore, it needs to be a "Black Mamba". Bob does offer a black chrome finish... so what do you think???

Even if I leave it without engraving on the barrel, Bob will reapply the "Rampart Colt" logo before refinishing

[Aircraftman]

I have some very cool custom grips ordered and looking to do a custom wood box for her. My budget is $2000, so far so good.

That's it for now, the gun should be back home in July, keep an eye out for updates, and yes I plan on shooting it!!

Thanks for the comments and I'm open to suggestions if you have any advice

[hermosabeach]

I appreciate the OPs desire to save a classic.











I also wonder how much $$$ in in the project to date???

[760knox]

Nice!