Availability of .357 Revolvers in India

[BowMan]

Well to be honest the timework of a Colt is much more complex than say what is found on a Smith.

So if a Colt does go out of time then it requires a very competent gunsmith to repair it. Comparatively such repairs on a Smith or Webley are much simpler.

[timmy]

Well to be honest the timework of a Colt is much more complex than say what is found on a Smith.

So if a Colt does go out of time then it requires a very competent gunsmith to repair it. Comparatively such repairs on a Smith or Webley are much simpler.

You are making a different statement here. The claim was that the timing on Pythons is prone to messing up. I say that this statement is rubbish.

You are saying that: 1. the mechanism is complex, and 2. not many people know how to repair it.

These things are not the same thing. The original statement alleges that the Python is unreliable. As I said, this is rubbish, and should anyone want to get into this, we shall start such a conversation with my asking for the data points that support such a statement. The lock mechanism of the Python and all Colt double action revolvers was introduced over 100 years ago and was based on the Schmidt-Galand action, developed in the 1860s and 1870s.

In fact, Webley revolvers are a very close cousin to the Colt modified Schmidt Galand action.

In fact, the Colt Schmidt Galand action has proven reliable in two World Wars and was the standard police arm of most police departments in the USA into the 1950s (when Smith & Wesson's marketing began to displace Colt's).

In fact, the whole principle of the Schmidt Galand action is to depend on a minimum amount of parts to accomplish a maximum number of functions. So, I would say that the timing mechanism of a Colt is not more complex than other revolvers. It may take a different understanding than what is required for adjusting other revolvers -- that only makes sense. I will agree that Colt stopped using the action because it cost more money to make, due to the hand-fitting required to assemble them than newer designs. I'm not sure that this implies that the action is "complex."

The statement that there are not so many gunsmiths who are qualified to work on the old Colt action, such as what is used in the Python, I would say, has merit.

However, I maintain that what you are saying about the Colt Python is a different issue than the claim that they are prone to messing up, i.e. are unreliable and/or not durable. Such a claim is rubbish, and flies is the face of many many years of experience and history.

[BowMan]

Of course I agree that it's The Cadillac Timmy. I've also previously shared my fondness of the Python on this forum;

Best Handgun ever made...I really don't know it's too difficult to answer. But let me break it down a bit;

Best Revolver all round - Colt Python 6 inch 357 mag in blued finish late 50's or 60's

Best Service Revolver - Colt Official Police 4 inch 38 special Prewar

Best Concealed Carry Revolver - Colt Marshall 2 inch 38 special

Best Smith - Smith & Wesson Model 29 in 44 Magnum 6 1/2 Inch ...do ya feel lucky punk...well do ya
(yes I am a bit biased in favor of Colt's but Dirty Harry did for Smith what generations of dedicated gunsmiths could not do for Colt)

I guess Smith & Wesson Model 19 comes a close second. Its hard to find a revolver that packs more "bang for the buck" than this Bill Jordan's masterpiece.

Best Military Revolver - Colt Single Action Army Model 1873 'peacemaker' in 45 colt

But in India and at that price point, it's a bit more than half the price of a Ruger GP. It just made me wonder and we also have some horrible cases of dealers converting blank firing guns and selling it to unsuspecting customers.

All this is of course noting but guesswork till the actual weapon can be examined (something I would be delighted to do).

[TC]

we also have some horrible cases of dealers converting blank firing guns and selling it to unsuspecting customers.

Bowman, this is something I have not heard of or come across personally in 25 years. Could you please elaborate for the benefit of forum members ?

TC

[Skyman]

Replica guns can't tolerate high chamber pressures, if i am not mistaken.Also, i doubt they are available in appreciable numbers here?

[INSAS556]

yup, the colts cost a lot, man.
some 4 years ago, i have had seen a colt detective special at a gun dealer in mumbai, the cost was 4.5lakh.
also other colt arms i saw were very heavy in price, hence i preferred the good ol webley & scott .32 revolver
and yes its awesome. i fired colt, smith & wessons and Webley and found out that there the difference is side open and top break open between the american and britt guns they fired both .32 cartidge.
the price of these arms depends on availability in current situations so depending on the dealer's contact, among his customers who might want to swap their arms for a good deal. this shows why the american and british arms prices are sky high. Not to mention the quality and finish of the guns are best in class.

[kaku ganda]

A dealer in Mumbai had a Colt Python when I inquired about a month ago, according to him it was in good condition and wanted 7 lakh rupees for it. Not sure if he still have it and Pythons are prone to timing mess up.

Hello, Can u please give me contact no of ghe dealer, who has a Colt Python.
Shall ne thankful..