The Colt Python story continues....

I should have mentioned that my first wife was born in The Old Sod. My father-in-law was quite a character. He often repeated to me in his charming brogue - after a few pints of Guinness - that America is full of people who think they are Irish.

BTW: The reason they dance the way they do - only moving their feet - is so you can dance without spilling the drink. It's a good skill to have. Even if you aren't Irish. Or think you are. :)


View: https://youtu.be/LB5NaLPVv6c
 
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Hvymax said:
Who's stupid idea was that? I know plenty of women who would tell you in detail and show pictures of how they stretch out their girlfriends. Pretty sure my reference wouldn't even rate a PG. So I suppose the hundreds are supposed to just suffer for the existence of one easily offended person. I suppose since men aren't allowed to be exclusive that our existence needs to be subverted for the lone sensitivity of the entitled snowflake. I try to keep things G-PG at the most. I'm about to start working up 4-7 different 9mm loads for micro pistols through several carbines. I actually build guns from 0%-80% and bought parts. I made a slightly risque comment about the practice of buying guns to let them languish unused. I'm pretty sure most wives would eventually be offended enough to get a divorce and move on to the next guy of her own volition. Unfortunately guns can't divorce neglectful owners.
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Nice try. I wasn't offended. It's about decency. Which is all but lost today. Just "because you can" doesn't mean you should. I can go pee on the sidewalk in SF without reprisal today. But I won't. Decency. It's a lost quality today...
 
Racer88 said:
LOL! No glass cases on the mantle for ANY of my guns. Not my style. I like shooters.


But you wouldn't. To the naked eye, it looks gorgeous to anyone who ogles it.


It's a "dream gun," (in the sense that I've wanted it for a long time) but it's also just another gun. I'm going to shoot it... a lot. I'm going to eventually bang it up. It's not going to be a safe queen.

I have thought it over and have a choice... I can agonize over it, as if it's supposed to be a museum showpiece... Or I can just enjoy it as a shooter, which has always been the plan. It's not an heirloom or collector piece. It wasn't cheap, but it also wasn't a $5k+++ piece.
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Go dirty that thing up!!! Have fun!
 
Let me tell you something, Mister...
Screenshot 2023-12-07 at 2.12.03 AM.png


One day at the range and that gun will have scuffs, scratches, and carbon all over the cylinder. Your experience was disappointing for sure. But if it shoots well now ... don't worry, be happy.

I had a bad experience with Kimber. Two brand new guns bought about four months apart. One they fixed after it went back to the mother ship. I could not understand how that first gun ever passed QA. The second, which was more expensive, went back twice and it still would not run reliably. That was a 10mm Camp Guard. It would persistently FTF/FTE. You could not shoot an entire mag successfully. I gave up after their third request to send it back. I traded it at a minor loss thru the dealer - who was reasonably sympathetic and felt bad about this whole situation.

Most pundits believe the Colt is on the mend under CZ . Kimber has been headed in the opposite direction for quite a while. I won't buy another Kimber unless it's pre-1998. Like Colt, Kimber has some irascible fanbois who take it personally if someone says the brand has gone down the shitter. I am not a n00b when it comes to 1911's. The guy who says, "I have three new Kimber's and they are all excellent" is usually a keyboard commando who goes to the range twice a year. Or is the type that falls in love with inanimate objects. Like the asshole who without being asked compulsively tells the person who just bought a new F150 that he would rather push a Chevy than drive a Ford. He loves Chevy and anyone who doesn't he brands as a fool.

Since your habit is mainly shooting vs. shining your guns with a diaper, I would keep it - if it runs well - but not buy another Colt. As @Alpa Chino mentioned, you paid a premium for the brand and should expect it to be flawless out of the box. Continuing with the car analogy, when you go to pick up a new, $100k Mercedes, everything about the car better be fucking flawless. And you are entitled to be a dick about it if it isn't. That is what you are paying for.

A Rock Island 357 revolver costs half the price of a Colt and will never, ever let you down. For a little more, Ruger is unbeatable in wheel gun reliability. They just don't have the same cachet as the Colt snakes. On the fancier end, S&W and a few others have plenty to offer. If you want something bonerific, sell the Colt and order a Korth. Each is hand assembled and fitted by one expert gunsmith. I like the Silver Mongoose best.
 
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Bongo Lewi said:
Let me tell you something, Mister...
View attachment 16130

One day at the range and that gun will have scuffs, scratches, and carbon all over the cylinder. Your experience was disappointing for sure. But if it shoots well now ... don't worry, be happy.

I had a bad experience with Kimber. Two brand new guns bought about four months apart. One they fixed after it went back to the mother ship. I could not understand how that first gun ever passed QA. The second, which was more expensive, went back twice and it still would not run reliably. That was a 10mm Camp Guard. It would persistently FTF/FTE. You could not shoot an entire mag successfully. I gave up after their third request to send it back. I traded it at a minor loss thru the dealer - who was reasonably sympathetic and felt bad about this whole situation.

Most pundits believe the Colt is on the mend under CZ . Kimber has been headed in the opposite direction for quite a while. I won't buy another Kimber unless it's pre-1998. Like Colt, Kimber has some irascible fanbois who take it personally if someone says the brand has gone down the shitter. I am not a n00b when it comes to 1911's. The guy who says, "I have three new Kimber's and they are all excellent" is usually a keyboard commando who goes to the range twice a year. Or is the type that falls in love with inanimate objects. Like the asshole who without being asked compulsively tells the person who just bought a new F150 that he would rather push a Chevy than drive a Ford. He loves Chevy and anyone who doesn't he brands as a fool.

Since your habit is mainly shooting vs. shining your guns with a diaper, I would keep it - if it runs well - but not buy another Colt. As @Alpa Chino mentioned, you paid a premium for the brand and should expect it to be flawless out of the box. Continuing with the car analogy, when you go to pick up a new, $100k Mercedes, everything about the car better be fucking flawless. And you are entitled to be a dick about it if it isn't. That is what you are paying for.

A Rock Island 357 revolver costs half the price of a Colt and will never, ever let you down. For a little more, Ruger is unbeatable in wheel gun reliability. They just don't have the same cachet as the Colt snakes. On the fancier end, S&W and a few others have plenty to offer. If you want something bonerific, sell the Colt and order a Korth. Each is hand assembled and fitted by one expert gunsmith. I like the Silver Mongoose best.
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To me it would be like finally getting a Cadillac because you have finally arrived at that point in your life and realize that they care less than the people making and selling Chevys about what they give you. It stinks when premier brands decide to coast on their name.
 
Racer88 said:
I just got an email from Colt with a link to a customer satisfaction survey.

And I let them have it! LOL! After several "agree.... strongly disagree" questions, there was a section for additional comments.

Here's what I wrote:

You asked... so here it comes...

I bought myself a 2020 Colt Python for my 60th birthday. Getting a Python has been my "dream gun" or "grail gun" for a long time.

In my excitement, I did not catch a factory blemish where the backstrap was bulged upwards by improper insertion of the rear sight roll pin. Then when I function tested by dry firing the gun (with snap caps), it malfunctioned. The trigger stuck back, and the cylinder spun freely in the closed position. So, I never fired it.

I called Colt and the customer service rep (very friendly and helpful) gave me an RMA# and shipping label to send it back. She told me that I would HEAR back (on the status) within two weeks of receiving the gun.

I honestly thought there was no way to "bend" that bulge back, and I'd be offered a replacement gun.
I never heard back from CS. After three weeks, I sent an email to inquire about the status of my warranty claim. I got NO RESPONSE. Then, I suddenly got a shipping notice, and it was apparent I was getting the original gun - repaired - back.

To my surprise, the bulge was eliminated quite well. BUT, there is abundant evidence of refinishing all around that area. I can see a difference in the surface polish. The refinished areas look more "brushed" or scratched than the rest of the gun's frame. There is also a new area on the backstrap, behind the pin, that is marred.

Furthermore, on the left side, the rear sight pin hole is now boogered up. It looks like the wrong size or wrong type of punch was used... or the right tool and the wrong HANDS.

The good news is that I function tested and live fire tested the gun with no mechanical issues. It's a very nice shooting gun. Accurate, too! And that has been my intended purpose for the gun... as a shooter.

But I did pay $1500 for this gun as NEW.

I made two mistakes. First, I bought into the Colt mystique and reputation. If it was ever true... it ain't true no more!

Secondly, in my excitement, I did not adequately or thoroughly inspect the gun at the time of purchase. Furthermore, I've NEVER had ANY problem with ANY gun I've purchased in the past... and I've bought "a few." So, I wrongly assumed that - especially with COLT - it would be perfect.

I hope to enjoy the gun just as a fun range shooter. I am fairly confident it will prove to be just that. But my impression of Colt has been severely tarnished. I got a blemished gun, and the warranty service sent back a differently and additionally blemished gun. I won't send it back again.

I would NOT recommend Colt to my fellow enthusiasts. And I will not likely buy more Colt guns. And believe me... I would have! Especially if you come out with a blued version of the Python. But there are other Colts, including the SAA revolver, that I already had my eyes on. Not any more.

I am a VERY active (and well-known) participant on multiple online gun forums. I am also the owner of a quickly growing gun forum. I have already shared my experience and will continue to do so.

As many of our parents would say... I'm not mad. I'm just disappointed.
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There he is. That one will definitely leave a mark! Well done brother.
 
Well, this turd keeps on delivering material for me to post about. Today at the range, I emptied the spent brass from the cylinder and noticed something else fell on the bench.

1702148404739.jpeg


Lucky it fell out when it did and I noticed it.

So, obviously Colt is clueless on which adhesive to use for the Colt medallion. It popped off with less than 120 rounds through it. Colt should be fucking embarrassed that they're putting out this crap.
 
I don't want to add insult to injury... but I hate medallion grips. The coins always look cheap.

The majority of custom grips for the Colts have a cheap-ass medallion. However, Hogue has some really nice grips for Colt revolvers. Check them out. I like the Kingwood with the stripe cap. Especially if it's mainly a range gun. Looks great, but also functional. They probably have this of your gun. Check it out.

I also like the Big Butt - for a range gun. King Cobra/Anaconda Pau Ferro No Finger Groove, Big Butt
 
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Bongo Lewi said:
I don't want to add insult to injury... but I hate medallion grips. The coins always look cheap.

The majority of custom grips for the Colts have a cheap-ass medallion. However, Hogue has some really nice grips for Colt revolvers. Check them out. I like the Kingwood with the stripe cap. Especially if it's mainly a range gun. Looks great, but also functional. They probably have this of your gun. Check it out.

I also like the Big Butt - for a range gun. King Cobra/Anaconda Pau Ferro No Finger Groove, Big Butt
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Ironically, I paid extra for this "special" TALO Edition, the grips being the star player, along with a brass bead front sight. I don't care about the medallion one way or another esthetically. I know it's a traditional thing for Colts, apparently. But I do like the "snake scale" grips with this TALO edition.

I'll glue it back. Not sure what is best to use for adhesive, though. Colt used clear RTV silicone. Obviously I won't use that again.

I'll keep shooting this piece of shit, because it is fun to shoot.
1702152381410.jpeg


And I'm sure it will continue to provide me with more material to use to ridicule Colt publicly, as they truly deserve.
 
I got some better photos of the "refinished to factory spec" job by Colt when they fixed the bulge. Shiny surfaces are hard to photograph, but I got'em.

Python-refinishing-1.jpg
Python-refinishing-2.jpg
Python-refinishing-3-pin-hole.jpg


I finish and polish my P80 builds better than Colt finishes their own guns. Not "FTQ!"
 
That's not acceptable for a new firearm sold as new. Had it been advertised as a blem, sure. What a screw job!
 
brian said:
That's not acceptable for a new firearm sold as new. Had it been advertised as a blem, sure. What a screw job!
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That's how they returned it from fixing the bulge. The scratches weren't there before. That's their "polishing" job. It looks like they polished it with a brillo pad.
 
I'd send those pics to Colt. Upon closer inspection, I'd be really pissed off if that were my gun. I see the roll pin is buggered. Not just the hole. Some dipshit who is not a gunsmith worked on that.

Do what I do. Start at the top and work your way down. Not the other way around.

Colt President: Dennis Veilleux. Try dveilleux@colt.com or dennisv@colt.com . Worst that can happen is the email bounces. If that fails, try messaging him on LinkedIn. Or a PM on Twitter (X).

You don't need to write a book. Attach the photos and simply state what happened in as few words or less. Execs only read the first two sentences in email. It's important to get to the point right away. Let the photos speak for themselves.

When I can't find a way to get a response in email, I call and ask to speak to the CEO/president. It their admin doesn't put the call thru. I go to the next on the list. All the VPs, COO, CFO, etc. One of them will take your call or respond to email. Maybe you get voice mail. It's a start.

If they ignore you, send email to the editor in chief of Guns and Ammo, American Rifleman (NRA). Include the pics.

I have used this Karen on Steroids approach numerous times. I have gotten thru and spoken to senior execs at Comcast, Century Link, Kubota USA, and Kroger. You might want to mention your former status as an officer and a gentleman. It matters that they don't see you as an irrational crank. The scorched Earth approach doesn't work with executives. Or anybody else for that matter.

Executives hate getting these calls. The good ones want to hear from customers. The blame usually rests with some middle management fuckhead. The grunts usually get blamed but the reality is they do what they are told by some idiot supervisor trying to save a nickel in his or her budget.

If electronic means and calling fail, print out the photos and send them with short cover letter to the President of Colt via FedEx.
 
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Bongo Lewi said:
I'd send those pics to Colt. Upon closer inspection, I'd be really pissed off if that were my gun. I see the roll pin is buggered. Not just the hole. Some dipshit who is not a gunsmith worked on that.

Do what I do. Start at the top and work your way down. Not the other way around.

Colt President: Dennis Veilleux. Try dveilleux@colt.com or dennisv@colt.com . Worst that can happen is the email bounces. If that fails, try messaging him on LinkedIn. Or a PM on Twitter (X).

You don't need to write a book. Attach the photos and simply state what happened in as few words or less. Execs only read the first two sentences in email. It's important to get to the point right away. Let the photos speak for themselves.

When I can't find a way to get a response in email, I call and ask to speak to the CEO/president. It their admin doesn't put the call thru. I go to the next on the list. All the VPs, COO, CFO, etc. One of them will take your call or respond to email. Maybe you get voice mail. It's a start.

If they ignore you, send email to the editor in chief of Guns and Ammo, American Rifleman (NRA). Include the pics.

I have used this Karen on Steroids approach numerous times. I have gotten thru and spoken to senior execs at Comcast, Century Link, Kubota USA, and Kroger. You might want to mention your former status as an officer and a gentleman. It matters that they don't see you as an irrational crank. The scorched Earth approach doesn't work with executives. Or anybody else for that matter.

Executives hate getting these calls. The good ones want to hear from customers. The blame usually rests with some middle management fuckhead. The grunts usually get blamed but the reality is they do what they are told by some idiot supervisor trying to save a nickel in his or her budget.

If electronic means and calling fail, print out the photos and send them with short cover letter to the President of Colt via FedEx.
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I am pretty forgiving on customer service issues. IMHO this is a subpar product and with good $ spent to get it, so yeah, bring out the big guns (no pun intended) to protest what was received.
 
I already sent the photos back to the CS rep that sent me the RMA# at the beginning.

We'll see if they respond by next week. I'm not holding my breath.

If I had the actual email for the CEO, I'd try it. But I'm not going to try randomly made-up email addresses. Their website doesn't even have an email. I just happen to have the email of the CS rep because she emailed me first.

If they don't respond, I will publish a "review" on the blog section here and leverage the already good SEO to make sure it gets indexed very well in the Google search engine. That is how I do "Karen on steroids."
 
Bongo Lewi said:
I see the roll pin is buggered. Not just the hole. Some dipshit who is not a gunsmith worked on that.
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I'm afraid to even try to install the Wilson Combat Sight, which is still sealed in the plastic clamshell package.
 

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