Thinking about buying a Python?

[PJR]

Before you do it’s a good idea to mine the motherlode of information on this site, TFL and the Colt forum posted by dfariswheel.

I bought a Python on a whim last fall and didn’t do my research in advance. Thankfully, my mid 70’s 4†passed the dfariswheel timing and lock up test with flying colors. Based on his posts, I have since learned a ton about these revolvers including what to do and what not to do (more of the later than the former).

The first thing to follow is dfariswheel’s advice to buy “The Colt Double Action Revolvers, A Shop Manual, Vol. I by Jerry Kuhnhausen. I can take an S&W apart blindfolded but without this manual I’d have made a hash of taking my Colt for even a simple cleaning and lubrication.

The advice from dfariswheel and his opinions on Colt revolvers are among the best gun forum resources I’ve seen anywhere. Until I read one of his posts, I'd never have guessed there is an error in the Python exploded drawing on the Colt website (reversed firing pin spring). Great stuff.

I just wanted to publicly thank him and say how much I appreciated his contributions.

Paul

PS. Honourable mention should go to majic and GUNKWAZY who also have good knowledge on Pythons.

 

[dfariswheel]

WOW, thanks.

 

[sm]

dfariswheel -

Sir - You earned it. There are many on this Forum, whom are Valuable Resources and that truly pass forward to others. Thank you.

It is said what really matters of a person' s life - is that which don't burn.

Regards,

Steve

 

[Standing Wolf]

The advice from dfariswheel and his opinions on Colt revolvers are among the best gun forum resources I’ve seen anywhere.

Yep. I've wondered a time or two how he's become so knowledgeable.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

One of the true great inventions of our time is the WHEEL.

The dfaris-wheel.

Hat's off to the knowledge and even better yet, being nice enough to share the knowledge. In todays day & age, not many are willing to share anything with-out attaching a fee to it.

If I may even take it one step farther. Not many people would share the wealth of knowledge and not even blink an eye at answering even the most boring or easy of questions with-out a complaint. For that alone, we salute you.

Very nice thread Paul.
Thanks, Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[thatguy]

I have never actually seen a Python that was out of time. Asked my favorite gunsmith and he admitted that he hadn't either. I did have a Police Positive Special made in 1923 that was a little out of sync, but I have yet to encounter a Python suffering this fate.

Here's one of my Pythons just because I enjoy looking at them.

 

[dfariswheel]

I was going to answer this last night, but we had a power-outage.

Thanks for the votes of confidence....just remember, I get things wrong too.
I know a LOT about Colt's but mostly from a mechanical aspect.

I started out as a Colt fan, became a Master watchmaker, which led to gunsmithing, with a emphasis on Colt DA revolvers, which led to some custom holster making, which led to a lot of other skills.

A lot of what I know, I got by reading.
Way back when, I read everything the local library had, and read everything my state libraries had through inter-library loan.

I subscribed to all the available gun magazines, bought books like other people bought potatoes, and talked to to other 'smiths, collectors, and factory reps.

Much of my knowledge base I got through personal experience, MOST of it I got for free from books and people.

Since knowledge doesn't "keep" in the bank, I pass it out the same why I got it.

Just remember, like everything else, some of this knowledge turns out to be faulty memory, or bad info.

Again, thanks for the kind words.

 

[sm]

Just remember, like everything else, some of this knowledge turns out to be faulty memory, or bad info.

When one is "seasoned" they just have a bigger HDD, takes a bit to run down the file.

That is the excus....err...reason Old Fuff uses anyway...

Uh-oh...never met a watchmaker that was good at filing...must be why they have 3 vials of Mobius [tm] lube scattered about the bench...

 

[Majic]

"The Wheel" is a walking wealth of Colt information. On many accounts he has corrected me on things and I thank him for that. He will not only just answer a question, but give you a really great detailed answer. To spend that amount of time and effort in helping others like that earns him a hearty THANK YOU from all who have benefited from him with me being first in line (probably fighting with Jeff for first place ).

There are quite a few with a lot of info on the Colts. Jeff, Old Fluff, Ira Paine (Pre-war Colts), Tuner (we can't leave out the pistol guys), and others readily give up their time to help others with problems or just seeking info. They all are truly a great bunch of guys.