Question: Need some Advise on a Colt Python

[csm47362]

I was sent to the site from a fellow member on the coltforum.com. I recently picked up a python in sad shape. The story goes it was left in a range bag in the closet and a cat decided it would be a good litter box. It has rust and pitting on the barrel and frame. It was taken to Gander Mtn and the gunsmith started to work on it then just decided he was in over his head and returned it in pieces! I have put it all back together and the function is perfect.

Ok so here is my question, a fellow coltforum member suggested I engrave it. Is it worth it? Will it come out ok? and what would it cost to do?

Thanks for your help.

 

[silverchip]

Yikes!!!! That darned cat!!!!

 

[oiseau metal arts]

ouch.... no wonder there are so many ways to skin those things

 

[Beathard]

How in the hell did the cat using the bag as a litterbox cause the dent in the frame above the trigger guard. Everything else looks doable, but that dent looks like it bent the frame.

 

[Marcus Hunt]

A mistake that people make is thinking that engraving will cover up pitting; it won't! It might do a not of a disguise job but the pitting will still be there in the areas that haven't been cut. If the pitting is deep it can be filled with weld but be careful as it can look a different colour when reblued. Personally, I'd find a gunsmith experienced in restoration work and ask his advice. Forget your everyday gunsmith, you need a specialist if the pitting is that deep. But at the end of the day it might turn out too expensive for your customer.

 

[sonofagraver]

thats the same gun thats used in the walking dead...
so... zombie gun

 

[Dulltool]

Is it for sale?

 

[JJ Roberts]

csm,Do your self a favor and walk away from that Colt, the gunsmith at Gander was smart. J.J.

 

[Sam]

I would say forget engraving unless you have a clean canvas to work on. This would take considerable work - probably more than the gun is worth - to bring it up to engraving standards. If those pits are as deep as they look it'll require welding and extensive hand filing and finishing.

If the gun functions perfectly and safely it'd be good to take fishing or target shooting.

 

[Beladran]

Not really end of the world. Replacement python barrels don't grow on trees but of you know where to look they can be had with a little patience. Keep a look out on gunbroker gunsamerica an eBay. Same goes for a new cylinder. You might be out $200-$300 on parts. The frame pitting don't look that bad.

Well if your on a colt forum send a shout out looking for the parts you need sure someone has them on there.

 

[Sandy]

Give Colt customer service a call and see if they will refinish it. They have done that in the past. Good luck.
Sandy

 

[Eugene Carkoski]

that is the saddest thing I have seen all day

 

[csm47362]

How in the hell did the cat using the bag as a litterbox cause the dent in the frame above the trigger guard. Everything else looks doable, but that dent looks like it bent the frame.

It is just a bad angle there is not dent, it just looks like it.

 

[csm47362]

Is it for sale?

No thanks for asking...

 

[mitch]

if it still functions perfectly, i have a suggestion about dealing with the cat...

JUST KIDDING!!!

btw- i have one in 6" blue i've been thinking about selling for years (a Python, not a cat). it's in near cherry condition if anybody is interested.

 

[BrianPowley]

Several options:
1.) Find replacement barrel,cylinder, screws, whatever. (Forget the welding,filing,etc.,etc.--too much time/money) Have gunsmith fit them and then you can engrave until your heart is content.
2.)My personal preference: Send the gun to a competent refinisher. Have them bead blast all parts until the rust is completely removed and have them "Parkerize" it. Reassemble. Add a set of good utility grips and just use it as a working gun. (Open Carry/Travel/Nightstand,etc.,etc.)
To me, it's just a shooter, not a show piece. Guns that are 10 times better looking than this are still a huge amount of work to make into a "Prize".
But that's just my opinion.

 

[dlilazteca]

ouch.... no wonder there are so many ways to skin those things

Hahaha

Carlos De La O III

 

[rmgreen]

From a gunmaker perspective Marcus, Sam and others had it right. You can buy a like new 6" Python for 1500-2000 that would make an excellent canvas for engraving. This fine revolver is a rough shooter(tackle box snake gun) at best and only if as you say it works and is SAFE. The cost of bringing that metal back "properly" and done by a professional would cost more than 2 Pythons. Replacing parts, fitting and welding the frame and a suspect twisted frame will still out run the cost of a clean Python as an engraving canvas. Roger

 

[csm47362]

Looks like engraving in the not the way to go so I will move on to just refinishing it.

 

[monk]

first--i'd check out how many lives the felonious feline has left !