[capstan]

Standard test targets are always 5 shots. At least I have never seen any test targts from Colt with anything but 5.

Now apparently they also test them for the "verified proof" stamp with "heavy" loads How many and how heavy, no one here sees to know.

I would assume Brent knows this answer or can find it out. It certainly would be great to know.

My guess would be that IF they do test the gun with HEAVY loads OTHER than the light wadcutters used for the test target, it wouldn't be more than 6.

Therefore, if just tested for the VP stamp it could be anywhere from 1 to 6 shots. If tested for the VP AND test target shot, could be 6 to 11 shots.

Hopefully forum member Brent ,Colt supervisor, can verify this.

 

[capstan]

When Colt test fires a new Python at the factory, does it sometimes leave a slight mark on the cylinder? I have heard it both ways on this issue.
thanks.

I bought one verifiable "NIB Colt revolver that was "NIB". I bought it new directly from Colt. It had no sign of a turn line when I took it out of it's box. I have shot it with cowboys loads and some hotter loads. Maybe 3 boxes of shells. It still has No evidence of a turn line and looks no different than when I took it out of its box.

I have a couple other revolvers that came with their box and papers and they are pristine. They have no turn line and certainly Look NIB. But I did not buy them direct from Colt or from a trusted relative, or a very close friend, therefore I can't verify/know that they are "NIB". I have shot them also quite a few times AND they still LOOK NIB-no turn line.

A polished bolt head and smooth leads/grooves,may prevent a turn line for awhile as mentioned above. Sometimes you may see a line on the leads/grooves but not on the cylinder face,but with the pristine guns I have shot, not even the leads have a mark. Again, I think the bolt and grooves are very well polished.
I have had some where at least the mark on the grooves becomes evident fairly soon after shooting some. If the gun is in time, and you make sure that you close it so the bolt always ends up on a groove, then you can keep the marks off the cylinder face but not necessarily off the grooves.

 

[capstan]

There is a little bit with the hammer back and the bolt in the notch,but very little. With the trigger pulled AND held back,there is ZERO play.