A friend has a new 6" barrel for his Colt Python which currently has a 4" barrel. He want to remove the 4" and install the 6". Can this be done in a home shop or does he need professional help? If it can be done at home what are the procedures? Thanks for the help.
Changing Colt Python Barrel
- Thread starter gunster-old
- Start date
Depends on how handy he is. A proper frame sized wrench is a good idea, although I've seen it done with just a piece of wood. Strip the revolver down to the frame. Secure the barrel, insert wood/attach wrench, smack either with a deadblow hammer in the proper direction, and it should just spin off. Installing the new one involves getting it aligned for the sights, and the barrel gap set properly, although the essential reinstallation procedure is pretty much the reverse of removal. Keep in mind if you do it wrong, you now have an expensive piece of junk for your collection. - dan
If the gap is too tight metal will need to removed from the rear face of the barrel. This can be done with Brownell's forcing cone cutting kit, provided you have the proper cutter for it. If the gap is too large metal will need to be removed from the shoulder of barrel using a metal lathe, or special tool again available from Brownell's to allow the barrel to turn one full turn in, most likely the gap will then be too tight and metal will have to removed from the rear face as previously outlined to properly set the gap. Proper cylinder gap should be between .003" and .007". While the tooling is available from brownell's it is a bit pricey to aquire for a one off job. Since this is a fairly expensive revolver my advice is to take it a 'smith who is familiar with this operation.
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I like to play home gunsmith as much as the next guy but the Python is a rather pricey gun to be learning on.
Just my humble opinion but for what it will cost why not just have it done right in the first place, take it to a gunsmith.
Just my humble opinion but for what it will cost why not just have it done right in the first place, take it to a gunsmith.
I've owned a Python and quickly learned while I might fiddle with a Smith the Colt wheel gun is a different issue. Tolerances are a lot tighter and by the time you bought the jigs and tools to do the job properly you'd probably have spent more than a proper gunsmith would charge.
I'd even be picky about the gunsmith. I wouldn't want to give the job to someone who hadn't already done it successfully.
I'd even be picky about the gunsmith. I wouldn't want to give the job to someone who hadn't already done it successfully.
Ishootguns
Regular
- Location
- Acton Ontario
Without the proper jaws supporting the frame it dosen't take a whole lot to spring or twist the frame. Even then if the gunsmith you take it to afterward is super awesome it won't be 100%.
Dave
Dave
^^I agree 100%. I would never allow anyone to do barrel work on my DA's without a properly fitted frame wrench. Double action frames are MUCH weaker than single action frames due to the mortise cutout for the cylinder crane. Although a Python paper weight would be sharp!!
Ishootguns
Regular
- Location
- Acton Ontario
I'm not trying to say you are incapable of doing the job or in any way trying to insult you. My uncle was a gunsmith for 40 years, unfortunately I have seen many good guns die an undeserving death because the right tools for the job were not used the first time.
Dave
Dave
