2020 Colt Python Disassembly (Part 1 of 2)
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- čas přidán 5. 12. 2021
- This is how I disassemble a 2020 version of a Colt Python. I couldn’t find a video on it and had to figure it out on my own. Forgive the improper nomenclature, I am not an expert on these revolvers- just a hobbyist who likes to take things apart. It has been suggested that I mention disassembling your Colt revolver voids the Colt one year warranty.
Cylinder detail disassembly and reassembly can be found here: • 2020 Colt Python Cylin...
Reassembly of the revolver can be found here: • 2020 Colt Python Reass...
An explanation of how the transfer bar safety works can be found here: • Revolver Safeties: Tra...
How I clean the burn rings off the cylinder face can be found here: • Removing Cylinder Burn...
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Damn, so much hates in the comments, disassembly/reassembly videos are extremely helpful, especially ones that are good quality like this. You don't have to touch your gun if you don't want to or not capable of doing so, but for people who are comfortable of handling their guns, this is really helpful in case of mechanical failure or parts need replacing. I do a lot of works on all kind of guns myself, and I appreciate people like you putting in the work for these videos, thank you.
Part of why I do it is so people can satisfy their curiosity about what is going on inside without needing to take their own firearms apart if they don’t want to or lack the knowledge, tools, or skills. Sometimes it’s interesting to just see what’s inside.
While correction of a mechanical failure at present time is probably best handled by Colt since it is a current production revolver and parts on the open market are limited, that will not always be the case. Eventually these will be old, out of production, possibly using aftermarket or used parts- so I think it is good to document a properly working revolver in like-new condition for future reference.
Plus, if a revolver gets wet, sweaty, dunked in dirty or salty water, etc. but is otherwise not broken being able to properly clean the internals (even just getting the side plate off to rinse it out with WD40) can go a long way to preventing real damage and mechanical failure later.
Thanks for the comment.
I searched this topic before I gutted mine and your video didnt come up..... soooo I sat in my truck and disassembled it all the way down to the pin that indexes and locks the outside of the cylinder. That particular assembly is a bugger to get back in. I shot the spring once and it almost went out the window😂, the second time it fell into the door panel ( I thought). For all the people that are timid keep in mind that if you don't fuck around, you don't find out. I did it much for the same reason most would, to see what Czlt did. I personally think it is solid AF and smooth as butter while being the most accurate pistol I have ever shot. The internals could use the slightest polishing and deburring. The trigger assembly is as refined as necessary but the hand, striker bar and handspring thingy ( not the main spring but the cast stainless one ) maybe its a tension bar. Other than that the internals are Gucci. I do have three issues with the pistol though. The front site is fat as hell. I would like a locking detente in the lug and the barrel is considered a permanent install. Notes to consider, speed loaders for the original Pythons rub the grips so heavily that it cab bind the loader or risk bending part of the crane or ejector rod. I milled a relief so that there is no binding and I rely on both loader hand tension and shooting hand cylinder indexing/locking. The only scare since I have had it was a small spring inside the hammer assembly got move out of position by careless handling while disassembled. It was out maybe a 64 and would try to bind the action up. Awsome video
Thanks for sharing. Your experience sounds like mine whenever I take something apart the first time. That sinking feeling when some unknown piece goes flying and enters low earth orbit. lol.
Great video! I've always been a Smith and wesson guy, and I've been inside plenty of them. Wanted to see inside the python before I think about buying one. This video was the ticket! Thanks.
That’s sort of why I did the video. I was actually shopping for a S&W which is more familiar to me, while also considering branching out into a Ruger… then I handled the Python and immediately fell in love with it.
But… I couldn’t find more than a few very basic photographs depicting some aspects of the internals. I bought it anyway, but then couldn’t help myself. I just had to take a look under the hood.
It’s a genius mechanism and I actually have another video explaining how it works and always has such a tight lockup. It’s actually kind of a crazy design.
Full send doggie, full send❤
Just ordered my Python Monday. Thanks for making this video so I can see the internals without ME taking MINE apart! Awesome video.
Certainly, there is almost certainly no need to do it. It’s a very well designed mechanism that doesn’t need frequent service.
I will say, though, there’s no black magic inside. I’ve had mine apart 20+ times probably doing different videos and looking at things for people… it works just as well as it ever did. There’s no mystery to it.
This absolutely FASCINATES me! To see the beautiful American craftsmanship, the wonderful engineering that makes every part fit perfectly, is such a rare treat for us in the UK. Most Brits will never see a gun except at the airports, where all police are heavily armed with revolvers and machine guns, so the devices acquire a mystique, and when I had the opportunity to use my rookie NYPD second cousin's service weapon I was over the moon. Something I took away from that is that you need a lot of training to be accurate. We were trying to hit a 2' diameter log which was about 50' away, and out of about 10 rounds neither of us hit it once.
There is definitely a lot of technique that goes into fast and accurate handgun shooting, but I think that’s why I enjoy it. Rifle shooting is much more formulaic, whereas skill with a handgun is more organic.
If you’re fascinated by revolver mechanics, I’d definitely recommend the following video that rather than just being disassembly goes into more precise detail regarding exactly what the parts are doing and why.
czcams.com/video/3_IL8BK2b70/video.htmlsi=paz0YIUmXG0n3vqT
@@ColterBrog That's wonderful, thank you CB. The 'organic' part is what fascinates me, when one's firearm becomes an extension of the mind and muscles, such that one achieves instinctive accuracy. THAT is a dream!
We are just about allowed pellet rifles - what you may call BB guns, though it is a formed lead pellet which I'm sure you have, but if you want a shotgun you have to have a license, and hand guns are totally banned after the Dunblane school massacre in Scotland in 1996.
All handguns were tragically requisitioned by the police (the licenses and safety storage details were all on record) and melted down - a ridiculous thing to do, even if only considering their monetary value, but it apparently was done to help soften the distress of the grieving parents, so I suppose there was merit in that.
The only few who still possess them are armed robbers, terrorists etc, but they are almost non-existent. Our gun laws are among the strictest in the world, and even our police are not armed. If an armed situation arises there are specialist units, made up of ordinary coppers who've trained extensively, but who mainly use rifles and automatic weaponry. Good luck to them, because I wouldn't want the power of life and death over another human - one slip of the thinking apparatus and something horrific could occur.
So anyway, being able to practice day in day out until you become 'as one' with your handgun is impossible. The old Western films and programmes like Alias Smith And Jones where we saw 'Kid Curry' outshoot anyone who challenged his skill, taught us how rare it was for somebody to be a great shot with a handgun. I imagined that manufacturers of handguns were keen to get a reputation for superb accuracy, leading to the fine standard of American engineering we know today. I think it is the envy of the world, and although like the UK most of the US manufacturing industry has emigrated to China, creating beautiful handguns is, to me at least, the sole province of American gunsmiths.
I worked in The Bronx for a couple of years as a roofer, and seeing American engineering showed me the beautiful standards you'd come to expect genrally, and how, although prices dropped with imported goods, they were without fail inferior. I love classic American engineering, and always try to buy something engineered in a junk shop or antique stall when over there visiting my cousins. One day I aim to visit a gun museum, to see the beauty of these marvels close up. I envy you very much being able to do that, and to find a place to practice your craft. Sorry about the lengthy message - no need to reply as I'm sure you have other things to do. Have a wonderful 2024 mate!
Hello, I started assembling cylinders and frames about 8 months ago for colt and this video is fascinating as we don’t typically get to see the firing mechanism in the guts of the firearm due to federal gun laws not allowing the entire assembly to happen at our location. Thank you for making this video, I learned a lot!!!
That’s so cool to hear feedback from someone who actually gets to play a part in the manufacture of these impressive new model Pythons. You must be very proud of your work.
Man, you have gonads as big as a Basketball.. I was in a nervous sweat the whole time and I am still worried about the orientation of parts going back in.. LOL
Great job. I can always take stuff apart, it is getting it back together that stumps me.
I worked in a gunsmithing shop for four years during and after high school. After a while, you get used to it and develop a methodology. I spent a couple hours studying the main spring trying to figure out how I could get it back in *before* taking it out.
In learning the revolver, practicing, and then redoing it a few times to get the video how I wanted it- I had probably had it apart and back together a dozen times or more when this video was filmed.
I was not so confident the first time. Lol.
Someone finally did it! Thank you
Yeah, I don’t know what took so long. After two years, I figured a larger channel would have gotten around to it.
Instead you get some amateur doing it as his first video.
@@ColterBrog great job! Didn't seem amateur to me. You've done a great service.
@@davididol7361 If things with the channel take off, I might try doing a “take 2” with a better camera, closer shots, and editing.
I now know how to splice video, but when this was filmed I didn’t. It took me probably close to a dozen attempts to get everything on film correctly and smoothly without serious mistakes… that’s in addition to practicing numerous times before trying to get it on video.
I’ve probably taken a 2020 Python apart and reassembled it more than anyone outside the Colt factory.
@@ColterBrog well you got yourself some really good experience and a new subscriber! I'll be checking the other videos out once I have some time. Keep grinding and you'll see results. Great work so far, good luck!
@@davididol7361 I appreciate it. Things are picking up and it’s really cool to see. I started on this video because nobody had done it, and have enjoyed it so much I just keep on going. They’re not all the best videos, but I want to give honest information related to my experiences in the real world.
We’re up to 76 subscribers now in only something like 6 weeks. I don’t get a list but I really notice and appreciate when I get a subscriber. The comments are even more meaningful, that someone takes time to share their thoughts, because it’s a time investment.
It’s moving along pretty fast and I’m not nearly out of content to film.
Thank you. I needed to see the removal. All other videos skip the first part.
Thanks for commenting. Always good to hear when these videos are helpful.
just an FYI, another way to loosen the two grip pieces is with a heavy guitar pick
Excellent idea. It’s definitely a struggle sometimes. Thanks!
Oustanding video....also for viewers if you own a 2021 Anaconda, the disassembly of the internals is the exact same. The 2021 Anaconda is just a scaled up and heavy duty version of the 2020 Python, only with a wider trigger face area for better double action shooting.
That’s good to know. An Anaconda would be cool, but everything I have is in .38 Spl or .357 Mag so venturing into a different and more costly cartridge that I’d have to get setup to load for isn’t a move I want to make during the current shortages. I’m well stocked on small pistol primers, but don’t have any large magnum pistol.
@@ColterBrog I completely understand. Unless you are a Colt collector or a handgun hunter, there is a not any need or reason to get a 44 Magnum in a 6” or 8” barrel. The Anaconda is a nice gun, but made for a very small niche market at best.
@@smithn.wesson495
I've been buying rifles, handguns, and shotguns for over fifty years. Other than the first one, my Remington 870 Wingmaster 12 guage, circa 1969, I don't recall buying any of the ones I have based on "need." It was more like, "Gotta have." If you are a handloader, shifting set-ups for cartridges is pretty much a non-issue. Never kept me from investing in any firearm I ever wanted. If you don't want one, that's a different matter entirely.
OUTSTANDING...
Thank you!
My pythons were made in the 70's, I just might get me one of these newer stainless ones, 3 inch model probably.
I really like the look of the 3 inch. It wasn’t offered yet when I bought mine, but I’m tempted to add one to the stable.
That thumbnail pic brought me here.
Well done.
Thanks! Still a beautiful revolver even when laying in a heap of parts on the bench.
I wouldn't do this I could never figure out how to get it back together besides my old fingers don't bend anymore. Thanks for the informative video
Certainly, there is no real reason to do this when the revolver is functioning well. It was purely to satisfy my curiosity and the curiosity of others to see how Colt has updated the internals of the new Python and to observe their manufacturing techniques and quality.
After finishing this video, I took it apart one last time to give all internal surfaces a very thin coat of light oil for corrosion prevention since my fingers had been touching the parts. In five or ten years maybe I’ll do it again just to do a deep cleaning and inspection, but there is absolutely no reason to disassemble these as a matter of routine.
Well done…good lighting and camera position. When you reassemble are you lubricating any internal locations, or leaving them clean but dry?
I chose to apply some grease to the engagement surfaces of the sear and double action “dog”, I believe is what it is called in an effort to smooth things out but I don’t think it helps very much and isn’t really necessary- but doesn’t hurt anything and might offer some wear protection. The grease I primarily use these days is the Lucas Extreme Duty. All other parts and surfaces were gone over with a paintbrush lightly coated with RemOil.
I like using RemOil applied with a paint brush for general corrosion protection because it leaves a thin and even film which resist turning gummy or sticky over time. Not too much, not too little, just right.
The parts as they came from the factory had a moderate application of a light oil or corrosion inhibitor of some type. It didn’t seem especially different from RemOil- slightly more viscous, though, almost like a low weight motor oil.
czcams.com/video/D10KNEMEsP8/video.html
If you go to about 9:30 in this video I demonstrate the technique I use for a protective oil coating. This is not intended to offer any real wear resistance or functional lubrication, but to protect the metal from corrosion.
Thanks for posting. I think the changes look like intelligent improvements actually. Not a huge fan of Colt Python, but it is a nice gun.
Compared to the old Python, this definitely seems much friendlier to work on. Even though I have a lot more time working on S&W revolvers, this new Python is really easy to take down. I like it.
Can you help!?? I had 2 squib loads from colt ammo an I managed to get them out but in process of doing so I can't get the cylinder to go back into place. It locks upright before it's supposed to click back in
Might have to message me on Instagram. “brogcolter”. Send some pictures of what’s going on.
@@ColterBrog thank you will do!
Do you know the size of the screws that hold in the side plate? Took mine to the range and when I got back one of the screws was missing probably on the floor at the range lol
I do not. I can find out with a thread gauge but due to the holiday won’t be able to until next week.
I would consider contacting Colt and explaining the situation. They might be able to just send you a replacement.
@@ColterBrog will do thanks 🙏 also love the video it’s always entertaining watching things like this
@@jacob_suarez01If you enjoyed this, I definitely recommend my video on explaining how the Python action works. Of course it is similar in general concept to other revolvers, but there are a few ingenious details of the design that I wasn’t aware of until really studying it. Gave me new appreciation for what is already an iconic revolver.
It looks like Colt somewhere along the way redesigned the cylinder lock mechanism to look and function like the S&W one.
I’m not sure I understand. It’s a stud that locks in the forward position coming from the frame that secures the cylinder.
S&W has the spring-loaded rod in the ejector star that is pushed back into the frame until the thumb piece moving forward forces it back forward into the cylinder to unlatch.
I am not all that familiar with the old style Pythons, though, so maybe this is significantly different than how they were before. Definitely has distinct differences from the S&W design, though.
@@ColterBrog There's a terminology issue here. There's a difference between locking "closed" and locking "up". When the trigger is pulled back, the cylinder locks "up" so it can't rotate. That part seems completely different. Traditionally, Colts locked up using a part called the "bolt" which pivoted the front end up into the cylinder opening to stop cylinder rotation. The new Python has no bolt at all! Instead lock up is accomplished by parts in front of the trigger (the way S&W does it). Traditional Colts had no parts at all in front of the trigger.
@@robertbrandywine Ah. I get it now. I’m more accustomed to the S&W terminology where a different part of different function is called the bolt.
Looking at an original Python exploded view, I see what you’re talking about. Yes, in that regard Colt is using a cylinder stop in the same way S&W does.
I think they first did this on the Trooper MkIII, but it may predate that. This isn’t the first time Colt has used such a system.
Do you know how it compares to a 2020 S&W 686?
Both are good revolvers. Disassembly is similar in some ways, but distinctly different in others.
I’d say they’re comparable in quality. Both make use of modern manufacturing techniques such as MIM for small precision parts.
Handling is a bit different since their cylinder latches operate in an opposite way. I’m more accustomed to S&W, but after shooting the Colt for a while I’m beginning to prefer the Colt style latch.
@@ColterBrog I think the S&W has MIM trigger and hammer a disappointment to me. I do not like the safety and the barrel sleeve. But then it does cost less too.
@@steveharvey6421 The safety is a big reason why I decided on Colt this time. My older revolvers are S&W.
Do the new King Cobras have the same design? I have one but don’t have the balls to take it apart.
I don’t have a King Cobra, but based on Googling some photos it appears to have some similarities but is lacking the “arm” to tension the hand… maybe a torsion spring design? I can’t tell by the available photos.
The transfer bar appears to sit on the left side of the trigger instead of the right. Not sure why they did that, but it is a little different in that regard.
👍
If you like this, be sure to check out cylinder disassembly. It’s a separate video, but really comes in handy for deep cleaning.
I feel like I'm watching something I'm not supposed to like a train wreck.
I took my sw 629 apart because I had to.
A primer backed out of some factory ammo and jammed the gun real bad
The S&W revolvers are quite a bit different. I’m more familiar with S&W, but I think the Colt is a little easier in some ways.
Does anyone know how the firing pin is removed? Obviously I hope I don't need to do it but if ever mine breaks I'd love to know how to fix it
My understanding is that the retainer in front of the firing pin is purely a press fit. Seemingly the procedure would be to push it out from the back as if striking the firing pin, but obviously pushing farther.
I would not do this as a matter of routine. Would certainly cause wear to the hole over time, and might damage a good firing pin in the process.
This press-fit "feature" is a total fail by Colt tbh...makes it far more difficult to remove...
Need to zoom in a bit
Yes. I’ve gotten a bit better in the past months. This was my first ever attempt at making a CZcams video- I’m still not very good at it, but I was really bad on the first try. Maybe I’ll do it again eventually with better filming.
S&W > Colt
Both are good. Some aspects of the Colt design are definitely appealing.
@@ColterBrog I’ve owned the 2020 Python, Colt King Cobra, S&W 29 Classic, and a S&W 500. Both manufacturers make great guns. I personally like the Smiths though because I know how to work on them. I’d like to add a S&W model 10 to the collection one day.
My favorite way to disassemble a Python, or any Colt for that matter, is to place it in a double thick heavy burlap sack and swing it as hard as possible against a big old jagged rock. If no rock is available, a slab of concrete will work just fine.
However, the best way is to take the clunker down to an auto wrecking yard with one of those big-ass shredders that turn old cars into confetti, fire it up, and throw the worthless piece of $%iT in it.
That’s probably much faster than the way I do it.
@@ColterBrog It saves a lot of time, which gives me more time to spend with my Smith and Wessons.
I'm kinda strange that way, I like guns that are slick, quick handling, have good triggers right out of the box, and are designed to actually work.
Silly me!!
Who at colt hurt you my guy?
@@Mcsavage2.0 probably the guy who came up with that dumb "press-fit" firing pin, or the guy who came up with the QR code...😂
I bought a rare 30+ year old car for $600 less.
They aren’t cheap, but if you look at the introductory price of the Python then account for inflation over the decades, they’re not any more than they ever were.
@@ColterBrog The point is, guns are massively overpriced for what they are. If you're not paying for tedious manual labor, as is true in most cases, they are a complete and total rip off. A few bucks in steel. Cars are infinitely more complex and require way more R&D and manual labor to produce. If the automotive industry price gouged like the firearms industry does, cars would cost several hundred thousand dollars for a mediocre sedan.
Dispite a mechanical problem, why would it be necessary to completely disassemble the gun? This is beyond anything required for a field strip and cleaning. Is this just to show us that YOU can do it. Most gun owners are not gunsmiths and doing this is asking for issues. I am sure it voids any manufacturers warranties.
Colt only gives you a one year warranty.
If someone does have a mechanical problem, they might need to take it apart… or if someone takes it apart because they’re curious, then they might need a video showing how it fits back together.
If the revolver is out in the field and ends up becoming contaminated with dirty water, blown sand, etc. it may be necessary to disassemble it to remove that debris.
If you shoot a lot it is sometimes preferable to be able to access the internals for extensive cleaning, inspection, and lubrication.
I mainly took mine down to see how it compares internally to the old Pythons, because it isn’t the same, and decided to video it so others could see what is going on inside so their curiosity can be satisfied without disassembling their revolver.
Ruger in 3 minuti e tutto smontato
The Ruger is a very simple and robust design, but the fit and finish isn’t quite as luxurious as the Python.
Nothing says gun disassembly the wrong way better than a craftsman screwdriver.
Any screwdriver fitted by hand to the screw is the best screwdriver for that screw.
No slop, no wedging to mar it up, no overhang to scratch the frame.
If you don’t know how to fit screwdrivers, you absolutely should go get a bit kit and just select the one that’s close enough.
czcams.com/video/lF0L1yA5bbs/video.html
Thanks for the comment. You gave me inspiration for another video which actually turned into a series of four explaining screws, screwdrivers, and how to make a screwdriver with a perfect fit.
Could you fit the new python hammer into a king cobra target? I like the wider spur on the python but wasn’t sure if they are the same design
@@ricks99gt I don’t have a King Cobra. I’ll see if I can find a photo of the hammer of one to see if they’re at all similar.
@@ricks99gt Looking around online- they look similar but I don’t think they would be interchangeable. Hard to tell for sure. They definitely have some differences aside from just the spur.
Everything above 2005 is all diecast if you bought before that time you actually had somebody hand making that gun for you big cost difference in what the weapon
Hand-made isn’t necessarily a good thing. It just costs more, but is less precise than modern manufacturing.
Parts have to be hand fit when tooling is too primitive to build it right the first time.