Now what 3" is a real things of beauty, not in the least bit jealous..

Lovely to see and thanks for sharing.

Cheerio,

Roy

Never mind. This is a complicated researched answer.

I’m 64, learned to read on dads American Rifleman magazines. I remember articles on Smythons. My friends were Colt fans, me S&W. I dreamed of having a Smython. The word was Colts went out of timing faster than Smiths. The pistols shown here are beautiful. I can’t hold a pistol steady enough to know the accuracy difference so I’m going to continue to love my heavy barrel 686 Stocking Dealers Special.

If you are ever in my neighborhood, you can come shoot mine.

I live about a mile and a half from the Colt factory.

I have to say that the thing I have always liked the least about the look of a Python is that vent rib. Looks like it would catch low hanging branches.

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Member MVGCA, OGCA, NRA Life

What are the values of these Smolts / Smythons?

I think it depends on a few things.

What is the base gun it is done on? If someone’s base gun is a pinned and recessed 19 or 66, it’s probably going to have a higher asking price then something like my 686.

A lot of times not only have the folks that have commissioned the Python barrel going onto the frame, but like me, they will get an action job, and typically a good set of grips too.

I probably have about $1400 to into mine, not including the grips.
That is the gun itself, the barrel, the conversion, they action job.

The Culina grips were like $325 or $350 Which I had got for a different gun, but put them on this one and they go well.

But folks who have these don’t typically sell them, because they are getting something specifically tailored for what they want.

If someone offered me like $2000 or wanted on a trade for something outstanding, on my list, I would have to consider it.

I remember reading about this years ago. I cannot claim it is true, so take it for what it is worth:

The story went that Colt pressed a slightly oversized ball bearing through each barrel from the back end. The ball bearing deformed as it passed through the barrel to give a slightly smaller ID at the front end. A new ball bearing was used for each barrel. This was a "secret" process at the time.

Again, I don't know if this is hokum or not. Maybe a metallurgist could step in and share his opinion.

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

Diamondbacks are based on the Police Positive Special frame. The barrels might fit better on a J frame.

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs