robpa wrote: ↑Tue Apr 04, 2023 12:49 pm
Without optics I may as well have a box of rocks. This thing is fun to shoot and quite accurate. Actually it belongs to my wife.
I've never tried a handgun with optics. But I am very open-minded and objective where firearms are concerned (pump-action shotguns being the exception to that rule). My vision has remained okay, but I am a cross-eyed shooter. Perhaps optics would work well for me?
USN 2000-2006
Adaptable and (usually) affable knife enthusiast, unsure of his knife collecting destination but enjoying the journey
Case taste, Rough Ryder budget
I've put 100 rounds thru the Colt Officers Model I pictured above, and all I can say is WOW. I had a Python back in the early 1980s and it had nothing on this old Colt, especially a 2 pound trigger. It shoots much better than the jerk behind the trigger. It is so over built for the 22 LR cartridge, probably shoot rimfires forever.
OLDE CUTLER wrote: ↑Wed Apr 05, 2023 3:19 pm
I've put 100 rounds thru the Colt Officers Model I pictured above, and all I can say is WOW. I had a Python back in the early 1980s and it had nothing on this old Colt, especially a 2 pound trigger. It shoots much better than the jerk behind the trigger. It is so over built for the 22 LR cartridge, probably shoot rimfires forever.
IMG_5157.JPG
That’s an awesome old Colt.
“There are things in the old Book which I may not be able to explain, but I fully accept it as the infallible word of God, and receive its teachings as inspired by the Holy Spirit.”
Robert E. Lee
I agree with the Colonel. Certainly a wonderful old gun. I think, actually a guess, is that Colt began to diminish its reputation when it focused on making M-16s for the army. Currently, I do not know if it has righted its QC efforts.
By far the most accurate revolver I have ever experienced is a S&W M-14 Target Master. It really deserves someone with the eyes and skills to utilize its exceptional capabilities.
Colt was acquired by CZ in early 2021, so the new Pythons and other Colts are under European control now.
I looked at several Colts and Smiths like the one pictured be for settling on the Colt. Those older S & Ws are fine pieces also.
Made in USA, youd really like the newer models. There are cut outs in the front and they come in red, green and maybe other colors as well. They are also much easier to take down for cleaning, a real big improvement. prices sure reflect the difference too!. Ive never cleaned this gun, its a chore, only to pull a snake thru the barrel and its never had a hiccup.
OLDE CUTLER wrote: ↑Wed Apr 05, 2023 3:19 pm
I've put 100 rounds thru the Colt Officers Model I pictured above, and all I can say is WOW. I had a Python back in the early 1980s and it had nothing on this old Colt, especially a 2 pound trigger. It shoots much better than the jerk behind the trigger. It is so over built for the 22 LR cartridge, probably shoot rimfires forever.
Dan In MI wrote: ↑Wed Apr 05, 2023 1:53 pm
I've never tried a handgun with optics. But I am very open-minded and objective where firearms are concerned (pump-action shotguns being the exception to that rule). My vision has remained okay, but I am a cross-eyed shooter. Perhaps optics would work well for me?
I am a right handed shooter and left eye dominant… and my left eye also has horrible corrected vision.
Prior to dot sights on the handgun… I had to use an ocular (clips on hat… blocks vision of target from left eye) to make it even possible to shoot with both eyes open.
So… the optics are a DREAM! Both eyes open and it’s SO MUCH easier. No squinting, no blinking to try and focus on front sight…
You won’t believe the difference.
Hey… those bullseye shooters (now called precision pistol) have been shooting handguns with optics for quite a while now… maybe they know something!
robpa wrote: ↑Wed Apr 05, 2023 6:30 pm
Made in USA, youd really like the newer models. There are cut outs in the front and they come in red, green and maybe other colors as well. They are also much easier to take down for cleaning, a real big improvement. prices sure reflect the difference too!. Ive never cleaned this gun, its a chore, only to pull a snake thru the barrel and its never had a hiccup.
I had a MKIII 22/45 light (blue anodized) and tricked it out with all the aftermarket accessories from tandemkross, etc.
Yes… I am thinking about the newer MKIV version… but I’d still add all the aftermarket gadgets (trigger, slingshot kit, thumb rest) to customize it to my taste.
robpa wrote: ↑Wed Apr 05, 2023 6:30 pm
Made in USA, youd really like the newer models. There are cut outs in the front and they come in red, green and maybe other colors as well. They are also much easier to take down for cleaning, a real big improvement. prices sure reflect the difference too!. Ive never cleaned this gun, its a chore, only to pull a snake thru the barrel and its never had a hiccup.
I had a MKIII 22/45 light (blue anodized) and tricked it out with all the aftermarket accessories from tandemkross, etc.
Yes… I am thinking about the newer MKIV version… but I’d still add all the aftermarket gadgets (trigger, slingshot kit, thumb rest) to customize it to my taste.
I like my Rugers!
I just got a new MKIV Ruger and added a TruGlo red/green dot sight. In some situations I had trouble seeing a red dot because of color blindness, but having a green dot choice has solved that. You'll love the MKIV, the frame is now aluminum, lighter than the older steel frames.
robpa wrote: ↑Wed Apr 05, 2023 6:30 pm
Made in USA, youd really like the newer models. There are cut outs in the front and they come in red, green and maybe other colors as well. They are also much easier to take down for cleaning, a real big improvement. prices sure reflect the difference too!. Ive never cleaned this gun, its a chore, only to pull a snake thru the barrel and its never had a hiccup.
I had a MKIII 22/45 light (blue anodized) and tricked it out with all the aftermarket accessories from tandemkross, etc.
Yes… I am thinking about the newer MKIV version… but I’d still add all the aftermarket gadgets (trigger, slingshot kit, thumb rest) to customize it to my taste.
I like my Rugers!
I just got a new MKIV Ruger and added a TruGlo red/green dot sight. In some situations I had trouble seeing a red dot because of color blindness, but having a green dot choice has solved that. You'll love the MKIV, the frame is now aluminum, lighter than the older steel frames.
IMG_5158.JPG
Camera focus is on the dot in the sight.
IMG_5159.JPG
OLDE CUTLER wrote: ↑Wed Apr 05, 2023 3:19 pm
I've put 100 rounds thru the Colt Officers Model I pictured above, and all I can say is WOW. I had a Python back in the early 1980s and it had nothing on this old Colt, especially a 2 pound trigger. It shoots much better than the jerk behind the trigger. It is so over built for the 22 LR cartridge, probably shoot rimfires forever.
IMG_5157.JPG
You should have held on to that Python. They're going for some good money now. Check out GunBroker.com and see what the old Pythons are selling for.
OLDE CUTLER wrote: ↑Wed Apr 05, 2023 3:19 pm
I've put 100 rounds thru the Colt Officers Model I pictured above, and all I can say is WOW. I had a Python back in the early 1980s and it had nothing on this old Colt, especially a 2 pound trigger. It shoots much better than the jerk behind the trigger. It is so over built for the 22 LR cartridge, probably shoot rimfires forever.
IMG_5157.JPG
You should have held on to that Python. They're going for some good money now. Check out GunBroker.com and see what the old Pythons are selling for.
It wouldn't be worth anything as worn out as it was. I bought it used and put many thousands of rounds thru it. It was loose, out of time, and getting to be not safe to shoot. The big money ones like you mention were bought new and not used, or used very little. It just like knife values, condition, condition, condition.
Samb wrote: ↑Thu Apr 06, 2023 9:40 am
You might be surprised but it's to late now.
I don't know if you are old enough to remember silhouette shooting back in the late 1970s early 1980s. The Python I had was an old silhouette gun and it like most other revolvers used for that sport were abused to death. The program was metal animal targets shot at 50, 100, 150, and 200 meters. The 200 meter rams were the tough ones and you not only had to hit them, they had to be tipped over. Competitors loaded their own pet loads for their guns to what had to be drastic over pressures in an effort to get max impact on the rams. Most people who shot regularly consumed a lot of ammo and a lot of guns. The gunclub I belonged to had matches and I used to go out and just spectate as that sport was beyond my finances. Once a revolver had 1 or 2 thousand rounds thru it, it was junk, even if it hadn't been blown up. The max loads of 2400 powder used in the magnums back then would gas cut the top strap of a revolver just above the barrel cylinder gap. That would weaken the frame until it was no longer safe to shoot. Even today if you go to gunshows you will see old 357 and 44 mag revolvers that have been shot a lot that show gas cutting of the frame. The Python I had showed a moderate amount of gas cutting, and was somewhat loose. I think I paid $150 for it and shot light loads in it for the few years I had it. It wouldn't be worth anything like they are getting for nice collectable Pythons today that are in like new condition.
Just inspected them. Guess which one shows a "powder line" (my description as it is not cutting into the metal).
The 68' DB .38
That DB and the Python were my Dad's. The Phyton has thousands of rounds through from my Dad and I but we always shot .38 at the range. I have shot maybe 1000 rounds of .357 Factory Loads through it and it is right as rain. Shot maybe 20 pretty hot loads through it. Literally branded for Ted Nugent at ~1900 fps.
I appreciate your knowledge in this matter. That lead me to find forcing cone chipping and cracking as a thing to check as well here in near future.
That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who leaves the world better than he found it; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in other's and gave the best he had.
Samb wrote: ↑Thu Apr 06, 2023 9:40 am
You might be surprised but it's to late now.
I don't know if you are old enough to remember silhouette shooting back in the late 1970s early 1980s. The Python I had was an old silhouette gun and it like most other revolvers used for that sport were abused to death. The program was metal animal targets shot at 50, 100, 150, and 200 meters. The 200 meter rams were the tough ones and you not only had to hit them, they had to be tipped over. Competitors loaded their own pet loads for their guns to what had to be drastic over pressures in an effort to get max impact on the rams. Most people who shot regularly consumed a lot of ammo and a lot of guns. The gunclub I belonged to had matches and I used to go out and just spectate as that sport was beyond my finances. Once a revolver had 1 or 2 thousand rounds thru it, it was junk, even if it hadn't been blown up. The max loads of 2400 powder used in the magnums back then would gas cut the top strap of a revolver just above the barrel cylinder gap. That would weaken the frame until it was no longer safe to shoot. Even today if you go to gunshows you will see old 357 and 44 mag revolvers that have been shot a lot that show gas cutting of the frame. The Python I had showed a moderate amount of gas cutting, and was somewhat loose. I think I paid $150 for it and shot light loads in it for the few years I had it. It wouldn't be worth anything like they are getting for nice collectable Pythons today that are in like new condition.
That’s some good information OC.
As a coincidence, the local gun club still has monthly silhouette shoots at 40, 60, 80, and 100 yards. They do 22lr rifle first. It’s off hand, so sling support with the 1/5th size targets. It’s tough, but a hoot! Then they use normal size targets for center fire pistol. My oldest boy and I went to our first the other day and we loved it.
The flame cutting isn’t just a thing on the colts either. Cracked forcing cones and flame cut top straps used to be pretty common on K frame smiths that had had a steady diet of fast 125 gr 357, from what I understand. I LOVE K frame smiths, but I look them over real close.
“There are things in the old Book which I may not be able to explain, but I fully accept it as the infallible word of God, and receive its teachings as inspired by the Holy Spirit.”
Robert E. Lee
Samb wrote: ↑Thu Apr 06, 2023 9:40 am
You might be surprised but it's to late now.
I don't know if you are old enough to remember silhouette shooting back in the late 1970s early 1980s. The Python I had was an old silhouette gun and it like most other revolvers used for that sport were abused to death. The program was metal animal targets shot at 50, 100, 150, and 200 meters. The 200 meter rams were the tough ones and you not only had to hit them, they had to be tipped over. Competitors loaded their own pet loads for their guns to what had to be drastic over pressures in an effort to get max impact on the rams. Most people who shot regularly consumed a lot of ammo and a lot of guns. The gunclub I belonged to had matches and I used to go out and just spectate as that sport was beyond my finances. Once a revolver had 1 or 2 thousand rounds thru it, it was junk, even if it hadn't been blown up. The max loads of 2400 powder used in the magnums back then would gas cut the top strap of a revolver just above the barrel cylinder gap. That would weaken the frame until it was no longer safe to shoot. Even today if you go to gunshows you will see old 357 and 44 mag revolvers that have been shot a lot that show gas cutting of the frame. The Python I had showed a moderate amount of gas cutting, and was somewhat loose. I think I paid $150 for it and shot light loads in it for the few years I had it. It wouldn't be worth anything like they are getting for nice collectable Pythons today that are in like new condition.
That’s some good information OC.
As a coincidence, the local gun club still has monthly silhouette shoots at 40, 60, 80, and 100 yards. They do 22lr rifle first. It’s off hand, so sling support with the 1/5th size targets. It’s tough, but a hoot! Then they use normal size targets for center fire pistol. My oldest boy and I went to our first the other day and we loved it.
The flame cutting isn’t just a thing on the colts either. Cracked forcing cones and flame cut top straps used to be pretty common on K frame smiths that had had a steady diet of fast 125 gr 357, from what I understand. I LOVE K frame smiths, but I look them over real close.
Ruger introduced the Blackhawk SRM in 1983 with their eye on hunting and silhouette shooting. It was chambered in the new 357 Maximum caliber about 3 tenths longer than a 357 Magnum. They evidently did not test it very well as they had to withdraw it and discontinue making it because of flame cutting of the topstrap after a short time. I knew a guy that had one and his was unusable after only about 800 rounds because of flame cutting. Dan Wesson chambered the Max also and had trouble with theirs too.
When does a revolver become unusable due to flame cutting? Of course, subjective. I ask with all seriousness and respect. My question is an extension of my previous post.
I know any gun can come apart given the right multiple variables involved, but specifically interested if all is right besides a flame cut, weakened revolver.
Thanks, Jerry
That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who leaves the world better than he found it; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in other's and gave the best he had.
Wow, that would depend on several things. Like I said, when I had a gun that had some flame cutting, I shot light cast bullet loads in it without any issues. If you shot 38 Spl loads in a 357 gun, you are shooting 1/2 the pressure. But if the gun has gas cutting of the top strap that is noticeable, it would be best to just retire it.
