Need a gunsmith for my Colt Python

[cuteo100]

Does anyone know of a good gunsmith knowing his way around a Colt Python? I need to do some tuneup and perhaps a re-blue to match that factory Blue Royal finish. Thanks!

 

[Croyance]

I believe you lose value with re-bluing - besides being out the money for getting it done. Of course that only matters if you sell it.

 

[cuteo100]

Croyance: thanks for the advice. The current blue on the gun is pretty well worned out from use, even showing some slight surface rusts. In it's current condition, I'm convinced its due for some restoration... that won't break the bank!

 

[Old Fuff]

Perhaps the Colt factory might be an option. Their "Royal Blue" depends on the pre-blue polishing job, and Colt still has the special buffing wheels they used to do the job in the first place.

 

[dfariswheel]

Colt is still doing the "Python Blue" in the plant.
Recent posters who have sent their Pythons in for a refinish say they come back looking absolutely factory new.

Colt now offers re-marking of the stamps if they've degraded or if the metal needs enough polishing to thin them.

They also do full repairs and top quality tuning.
I'd trust them over anyone else, and their turn-around and pricing is very competitive.

 

[cuteo100]

dfariswheel & Old Fuff: Thank you very much!

 

[HammerBite]

For a tune up you might want to try Grant Cunningham. He isn't cheap but isn't outrageous either.

 

[Croyance]

How much does a re-bluing run? I've seen some "distressed" Colts that might be more attractive knowing this piece.

 

[Old Fuff]

It depends on the particular gun, and what kind of job you want (regular blue, Royal blue, etc.) or what kind of work you want done. Write or call the company Service Department or an estimate.

 

[Black Knight]

I have a six inch Python that I got back in 1979 for a private security job. Years later I bulged the barrel and sent it to the Colt authorized service center (Bob's Gun & Tackle in Norfolk, VA). BAD CHOICE. They put a new barrel on it and reblued it. When I got it back the blue was black (what I called a S&W blue), the thumb latch was a rosy purple, the trigger action was horrendous. They hot blued the gun without taking it apart. The bluing that got inside screwed it completely up. Needless to say I retired the gun. Two years ago I sent the Python Back to the Colt factory. They reblued it the Colt Royal Blue and did some trigger work. The trigger is good but not as good as it used to be but diffenately better than when I sent it. I guess it has a lawyer's trigger now. Don't send yours to just anyone. Send it to a highly skilled and trusted specialist or the Colt factory. The price I paid was $165 plus shipping. My Python is still retired but will never be sold. I borrowed money from my Grandmother to get it and paid her back. It has a very special place in my collection and heart. I plan to pass it on to my step-son. This was also my first handgun and is the pride of my collection.