Python rebarreling

[Para Fal]

My friend has a 6 inch barrel on his blued Python. He wants a 4 inch barrel instead. This is a using gun so no collector value. He doesn't just want to cut the barrel down to 4 inches and replace the front sight. Do any 4 inch blued barrels for a Python exist for sale to the public? Please recommend a gunsmith that does Python rebarrel work. My friend says that he heard that there is a difference in the barrel threads used on Pythons over the years. Does he have to be careful when he purchases the 4 inch barrel that it matches the receiver threads?

Thanks.

 

[PotatoJudge]

Sell the 6 and buy a 4. There really is no better way to do it. For the price difference of swapping barrels, he could sell his and buy a 4 in much better condition. Any good Colt gunsmith will have a pretty long wait as well.

 

[GP100man]

Can`t answer `bout the threads but be careful of used barrels , most are rung or threads are buggered up teribble .

My expirence with colt & a KC is why I shoot Rugers now !

Probably easier (not cheaper) to buy or trade for a 4" .

 

[GUNKWAZY]

The difference in thread size is easy to find.
If your friend has a earlier gun with a 2 pin front sight, he needs to find an early style barrel with a 2 pin front sight.
Colt switched to a 1 pin front sight later on down the road and that's when the thread change took place.
Below you can clearly see the 2 pin style I'm talking about.
Barrel change on a Python is no easy job and if done incorrectly, you can twist the frame and ruin the gun.
This must be done ONLY by someone that knows how to work on Colt's.
You can sometimes find a nice clean barrel on gunbroker.
I think Numrich only has 8 inch barrels in stock.
You can try to call Jack First, they usually have the largest supply of Colt parts.
Good luck.




Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[ambidextrous1]

Gunkwazy, if that's your Python, I'd like to see the whole pistol; that looks nice!

 

[GUNKWAZY]

Yes, it's mine.
I'll just post it here as a link so I don't steal the OP's thread.

http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq172/toykwazy/The%20Python/engravednickel.jpg

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[AirForceShooter]

A Python has no collectors value?

Check again grasshopper.

AFS

 

[Guillermo]

sell his and buy a four inch

 

[SaberOne]

Of all the revolvers on the market, the Colt Python still rules supreme. There is no way in hell I would change out that barrel.

 

[dfariswheel]

All other issues aside, if your buddy insists on changing the barrel here's some pointers.

1. Finding a USABLE barrel won't be easy since lots of people have been buying up Python parts.
Many of the barrels for sale on the internet and at gun shows are defective, which is why they're for sale.
This may not be readily apparent until the gunsmith attempts to install it.
Note also that you MUST have a double pin replacement barrel for a double pin front sight equipped Python or a single pin for a single pinned sight model.

For barrels you can try, but don't expect anyone to have one:

http://www.jackfirstgun.com/

http://www.parts4guns.com/
(Click on Colt and WAIT)

http://www.coltparts.com/pt_python.html

2. You could call Colt and ask if they have a barrel. Whether they do or you find a barrel elsewhere, send the gun in to COLT to have the barrel changed.
Colt has all the correct tooling and know exactly how to do it. Most local gunsmiths don't have the tools and don't know how to do it, even thought some will tell you they do.

3. Since the Python will no longer be factory original, the value will drop.

 

[9mmepiphany]

not to steal the thread...i think dfariswheel has pretty much answered it definitively...but a somewhat related question.

i have a 6" Python which i used to shoot in PPC, prior to that it wore a 4" tube as my first duty gun...it really looks like it too and i was another officer's gun before i got it, the backstrap has been mistaken for brushed stainless due to the worn off bluing. i'm thinking about going back to the 4" tube and maybe having it refinished in electroless nickle (figured bead blasting was more economical than a original polish)

would you still recommend it going back to the factory for the barrel switch?

i'm thinking the 4" barrel, having been previously fitted, should align properly...am i missing something?

 

[dfariswheel]

Back to Colt.

Once the torque on a barrel is broken it won't go back to the same index.
Like tightening a screw down tight then removing it and running it back in, the barrel will turn slightly farther if it's torqued to spec.
Colt will refit the barrel the right way, and won't damage the frame or barrel in doing so.

While it's there, have them refinish it in your choice of finish. They can even re-do the roll marks if they're faint.
Recent Colt's sent in for a refinish have been coming back looking like brand new, whether re-blued or re-nickeled.
Colt offers a variety of finishes.
And, they're prices are competitive for the same level of finish.
While it's there, they'll check it out to be sure it's in 100% correct timing and adjustment.

 

[9mmepiphany]

thanks you're right of course

While it's there, they'll check it out to be sure it's in 100% correct timing and adjustment.

just curious, if i've had trigger work done...by someone who knew what they were doing...can i hope they (Colt) won't restore it to the pre-tuned spec?