Got my first revolver, and have a question..

[Dmitri]

I just received my first revolver (Colt Python).. what a great gun !! Condition is great inside out, but one thing that really bugs me ... is it normal for a drum to have a bit of play while locked in..? also what would be a good size gap between a barrel and a dum for this particular gun..?

here is a video:

 

[Craig0ry]

Is there still play with the hammer is cocked? My revolver has a bit of play but it was designed to, But when the hammer is cocked its solid.

 

[Dmitri]

yes there is.... same kind of play ,cocked or not. Is it even Safe to shoot..?

 

[mlehtovaara]

Perfectly normal, but as said above it should lock up tight just before the hammer drops in double action, or when the hammer is cocked in single action.

 

[Tuco Pike]

There is always a little movement. Enjoy your gun.

 

[Pancake81]

I am not an exoert. But from what i have read:

It IS OK for S&W, Taurus, ruger excetera to have alittle play (hammer down or cocked)
It IS NOT OK for colts to have play hammer back.

Just passing on the info I read, and cant give definition. I could probably look up the article and pass on the title and page number if you like (written, not digital)?

To be on the safe side, unless someone with hands-on knowledge chimes in, might be worth having a smith take a wuick look.

 

[R1-Dave]

Shouldn't be a problem but if you are really worried about it, take it to a pro.

 

[smellie]

Looks to me like you are pushing the CYLINDER backwards, toward the standing breech/recoil plate of the gun. Normally, when the gun is loaded, most of this space will be taken up by the rims of your cartridges.

If you mean the cylinder turning slightly as you cycle the action, then that is something entirely different. ANY gun will have some play, especially when the hammer is down and the trigger is not being pulled. The only play that you worry about is when you have the hammer down on an empty chamber and the trigger is held back, as in what the situation would be had you just fired a shot. In this condition, play should be absolutely minimal... but there still will be a little bit.

If the guns were made with NO play at all, they would not be as reliable as they are because the action would start to bind from heating after about 2 shots. And they would cost a LOT more.
.

 

[Dmitri]

thank you guys.. i'll have a "pro" take a look at it when i go to the range on Saturday.

another Video... cocked position

 

[dan belisle]

The best test for a Colt is with the hammer down after the trigger has been pulled, holding the trigger back. That should lock everything up. Try that and get back to us. - dan

 

[t-star]

wish i could have started out with a PYTHON-

 

[Boomer]

What you are observing is the necessary clearance between the locking bolt and the cylinder notches. As Dan said, try again with the gun in the fired position with the hammer all the way back, this will lock up the cylinder solidly.

 

[tjhaile]

This will tell you how to check out a revolver:
http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=1430

With the gun in full lockup, i.e., hammer down with the trigger pulled, there should be no perceptible rotational cylinder play with a Colt; this must be fixed immediately if present. A little bit of lengthwise play is acceptable (.003" or less); Brownell's sells bearings to get rid of this.

A small amount of rotational play is normal in S&Ws. The tradeoff is for the looser lockup is that S&Ws can withstand a higher round count before maintenance is required.

 

[Dmitri]

Yes you right. When hammer and a trigger pulled back
Everything locks up solid.. Great!!

Can't wait to go shoot it on Saturday.

Thank you all for great input.

 

[dan belisle]

"The tradeoff is for the looser lockup is that S&Ws can withstand a higher round count before maintenance is required. "

Well, some models in some calibers anyway. - dan

 

[dizzy]

looks normal to me, been some good posts, empty the cylinder, pull the trigger and hold it back tight, then try moving the cylinder, in a python it shouldn't move, if it does, yours is loose and needs attention.