Hi everyone, I have a 1972 Colt Python 6” that I consider an heirloom piece. The gun probably hasn’t been shot since 1975, and the cylinder will not spin. I’ve called Colt and they recommended a company that will happily charge me $1,400 to take a look at it. Can anyone recommend a competent smith who could solve what may be a very simple mechanical issue? Thanks!

what do you mean it will not spin. can you go further into detail?

 

I’d start by working some penetrating oil into it,  with a lot of soak time.  

Just now, 10X said:

I’d start by working some penetrating oil into it,  with a lot of soak time.  

Exactly.  Is the cylinder frozen or does the timing not advance the cylinder when the trigger is pulled/hammer cocked.

Two totally different things.

 

Give Mark Hartshorne a call...

https://pinnaclehighperformance.com/

He is close enough that you can drive the gun there.

Good luck.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

The cylinder simply will not spin freely (or all all). You can’t cock the hammer because the cylinder is completely frozen. I can’t even remove the cylinder completely from the gun because the cylinder is locked into a position such that it cannot clear the frame for removal. I can tilt the cylinder out, for reload, but even once unlocked, it’s just totally frozen in place. 

1 hour ago, Pizza Bob said:

Give Mark Hartshorne a call...

https://pinnaclehighperformance.com/

He is close enough that you can drive the gun there.

Good luck.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

Thanks Pizza Bob, I’ll him a call!

3 minutes ago, gumpracer said:

I can tilt the cylinder out, for reload, but even once unlocked, it’s just totally frozen in place. 

Then it is definitely rusted in place.  Soak it in PB Blaster and it WILL come free!

 

Colt wont fix it?

Goobered-up or rusted?

This is how the cylinder comes out:

GET GUNSMITH SCREWDRIVERS BEFORE YOU START! 

Even a beat-up Python is worth big bucks....you don't want to booger-up that screw with a junky screwdriver!

 

29 minutes ago, JohnnyB said:

Then it is definitely rusted in place.  Soak it in PB Blaster and it WILL come free!

 

I’ve tried some penetrating oil. Haven’t tried a good soak though. I’ll pick this up and give it a shot. Thanks!

30 minutes ago, Tunaman said:

Colt wont fix it?

Colt says they do not repair “legacy” products. 

4 minutes ago, W2MC said:

Goobered-up or rusted?

This is how the cylinder comes out:

 

Yes, I’ve seen this. I know how to remove the cylinder, but it is unable to spin. I’ll try the penetrating oil trick. 

OK - wasn't too sure of your level of knowledge or handiness with taking apart a revolver

My bet is it's probably got a load of coagulated gummy oil mixed with dried burned/unburned powder inside there.  Soaking it will likely free it up, then you can take it apart and get all that gunk out of there

 

take grips off first or avoid soaking the wood!

13 hours ago, JohnnyB said:

take grips off first or avoid soaking the wood!

That's a good reminder.

Thanks so much for the help! I let it soak overnight. Have it a few taps with a non marring hammer, and all as well! Thanks again!!! Saved me a fortune!

On 8/2/2020 at 5:38 PM, Pizza Bob said:

Give Mark Hartshorne a call...

https://pinnaclehighperformance.com/

He is close enough that you can drive the gun there.

Good luck.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

Why did I click this link?  WHY?!?  I can’t imagine how much this is gonna cost me. 

44 minutes ago, Rob0115 said:

Why did I click this link?  WHY?!?  I can’t imagine how much this is gonna cost me. 

Me too!  

3 hours ago, Rob0115 said:

Why did I click this link?  WHY?!?  I can’t imagine how much this is gonna cost me. 

Glad to be of service guys.

Maybe a complete detail strip and a full ultrasonic bath for starters....