Colt Python cylinder play

**Jav** · 29-11-2009, 12:20

hello guys...and ladies if there are any.

i have recently gotten the license for my python 4 inch barrel,(8months) and according to many literatures out there, both local and US, its a very well fitted revolver.quoting some gun writer "the pyrthon's cylinder should have no play whatsoever, zilch, non. this is not my case. i didnt check it to that kinda detail when i bought the gun, the price and the sweet single action trigger pull had me from the word go.

since receiving the gun and having more time to play with and shoot, i discovered it does indeed have some play. seeing this is my first wheel gun, i do not have any comparison to make with. but even with my lack of experiece with revolvers, i can definitely detect play. The barrel's lands(or grooves) looks sharp, no flame cutting evidence on the top strap, and overall condition says this is not a gun thats been fired much. i currently use 158gr SWC infront of 15-15.5gr S265. i havent experimented much with other loads, this load lets me put 4 out of 6 shots in the heart area of a blesbuck target at 30m regularly. I am planning to go on my first handgun hunt next season, Target animals, springbok and blesbuck. there is a farm that caters for bow hunters and the owners has allowed me to come use one of the blinds to get close enough for one of these animals. i will defintiely prefer a braodside shot aiming behind the shoulders, and hopefully recover the bullet. I love mushroomed bullets of any shape and size.

so are there any Python owners out there that can shed some light on the cylinder play? i know this might be a bit much to ask as there are so many variables when it comes to topics like these, but any information from experienced revolver owners will be appreciated. maybe there are some internal parts that i can tighten or replace that will render the cylinder to behave like what the gun writer says, it must have no play whatsoever...zilch, non, nada.... ;D

**KK20** · 29-11-2009, 12:34

may i ask a few questions ( i am not a gunsmith , just an owner of a few revolvers incl a 6inch colt python)

does it have play on all six cylinders?
all even or one more so than others?
does it lock up tighter when cocked?
is there play side to side as well as front back?

**ikor** · 29-11-2009, 12:50

The Python uses the older Colt lockwork with their 'advancing hand' design. It will have some play when the trigger is at rest, but when the trigger is pulled and held to the rear it should be locked up like a bank vault. Try that and see if yours is not just fine.

**KK20** · 29-11-2009, 12:54

tight as a frogs ass

when at point of ignition

**ikor** · 29-11-2009, 13:00

That's pretty doggone tight! hpy194

**KK20** · 29-11-2009, 13:05

i have a smith K38 which is like a point road chic at 4 am

but when the action starts its all nipped tucked

**ikor** · 29-11-2009, 13:25

Where is this 'point road' you speak of? grn1

**KK20** · 29-11-2009, 13:27

dont worry you will get the tour..

**ikor** · 29-11-2009, 13:50

That was what I was afraid you were gonna say. ;D

**Jav** · 29-11-2009, 15:54

wow guys, thanx for the replies

my replies in order
KK20
-yes it feels like there is rotational play on all 6 cylinders
-feels like even on all 6
-doesnt feel tighter when locked
-mostly rotational play, slight side to side play, no foward/backward play at all.

Ikor
-even when the trigger is held about to just about breaking point, it does have rotational play