cure for hurt python

[hypnoman]

Hey Guys,

Some of you know I had just laid my dad to rest a few days ago. While visiting with a close family member, I found his 8" .38 target python is riddled with rust. Any suggestions for how I can help him cure this would be greatly appreciated!!

[stitchnicklas]

first off

sorry for your loss


the gun can be saved,take it to a smith' that does restoration,something as sentimental as this deserves the right care.

[hypnoman]

Thank you and I agree it deserves the best of care.

Can anyone suggest a restoration smith in the San Clemente area?

[Gutz]

Sorry about your loss, I'm sure your pops was a great man.


As for the Python, definitely looks like it can be saved. I'd start with some Hoppe's lube and a bristle brush to start. Knock off as much as you can. I'm positive the finish is damaged so it will have to be redone (if the rust doesn't come off).

[hypnoman]

Thank you . . . and "pops" is what I call him!

I'll try Hoppe's . . . with a plastic bristle brush?

[redcliff]

Very sorry about your loss. Also sad to see that Python's condition when a whipe down with a silicone gun cleaning cloth after each handling would of prevented it.

Since it has so much sentimental value you may want to consider contacting someone like Ford's Custom Gun Refinishing and see what they think they could do for it.

[Gutz]

Thank you . . . and "pops" is what I call him!

I'll try Hoppe's . . . with a plastic bristle brush?

I call mine pops too.


Yup, try a plastic bristle brush. A wire one will damage the finish more.

[d33pt]

i really don't think that's as bad as it looks. I think you'll be able to rub most of that off and a good polish will have it looking very nice. i don't think it has eaten through the finish yet. Just looks like surface rust. Is that nickel or SS?

[Ubermcoupe]

Sorry to hear about your Pops OP (call mine pop as well).

Like D33pt mentioned, much of that looks like surface rust. I would say a healthy oil bath and some light brushing with fine brass should take care of most of that.

That should give you a better indication if there is pitting or other issues related to the rust.

If it needs a reblueing (looks like a shiny blueing but correct me if I am wrong), and you really care about the value of the gun, I would only recommend sending it to Colt.

What is your location? There are a few Colt specialists between NCal & SCal.

Best of luck OP & keep us posted.

[SonofWWIIDI]

Sorry for your loss.

I too call my dad (96) "pop".

I feel the pain of your loss, we lost mom last October, and we miss her.

As for the python, try a couple of lab rats...oh wait...LOL

No, it really doesn't look that bad. I second the hoppe's with a plastic brush, try it a coupla of time and see where it goes.

Good luck!

[jfifer]

Im so sorry! I cant imagine how you feel... I hope it was an easy passing!

[oddjob]

I have a Colt Python that needs some refinishing. I'm going to go with Colt. The only problem is they are so far backed up they are not accepting work until June/July this year. I agree with the others that the rust doesn't look that bad.

[saki302]

Use the finest steel wool you can find (0000 or finer), soak a cake in WD40 and rub the rusted areas. That will take off surface rust.

If you have pitting, only a full polish and refinish will take care of it- for that it goes back to Colt.

If it looks good enough, you can touch up bright spots with a good cold blue (Brownells Oxpho or equivalent) after the WD40/steel wool, and have a nice piece you can shoot without worrying about it.

Then send it to Colt after you THOROUGHLY enjoyed shooting it

-Dave

[kendog4570]

I have a Colt Python that needs some refinishing. I'm going to go with Colt. The only problem is they are so far backed up they are not accepting work until June/July this year. I agree with the others that the rust doesn't look that bad.

I have a 4" 357 Python in the same condition. Sent it to Colt only to have it returned with the same June/July date.
Colt is 150+% higher in cost, but it will retain more of its value than if anyone else refinishes it.

[uxo2]

Do not do anything to it.

SEND IT TO COLT.

It will be pricey.

But worth it.