Colt Python Refinishing

FS2K · July 10, 2007, 03:25 AM

Hello Everyone!

I bought a Colt Pyton awhile back that had not been shot very much, but was apparently stored under a seat of some truck and suffered some bad damage to its finish on the left side. The factory bluing started peeling away from some sections, and the edge of the cylinder latch even has some rust damage along with 1/2 of the cylinder. The trigger has some heavy pitting on the left side also.
Can anyone recommend a refinisher that works on Colts? And what kind of results can I expect? The Python is a great revolver, and had it not been for the cosmetic damage on it I doubt that I would have been able to afford it when I got it. It still shoots great and because of that, I have been thinking of having her refinished. I don't expect miracles of course, but at the same time would I be better off just leaving it as is?

Since I got her for such a deal ($250.00) I would like to have the trigger, Hammer and possibly even the barrel, cylinder & side plate replaced so I would like to find a refinisher that is also able to change these pieces out.

Thanks.

Musketeer · July 10, 2007, 09:02 AM

I would try Colt first.

Mach II Sailor · July 10, 2007, 09:02 AM

Quote:

I would like to have the trigger, Hammer and possibly even the barrel, cylinder & side plate replaced

being a Python nut, i'll tell you right off the top replacing those parts will damn near cost as much as a new Python !!

especially if it is pre 1970, what is the S/N ??

brickeyee · July 10, 2007, 10:30 AM

"The factory bluing started peeling away from some sections"

Bluing does not 'peel away'.
Are you sure about what you have and what the finish is?

FS2K · July 10, 2007, 11:58 AM

So no...I'm not sure. I'm no colt expert (which is why I'm asking for help!!!LOL!)

Mach II, the serial # is V17xxx I did some pricing on e-gunparts and you're right, them parts are expensive though I wouldn't mind a 4" barrel instead of the 6" she has on there now.

Apart from how she looks, this gun is a real peach. NICE trigger, smooth action, and nice feel. It was only the outsides that really got screwed. The bore and cylinders are clean and shiny and the gun shoots great. Maybe I should just keep her like this huh?

Scorch · July 10, 2007, 04:15 PM

On those highly polished Colt Pythons, rust caused by sweat or contact with a leather holster (not vegetable-tanned leather) can look like peeled black chrome. But Pythons were never black chromed from the factory. They were offered in Colt Royal blue (black), nickel plated, and stainless. And as stated above, replacing major parts will cost you as much or more than a new gun. My advice would be to send it to Colt for refinishing. They will do a good job and it should look acceptable. Call them.

As for the barrel, the 6" Pythons shoot much better than the 4" Pythons. I have owned some of each, and the 4" guns I had and others I shot were so-so, but the 6" guns are amazingly accurate.

Dfariswheel · July 10, 2007, 04:28 PM

As above, send the gun in to Colt.

Recent Pythons that have been sent in for refinishing look literally like new guns, and have the old style brilliant polish job that makes the metal look like a deep blue mirror.
People are surprised just what Colt can do with even a pitted gun.

Colt's pricing is very competitive, and their turn-around is also very good.

Wildalaska · July 10, 2007, 04:46 PM

They got sdome guys there who have been polishing guns for 40 years plus.

WildoldtimersAlaska

absolute0 · July 10, 2007, 06:09 PM

The other day I saw a Python that had been sent back to Colt to be reblued due to previous owners neglect a couple years back.

To say it looked great would be a vast understatement. If it really does need to be refinished I'd send it back to Colt in a heartbeat.

FS2K · July 14, 2007, 11:33 AM

I was unaware that Colt even did any restoration work as an added service. I will be contacting a rep on Monday to make arrangements to send my trusty Python. I am not expecting miracles, but at the same time looking forward to seeing this old gal back to having a smooth finish.

Thanks guys!

Mach II Sailor · July 15, 2007, 10:28 AM

fs2k,

good decision !! as for the 6" barrel these guys are correct as to the accuracy, but for my purposes the 4" is the best, i am only looking for accuracy within 25 yds and man sized targets

Ruger4570 · July 16, 2007, 08:55 PM

You could also contact Doug Turnbull. He restores many guns to like new finish. He is highly recommended by any that have had work done by him.

July 10, 2007, 03:25 AM	#1
FS2K Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2006 Posts: 1,853	Colt Python Refinishing Hello Everyone! I bought a Colt Pyton awhile back that had not been shot very much, but was apparently stored under a seat of some truck and suffered some bad damage to its finish on the left side. The factory bluing started peeling away from some sections, and the edge of the cylinder latch even has some rust damage along with 1/2 of the cylinder. The trigger has some heavy pitting on the left side also. Can anyone recommend a refinisher that works on Colts? And what kind of results can I expect? The Python is a great revolver, and had it not been for the cosmetic damage on it I doubt that I would have been able to afford it when I got it. It still shoots great and because of that, I have been thinking of having her refinished. I don't expect miracles of course, but at the same time would I be better off just leaving it as is? Since I got her for such a deal ($250.00) I would like to have the trigger, Hammer and possibly even the barrel, cylinder & side plate replaced so I would like to find a refinisher that is also able to change these pieces out. Thanks.

July 10, 2007, 09:02 AM	#2
Musketeer Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2005 Posts: 3,733	I would try Colt first. __________________ "Religions are all alike - founded upon fables and mythologies." Thomas Jefferson "The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason." Benjamin Franklin

July 10, 2007, 11:58 AM	#5
FS2K Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2006 Posts: 1,853	Well, it's that shiny black-chrome like finish anyway... So no...I'm not sure. I'm no colt expert (which is why I'm asking for help!!!LOL!) Mach II, the serial # is V17xxx I did some pricing on e-gunparts and you're right, them parts are expensive though I wouldn't mind a 4" barrel instead of the 6" she has on there now. Apart from how she looks, this gun is a real peach. NICE trigger, smooth action, and nice feel. It was only the outsides that really got screwed. The bore and cylinders are clean and shiny and the gun shoots great. Maybe I should just keep her like this huh?

July 10, 2007, 04:15 PM	#6
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,249	On those highly polished Colt Pythons, rust caused by sweat or contact with a leather holster (not vegetable-tanned leather) can look like peeled black chrome. But Pythons were never black chromed from the factory. They were offered in Colt Royal blue (black), nickel plated, and stainless. And as stated above, replacing major parts will cost you as much or more than a new gun. My advice would be to send it to Colt for refinishing. They will do a good job and it should look acceptable. Call them. As for the barrel, the 6" Pythons shoot much better than the 4" Pythons. I have owned some of each, and the 4" guns I had and others I shot were so-so, but the 6" guns are amazingly accurate. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

July 10, 2007, 06:09 PM	#9
absolute0 Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 2005 Location: Zimmerman, MN Posts: 242	The other day I saw a Python that had been sent back to Colt to be reblued due to previous owners neglect a couple years back. To say it looked great would be a vast understatement. If it really does need to be refinished I'd send it back to Colt in a heartbeat. __________________ "Ice to See You" -McBain

July 10, 2007, 10:30 AM	#4
brickeyee Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2004 Posts: 3,351	"The factory bluing started peeling away from some sections" Bluing does not 'peel away'. Are you sure about what you have and what the finish is?

July 10, 2007, 04:28 PM	#7
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,559	As above, send the gun in to Colt. Recent Pythons that have been sent in for refinishing look literally like new guns, and have the old style brilliant polish job that makes the metal look like a deep blue mirror. People are surprised just what Colt can do with even a pitted gun. Colt's pricing is very competitive, and their turn-around is also very good.

July 10, 2007, 04:46 PM	#8
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,171	They got sdome guys there who have been polishing guns for 40 years plus. WildoldtimersAlaska

July 14, 2007, 11:33 AM	#10
FS2K Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2006 Posts: 1,853	Thank you very much gentlemen! I was unaware that Colt even did any restoration work as an added service. I will be contacting a rep on Monday to make arrangements to send my trusty Python. I am not expecting miracles, but at the same time looking forward to seeing this old gal back to having a smooth finish. Thanks guys!

July 15, 2007, 10:28 AM	#11
Mach II Sailor Junior member Join Date: March 22, 2007 Posts: 480	fs2k, good decision !! as for the 6" barrel these guys are correct as to the accuracy, but for my purposes the 4" is the best, i am only looking for accuracy within 25 yds and man sized targets

July 16, 2007, 08:55 PM	#12
Ruger4570 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2005 Location: Rochester, New York Posts: 2,136	You could also contact Doug Turnbull. He restores many guns to like new finish. He is highly recommended by any that have had work done by him.