python repair

BIGCARL1911PYTHON · June 17, 2012, 09:05 AM

how do tighten cylinder release ??? with out scratching slide plate??? & cylinder movement with hammer in uncocked position, trigger released?? ON my COLT PYTHON THANX :

Webleymkv · June 17, 2012, 10:41 AM

Colt DA revolvers, particularly those with the "old style" lockwork like the Python, have rather complicated internals which really should not be fooled with except by those who are intricately familiar with them. My suggestion would be to find a gunsmith who is familiar with Colt DA revolvers (many are not) and have him/her undertake the repairs you seek.

g.willikers · June 17, 2012, 12:46 PM

The technique for removing the side plate is by gently wacking it with a soft hammer.
Not by prying it.

old bear · June 17, 2012, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Colt DA revolvers, particularly those with the "old style" lockwork like the Python, have rather complicated internals which really should not be fooled with except by those who are intricately familiar with them. My suggestion would be to find a gunsmith who is familiar with Colt DA revolvers (many are not) and have him/her undertake the repairs you seek.

^^^ is the best advice you are going to receive, may I suggest you follow it.

James K · June 17, 2012, 01:38 PM

"The technique for removing the side plate is by gently wacking it with a soft hammer."

NOT. "Whacking" the side plate is not the way to go. You remove the grips, and the sideplate screws, then "whack" the frame at the grip part; the sideplate will pop out.

The advice to trust the problem to experts is good, but finding one is not that easy. Too many gunsmiths will tell you that they know all about those old Colts and then proceed to prove themselves wrong by ruining the gun. I would call Colt and ask if they will look at it or recommend a Colt-approved shop.

Jim

rem1858 · June 17, 2012, 02:47 PM

What do you mean by tightening the cylinder release ? (describe the problem)

Is the cylinder movement rotational or are you talking end shake or both ?

You will have some rotational and endshake with revolver at rest(uncocked)
Pull the trigger and hold it all the way back and recheck for movement.
If the movement is gone then you are good to go.
This is the way these revolvers function or I should say the way mine function.

Clarence

g.willikers · June 17, 2012, 02:55 PM

Duh on me.
Thanks for the correction.
That's what I meant, really.
Obviously a whack on the side plate, itself, would not loosen it.
That's what happens when ya' write fast and don't proofle read.

Captain H · June 17, 2012, 06:32 PM

How about contacting Colt and seeing if they will do the work.

Dfariswheel · June 17, 2012, 06:36 PM

Colt still does full repairs and refinishing of the Python.
They're about the only place to trust, with a few exceptions.

The loose cylinder latch could be as simple as a worn or missing nylon bushing on the latch, or it could be something like a weak spring or a worn latch or side plate.

Smart move: Send it in to Colt for a proper repair.
Dumb move: Take it to a local gunsmith.

Skans · June 18, 2012, 08:03 AM

FYI, Colt is pretty backed up right know with Pythons. For a refinish, it's about 6-8 months. I'd assume about the same time for an assessment and repair. I sent my Python to Colt for a refinish in February and expect to get it back sometime in July-August.

skeeter · June 19, 2012, 12:58 AM

I agree with an expert, Dfariswheel, and would only send it back to Colt. I am sure they will fix it for less than an hour of labor. When I sent my Python back to the factory they were charging $55 an hour and I think it went up to $65 now. If you have noticed Python prices have gone through the roof and that is another reason not to find anyone to work on the Python but the factory. Shipping will most likely cost more than the repair.

**4V50 Gary** · June 22, 2012, 04:21 AM

If the cylinder release is moving too much, the nylon bushing is probably worn and needs replacing.

BTW, I was taught to pry the side plate off of Colts. Tapping was for S&Ws.

Clark · June 24, 2012, 01:32 AM

There is an extremely good book [besides the bible]:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Colt-Doubl.../dp/B000IXMGDS

With this book I have fixed a Colt Agent, and a couple pocket positive revolvers. These are much the same design as the Python.

My little brother has a Python, and as much money as he paid, I would not want to work on it myself. I might scratch it.

James K · June 25, 2012, 01:23 PM

Hi, Gary,

Tapping works for both, just tap different sides. I don't recommend ever prying off a sideplate unless all else has failed. Then you pry at the back rear where the grip will cover any marks, not at the hammer or trigger area.

Jim

Harry Bonar · June 25, 2012, 03:34 PM

Sir;
Do not waste time on a Colt revolver- send it to Colt for repair. I have a very low opinion of Colt REVOLVERS!
Harry B.

June 17, 2012, 09:05 AM	#1
BIGCARL1911PYTHON Junior Member Join Date: June 17, 2012 Posts: 2	python repair how do tighten cylinder release ??? with out scratching slide plate??? & cylinder movement with hammer in uncocked position, trigger released?? ON my COLT PYTHON THANX :

June 17, 2012, 12:46 PM	#3
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	The technique for removing the side plate is by gently wacking it with a soft hammer. Not by prying it. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

June 17, 2012, 02:47 PM	#6
rem1858 Member Join Date: December 12, 2010 Location: Surrounded by pines in Wi. Posts: 97	What do you mean by tightening the cylinder release ? (describe the problem) Is the cylinder movement rotational or are you talking end shake or both ? You will have some rotational and endshake with revolver at rest(uncocked) Pull the trigger and hold it all the way back and recheck for movement. If the movement is gone then you are good to go. This is the way these revolvers function or I should say the way mine function. Clarence __________________ B.E. Master indoor and out Distinguished Revolver Badge #99

June 17, 2012, 02:55 PM	#7
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Duh on me. Thanks for the correction. That's what I meant, really. Obviously a whack on the side plate, itself, would not loosen it. That's what happens when ya' write fast and don't proofle read. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

June 22, 2012, 04:21 AM	#12
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,832	What Dfariswheel said If the cylinder release is moving too much, the nylon bushing is probably worn and needs replacing. BTW, I was taught to pry the side plate off of Colts. Tapping was for S&Ws. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

June 17, 2012, 10:41 AM	#2
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	Colt DA revolvers, particularly those with the "old style" lockwork like the Python, have rather complicated internals which really should not be fooled with except by those who are intricately familiar with them. My suggestion would be to find a gunsmith who is familiar with Colt DA revolvers (many are not) and have him/her undertake the repairs you seek.

June 17, 2012, 01:38 PM	#5
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	"The technique for removing the side plate is by gently wacking it with a soft hammer." NOT. "Whacking" the side plate is not the way to go. You remove the grips, and the sideplate screws, then "whack" the frame at the grip part; the sideplate will pop out. The advice to trust the problem to experts is good, but finding one is not that easy. Too many gunsmiths will tell you that they know all about those old Colts and then proceed to prove themselves wrong by ruining the gun. I would call Colt and ask if they will look at it or recommend a Colt-approved shop. Jim

June 17, 2012, 06:32 PM	#8
Captain H Junior member Join Date: September 14, 2011 Posts: 98	How about contacting Colt and seeing if they will do the work.

June 17, 2012, 06:36 PM	#9
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	Colt still does full repairs and refinishing of the Python. They're about the only place to trust, with a few exceptions. The loose cylinder latch could be as simple as a worn or missing nylon bushing on the latch, or it could be something like a weak spring or a worn latch or side plate. Smart move: Send it in to Colt for a proper repair. Dumb move: Take it to a local gunsmith.

June 18, 2012, 08:03 AM	#10
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	FYI, Colt is pretty backed up right know with Pythons. For a refinish, it's about 6-8 months. I'd assume about the same time for an assessment and repair. I sent my Python to Colt for a refinish in February and expect to get it back sometime in July-August.

June 19, 2012, 12:58 AM	#11
skeeter Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 1999 Posts: 883	I agree with an expert, Dfariswheel, and would only send it back to Colt. I am sure they will fix it for less than an hour of labor. When I sent my Python back to the factory they were charging $55 an hour and I think it went up to $65 now. If you have noticed Python prices have gone through the roof and that is another reason not to find anyone to work on the Python but the factory. Shipping will most likely cost more than the repair.

June 24, 2012, 01:32 AM	#13
Clark Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 1999 Location: WA, the ever blue state Posts: 4,678	There is an extremely good book [besides the bible]: http://www.amazon.com/The-Colt-Doubl.../dp/B000IXMGDS With this book I have fixed a Colt Agent, and a couple pocket positive revolvers. These are much the same design as the Python. My little brother has a Python, and as much money as he paid, I would not want to work on it myself. I might scratch it. __________________ The word 'forum" does not mean "not criticizing books." "Ad hominem fallacy" is not the same as point by point criticism of books. If you bought the book, and believe it all, it may FEEL like an ad hominem attack, but you might strive to accept other points of view may exist. Are we a nation of competing ideas, or a nation of forced conformity of thought?

June 25, 2012, 01:23 PM	#14
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Hi, Gary, Tapping works for both, just tap different sides. I don't recommend ever prying off a sideplate unless all else has failed. Then you pry at the back rear where the grip will cover any marks, not at the hammer or trigger area. Jim

June 25, 2012, 03:34 PM	#15
Harry Bonar Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Location: In the Vincent, Ohio general area. Posts: 1,804	Colt Sir; Do not waste time on a Colt revolver- send it to Colt for repair. I have a very low opinion of Colt REVOLVERS! Harry B.