The Colt Python story continues....

[Racer88]

Figured I'd start a new non-birthday thread.

I just dropped the Python off at FedEx, sending it back to Colt.

After being disappointed by the frame damage but ALMOST willing to overlook... then a major malfunction while dry-firing on the day I planned to go to the range for first shots. I was very excited about the first shots christening. It wasn't to be.

This was the letter I enclosed with the gun, "Attn Colt Gunsmith" as advised by Colt.

When I inspected my brand-new Colt Python at the store, it appeared to be perfect. When I brought it home, I happened to notice there was a small bulge in the frame on the left side right above the rear sight pin hole. It should be obvious, but photo enclosed. It appears that the assembler either misaligned the pin punch or used the wrong size punch. I was disappointed to see this, but initially thought I could overlook this blemish. The elevation screw was also “boogered up” a bit.

I planned to go to the range for first shots with my new Python after work today. Of course, this piece of ballistic sex just beckons to be fondled and dry fired. I use high quality dummy rounds for dry fire.

Earlier today, as I was dry firing, the trigger didn't reset upon release of my finger. It was stuck in the rearward position. And the cylinder spins freely in the CLOSED position.

Again… When I dry fired it in double action ONCE, the trigger would stick back (with my finger not touching it) and then a moment later pop back forward into the reset position. It wouldn't immediately spring forward like it normally does. The delayed (a few seconds) reset would happen with the gun literally on the counter and me not touching it.

During this malfunction, the closed cylinder just spins freely. The "hand" isn't coming up and engaging the cylinder in the slot.

It did the same thing with the snap caps removed.

This malfunction continued when I repeated the procedure, as I tried to figure out what was going on.

Then I pulled the trigger multiple times in double action, and it suddenly seemed to have fixed itself.

I've since dry fired a bunch of times and cannot duplicate the malfunction. But it definitely happened exactly as described above. Very strange. Though, later the same evening, I was showing the gun to my wife, and when I closed the cylinder, it spun at least 360 degrees before the hand engaged to stop / lock the cylinder. Something is wrong.

In any case, once the strange malfunction happened, I lost faith. Needless to say, I did not go to the range for the “first shots” – something I was really looking forward to. I will admit to being quite disappointed by both flaws encountered, and I’m no longer willing to overlook the frame damage from the factory. I can’t imagine that the frame is repairable and would have to be replaced. I hope you can help me rekindle the love affair with the Colt Python. This is (was) my “dream gun” and a gift to myself for my 60th birthday. I’ve waited for years to get it. It’s been a huge letdown.

Thanks!

And now, I wait... as the "shine" of owning a Colt Python gets duller and duller. Hopefully, the shine and my faith will be restored. But we're off to a very bad start, considering Colt is supposed to be the "best" and the "pinnacle" of American revolvers. I've bought many guns over many years. I've never had a problem with ANY of them. This was the most expensive handgun I've ever bought. Years in the making. And here we are.

Stand by for updates.

 

[BeerHunter]

Understandable and I'm very sympathetic because I know how much you've been looking forward to this Python. It may take longer than hoped, but I believe Colt will make it right in the end! I own three Colt firearms, but none of them new; a 1908 made in 1918, a 1968 manufactured Detective Special .38, and a 2018 manufacture 1911 from Colt Custom Shop engraved as a Squadron Commemorative gun. I enjoy all of them and cannot imagine the disappointment you must be feeling at the moment. I hope you're made whole again by Colt!

 

[Caleb]

Oh wow! That’s definitely not acceptable at all. Glad you found the malfunctions before you put a live round in it as it could have been a very bad day. I’m sure Colt will make it right and get that fire lit again. Sorry to hear about this as I know you have been wanting one of these for a long time.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

Was that a new gun? I assume it is. Where did you buy it? The dealer may have f-ed this gun up. The pinhole buggered.. OK. Maybe factory. But the buggered red sight screw? Something happened there.

CZ has improved Colt quite a bit on the manufacturing side. But I wonder if this Python is an artifact of an earlier time.

My gut tells me somebody, somewhere in the supply chain put their hands on the gun after assembly and before it came to you.

 

[Racer88]

Was that a new gun? I assume it is. Where did you buy it? The dealer may have f-ed this gun up. The pinhole buggered.. OK. Maybe factory. But the buggered red sight screw? Something happened there.

CZ has improved Colt quite a bit on the manufacturing side. But I wonder if this Python is an artifact of an earlier time.

My gut tells me somebody, somewhere in the supply chain put their hands on the gun after assembly and before it came to you.

Brand new. In a plastic bag (inside the blue Colt case). Coated with oil. It still had the QR code sticker affixed to the trigger guard. Seen here (bottom) after I removed it:

Bought through my local instructor (and FFL) who has an online store that is connected to a national and well-known distributor (I won't say who).

The new CZ owned Colt is still having issues apparently. Big ones. I've lost a LOT of faith in Colt. Hopefully, they will make good. But I have serious doubts at this point.

If they return the same gun "repaired," I will likely not ever fire it and sell it. I won't be able to trust it (to not literally blow up in my face). Then I'll buy a S&W 686. I hope that's not the case. I hope they send me a completely new gun that is a perfect specimen. For this price point, it should be.

This was not a used gun. I know folks don't want to believe that Colt is fucking things up. But they absolutely are. And I'm not the only one. This is NOT an anomaly... do a search.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

Might be interesting to look up the S/N to know when it was manufactured. Like how long the distributor had it.

Bummer that this was your first experience with Colt. My most recent Colt 1911 was flawless. Your Python should have been too.

I figure they will swap the whole gun or just the frame. It would be expensive to fix that bulge. But even if they do, I'm sure it will be OK after. That gun is very stout. It's not going to blow up. But I don't blame you for being pissed. I had the same frustration with Kimber. Sent the same brand new f#$%^&ing gun back twice, and it still wasn't right. They asked me to send it back again. Screw that. It got sold. I made a deal with the shop who sold it to me. They were sympathetic.

 

[Racer88]

It's not going to blow up.

If I had not dry fired it before going to the range and not discovered the cylinder "free-wheeling" out of time, it sure as hell could have caused a nasty ka-boom in my face. Yep. Even I know that much about revolvers.

 

[Racer88]

Might be interesting to look up the S/N to know when it was manufactured. Like how long the distributor had it.

No way to do that. The SN lookup on Colt's website comes up empty.

Apparently, if you scan the QR code on the trigger guard tag, it will give you the build date. Unfortunately, I sent that tag back with the gun, and I blurred it in my photo of the tag (seen in previous comment). So, I've got no idea.

In the end, it doesn't matter. Don't care. Don't want THAT gun anymore. I am regretting buying it.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

I've seen the timing on a wheelgun get screwed up when people 'flick' the cylinder back (sometimes called Bogart-style) into the frame. It happens with display guns in gun shops. Jerking the trigger hard and fast in double action or yanking hard on the hammer in single action can also mess up any revolver. Same thing. Display gun. I generally won't buy a display gun of any type for that reason. I ask if they have a virgin in the stock room. If they don't, I walk.

Sorry this whole mess happened to you. Especially since this is a gun you lusted after for a while. I'm gonna stick with my theory that the gun was mishandled.

 

[Racer88]

I'm gonna stick with my theory that the gun was mishandled.

Yes. It was mishandled at the factory. No shit. It is not a used gun. Some guys at the Colt forum insisted that was it, too. Nope. I know Colt fans don't want to believe it's possible at the factory. The person assembling the rear sight on the gun bungled the punch. Simple as that. Why would anyone down the timeline mess with the rear sight pin unless he was changing the sight - which I planned to do (Wilson Combat sight is literally on the table in front of me).

With 100% certainty, this happened at the factory. This gun was brand-spanking-new in the box, untouched. The rest of the gun is immaculate. Gorgeous. Not even a tiny mark or sign of handling anywhere else. Still had a film of oil over the entire frame, and the trigger guard QR code tag was intact.

Furthermore, this is NOT an anomaly, if you search around the interwebz. Many many similar stories of problems with the new Python.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

I believe it was Col. Mustard and he used the pipe wrench!

Assuming the factory did this, I'd put money on the QA guy, not an assembler. It's not unusual that QA people 'fix' things that were not done quite right in assembly. The chance of an assembler using the wrong sized punch is pretty low. A QA guy ... a bubbasmith in training... seems more likely.

 

[Racer88]

We'll see how long it takes for them to make a decision and whether they'll make it right.

The rep on the phone said a couple of weeks. I think that's very optimistic.

What's the "over-under?" 1 month? 2 months? 6 months?

 

[Bongo Lewi]

I remember very clearly how pissed off I was with Kimber. Anybody can make a bad gun, but in my case, they failed to make it right. Twice! Then asked me to send it back a third time. That was almost two years ago. I still have a stick in my ass that will never be removed.

 

[bkbrno]

The pawl locking the cylinder in place for firing thing is the problem I have with my Trooper .22. The Trooper, Diamond Back and Python are in the same family with the Trooper being at the lower end of fit and finish.

This makes me wonder if this isn't a long standing glitch with this frame series. It worked great when it worked, then it didn't. If they provide any kind of analysis, I'd be interested to hear what they fixed.

My Dad bought a nickle plated Python in the mid 80's. It was new and unfired. He proudly showed it off to us, his 4 angelic sons. This new pistol was his pride and joy. He saved his pennies for years to get it. He sternly announced to us that we were never to touch it, were only allowed to admire it from no closer than 3 feet away and NEVER shoot it. Fresh in his mind was his new Ruger Redhawk experience. This pistol previously held the title of never to be fired pride and joy. Well, he shouldn't have bought a box of ammo to go with it if he didn't want it to be fired. Unfortunately for him, his 4 sons thought that every gun should be at least test fired. One day, we all happen to be together. He comes out of his room mad as a hornet. WHO SHOT MY PYTHON? One of you shit heads shot my Python!!! Who did it? We all looked at each other and denied any knowledge of this alleged crime. He went to his grave thinking we did it. None of us have any knowledge of said firing. It must have been one of my sisters. No way the 4 boys could keep a secret like that for 40 years and we all deny it to this day.

The Python is one sexy pistol. When it gets sorted, you will be happy. I have to say, the S&W is a better pistol if your goal is a shooter. It is more robust and less failure prone. The Colt has a special charm that S&W can't touch. If you want to shoot a .357 a lot, get the Smith. If you want a functional show piece, sort out the Colt.

 

[Racer88]

I remember very clearly how pissed off I was with Kimber. Anybody can make a bad gun, but in my case, they failed to make it right. Twice! Then asked me to send it back a third time. That was almost two years ago. I still have a stick in my ass that will never be removed.

I wouldn't say I'm pissed off. I'm really not. I'm let down. I lusted for this gun for a LONG time. This was a "grail" gun for me. A dream gun. And I got it for a milestone birthday. It was a big deal. Very special. And I was very excited about going to the range for my first shots.

And then...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LukyMYp2noo

 

[Racer88]

The Python is one sexy pistol. When it gets sorted, you will be happy. I have to say, the S&W is a better pistol if your goal is a shooter. It is more robust and less failure prone. The Colt has a special charm that S&W can't touch. If you want to shoot a .357 a lot, get the Smith. If you want a functional show piece, sort out the Colt.

I have no interest in a showpiece. I shoot my guns. Even the pretty ones.

Supposedly, the new Python IS a shooter. It is considerably more robustly built than the original Python. The internal mechanism is also more robust and uses 9 fewer parts than the original. Simpler = better / more reliable.

So, I wanted this gun because it's pretty AND it's a shooter.

But QC seems to be a problem with Python. It's hit or miss. And they apparently miss a lot.

My dad is a lot like your dad. He has nice things that he refuses to use. He just likes having them and looking at them. He has some nice guns he acquired in the 1960s that have never been fired... including a Winchester .308 lever-action rifle. I don't know the model. He's also got an unfired Marlin lever action from the 60s. It's possible I may inherit them. I will shoot them, of course.

 

[bkbrno]

I have no interest in a showpiece. I shoot my guns. Even the pretty ones.

I have a new in wrapper Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk. 2. It came in it's original wrapper and coated in cosmoline. It was said that all collector value would be gone if I so much as dipped my finger in the cosmoline. I unwrapped it, stripped it down to pieces and removed every bit of the cosmoline. Then I got some good, non corrosive ammo and proceeded to shoot it. I figured it was test fired at the factory including a proof round. It wasn't really unfired strictly speaking. After shooting my worn to crap Enfields, it was pure bliss to fire a factory new Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk. 2.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

I have a new in wrapper Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk. 2. It came in it's original wrapper and coated in cosmoline. It was said that all collector value would be gone if I so much as dipped my finger in the cosmoline. I unwrapped it, stripped it down to pieces and removed every bit of the cosmoline. Then I got some good, non corrosive ammo and proceeded to shoot it. I figured it was test fired at the factory including a proof round. It wasn't really unfired strictly speaking. After shooting my worn to crap Enfields, it was pure bliss to fire a factory new Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk. 2.

I'm with you 100%

I have also received the same lecture. Anybody that collects guns as an investment has rocks in their head. I can make ten times the money in the stock market without being a Wall Street insider. I collect guns because I enjoy looking at them and shooting them. The gun in your safe you never look at is a big waste of money. Guns sometimes appreciate, but like antiques price changes wildly over time. Some collectibles are hot and command high prices. A year or two later, they lose popularity and the price tanks.

Now, I just smile and thank the Beanie Baby and action figure collector types for their advice. Then I go shoot my guns and lovingly clean them.

 

[Alpa Chino]

I’d expect a new gun from Colt and I’d tell them as much also.

 

[Alex]

A friend is more of a collector than a shooter. He bought 3 flavors of the new Colts. I shot all of them with him and was not impressed. My polymer framed LCR has a better trigger.

I'm sorry that the Python was not what you expected but I am glad you are thinking 686 instead. For Python money you could get a really nice hot rodded S&W revolver... like this:

S&W 686 Plus Pro Series .38/.357 Revolver for Sale

Customize your S&W 686 Plus Pro Series revolver here at TK Custom. This .38/.357 revolver can even be converted to shoot 9mm and other customizations!

tkcustom.com

I bought 3 revolvers from Eli at TK Custom. I only have 2 as one had a manufacturing defect and he gladly exchanged it for another. I would not bother with any S&W Performance Center revolvers as he can bulld a standard model much nicer than Smith does these days.

Here's one of mine, with a complete trigger job and cut for moon clips. It is one of my competition guns, maybe even my favorite.

There is something very satisfying about being able to shoot a revolver well. I would not say I am great but I am getting better. Moon clips are a game changer. S&W has deep aftermarket support that the Colts don't at this point in time. I really doubt anyone will use the Colt as a competition gun just because of the cylinder release being a pull rather than a push but I could be wrong.
I hope things work out for you becoming a revolver guy!