Unrepairable Python

[glassman]

Bought a python a while ago and immediately loved it. The only problem was off center primer strikes and too many misfires using remington range rounds. The range I go to only stocks remington. It works perfectly with softer primer ammo like american eagle but I have to travel some to buy it.
I recently sent it back to colt for a look see and hoping for an easy repair. They got back to me today saying that when the gun was made, the hole drilled for the firing pin was drilled off center and that the gun is unrepairable.
They offered to buy the gun back from me at what I paid for it ($1200) or give me another gun at par value.
Since the python is out of production, the only thing they can give me is an auto loader. I already own a dan wesson pointman and really want a wheel gun.
So I'm thinkin I can give the python back to them and have enough for a
gp-100 or 686, etc and still have enough left to buy another gun as well (been thinking about a s&w642). Or I can keep the python and live with the hassle of travelling to buy ammo it will digest.
Any thoughts/advice is appreciated.

 

[Phaetos]

I think that all depends on how far you are willing to travel and how many boxes you buy to justify the time.

 

[MrBorland]

Just to play devil's advocate (and knowing zippo about the workings of a Colt) - Colt's analysis/decision may be as much a business decision as anything. In other words, maybe the gun is fixable, but Colt just feels it'd be easier for them to buy it back rather than fix a revolver they no longer make. Before you sell it back, I'd try to get the opinion of some revolver 'smiths, such as Grant Cunningham or Matt Almeda.

 

[PotatoJudge]

How much is Colt getting for their SAAs nowadays?

Kinda stinks to be forced to buy something of theirs for that price.

I'd just sell it to them and buy another.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

In other words, maybe the gun is fixable, but Colt just feels it'd be easier for them to buy it back rather than fix a revolver they no longer make.

I'm sure Colt's not willing to pay out $1200 if it's a fixable item.
Especially if that gun cost them only $700 to make in the first place.
It sounds pretty fair to me. Take the $1200 and buy yourself another Python.
They've come down a little bit recently after the big surge they just had.
What finish & barrel length do you have , also, what condition is the gun in and do you have the box and papers to go with it ?
Also, what grips/stocks and what year was the gun produced, this will all help in determining if you can replace it for the $1200.

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=75053287

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[trueblue1776]

a good precision machinist would be able to fix that, but why fuss with it? Take the $1200 dude. I've seen Pythons go for a lot less than $1200.

 

[Black_Talon]

Contact George Smith at EGW. I suspect he could fix it up in no time.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

a good precision machinist would be able to fix that, but why fuss with it? Take the $1200 dude. I've seen Pythons go for a lot less than $1200.

I've also seen Pythons go for A LOT more than $1200 as well.
It all depends on condition, barrel length & finish.

As far as a good machinist goes, have you ever plugged a small hole before ?
It's relatively easy. Now, have you ever had to redrill that same hole off center from the last hole that was in there ?
Now that you've possibly drilled that hole on center this time, what's the guarantee that the material you just filled that hole will not dislodge itself in a life or death situation and jam that hole so that the firing pin can no longer hit that primer ? It's not a simple task, and I won't even go into the hardness factor, heat treating or the entire refinishing of the gun.
It's not like you're plugging a dowel rod in a wooden board and are just gonna sand it smooth.
Good luck Glassman, what ever you decide.

Just my 2 pesos.
Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[glassman]

I'm So Bummed

My python was made in '95 with a blued finish and 4" barrel. I bought the excaliber walnut stocks for it and other than turn marks, it's pristine. I have the box but no papers. I'd love to buy another python but they seem to be a bit scarce around here and I'm a bit gunshy('scuse the pun) of buying on the net. I've posted this pic before but here it is again.

I have a couple auto loaders but really want a new wheel gun. I like the gp-100 in blue and may just get one with the trade in money...then put the rest away and keep looking for a new python.

 

[Stinger1]

I agree with the majority here, take the buy back offer and if you still want a Python (which I would in your shoes) go get another one. The price is in the ballpark for a Python and who knows maybe you can get one a bit less. Good Luck. And keep us posted.

RC

 

[hexidismal]

I'd say take the money, and wait for another python to come around. They turn up here on THR occasionally. I understand being wary of buying on the net, but there are reputable dealers and well.. you certainly couldn't do worse than broken one, right ? If you're going to send it back to colt though for the money or another gun, for goodness sake keep those stocks and send it back with some cheap ones. I can see not wanting to part with your gun , but quite frankly I'd consider it an opportunity ! You're going to be making out monetarily anyway.

 

[pinkymingeo]

For $1200 you can find a really nice Python. Your current gun has very little resale value. I'm sure you're honest, so you'd tell a prospective buyer about the problem. He'd promptly walk, or offer you next to nothing. Take the money, and let Colt get the gun out of circulation.

 

[trueblue1776]

As far as a good machinist goes, have you ever plugged a small hole before ?

Yup

It's relatively easy. Now, have you ever had to redrill that same hole off center from the last hole that was in there ?

Yup

There are many things I'd rather do than work with hard stuff, but if the price is right I'll work on just about anything. And you can do awesome things with a preheat. I cut my teeth on applications involving stress fractures and gas turbines, learned from the best in the biz too.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

I cut my teeth on applications involving stress fractures and gas turbines

Stress fractures and gas turbines ?
Your dad probably worked on TV's and has this ultimate set of tools.
Well, at least we know who can fill and relocate a firing pin tunnel hole in a casting with a floating inertial style firing pin.
Please send your repairs to, I fix big stuff and small stuff and $50 bucks to..

Jeff Spicoly
c/o Fast repairs @ Ridgemont High
Ridgemont, CA 90210

Sorry, I had to do it.
I'm not saying it can't be done.
But at a cost to exeed the cost of a new frame I'm guessing and at a risk of screwing up a $1200 Python, I'm taking the cash that Bob has in hand and not going for what's behind door number 2.
The 6 & 4 inch tubed Python is the most common and could be replaced for the $1200 that Colt is offering.
FYI: Replace your laminated Excaliber grips with rubber Colt target grips prior to letting Colt buy it back, that way you won't have to buy another set when you find your new Python.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[dfariswheel]

I've seen damaged firing pin holes in Pythons before.

You have several choices:
The "best" option is to sell it to Colt and use the money to fund a new Python.

A second option is to just order a large quantity of the ammo that works in the gun.
Many places will sell ammo by mail, so you don't have to travel.

A last option it to bush the hole.
Welding and re-drilling IS possible, but finding a master pistolsmith/welder capable of doing it is tough.
It's entirely possible to mill an over-sized hole in the recoil plate and press in a hardened bushing.

If you are reluctant to sell the gun to Colt, I suggest talking to Cylinder & Slide.
They are one of the very top custom pistolsmithing firms that are likely to tackle the job.
I'd ask their opinion and for possible price.

My suggestion is to cut to the chase and sell the gun to Colt, then start looking for a nice Python.
They are readily available, and the prices seem to be stabilizing after the feeding frenzy of the last two years.

 

[Croyance]

Get on Guns America, Auction Arms, or Gun Broker and see what a Python is going for. If it is at a comparable price, jump on it.
I got my Python for about seven bills last year. But Colts are going up in price fast. In my area of the world, last year Colt Troopers were going for the same price as S&W 686's (all used) - about $450. Now the S&W is the same price, but the asking for Colt Troopers is $600.
So if you can find one at a better price - and you should still be able to do better than $1200 - get it and don't look back.

 

[rbert0005]

If you like the Python you have keep it. If it has one of those "Python actions", I mean, and is in great shape. There is no guarantee that the one you replace it with will be as smooth as it could be.

If you have to use ammo with Federal primers, so be it. All of my competition guns are set up that I can only use Federal primers. They are the softest primers out there, so I can bring the trigger pull right down.

Another word to consider, RELOAD. End of problems. You can make what you need.

Bob

 

[GP100man]

glassman
ive had problems with colt service too.
i sold & traded for rugers gps & redhawks .
i have not looked back & no regrets .
the triggers on the rugers are a little longer reach & pull ,but can be made just as buttery smooth as any snake from colt !!!!!

GP100man

 

[AJD]

Problems with Colt's service? Uhh...how is them offering to buy his Python back for $1200 a "problem"?

I think your axe is sharp enough, no need to keep grinding it.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

... They offered to buy the gun back from me at what I paid for it ($1200) or give me another gun at par value ...

Although this was a manufacturing error in the first place, to buy it back at that price is very generous, especially considering that the ownership of Colt is not the same now as it was then.

With that kind of problem I would not continue to shoot it. As a possible alternative, as already mentioned you could talk to C&S about rebushing and relocating the hole However - if it can be done at all - this would almost certainly be costly when you also consider the $1200 you've already got in it.

I think if I were in your shoes I would take the money and run.

 

[Master Blaster]

I'd take the $1200 and run. Or get one of their top of the line 1911's like a new goldcup, or maybe even an SAA if you like cowboy guns.

A local gunshop here in DE had taken in a collection last winter, it contained 4 4" colt pythons ranging from the early 1970's to the early 1990's. They had them for sale for $599-$699, all were in excellent shape, and it took about 4 months for all of them to sell.

I don't do pythons, because I dont buy guns I dont shoot, and colt pythons are hard to get repaired ( and they have a reputation for fragile timing) unless you send them to colt.

I would take a nice 1911, and be happy.

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

The colt D, E, and I frame revolvers are one of the most complicated guns to fix in gunsmithing. As previously stated, the timing of the guns is very finnicky. They run like a well oiled machine when in good condition but are a real bugger to fix when something goes wrong. All parts come oversized from the factory and must be fit to the gun. That's a real headache. If you like the Colt revolvers, get the reimbursement from the factory and look for a different one. I do not suggest welding on the recoil plate because it is a heat treated part and will become brittle when heat is applied. That's a good way to get yourself injured. The Smith and Wesson revolvers are much easier to work on and parts are readily available but on the other hand, they aren't a Colt. The choice is up to you. The S&W will be cheaper in the long run.

 

[jimmy]

Colt's is making a handsome offer, which I'd accept in a heartbeat. I personally wouldn't hassle with trying to fix a gun that was seriously flawed from the outset, but instead would get rid of this expensive question mark as quickly as I could. There are plenty of other, better Pythons out there to choose from.

 

[wcwhitey]

I like Potato Judges idea of a SAA. Also find out if the $1200 worth they are offering is MSRP or dealer cost, maybe able to negotiate a few more bucks if they have something you like. That is a real bummer, nice looking gun, but I am impressed that they have no problem parting with $1200, it is good to here. Bill

 

[Jim Watson]

I am of the take the money and start over school of thought.
That is very decent of Colt.