Hi everybody.
I have inherited a Colt Python .357, and I'm experiencing some issues. I took it to the range today, and when I would cock the hammer w/ my thumb and fired, everything was perfect. If I shot several shots in a row, the firing pin would sometimes hit high on the primer and not fire the round.
I ended up having to cock-fire the gun for the missed bullets.
Some would say the action may be too light?
What could be the problem, and is it a minor adjustment that I can do?
Plus, if anyone has a tear down diagram or how to, I'd love to know where I can download.
Jackal
.357 Colt Python 6"
.30 M1 Carbine (Inland)
7.65 Walther PP
.45 Colt 1911
sounds like its out of time. time to find a good gunsmith that specializes in pythons, or send it in to colt. the innards of the python are not for the do it your selfers, many a "so called" gunsmith has F'd up a pythons action.
sorry to hear the trials and errors that occur with a perscision item like a python. mine is a 1974 and has never been fired. it has a nickel job on it that looks like it was dipped yesterday. i am contemplating firing it soon but for now it is a virgin that looks as though it was never held. it came in a oak display case and has no box but a new manual came taped to the bottom of the case. good luck with yours guys
First clean it really well and lubricate it properly. Then shoot it again. If it has not been fired for a while, it may be clogged with solidified lubricant.
Timing/Mainspring-- I've seldom heard of a Python being shot loose or out of time, but please don't troubleshoot this yourself.
You can't get this pistol anymore, and it's alot like the K-22 of old. I'd recommend you take it to a qualified gunsmith and get it fixed. You'll regret it later if you don't.
I don't know if this has been resolved yet but......... I have regularly serviced Colt E, I and D frames for over 20 years and more than likely, this is an issue related to hammer impact. Usually timing problems are compensated for by the pulling of the trigger on these guns. The overall advice here is right on the money. Take it to a qualified 'smith. There are many that can work on a Ruger or a Smith & Wesson but destroy the Python. They are a beast all to themselves.
Actually, I think you have an ammo problem. Hard primers.
Back in the 90s, that was common with a lot of .357 and .38 ammo.
I had to tighten the hammer spring in my L frame more than once to make sure the hammer and pin whacked these stubborn primers hard enough.
Also, there was a special target variation of the Python available back in the 80s and early 90s that had a lighter than normal main spring that would only work with some brands of ammo that had light primers. Yours may be one of those. But its probably not a timing issue.
Its an issue of the hammer not hitting the primer hard enough to discharge the round.
