Action Job or Refinish?

[philoe]

Title says it all. Colt charges $190 for the action tune up and $175 for the complete stainless refinish. Can't do both right now. Revolver functions fine and finish has some scuffs and holster wear.

If u had a Python and wanted to do both but could only pick one, which would it be ?

 

[highlander 5]

Try Cylinder and Slide shop I think they can do better and IIRC they make a cam system that smooths the Python action considerably.

 

[mbopp]

Beauty is as beauty does - action job.

 

[CSA 357]

polish it your self with flitz

 

[Remllez]

I would leave it alone and enjoy it for the true classic it is.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I wouldn't do, either.

What is wrong with the action "as is"? A stock Python usually has a far smoother action that most of the competitors best outta the box guns.

As far as finish goes, I agree with CSA. Polish it by hand with Fitz or Mother's yourself. SS is very forgiving. You can't really bum it up rubbing on it by hand. If you don't like the shiny finish, you can always make it matte with just the right stoking with a Scotchbrite pad or fine sandpaper.

 

[788Ham]

Like mentioned a post earlier, enjoy it, rub a little Mothers on it and bang away! The action can't be that bad.

 

[bannockburn]

philoe

If the action is fine as it is, then you probably don't need the action job. Why fix something that's already running smoothly. As for the refinishing; I again would do as others suggested and get some Mother's Mag Polish (paste formula), and do it yourself. Very easy to do and looks great.

 

[Smaug]

Leave it alone, and use the funds elsewhere.

The action starts to act funny when it needs attention, so you're good there.

The marring in the finish adds character, as long as it is not rust or pitting.

Do you hand load yet? $165 would get you started NICELY, and you'll have great quality ammo at just the right power level for the Python. As a matter of fact, it will probably make a much bigger difference in your shooting than an action job. Check out the Lee Challenger kits.

 

[philoe]

The Python has incredible SA. When I shoot DA, I hear a distinct click when the hammer is cocking back. No creep and hammer does not catch, but a click. Revolver functions well. No click when hammer cocked for SA. It has just been bothering me I guess. Appreciate the insight on cleaning up the finish myself. I will definitely do it.

 

[rcmodel]

It's supposed to click when fired DA.
That's how Colts action lockwork works.

If you can still hear it enough to bother you, you haven't shot enough .357 Mag without hearing protection yet.

As for polishing a stainless steel gun?
Big waste of time.
It's just gonna show tiny scratches that much easier.

And a S/S gun WILL get those tiny scratches, even locked inside a padded box!

rc

 

[philoe]

RC, thanks for the information. It is the only Colt I own and have never heard a sound like it from my Smiths or my Redhawk (always learn something here).

 

[hardluk1]

Put some wolf springs in it and stone it your self if needed and send the pistol to BLUE RIDGE BLUEING for a great blueing. He use to do Dan Wesson and they did have some beutifull blue work. Price is good to.

 

[Old Fuff]

Put some wolf springs in it and stone it your self if needed

I hope not. The revolver under consideration is a Colt Python, and what you propose could end up causing a huge repair bill.

It would be especially stupid if it turned out the gun wasn't busted in the first place. :banghead:

 

[Walking Dead]

Buy $190 in ammo and have some fun is what I would do.

 

[philoe]

I am not comfortable opening up the Python. Based on RC's comments, I think that the early 90's model that I have is in fine condition. (Probably carried by LEO). Everything that I have read about Colts has prevented me from going into the internals on the Python.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I see no reason why you would need to refinish a Stainless revolver and every Python I've heard of already had a great trigger soooo.... I agree with the above suggestion of buying a lot of ammo and having some fun...

 

[Ironclad]

Put some wolf springs in it and stone it your self if needed and send the pistol to BLUE RIDGE BLUEING for a great blueing. He use to do Dan Wesson and they did have some beutifull blue work. Price is good to.

I thought you couldn't blue stainless?

 

[hardluk1]

Missed the stainless when philoe wrote about refinishing. Refinishing a stainless is poishing and it would never look like new. If the gun is just a good ole shooter then enjoy it as is. Any wear is just showing it has been used and carried. Thats character. But a hammer spring alone is not hard to change if needed.

 

[rcmodel]

But a hammer spring alone is not hard to change if needed.

Once again, this is a Colt Python we are talking about.

Changing a Colt Python V-type mainspring IS NOT a simple job, even if Wolff made them.
Which they don't.

rc

 

[hardluk1]

oops, I do see they make them for other colt colts and you say it is a( colt python). Just another revolver to some. I have shot them, back 30 some years ago and 6 months ago when I helped a work buddy change springs in a 44 colt and a tropper. He had an old well used python. Got to shoot 3 of his colts, Liked the tropper better after spring change than his old baby snake. I bought DW instead of colts or sw. Just figured wolff made springs for it too.

 

[philoe]

Thanks for all the replies. Going to keep it as is. Looked at it earlier today and the finish is actually. Quite nice. (Intersting how that one or two imperfections seems to draw attention when it really shouldn't)

Question for you Colt guys.... Haven't seen an Ultimate Stainless finish. How much difference is there compared to normal stainless? Did it cost more for it at the time? How much of a premium should be given over reg. Stainless?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Philoe,

I have King Cobras in Ultimate Stainless. They are bright and shiny. They look similar to nickel or chrome. Here is a 1989/90 gun price list. As you can see the bright finish only cost about 25 bucks more when the guns were new...However, today a BSTS finished Python usually brings around 500 bucks or so more than the same gun in matte.

Here is a bright King Cobra beside a matte King Cobra and matte Python. The bright gun is on the left. The matte gun on the right looks "brighter" than it used to because I recently polished it by hand with Mother's. It still doesn't look as shiny at the bright gun and won't without doing the polish with a buffer.