Colt Python -Refinish or Not to Refinish

[Benzapper]

I'm trying to decide if i want to have my Python refinished.The nickel has some spots on the receiver and a little clouding on the barrel.Its a 8 inch barrel model made in 1981 i believe.I'm going to try polishing it with simichrone polish.I don't know a lot about Colts yet .I plan on selling the pistol and want it to look its best without devalueing it.I would appreciate any advice.

 

[dfariswheel]

If the nickle is damaged, polishing it won't help, and may actually cause more damage.
Try some Flitz, which I think, is milder than Simichrome but whatever, GENTLY. Rub too hard and you can rub right through the plating.
Polishing will not help actual scratches or chips in the plating.

Having the gun refinished, even by Colt will cost, and you will likely wind up losing money on the deal.
Its very unethical to have a gun refinished, then claim, or allow the buyer to think its all original. To most people a slightly worn or even damaged original finish is preferable to any refinish, even one done by the factory.

If you're honest about it, by the time you pay for a refinish, the price will be higher than most people will pay, even for a Python.

Best option if you're selling is to sell it as-is and let the buyer decide whether to have it refinished.

 

[GRIZ22]

I'd only refinish if you were keeping it. I'd send it to Colt for a new nickle finish. Will cost you more but it will be right. As has been said you won't recoup the refinsh job on sale.

 

[Rio Laxas]

I had mine refinished by the factory. I knew full well that it was going to cause the revolver to lose value, but I have no intention of selling it and I wanted it to look nice.

Mine was a former duty revolver for a police officer and the finish was pretty beat up. I don't mind honest wear, but I prefer to put it there myself. If you think you may ever sell it or want to retain the collector's value of it, then I would say do not do it.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

If the refinish is not done very carefully (inconsistent thickness of the plating, uneven polishing, letters/numbers filled in and blurred), it will devalue the gun even more than the existing finish wear.

 

[atlanticfire]

I agree with the comments that say factory is usually better. They built the gun why not let them repair it.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Having Colt do the refinishing will also help maintain the guns value...

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Having Colt do the refinishing will also help maintain the guns value...

IF the cost could be recouped at resale time.

 

[DRYHUMOR]

If you plan on selling it, sell it as is, IMO.

 

[Benzapper]

Does anyone know what a nickel refinish would cost from Colt?I only have $500 in the python,i think i could still come out ok depending on the cost of the refinish .If it was a 6incher i would probably keep it.Anybody have a 4 or 6inch barrel for sale?

 

[dfariswheel]

You'll have to contact Colt for pricing info on a refinish.

If you intend to switch barrels, this too is a fast way to ruin a Python.
Barrel changes take some expensive tools and the knowledge of how to use them. Local gunsmiths often do serious damage since they seldom have the tools and use "expedient" methods.

If you re-barrel, the value also drops because its no longer the original barrel length.
If you want it re-barreled, send it to Colt. They have the tools and know how to do it right.

My advice: Sell what you have as-is and buy the Python you really want. You'll come out ahead.

 

[snooperman]

Refinish a Colt ?

I have several Colts and would not dare to refinish one of my Pythons . You will lose value of the gun, whether you keep it or not. They are beautiful guns whether they are in perfect condition or not. These guns are not being made anymore and probably will never be made again.

 

[Benzapper]

Like i said ,this is my first Colt .I've learned a lot about them in the short time i've owned it.Thanks for all the good advice.

 

[Olympus]

As I'm sure others have said, refinishing will decrease the value for most Colt enthusiasts. That being said, I've had one refinished. I would never send a Python anywhere but back to Colt for a refinishing. The one I had, I had all the roll marks redone at the same time. The gun came back looking better than new and I didn't have a single person that could tell it was refinished, even after I told them. Don't refinish and try to pass it off as original condition though.

 

[Benzapper]

As I'm sure others have said, refinishing will decrease the value for most Colt enthusiasts. That being said, I've had one refinished. I would never send a Python anywhere but back to Colt for a refinishing. The one I had, I had all the roll marks redone at the same time. The gun came back looking better than new and I didn't have a single person that could tell it was refinished, even after I told them. Don't refinish and try to pass it off as original condition though.

Thanks for the info.If you don't mind me asking,how much do you think they would charge to refinish an 8in Nickel gun?