Help with my python

[hotwheelz]

I just got my python 4" and while shooting it the side plate screw came loose I didnt notice until it had scratched my cylinder bad
:banghead::banghead:
I have looked all over for a repalcement cylinder and Im not finding many choices. Where can I get parts for these for decent price
I have looked at numrich, brownells, Ill try calling colt on monday but Im so friggen mad at myself right now. Label me the dumb %$# of the year:banghead::banghead::banghead:

 

[Old Fuff]

I'm not sure I understand how a loose sideplate screw could touch the cylinder, but anyway - the least expensive repair would be to send it back to Colt and have it polished and reblued. I'm not sure if you would have to send the whole gun, or just the crane & cylinder assembly. In any case I'd call Colt's Customer Service and ask.

 

[hotwheelz]

here is a diagram of the parts the screw part #49 came loose and yes it will rubb on the cylinder when you open it to load

 

[Old Fuff]

Ah...So...

Well anyway I still think that getting your present cylinder refinished is a better idea then buying a new cylinder - followed by the expense of getting it fitted to the gun. See what Colt can do for you.

 

[Zebraranger]

Check with the guys at pistolsmith.com or Coltforum.com, Im not sure but I dont think Colt will take just the cylinder or crane, I think they would want you to send the whole gun in. Thats been my experience with my king cobra. It would definitely be worth the call to find out. I do know going that route will be expensive, They charge a premium for everything, even a screw.

 

[Old Fuff]

Ah...So...

Well anyway I still think that getting your present cylinder refinished is a better idea the buying a new cylinder - followed by the expense of getting it fitted to the gun. See what Colt can do for you.

 

[Old Fuff]

One other thing. You'll want the blue to match the rest of the gun, and that's something only Colt can do. Anybody can blue the parts, but Colt has the correct polishing wheels.

 

[dfariswheel]

Cylinders DO NOT just "drop in". They require extensive fitting and adjusting.
By the time you find and buy a new cylinder, THEN find a pistolsmith who's qualified to install it, you could have the entire gun re-blued.

I suggest contacting Colt, and explain the problem.
I suspect they will refinish just the cylinder, but will probably want the entire gun sent in so they can make sure the refinish matches.

Some things NOT to do.
Don't let anyone else re-blue your Python. Colt does it right, and a Colt re-blue will not affect the value as much as one done by someone else.

Under NO circumstances allow anyone other than Colt to install a new cylinder. Other than Colt, there are only 1 or 2 other places I know of that can do it WITHOUT botching it up.

Don't buy a USED cylinder. They've already been fitted to a different gun, and they don't drop in AT ALL. Some may not be usable in any case.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Old Fuff: I was curious, so I took my Python out to have a look. When the cylinder is swung out (which also lowers it down) that sideplate screw head is very close. If the screw were backed out enough, the cylinder could drag, rub and scratch on it when rotated. Ouch!

 

[Old Fuff]

I can see how that can happen, although this is a first in my experience.

But anyway, now the issue is what's the best way to get it fixed. Dfariswheel's advise in my opinion is the "best way."

 

[hotwheelz]

I just got off the phone with colt they will reblue it, and all I need to send in is the cylinder. The cost to reblue cylinder is $75 plus shipping. I will be sending it in by the end of the week. Thanks for all the info now I just need a dab of loctite on that screw.

 

[Old Fuff]

When they say "cylinder," I think they mean the cylinder assembly (crane, cylinder, extractor star & rod, and associated parts.). Since you are not sending the frame the shipping costs will be far less, and less complicated, then sending the whole gun. At $75.00 you are getting out of this pretty easy. I presumed that it would be at least twice the quoted price.

Sideplate screws seldom come loose, but do loc-tite this one.

 

[Black Knight]

I just saw your post and believe that you have made the right choice. A few years ago I sent my Python back to them and it came back perfect. They will do it right.