Colt .357 Python ejector problem

[chitown]

Bought two Pythons, 4.5 nickel-plated and 6'' blued (gorgeous). Problem is: after shooting half-box .357 Winchester target ammo, could not use ejector to dischage used casings. Very knowledgeable ace told me that the previous owner must have been shooting .38 Special ammo thru these beauties and caused the cylinders to become pitted due to gas releases. It now looks like I own two Python .38 Specials. Does anyone know how I may remedy this problem? I am a newcomer to pistol shooting, however I have learned to NEVER, EVER, shoot .38 Spec in a .357.

Any constructive advice will be appreciated. (P.S. I bnought these guns thru a supposedly reliable local (Memphis) retailer and I cannot imagine that they did not know the true condition of these firearms. I would go back and raise a fuss, except I believe in "buyer beware" and I should have been more diligent.)

 

[Jim Watson]

Hard scrubbing with a stiff chamber (not bore) brush and plenty of solvent will get the carbon deposits out of the chambers. I used to shoot a Python for PPC and it has seen many, many, .38 Specials but handles magnums just fine.

 

[dfariswheel]

Chamber brushes are extra-stiff, over-sized brushes that will remove all fouling quickly, and without damaging the chambers.

Buy BRONZE brushes, NOT stainless as these can damage the chambers.
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/st...287&title=BRONZE+RIFLE/PISTOL+CHAMBER+BRUSHES

To use, "screw" the brush into the chamber from the rear until the tip is sticking out the other end slightly.
Turn the brush a few turns, then push it all the way through and pull back out.

Usually one pass will remove all fouling. Really heavy copper fouling build up may take more than one pass.

After the chamber is clean of fouling, use solvent and patches to remove any remaining fouling.
Allow the solvent to soak for a while, so as to have time to work.

Once the chambers are clean, dry thoroughly with a few patches, then sit down with a strong bench or desk light and a magnifier and take a really good look inside the chambers to see if there's any remaining fouling or any pitting or roughness in the chambers.

 

[hoghunting]

I'll agree with the others that a good cleaning is needed and will most probably solve your problem. I have used 38s and 357s in my Pythons for 27 years and have never had a problem.

 

[Jim K]

If you are going to order from Brownells, skip the brushes and get a Lewis Lead Remover. It will do a better job and last a lot longer.

Jim