Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 05-16-2011, 08:15 PM
Steve638 Steve638 is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Washingtonville NY.
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times in 7 Posts
Default SMOLT

My stepfather has just passed and left me a model 15 with a python 357 barrel. I'm told it was done by Bill Davis, in the late '70's. My problem is when I put a .357 mag load in the cylinder the end of the round petrudes from the back end about a 1/16th of an inch. I thought a .357 load in a .38 cylinder should petrude through the front. I know a lot of .38 rounds have been fired from this pistol, and there is a carbon line on the inside of the cylinder about an 1/8th of an inch from the front of the cylinder. Could this be the reson why .357 loads wont fit in this pistol?

Thanks in advance- Steve.
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #2  
Old 05-16-2011, 08:18 PM
surfgun surfgun is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: OC
Posts: 502
Likes: 199
Liked 288 Times in 158 Posts
Default

A model 15 is a .38 Special. One can not chamber a longer .357 Magnum in a shorter .38 Special chamber. Your chamber is doing it's job, to help prevent the destruction of your Model 15. Disregard the caliber designation on a barrel not built for your revolver.
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 05-16-2011, 08:39 PM
ImprovedModel56Fan ImprovedModel56Fan is offline
US Veteran
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MA
Posts: 7,330
Likes: 7,502
Liked 5,556 Times in 2,547 Posts
Default

Hard to say it any better than surfgun just did, but I would have used UPPERCASE and a lot of EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!!
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #4  
Old 05-16-2011, 09:04 PM
Steve638 Steve638 is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Washingtonville NY.
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times in 7 Posts
Default

Surfgun; As the model 15 is a K frame and this has a 357 barrel can I put a .357 cylinder on this pistol and SAFELY shoot in . I would like to use it as a side arm while hunting
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #5  
Old 05-16-2011, 09:10 PM
Broker50 Broker50 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: East Kentucky
Posts: 808
Likes: 247
Liked 189 Times in 102 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve638 View Post
Surfgun; As the model 15 is a K frame and this has a 357 barrel can I put a .357 cylinder on this pistol and SAFELY shoot in . I would like to use it as a side arm while hunting
Definitely NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #6  
Old 05-16-2011, 09:28 PM
sheriffoconee's Avatar
sheriffoconee sheriffoconee is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Watkinsville, GA
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 0
Liked 180 Times in 73 Posts
Default

The Model 15 is a 38 special revolver....the barrel is marked 357 of course, as it is from a revolver that was originally chambered for both 38 and 357. The barrel doesn't matter, the frame and cylinder of the revolver matter....
Shoot 38's in it to your hearts content. It won't fire 357 rounds, which as you noted are too long for the cylinders. Enjoy it as it with the 38's....
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #7  
Old 05-16-2011, 10:47 PM
Steve638 Steve638 is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Washingtonville NY.
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times in 7 Posts
Default

Thanks for the info. A .38 it is.
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 05-16-2011, 10:58 PM
Palmetto Sharpshooter's Avatar
Palmetto Sharpshooter Palmetto Sharpshooter is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 851
Likes: 54
Liked 187 Times in 75 Posts
Default

Please!

__________________
N.R.A. BENEFACTOR Member
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 05-16-2011, 11:09 PM
Steve638 Steve638 is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Washingtonville NY.
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times in 7 Posts
Default

I'm a new member just joined tonight. I will post a pic. as soon as I figure out how!
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 05-16-2011, 11:47 PM
Ironhand Ironhand is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 550
Likes: 5
Liked 75 Times in 50 Posts
Default

Go to Photobucket and sign up for a free account. Follow their directions for uploading pics, then post 'em here.



Happiness ensues!


Oh, and welcome...
  #11  
Old 05-17-2011, 01:09 AM
Engine49guy's Avatar
Engine49guy Engine49guy is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Florida
Posts: 7,769
Likes: 2,467
Liked 8,294 Times in 2,907 Posts
Default

Welcome aboard and please post pics as we have had a few people saking for pics of a SMOLT.

Your 38 K frame looks the same as the Magnum frame but K Magnum frames were heat treated at the factory to add additional strength because of the excessive pressures generated by Magnum loads.
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #12  
Old 05-17-2011, 12:56 PM
Steve638 Steve638 is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Washingtonville NY.
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times in 7 Posts
Default

Hope these help.



  #13  
Old 05-17-2011, 02:13 PM
murphydog's Avatar
murphydog murphydog is offline
Moderator
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,780
Likes: 934
Liked 18,872 Times in 9,240 Posts
Default

Very nice. You can find heavier loaded .38 Specials that approach .357 performance that are safe to use in your Smolt; Buffalo Bore is commonly recommended. Enjoy!
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 05-17-2011, 11:09 PM
Martya's Avatar
Martya Martya is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: NW PA
Posts: 897
Likes: 343
Liked 446 Times in 240 Posts
Default

Just curious, why would one have that done?
__________________
Marty 4513TSW 13-1 642 60-10
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #15  
Old 05-18-2011, 12:12 AM
samandglove1's Avatar
samandglove1 samandglove1 is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 939
Liked 1,437 Times in 362 Posts
Default

Now that is a Pinto I have never seen before. I bet its fun shooting 38s out of it, though.
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #16  
Old 05-18-2011, 12:22 AM
john traveler john traveler is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: west coast
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 0
Liked 55 Times in 34 Posts
Default

The original reason(s) for making a "Smolt" is the "wow" factor in owning something unusual or unique.

Shooters may tell you that the Colt barrel has a more accurate twist or that it gives better balance and handling. But let's face it: why else would someone go to the expense and trouble of making a non-factory hybrid gun?
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #17  
Old 05-18-2011, 09:25 AM
Steve638 Steve638 is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Washingtonville NY.
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times in 7 Posts
Default WHY A SMOLT

I'm told that Bill Davis made more than than a few of these.The colt barrel has a 4 1/4" twist nd the S&W barrel is 4 1/8 twist so they joined the best of both pistols. I'm told bulls eye shooters in the late 70's early 80's had them custom made. AS FOR WHY?iIt's a sweet shooting nice looking, different handgun that not everyone else has. Soooo. WHY NOT!
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #18  
Old 05-23-2011, 04:49 PM
Murdock Murdock is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Down East Maine
Posts: 997
Likes: 1,156
Liked 1,791 Times in 473 Posts
Default Why?

The SMOLT predated the M686. People wanted a S&W frame and action with a full lug barrel to control recoil.

The advent of the 686 did away with the need for a custom proposition.

S&W has not had a big problem copying other manufacturer's ideas when they appear to have been successful. Examples such as the 1911, the ASP conversion, the Python's barrel and the Taurus Judge are legion.

Then again, lots of people have copied S&W too.
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #19  
Old 05-24-2011, 08:23 AM
Onomea's Avatar
Onomea Onomea is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Oregon & Japan
Posts: 14,103
Likes: 45,793
Liked 33,034 Times in 9,024 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve638 View Post
...AS FOR WHY?iIt's a sweet shooting nice looking, different handgun that not everyone else has. Soooo. WHY NOT!
I like that answer! I'd like to have one because they are unususual, different. But I do wonder why the top of the bbl, the rib -- that useless but oh so sexy vented Python rib -- was not smoothed down to be flush with the top of the frame...

Neat gun. I'd also research Bill Davis, were I you. Piece of shooters' Americana you have there!
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #20  
Old 05-24-2011, 10:08 AM
Timbo22 Timbo22 is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
Liked 11 Times in 9 Posts
Default

Welcome to the forum. You have inherited a very unique revolver. They were quite the item in their day and definitely a custom built proposition. Please play it safe and enjoy it as a top notch 38 Special target revolver.
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #21  
Old 05-24-2011, 10:41 AM
walnutred walnutred is offline
US Veteran
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 4,450
Likes: 785
Liked 3,030 Times in 1,002 Posts
Default

A freinds dad used to have a Coltson revolver. A 1917 Colt frame to which a section of Thompson SMG barrel fitted to it.
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #22  
Old 05-24-2011, 12:14 PM
westcoast362 westcoast362 is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 320
Likes: 45
Liked 92 Times in 42 Posts
Default

My Davis built Smolt is on an N frame and the rib on the barrel fits perfectly with the top of the frame.
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
  #23  
Old 05-24-2011, 04:39 PM
BubbaBlades BubbaBlades is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: South Florida
Posts: 487
Likes: 15
Liked 666 Times in 201 Posts
Default



You call them Smolts, I call them Smythons. Both my 3" and 6" python barrels are on S&W model 19-5s. Whoever did the conversions on my guns slicked up the actions to the point that they are better than my stock Pythons and almost as good as my Colt Custom Shop Python. I also have a Couger (Python barrel on a Ruger Security Six). The Couger does not have as smooth of an action as the Smythons (Smolts), however, the grip and frame size of the Security Six fits my hand the better than the Smiths or the Colts.

Mark
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #24  
Old 05-24-2011, 05:49 PM
GyMac GyMac is offline
US Veteran
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: SW Washington
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 616
Liked 288 Times in 168 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve638 View Post
I'm told that Bill Davis made more than than a few of these.The colt barrel has a 4 1/4" twist nd the S&W barrel is 4 1/8 twist so they joined the best of both pistols. I'm told bulls eye shooters in the late 70's early 80's had them custom made. AS FOR WHY?iIt's a sweet shooting nice looking, different handgun that not everyone else has. Soooo. WHY NOT!
Aren't those Bill Davis grips on that Smolt?
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #25  
Old 05-24-2011, 07:07 PM
westcoast362 westcoast362 is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 320
Likes: 45
Liked 92 Times in 42 Posts
Default

I also call them Smythons. I used the term Smolt because that's how the thread was titled. I've got a color brochure from Davis and he calls them Smolts, but that sounds like a small fish to me.
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #26  
Old 05-25-2011, 07:21 PM
thomasinaz's Avatar
thomasinaz thomasinaz is offline
US Veteran
SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Arizona
Posts: 995
Likes: 836
Liked 1,205 Times in 288 Posts
Default

Whatever you call them they are beautiful guns! I especially like the Pinto look of the OP....nice!
__________________
Tom
"Panem et Circenses"
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #27  
Old 06-03-2011, 07:37 PM
Gryff's Avatar
Gryff Gryff is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Bay Area, California
Posts: 272
Likes: 7
Liked 320 Times in 83 Posts
Default

Slight threadjack, but since this is a Davis hybrid thread...

Here are three that Davis built for my father. There were good friends, and shot PPC together.



Top is a Model 13 mated to a 581 barrel. Why? No idea...it was a birthday gift to my Dad. Bill probably built it out of parts he had laying around.

Middle is his "Cougar." Ruger Security-Six frame mated to a Python barrel.

Bottom is his "Rattler." Ruger Speed-Six frame with a Colt King Cobra barrel.

All three have unbelievable trigger jobs on them.

Last edited by Gryff; 06-03-2011 at 07:40 PM.
  #28  
Old 06-03-2011, 07:46 PM
Fishslayer Fishslayer is offline
US Veteran
Absent Comrade
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: San Diego, PRK
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 11,531
Liked 11,249 Times in 3,916 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Onomea View Post
But I do wonder why the top of the bbl, the rib -- that useless but oh so sexy vented Python rib -- was not smoothed down to be flush with the top of the frame...
I've seen it explained that the rib is there for stiffness & the vents are for weight reduction.

I have no idea whatsoever if that is true or not.
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #29  
Old 06-03-2011, 09:05 PM
Onomea's Avatar
Onomea Onomea is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Oregon & Japan
Posts: 14,103
Likes: 45,793
Liked 33,034 Times in 9,024 Posts
Default

The vented bbl is a takeoff on the King aftermarket vented rib for target shooting. So the original idea with vented bbls as add ons was to add weight to the bbl for target shooting. You could do the same thing by just making a bull or heavy bbl, and mostly that was what was done for production guns, but it looks nowhere near as cool.

See page 402 of Wilson's The Book of Colt Firearms for a prototype.

The most entertaining explanation I have read of the Python vented bbl is that it was for heat dissipation.
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #30  
Old 06-03-2011, 10:22 PM
sub-moa's Avatar
sub-moa sub-moa is offline
US Veteran
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: South Florida, A Third Wo
Posts: 345
Likes: 28
Liked 138 Times in 73 Posts
Default

Quote:
The colt barrel has a 4 1/4" twist nd the S&W barrel is 4 1/8 twist so they joined the best of both pistols.
Huh?

WADR...

Colt 1-14"

S&W 1-18.75"
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #31  
Old 05-05-2017, 08:06 AM
CH4's Avatar
CH4 CH4 is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Mojave Desert
Posts: 10,248
Likes: 17,882
Liked 23,915 Times in 6,782 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Onomea View Post
I like that answer! I'd like to have one because they are unususual, different. But I do wonder why the top of the bbl, the rib -- that useless but oh so sexy vented Python rib -- was not smoothed down to be flush with the top of the frame...

Neat gun. I'd also research Bill Davis, were I you. Piece of shooters' Americana you have there!
I know it's an old thread, but thought I may find an answer to my question.

I've always wanted to build a smolt, but didn't like the step from the bbl to the top strap of a K frame. Would using an L frame be a better match??

Last edited by CH4; 05-05-2017 at 10:01 AM.
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #32  
Old 05-05-2017, 11:29 PM
murphydog's Avatar
murphydog murphydog is offline
Moderator
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,780
Likes: 934
Liked 18,872 Times in 9,240 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr.Lou View Post
I know it's an old thread, but thought I may find an answer to my question.

I've always wanted to build a smolt, but didn't like the step from the bbl to the top strap of a K frame. Would using an L frame be a better match??
Probably...but the 580/680 series guns put the Colt underlug on the barrel right from the factory . Perhaps mill out the vents in the rib and call it good!
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
  #33  
Old 05-05-2017, 11:50 PM
ma96782 ma96782 is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 48
Likes: 26
Liked 40 Times in 21 Posts
Default

My friend had a SMOLT.

His was a S&W M15 with a COLT Diamondback .38 Special marked barrel. That way there would be no confusion as to caliber that it took. He built his for the "cool factor" and the COLT's barrel added weight, over that of the regular S&W barrel weight. Dreams of target shooting and PPC I guess.

Those customized aftermarket fat barrel revolvers for PPC were just starting back then.

Aloha, Mark

Last edited by ma96782; 05-05-2017 at 11:54 PM.
  #34  
Old 05-05-2017, 11:53 PM
LeBur LeBur is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: NW AR.
Posts: 101
Likes: 462
Liked 25 Times in 6 Posts
Talking

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr.Lou View Post
I know it's an old thread, but thought I may find an answer to my question.

I've always wanted to build a smolt, but didn't like the step from the bbl to the top strap of a K frame. Would using an L frame be a better match??
Dr. Lou, just replace the rear sight with one from a 2 1/2 in. Model 19. The sight body is longer, and goes all the way to the end of the frame. (on a K frame) It will butt right up to the rib of the Python barrel. No gap. ;-)
  #35  
Old 05-06-2017, 12:31 AM
ma96782 ma96782 is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 48
Likes: 26
Liked 40 Times in 21 Posts
Default

Since Bill Davis was mentioned.

This is my Bill Davis (made for PPC). Made after the S&W L frame came out and the S&W M10s were on the way out. More weight = Better. Rrrright.

S&W 581





Aloha, Mark

Last edited by ma96782; 05-06-2017 at 12:49 AM.
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #36  
Old 02-27-2019, 04:25 AM
CH4's Avatar
CH4 CH4 is offline
Member
SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT SMOLT  
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Mojave Desert
Posts: 10,248
Likes: 17,882
Liked 23,915 Times in 6,782 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by LeBur View Post
Dr. Lou, just replace the rear sight with one from a 2 1/2 in. Model 19. The sight body is longer, and goes all the way to the end of the frame. (on a K frame) It will butt right up to the rib of the Python barrel. No gap. ;-)
That’s correct, thanks for the reminder
__________________
213th FBINA
Closed Thread

Tags
1911, 357 magnum, 581, colt, k frame, m686, model 15, model 19, model 686, pinto, ppc, ruger, sig arms, taurus, thompson

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Just a 19-4 Smolt spencerhut S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 24 03-01-2017 09:57 PM
686 Smolt D1911 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 18 01-15-2017 05:21 PM
Smolt for trade Barbarosa99 GUNS - For Sale or Trade 1 11-25-2011 04:43 PM
Mod 28 Smolt dek S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 11 08-29-2009 02:10 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:02 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)