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My Python's Sick...Need a "Dr's" Opinion

vepr762
I have a 1961 Python. I normally shoot it single action, but today I decided to do some DA shooting. It would not fire. The firing pin was hitting in the space between the primer and the case. The cylinder revolves clockwise and the the pin was hitting to the right side of the primer. I was able to fire all rounds single action without a problem.

What is happening? I have finally found a gunsmith, in Portland, I am comfortable with, but do I need to send this back to Colt?

Are my loads too hot for a revolver of this age? 125 gr hp-xtp's at about 1350fps.

Thanks in advance to all you "doc's." I'm really bummed about this.
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • TrooperAllen469
    Any time a revolver firing pin strikes off center, that is a sign of a timing problem. The pawl, (Called the hand by other manufacturers) is not turning the cylinder enough to lock up. This can be a serious issue, if the firing chamber is not in line with the barrel. People can get lead inside them that way. Please get it to a reputable gunsmith quickly.
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  • David Nunn
    Contact Colt. I believe they will repair it for free. You will be out the cost of shipping it there, and they will pay to return it to you. IF they will warranty a gun that old.

    They have repaired guns for me as described above, but they weren't as old as yours. Turnaround time is not fast.

    Not to say that a competent gunsmith couldn't put your gun in order, but it might be preferable to have it repaired by the folks who made it, especially if it can be done for little cost.

    SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com the best gun auction site on the Net! Email gpd035@sbcglobal.net
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  • TrooperAllen469
    I was taken completely unaware that Colt may honor a warranty claim that is 43years old. If that works, the only danger is in transit. I ship as little as possible, no matter how much you insure it, no amount of money will replace that particular revolver. $1200 will get you a new one from the custom shop, but there are few brand new 1961 revolvers floating around. I wish there were.
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  • David Nunn
    I guess you could hand deliver it.

    I know you will be apprehensive to entrust your gun to a carrier, but you can/must ship next day air, so it will be in the system for as little time as is necessary. That, and insure it for full value.

    But, contact Colt first and ask.

    SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com the best gun auction site on the Net! Email gpd035@sbcglobal.net
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  • vepr762
    Thank you for your help. It was shooting 2" groups from a rest, at 25 yds in SA, so I hope no serious damage has been done. What causes this to happen? Is it age, loads, etc or a combination?

    I am very hesitant to send it in the mail. This is a shooter not a collectable to me, but I still consider this an "old craftsman" built Python...irreplacable. I never understood the Python mystic until I actually shot it. It's kinda like the Harley commercial, "If you had to ask, you wouldn't understand."

    I'll probably call Colt anyways, but...
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  • JudgeColt
    It could be that the cylinder stop is sticky and cannot rise fast enough in double action to stop the cylinder at the right place. In single action with slow cocking, the problem might not show up. Perhaps you should examine the action of the stop before doing anything else.

    If it is not the cylinder stop, I suspect the hand/pawl is damaged. It would not be hard to replace it yourself. Brownells has them. I have replaced many a Colt hand over the years, since the hand is a high-wear area on the Colt action style found on the Python, and many old Colts are out of time, but I have yet to see one as bad as this one. I suspect damage rather than wear as the cause of this malfunction.

    An unlicensed person cannot send handguns through the U. S. Mail, but a licensed dealer can. The most secure way to send anything is with registered (not certified) mail. It is absolutely secure. The gem trade uses it all the time. A dealer could send the gun through registered mail. Arrange with Colt to return it the same way, and send the $15-$20 or so it would take to cover the stated value of a nice old Python.
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  • CHGOTHNDER
    The only way you can ship it is UPS or FEDEX NEXT DAY AIR and that can be shipped by an individual no FFL license needed. I have shipped to Colt and Springfield Armory and they have in turn shipped directly back to me the same way adult sig required.

    PJ

    editorialcolor.bmp
    If nobody seen you do it, how could you have done it. NRA Endowment Member, AF&AM
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  • vepr762
    I'm going to take it back to the shop I bought it from and let them send it in for me. I've been the proud owner of this fine handgun for only 4 months.
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  • vepr762
    It's going back to Colt. Their website says that any model pre 1991 is not covered under warranty. My gunsmith even said to send it back. He said old ones like mine (1961) were built like a "Swiss watch" and should be handled by the factory. I really appreciate his honesty over making a buck.
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  • mgx
    Colt should come 'on line' for this (as long as no one else has tampered with the gun). If normal wear and tear can produce a dangerous condition then it's a liability issue. No properly designed and maintained firearm should ever metamorphose into a grenade.
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