[tim_park_97]

Bought a new python couple days ago and just noticed there's a very tiny hairline (about 1/6 inch) on the top of its inner frame right behind the cylinder, running from its outer edge to inner edge. Can confirm it's not the seam cuz the shape is quite irregular. Only noticeable under direct light from a specific angle. Initially I thought it was some fiber dust from my clothes but come to realize it's something carved on the metal as I can feel the unevenness with my nail. Couldn't tell whether it's a concave or convex crack. How much trouble am I in with this revolver? Been shooting it fine with 100 rounds so far.

 

[Flashbang]

Picture is not clear, but if that is a fracture it's a really bad place for it.

Could be just a surface mill/tool mark.

If it's a fracture/crack I would box it up and give Colt a ring.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

[tim_park_97]

re-uploaded the picture.

 

[Cobra1957]

If it were mine I would send it to Colt.

 

[weagle99]

Bought a new python couple days ago and just noticed there's a very tiny hairline (about 1/6 inch) on the top of its rear plate, running from its outer edge to inner edge. Only noticeable under direct light from a specific angle. Initially I thought it was some fiber dust from my clothes but come to realize it's something carved on the metal as I can feel the unevenness with my nail. Couldn't tell whether it's a concave or convex crack. How much trouble am I in with this revolver? Been shooting it fine with 100 rounds so far.

View attachment 770983

Look at it under magnification before calling Colt.

 

[Archer1440]

I would be looking at the right side of the frame for confirmation. Photo isn’t clear enough to tell much (not your fault, the forum software significantly degrades photos for posts).

 

[dandak]

The photo also makes it look like it may continue up into the hole drilled for the sight screw, or is that just a reflection? Put a magnifier on it.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Call Colt and get a RMA to return it. They will do tests (Magnetic Particle Inspection or something similar) that will determine whether it's merely a scratch or goes all the way through. If it's all the way through they need to know and find out whether it's a one-time problem or endemic through a run of frames from the vendor supplying the forgings. If it's simply a scratch or machine mark it can probably be polished out.

It's potentially a safety issue...Colt needs to know.

 

[tim_park_97]

sry for the blurred image folks. I re-uploaded it and circled the hairline in red. To be more correct, the hairline is at the inner frame just behind the cylinder. I also sent the pic to colt for them to assess the issue.

 

[whig]

Another new Colt Python problem. This one could cause a catastrophic failure of the metal in a high stress area behind the head of the bullet (cartridge) exploding.

Here's an idea...shoot a few hundred high power magnum loads and see if the crack gets worse! Don't worry about injury. Colt can pay for any damage or injury you might experience. Heck, the new Pythons are better in all ways than the old ones.

Or you can send it back to Colt, like many other new Pythons, and wait for them to check it out and return it to you.

Or, you can get a refund for a damaged product and spend a few hundred more and get an old Python and not worry about MIM parts.

Or, sell it or return it and buy a (gasp!) S&W, whatever model, and not deal with Colts anymore.

Good luck deciding which course of action. Love my old Pythons!

 

[azshot]

Make sure it's not a scratch from a sharp tool or bit of machining filings. A tiny bit of FOD when they closed the cylinder that scratched that area? Any corresponding scratches on the back of the cylinder?

 

[weagle99]

Did you ever look at it under magnification to verify that it is a crack?

 

[MarkInTx]

I have looked at the picture(s) a few times. I agree with others that recommend closer examination under magnification before jumping too far. I originally thought the "line" you were referring to was the dark line between the recoil shield and the rear sight screw hole. Like dandak said...look at that one very closely also.
It will be interesting to hear what Colt says after viewing your pictures.

 

[porsche]

I think it looks like a scratch.

 

[BusaDave]

Looks like a scratch to me. Need to use the magnifier app on your phone to examine Very Closely....

 

[SHOOTER13]

Welcome to the COLT Forum from the Cradle Of Liberty...Pennsylvania !!

Enjoy Our Community Sir

 

[weagle99]

behind the head of the bullet exploding.

Huh?

 

[Olle]

I wouldn't be too worried, if it really is a crack you should also see some of it propagating on the outside of the frame. Hopefully, it's just a scratch.

You can do your own makeshift crack detection with WD-40 and talcum powder. Put some WD-40 on the spot you want to check, leave it on for a minute or two and wipe it off with a dry rag. Sprinkle talcum powder over the area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. If there's a crack, you'll see the WD-40 wicking up into the talcum powder and making it darker. There's special test kits with dye that makes it easier to see, but the WD-40/talcum method is a good start.

 

[HenryT888]

Here's an idea...shoot a few hundred high power magnum loads and see if the crack gets worse! Don't worry about injury. Colt can pay for any damage or injury you might experience

You are not serious are you ? How in the world Colt will pay for damages if the gun blows up with shrapnels turning your brain into custard ?

 

[whig]

"you are not serious are you?"