Colt King Cobra / Python

dmstone

dmstone

Member
Rating - 100%
55   0   0
Location
Vancouver Island BC
Hey everyone,

I have a Colt King Cobra of which I understand is the production version of the Python.

I have been having an issue lately and I was hopping the group could help.

In Single Action it shoot perfectly, accurate and wonderful. However in double action I will fire six shots and maybe 1-3 of them will not fire.... a soft primer strike is evident on the rounds but they did not fire. I will put those unfired rounds back into the pistol and shoot them in single action and they are fine.

I don't think this is a ammo issue as I will shoot factory and reloads.

Any thoughts? has anyone had this issue with Pythons or King Cobras?
 
Try different ammo. You could also try a heavier mainspring.

Also, the Python and King Cobra are completely different designs. The Python is built on the I frame that was introduced at around the turn of the last century. The King Cobra is a more modern design and is essentially a Trooper Mark V.
 
Check the duds for a misaligned primer strike. If the indentation is off centre more than on the fired casings, you may have a timing issue with the 'hand' or possibly rounded edges on the 'bolt'.
 
I have an older Python I had 'touched up' for double action shooting by Kesselrings shop.

357MagColtPython.jpg


Installation of a lighter main spring was one of the alterations. Normally in my reloads I use CCI primers but for reliable ignition, I had to go to a primer with a lighter cup. Federal # 100 small pistol primers work well for me.
 
Lighter primers eh!!!

The primer strikes were all dead centre.... so no issues there. A lighter mainspring might help you say? were might I get one or should I just give it to a good pistol smith.

The action is very smooth as in the python.... and I new that they had a similar issue. I will try those federal primers and let you know my results.....


Johnn Peterson said:
I have an older Python I had 'touched up' for double action shooting by Kesselrings shop.

357MagColtPython.jpg


Installation of a lighter main spring was one of the alterations. Normally in my reloads I use CCI primers but for reliable ignition, I had to go to a primer with a lighter cup. Federal # 100 small pistol primers work well for me.
Click to expand...
 
dmstone said:
The primer strikes were all dead centre.... so no issues there. A lighter mainspring might help you say? were might I get one or should I just give it to a good pistol smith.

The action is very smooth as in the python.... and I new that they had a similar issue. I will try those federal primers and let you know my results.....
Click to expand...

The exact opposite. It would seem that possibly you need a stronger spring, or, in the meantime, at least try lighter primers. I had a lighter spring installed for double action work but having done so, I also had to go to primers with a lighter cup.
 
Last edited:
I don't know how Colt revolvers work, but S&W revolvers have a strain screw on the inside of the grip frame that occasionally loosens off the mainspring and causes light hammer strikes. Easy fix to to tighten it up and put on a dab of BLUE Loctite...
 
Colt main spring tension on the Python is provided by a leaf spring. Not easily adjustable. The KC uses coil springs in the action instead, which can be trimmed to make them lighter, replaced with different springs, or shimmed to increase pressure. All these operations result in a change in trigger pull. The coil spring action was much cheaper to build compared to the python's, and as Colt was in competition with S&W for the police market (read cheap) at the time, they came up with the Mk III and V. - dan
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom