Replacing Python Mainspring

[whiteknight3633]

I have a newly acquired Colt Python and it is beginning to give light strikes (firing pin hitting primer...no BANG) while shooting double action. If I shoot it single action, it fires every time. One of the guys at my local shooting range took the grips off and said the spring was VERY weak but also admitted he was a S&W guy so he couldn't help with fixing it.

I looked at Colt's website and it appears you have to take off the side plate to take the mainspring out, however there also appears to be alot more stuff between the sideplate and the spring. Does all of that have to be removed or will I be able to work the spring out and put the new one back in without taking everything out from behind the sideplate?

[eisman]

I never saw a Python mainspring that didn't need to be fitted.

If you don't know how to take your pistol apart, DON'T!

[whiteknight3633]

eisman,

Thanks for the reply. I was afraid it would end up being something that was above my competancy level. Will have a gunsmith take a look at it.

According to proofhouse.com, it was manufactured in 1965. With that being said, any thoughts about sending it back to Colt to have them replace it as well as a give it good overall inspection and tune-up of things I can't see or don't know about?

WK

[eisman]

I have little faith in Colt's abilities to retain talent anymore. I've known a few of those who used to work there. The best Colt guy I know was Kevin McCoulloch, but I lost track of him after Pony Express (in Van Nuys) closed. You might try Les Pittman in Covina, CA. He's excellent.

[rmw66]

Is it hitting in the center of the primers when you are firing double action ? It may be it is not timed right . If it is the spring the existing one can probably be bent to solve the problem and after that if it takes a set again then you could replace the spring

[whiteknight3633]

rmw66,

Yes it is hitting dead center of the primer. FWIW, it doesn't matter if I use factory ammo or if I use reloads.

I think this little bit of info should also be added...my LGS had this as a rental gun for 3 years that I know of (the only revolver they had available to rent) so one can only imagine the neglect it has taken over the past few years.

[Blitzer]

My Colt Cobra did the same thing after a few years, many moons ago. Colt's custom shop is supposed to still be premo but I haven't heard of how their standard gunsmiths are.

[rmw66]

If it was a range gun you might also want to check the firing pin , the hole it is in the frame might just be full of crud and not allow it to protrude far enough .It also has a hammer blocking safety if something were broken or full of crud it could cause problems . If you are not comfortable with it get someone to pull off the side plate and take a look inside it might just need a good cleaning

[whiteknight3633]

Yep, this gun is just a range gun. A few years ago (before I got it), this gun was stolen from the local gun shop. As per the shop owner, they eventually recovered it but the thief used a grinder on the beautifully blued finish. I'm not sure who made the decision but someone has had it parkerized, so now it's dull and quite frankly looks nothing like what you would expect a Python to look like. Thus the reason for them turning it into a rental. However, it had a 2" barrel and nice trigger so I thought it would be nice to have.

Until yesterday, all of the shooting has been done using WWB .357 Mags but I ran a box (50) of WWB 38's thru it and had zero (0) misfires. Granted, the trigger pull is very easy but with it being a rental for a long time and having no trouble with the 38's I think a good cleaning is certainly in order. It's going to be a couple weeks before I can get back to the range but will see what happens then.

I really appreciate all of the replies and advice that has been given trying to help me out.

[VN350X10]

I've sent my Anaconda back to Colt for repair & was very pleased with both the turnaround time & the quality of workmanship from Colt. They even found a small problem that I didn't notice & repaired that.
There still are people that take pride in their work, & Colt has at least a few in their repair dept.
Given that your revolver is a Python, they'll probably take even greater pains to make it right, after all it IS their "signature" revolver.

uncle albert

[Glolt20-91]

Originally posted by VN350X10
I've sent my Anaconda back to Colt for repair & was very pleased with both the turnaround time & the quality of workmanship from Colt. They even found a small problem that I didn't notice & repaired that.
There still are people that take pride in their work, & Colt has at least a few in their repair dept.
Given that your revolver is a Python, they'll probably take even greater pains to make it right, after all it IS their "signature" revolver.

uncle albert

That's what I've heard too, I have a Trooper MkIII out of time that needs to go back; great balance, ergonomics and on demand accuracy. :)

Bob