An Inaccurate Python?

[MNDoug]

Hello,

I just bought a Colt Python .357 (blued, 4 inch barrel) and the fit and finish are everything for which they're rightfully legendary. But...

Upon firing, it shot about 5" wide and high at 21 feet. And it wasn't just me - it performed the same way in the hands of the rangemaster and the range gunsmith.

The only fix was to crank the rear sight so far to the right that the adjustment screw protrudes significantly from the side.

The gunsmith scratched his head on this one - he wondered if the bore had been drilled imperfectly, or there was some problem in the barrel-to-frame threading. His only suggestion: write to Colt.

I'm doing that, but I've also been scouring the boards and am now somewhat educated on the counterfeit 3" Pythons out there. Mine (besides being 4") seems to pass all the tests (Colt address rollstamp on the barrel, etc.)

Two questions of this august group:

1) Can such a sight adjustment really be needed on a Python?
2) If not, what the hell might be going on?

Many thanks in advance.

Photos of the sights:

 

[kanook]

what ammo? what grain? is it "new" or "new to you"?

Only my instance, my Security Six will stack the 158gr and put 180gr into a ragged hole. I had a box of 110gr and a box 125gr that I was hoping nobody saw me shooting cause it looked like some 00 buck at 75 yards.

 

[JohnBT]

My first thought was that the hole and threads in the frame was drilled crooked, but that would make the barrel installation a real bear or you'd have a gap on one side.

Is the barrel over- or under-rotated? IOW, is the front sight perfectly vertical and in line with the frame and grip, etc.? IOW2, not leaning to one side a hair?

I don't see how you'd miss it if it was turned enough to miss the mark by 5" at 7 yards, but I thought I'd ask. My father bought a new Python in '90 and it had to be sent back to have them turn the barrel to get the front sight perfectly vertical.

It's too early to think too hard. I should be free to check in again by noon or so.

John

 

[Thomas Garrett]

Try bench resting it. See then. Also looks like all 3 of you are right handed by the way the rear sight is adjusted to hit center. But bench resting is a good start. Then decide how to adjust it.

 

[MNDoug]

Many thanks for the replies. Here are the answers to the questions posed:

1. Yes, we did bench-rest it. The last person who evaluated it is a very good gunsmith who is very careful about eliminating human variables.

2. To the eye, the front sight does appear to be vertical - or at least it certainly isn't far enough off to notice, and as you say, it would have to be pretty far off the vertical to throw the bullet 5" from center.

3. Both .357 and .38 Special were shot with similar results, but most of the "testing" was done with Magnatech .38 Special FMJ, 158g

4. The pistol is not new, but new to me. The previous owner also had to greatly adjust the rear sight in order to hit zero, but apparently he wasn't as confident about his skills - he just blamed it on his own shooting.

Thanks for the thoughts - letter with photos is going off to Colt today.

 

[d2wing]

I know of a Python that was used as a club and shot poorly after that. My guess is that at some point the gun was damaged, either bent or the muzzle crown isn't right.

 

[harmonic]

First things first. I'd get several other brands of ammo and continue your experiment. If the gun's got to go back to Colt anyway, you have nothing to lose.

Rule out the easiest thing first.

 

[DRYHUMOR]

From the picture of the rear view of the rear sight, it looks as if the sight itself isn't centered. Looks like there is more hanging off to the right. At the bottom edge of the sight.

 

[RDak]

I would suggest you post this question at the "Colt-Smithing" section of this site:

http://www.coltforum.com/forums/index.php

I also think sending the Python back to Colt for an adjustment might be the way to go. Colt's prices are very reasonable based on my experience and you might even think about getting an action job while they have it. It's very reasonable in cost also.

I sent a Cobra back for bolt throw-by and, an action timing and tuning job. Total cost, with shipping - $112.50.

They might even consider the barrel misalignment, if applicable, is a free adjustment.

 

[MNDoug]

Again, thanks for all the suggestions - I'll post the question in the ColtForum, as you suggest.