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!
310Pilot
I am impressed
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
I purchased a 4" Python from GunBroker at the beginning of April. When it arrived, it sure looked as advertised, NIB, but within a few days it was misfiring at least once every six shots, so I sent it into Colt for a repair and Colt Tuning. The repair took about a month, and I am still waiting to get it back with the "Tune Job". I think their work load does vary. I can't wait to get it back, becausein my frustration I keep buying more revolvers, pistols and shotguns to keep myself entertained.
It is getting expensive!
It is getting expensive!
They have tuned many revolvers for me, Pythons, Diamonbacks, a couple Detective Specials, SAAs, even a New Service. If you like to shoot yours, this is really money well spent. I used to think why would I spend money on that, it shoots and feels fine.........they you try one that has had the magic done to it, and you say, "OK, I get it now"
Distance
Hey 310Pilot, Just curious, approx. how much height adjustment would I need @ 100 yards. I woulk like to give this a try. I have always kept most of my revolver shooting at 25-50 yards. I break the rifle out at 100. Good shooting. Have you ever pondered getting on Top Shot? God Bless.......pastorjeffp
Hey 310Pilot, Just curious, approx. how much height adjustment would I need @ 100 yards. I woulk like to give this a try. I have always kept most of my revolver shooting at 25-50 yards. I break the rifle out at 100. Good shooting. Have you ever pondered getting on Top Shot? God Bless.......pastorjeffp
Those wouldn't have happened to have been Texas soup cans, would they? What the rest of us call oil barrels?
Seriously good shooting, 310 pilot
Seriously good shooting, 310 pilot
This was the perfect thread for me. I obtained a Colt Python 4" in trade with a friend this past weekend. It is my first Colt and my first .357. It has a timing problem which was explained to me at the trade. I played with the idea of taking it to a local gunsmith I know and like, but instead called Colt yesterday. Their customer service was so decent and professional I had no problem making the decision to send the gun to them. The sent me an airbill covering the cost of shipping the gun to them via FEDEX. I boxed it and sent it yesterday afternoon. I told them in an enclosed note to do the full tune up which is still $190 plus the cost of return shipping. Given the value of this gun, that seems a very small price to pay, particularly if they return it in the condition described in the first post of this thread.
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