Hello folks,

I was inspired to write this after reading the post by the PythonHunter on the hunting page here. Started this thread so as not to take anything away from his achievement but to ask a question about Pythons. A gun that is near and dear(no pun) to me. I have had one for many years and more than a few dear have been bitten by it. My only Mountain Lyon fell prey to it as well. After many years of service I sent it back to Colt for an overhaul. They replaced the mainspring and hand plus some other spring and small parts. The ratchet was checked and everything else was within factory specs. Being a pleasant pest I was in communication with the customer service dept asking questions as my gun was being serviced. The lady I talked to advised me to stop using full power 357 loads and stick with 38 Special loads. She said that the supply of parts had dwindled and will not be replaced in the future. Hence I have laid off hunting much with it. Am I worried over nothing? Is there another source for parts if needed?

Seriously? Not something you are likely to hear from Ruger ;-)

That SUCKS!!

Listen to the lady. A couple dozen rounds a year won't hurt though.

wow, buy a ruger and shoot the snot out of it. I like the looks of the colts as well as the next guy but I buy a pistol to shoot.

I am not sure worried is the correct term. You just have to accept that the python is like and old sports car. yes, parts at some point will be all but gone in the sense that you can pick them up or service anywhere and everywhere. The python will also be plagued by the fact that it is not just parts, but finding someone who can fit those parts correctly. So, yes she is correct.

I just picked up a new old truck for which body parts are really hard to find, and expensive. Do I drive it, yes. Do I enjoy it, yes. Do I drive it like I stole it, not very often, but I do enjoy it when I do.

I too only buy guns to shoot. But this does not mean that I have to redline every gun, every time. Pride of ownership, sentimental attachment and even cost of ownership and repair are all part of the equation for me as to use. Only you will be able to answer your use question.

As to parts and repair, pop on over to the Colt forum, and you should be able to get a list of recommended repair places. Give them a call. Ask them these questions. There were a lot of pythons produced. They are astronomical in value. I would be willing to bet there will always be someone, somewhere who can perform service, if you are willing to pay the price and time.

Craig

Craig,

That pretty much sums up the conclusion I have come to accept. The lady at Colt cautioned me to use 158 grain bullets whether .357 or 38 Special to extend the life of the gun. Pythons are a beautiful work of art. The Colt forum is a great idea.

Don

I'll wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment. I was under the impression that they were more robust than that though.

l just love Colt revolvers and recently picked a 1930 vintage Colt Police Positive in 32 Colt NP.. Guess what the future holds for this little Colt...l am gonna SHOOT IT

S4,

Colt does have a more robust design, in the Lawman series. I think the original intent was something to compete with the Ruger's, in terms of price or cost to produce, and better withstand abuse. I have one in 357, and while it is not GP100ish completely, it is a little tank. The only dog I have been able to find on them, is not to dry fire without snap caps, due to a more fragile FP.

The prices on this line, have not gone through the stratosphere.

Craig