2020 3 inch python off center bores

4974 Views 76 Replies 36 Participants Last post by Snake Bit, 2 d ago

Dogdoc1

Discussion Starter · 1 mo ago

I was going to buy a new 3 inch python and have examined two at two different gun stores. in Both examples the bore was significantly off center when viewed as the gun is pointing at you! My 4 and 6 inch are fine. Anybody else notice this on their gun Or one they examined. What the hell is going on?
dogdoc

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azshot

· #21 · 1 mo ago (Edited)

Colt manufactures these differently than decades ago. The bore axis isn't a concern, nor is the crush fit barrel gap. It's not a hand made gun anymore, it's hands-off. Will the gun fire right? Yes. Does Colt QA get out calipers and make sure the bore is exact dead center? No, why would they? It's not a specification for THEM.

Reminds me of my new Ford Bronco which I love. Many critiques on forums because sometimes the inner hinges are painted lightly. "I would take it back on a $45,000 vehicle!" comments. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people are out enjoying their Colts and Broncos that aren't so particular.

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Dogdoc1

Discussion Starter · #22 · 1 mo ago

Good god, I can’t do any better than a picture. The gun store clerks were amazed when I pointed it out. I give up but I damn sure would look at end of the barrel before purchase. The concept that I would make this up is ridiculous and photoshop the picture somehow to mislead is unbelievable. Do members on this forum routinely attack the messenger with implied dishonesty ? I simply ask if anyone had seen it. Trying to be helpful for other potential buyers. These are massed produced and it does not surprise me too much. I will continue my search for one with a well centered bore.

Reactions: 5

Mysnakegun

· #23 · 1 mo ago

One has to wonder how well it shoots. Of course we know you can't test driv'em.

Would it be possible to snap a more straight on shot at approximately the same distance for the sake of argument.

Reactions: 2

Rsanborn

· #24 · 1 mo ago

I would like to see a picture directly head on instead of a slight angle. It would be easier to estimate the amount of the off center condition. Without knowing what the factory tolerance is, hard to say if it was a QC error or design issue. It’s more of technical curiosity thing than anything else. But, much like the reaming rings shown in other Python barrels, it probably won’t negatively affect shooting performance. In this case it would seem you would need some distance from the muzzle to target before sight adjustment limits came in to play. Either way, it’s cosmetically unacceptable for a higher end factory gun.

Reactions: 2

shyler

· #25 · 1 mo ago

Rsanborn said:
I would like to see a picture directly head on instead of a slight angle. It would be easier to estimate the amount of the off center condition. Without knowing what the factory tolerance is, hard to say if it was a QC error or design issue. It’s more of technical curiosity thing than anything else. But, much like the reaming rings shown in other Python barrels, it probably won’t negatively affect shooting performance. In this case it would seem you would need some distance from the muzzle to target before sight adjustment limits came in to play. Either way, it’s cosmetically unacceptable for a higher end factory gun.

I, too, would feel better about seeing a shot of the muzzle dead on instead of angled. If the bore is indeed off-center in the blank, IMHO that's not acceptable QC in a $1500.00 revolver. It would seem to me, though, that if the bore was off-center in the blank it would also be off-center in relation to the chambers which would be easy to check with a proper range rod.

Reactions: 3

whig

· #26 · 1 mo ago

An off center coin struck at the mint is worth a premium as an error coin. Maybe you got lucky and have a more valuable Python!

Reactions: 1

SnidelyWhiplash

· #27 · 1 mo ago

There are some who collect factory mistakes. I guess it’s a small segment of collectors.

gtmtnbiker98

· #28 · 1 mo ago

just checked my 3" and it is fine. Some nitpick these things to death. Even checked my 4.25" and it is fine as well.

Todd

· #29 · 1 mo ago

Mysnakegun said:
My guess is your not going to buy a 3". Odd numbers just never pan out.

Yeah but two 3's is six and that's even.... the first one shoulda been prime, maybe by the 9th one it'll be square?

Reactions: 1

Todd

· #30 · 1 mo ago

Dogdoc1 said:
I might can take a pic at my local Shop. But I am not throwing bombs just stating what saw. I own 2 that are fine(4 and 6) as well as an old one. I take it no responders yet have noticed this on the 3 inch. Please go look at some and let me know. I hope it is just a bad batch as I want one.

That's good that you have direct, comparable experience on how they should look. I rather assumed, initially, that maybe your light was off or you were finding something you were already looking for.

It'll be interesting to see how far this goes for you as in; is it a run of 3" revolvers that got past scrutiny at Colt?
Good thing you caught them before spending. Was it so obvious as to jump right out at you or did it take a bit of scrutiny?

With your photo in post #19: Unfortunately, I'd have to see that at a dead-on-axis to concur.

Outboard-rob

· #31 · 1 mo ago

Todd said:
That's good that you have direct, comparable experience on how they should look. I rather assumed, initially, that maybe your light was off or you were finding something you were already looking for.

It'll be interesting to see how far this goes for you as in; is it a run of 3" revolvers that got past scrutiny at Colt?
Good thing you caught them before spending. Was it so obvious as to jump right out at you or did it take a bit of scrutiny?

With your photo in post #19: Unfortunately, I'd have to see that at a dead-on-axis to concur.

Outboard-rob

· #32 · 1 mo ago

2

Looked at two today at my LGS, both

Gas Machine Cameras & optics Engineering Optical instrument

Gadget Finger Automotive tire Cameras & optics Engineering

were drilled off center. My 6" and my 4.25" are perfect. The employee at the store was shocked.I will keep looking,on a $1500.00 dollar revolver that's a big no go for me.

Gas Machine Cameras & optics Engineering Optical instrument

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whig

· #33 · 1 mo ago

I doubt that this ever happened with an original Colt. Maybe the weight of the QR Code laser engraved on the right side of the new Colt Pythons threw off the bore drill. Love my Old Pythons!

Revolver Air gun Trigger Gun barrel Gun accessory

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Reactions: 2

gtmtnbiker98

· #34 · 1 mo ago

Outboard-rob said:
Looked at two today at my LGS, both View attachment 843049 View attachment 843050 were drilled off center. My 6" and my 4.25" are perfect. The employee at the store was shocked.I will keep looking,on a $1500.00 dollar revolver that's a big no go for me. View attachment 843049

Yep, the would drive me insane.

shyler

· #35 · 1 mo ago

Outboard, thanks for posting those photos. THAT is BAD! What's going on at Colt? I like the Python but not $1500 worth with that sort of QC.

35646

· #36 · 1 mo ago

SnidelyWhiplash said:
There are some who collect factory mistakes. I guess it’s a small segment of collectors.

These days, coming from Colt and Smith, they're pretty common

35646

· #37 · 1 mo ago

I guess that solves the "pics or it didn't happen" mystery.

Outboard-rob said:
Looked at two today at my LGS, both View attachment 843049 View attachment 843050 were drilled off center. My 6" and my 4.25" are perfect. The employee at the store was shocked.I will keep looking,on a $1500.00 dollar revolver that's a big no go for me. View attachment 843049

Reactions: 5

inspcalahan

· #38 · 1 mo ago

Dogdoc1 said:
I will continue my search for one with a well centered bore.

As will I, when I get around to hunting one down. Thanks for bringing this issue up, so I can add it to my "inspection" list. Honestly, I can't remember specifically looking for this on previous gun purchases, as it's not supposed to be "a thing". Accuracy be damned, with the technology and manufacturing abilities of today, this is unacceptable.

Reactions: 2

Eastwoodfan

· #39 · 1 mo ago

inspcalahan said:
As will I, when I get around to hunting one down. Thanks for bringing this issue up, so I can add it to my "inspection" list. Honestly, I can't remember specifically looking for this on previous gun purchases, as it's not supposed to be "a thing". Accuracy be damned, with the technology and manufacturing abilities of today, this is unacceptable.

Better check both ends, off center forcing cone would be very bad.

Reactions: 1

azshot

· #40 · 1 mo ago

Again, I just suspect it's a cosmetic thing that has no cause for alarm or rejection. There is a lot of metal around that bore, much more than is likely needed for the pressures, compared to many other .357 diameter revolver bores. In old times a bore was drilled in a barrel, say a long rifle, and then the outside was filed down AROUND the hole, to make it look even. Because there was enough metal around the bore, that is how things got "centered." Not saying Colt did this with their old revolvers, but they might have. And antique rifle makers commonly did this.
We're talking an offset at the crown of what, a 1/16th or 1/32nd? If you weren't looking for it, most would never have even noticed.

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