Factory Tuned Python

[310Pilot]

I purchased a 6" stainless Python which had some timing problems last summer, and sent it to Colt for repair. I decided to have a factory tune on the gun, and Colt got it back to me in record time (Thank You, Colt!). Sadly, due to business schedules, I wasn't able to get out with it until day before yesterday. At that, I didn't have much time, as it was getting very close to dark by the time I was able to leave, but I needed to do something for stress relief, and I was itching to test the function of the Python, especially regarding primer sensitivity. The wind was blowing about 30 MPH, gusting to 45, so there wasn't much point in serious accuracy testing, and, since time was short, I didn't take any targets or stands, figuring I'd just shoot at whatever happened to be out at the "range" (a popular shooting spot a few miles out of town with a good backstop). The only "targets' available were a few soup and soft drink cans out at the 100 yard line. First, I fired about 20 reloads with CCI primers, and every one went bang, without flaw. Then, I fired about 20 factory rounds, again, flawless firing. It seems that the factory did exactly as I requested, a custom tune, but with enough oomph to fire any primers. Even though I wasn't testing accuracy, the winds were high and gusting, and I was shooting offhand at 100 yards, almost every round hit the target, both single and double action, and several cans were sent flying, with repeated shots doing the same, the other cans (weighted or stuck in the ground) just received holes in them - I can't wait to get out there with targets at more appropriate ranges and with enough time to really sort it out! So far, there is only one problem - now I am considering having factory tunes on my 4" Blue (bought new) and my Nickel 2.5" Python (1965 vintage). Thank you, Colt - Great Job!

[broknaxl]

Don't you just love it when everything works out right !!

[flanman]

I kept waiting for the and then.... complaint. Great story any chance a factory tune-up could fix my aim. I do on occ hit the broad side of a barn but never the can I am aiming at from 100yds.

flanman

[smkummer]

We are hitting a 16" square metal plate at 100 yards over 1/2 of the time. You are hitting soup cans at 100? Wow.

[capstan]

Hitting tin cans at a hundred yards to me would be incredible - even off sandbag rest on a 70 degree day with no wind and the lighting just right.

That is one accurate Python and you are a darn good shooter to hit cans at that range. Congratulations

[310Pilot]

Thanks, I credit the Python, it seems to be very accurate. BTW, the soup cans were the large size, like those of the Chunky brand soups. I don't usually shoot that well, mostly luck. I did put a set of like new Mustang grips on it which fit my hand quite well. I am looking forward to my next shooting session, which will probably send me back from the Twilight Zone, and my accuracy will return to normal. At least I know what the Python is capable of.

[Mounty Python]

Sounds great!

If you don't mind saying, how much did Colt charge for the tune & how long did you have to wait? I'm considering having them tune mine.

Thanks.

[310Pilot]

Colt charged $190 for the custom tune plus $30 for return shipping. Shipping to Colt was, of course, on my ticket. The single action is smooth (of course), and double action is absolutely wonderful. Overall, it takes the Python from wonderful to near-perfection. Regarding time, it tends to vary with the Custom Shop's workload and backlog. I was quoted about six weeks, but they got it back to me much faster, most unexpected, and very much appreciated (they knew my birthday was coming up before the six weeks were up, and the surprise early arrival of the Python was a great birthday present - thanks, Colt)! I recommend calling Colt and discussing it with them, they do a great job. I've sent a couple of Pythons to them over the last year or two, and they have always done a superlative job and delivered on time. IMHO, Colt can't t be beat for quality service on Pythons, especially if you want the work completed in the near future, rather than waiting 1-2 years for one of the few private Python specialists to get an opening in his schedule. BTW, I had Colt do a timig repair to my 1965 2.5" nickel Python a year or two ago, and it is now like a new gun to shoot (actually, even better), very low cost (1 hr labor + $30 return shipping), less than $100 total, delivered in about 5-6 weeks. Definitely worthwhile.

[Mounty Python]

Thanks for the info. I guess I'll give Colt a call.

[haggis]

I strongly suspect that the OP is being a mite modest about his shooting abilities. The equipment can only take you so far - the rest is the shooter.

I recall Jeff Cooper in one of his early books discussing Jack Weaver shooting his 4" service K-frame double action from a standing two-handed stance, and he was hitting a 20" square plate about 50% of the time. The plate was a quarter mile away. I'm sure the gun was well-tuned, but...

Buck