The Gun Guys discuss Colt Pythons - Unreleased Episode from 2019 with Bill WIlson and Ken Hackathorn

Published on November 28, 2022
Duration: 13:48

This video delves into the Colt Python's historical accuracy and its Achilles' heel: durability issues related to its double-action mechanism. Bill Wilson and Ken Hackathorn explain how the 'advancing hand' concept can cause timing problems, leading to misfires. They highlight a simple yet effective modification: installing an over-travel stop in the trigger to prevent excessive cylinder rotation, a fix that significantly improved the longevity of their own Pythons and was a common practice among custom gun builders.

Quick Summary

The Colt Python's accuracy was enhanced by its 1 in 14-inch twist rate. However, its double-action mechanism could lead to timing issues and misfires due to the 'advancing hand' design. A common fix involves installing an over-travel stop to ensure the cylinder locks before the hammer falls, a modification that significantly improved the revolver's durability.

Chapters

  1. 00:15Introduction: The Gun Guys & Colt Pythons
  2. 00:44Bill Wilson's Python Journey
  3. 01:50Python Accuracy & Twist Rate
  4. 02:31Python's Mythical Market Status
  5. 03:40Python Introduction & Production History
  6. 04:37Colt Python Barrel Lengths
  7. 05:04The 3-Inch Python: A Collector's Holy Grail
  8. 05:12Finding Rare Pythons: A Cabela's Story
  9. 07:31Bill Wilson's Collection & Rare Finds
  10. 08:15Unique Engraved Colt Python
  11. 08:51Python Durability Issues Explained
  12. 09:31The Advancing Hand Concept & Misfires
  13. 10:20Fixing Python Timing: The Over-Travel Stop
  14. 11:06Custom Builders & Over-Travel Stops
  15. 11:19Smith & Wesson vs. Python in PPC
  16. 11:49Why Colt Stopped Making Pythons
  17. 12:10Skilled Craftsmanship in Python Production
  18. 13:09Conclusion: Passion for the Colt Python

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Colt Python so accurate?

The Colt Python was known for its exceptional accuracy, partly due to its rifling twist rate of 1 in 14 inches. This specific twist rate was found to be highly effective with certain ammunition loads, contributing to tighter shot groups compared to revolvers with slower twists like 1 in 16 or 1 in 18 inches.

What was the main durability issue with the Colt Python?

The primary durability concern with the Colt Python, particularly when fired in double-action mode, was its tendency to go out of time. This was attributed to the 'advancing hand' design, where the hammer could strike the primer before the cylinder was fully locked, leading to misfires and premature wear.

How can the Colt Python's timing issues be fixed?

A common and effective fix for the Colt Python's timing issues involves installing an 'over-travel stop' in the trigger mechanism. This modification prevents the hand from over-rotating the cylinder, ensuring the cylinder is fully locked when the hammer falls, thus preventing misfires and improving durability.

Why did Colt stop producing the Python?

Colt ceased Python production primarily because the skilled gunsmiths who meticulously fitted each component were retiring or had passed away. The intricate, hand-fitted nature of Python assembly, akin to watchmaking, made it economically unfeasible to resume production with modern manufacturing techniques.

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