A S&W "Snake Gun" - Smython

[410bore]

Stumbled onto this one a few weeks back and couldn't resist. First one I have seen on an N frame (28-2). The plain, matte barrel rib does look nice with the plain rear sight assembly. I haven't shot it yet but will soon...

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[BAM-BAM]

Bring that to the next Bunching

 

[CH4]

My grail gun! I have a couple friends with 4" K frame, Bill Davis Smolts, but unfortunately, they are not parting with them. I'd like a 4" stainless built on an L frame.

 

[andy52]

It's a nice looking revolver but it eludes me why a person would build such a thing, why not just have a Smith or a colt?, maybe I'm missing something.

 

[lebomm]

It was thought at the time that the Colt's different rifling twist and/or bore dimensions yielded slightly improved accuracy over the Smith. I guess some guys did it just 'cuz it looked cool, too.

Larry

 

[younggun22]

How do you value something like that? Is it valued as just a shooter grade N Frame or does it strictly depend on how bad the buyer wants it?

I've seen a couple K fame conversions floating around but they come with an astronomical price tag.


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[S&WIowegan]

No doubt a lot of Smolts were created for the "coolness" factor. There are two basic reasons for the conversions: 1) Python barrels were widely believed to be more accurate; 2) S&W actions are more tuneable and smooth than the Colt. Also, Pythons that get shot a lot have a reputation for going out of time. Finally, there a lot more gunsmiths who can work on S&W revos than can do Colts.

I have always been amazed that Colt was willing to sell barrels for the conversions.

 

[boykinlp]

That is SWEET!!! The best of both worlds!

 

[boykinlp]

S&WIowegan explained why someone would do it very well.

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

That is slicker than two eels in a bucket of snot!

 

[muddocktor]

That's the first N frame Smolt I've ever seen pics of too. Very neat. I wouldn't mind owning something like that myself.

Be sure to post up a range report on it after you go shooting.

 

[gman51]

Personally I like it but then again I own a Python and I like the ribbed barrel. The Python barrels were made for more accuracy and said to be more accurate than the S&W. Whether that's true I don't know.
Python and Colt Trooper MKV of my collection.

 

[pittpa]

Now you have me wondering how my 8" Python barrel would look on my 28-2. [emoji848]


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[CH4]

Anybody done or contemplated cutting vents in a 686/586 barrel? Wheels are turning.

 

[CH4]

Now you have me wondering how my 8" Python barrel would look on my 28-2. [emoji848]


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I am guessing it will look great!

 

[Sevens]

The reasons above were the main reasons these were done back in the day but one small addition is that before the L-frames, S&W wasn't offering a full-lug barrel and that was also something the Python barrel offered.

Most Smythons I have seen are done on 19/66's. This may be only the second N-frame I have seen done.

I happen to have a (very well used!) Bill Davis conversion on a 1980 Ruger Service Six. Some called them "Rython" but the name "Cougar" was more popular. I have nicknamed it The Puger and I love shooting it.

 

[boatbum101]

First came about for PPC . The Colts tighter bore & faster twist was more accurate with 148 HBWC bullets @ 50yds . Guns were shot DA & S&W actions were tuned more easily . Colt's V spring action could be tuned also by modifying the DA sear . Long time FHP armorer Walt Sherman invented a roller action sear that would make the Colts DA as smooth as the S&W's . More recent guns are S&W tuned & lightened with custom faster twist bull barrels . Douglas , Shilen , Apex blanks with twist between 1 in 12 to 1 in 10 were the rage .

 

[andy52]

Thank guys for the info now I sort of understand why someone would do that. However I have a early model python and wouldn't even consider having the barrels taken off and put on one of my Smiths. Another question did the accuracy thing pan out or was it the search for the holy grail? My 14-2 will shoot just as good if not better than my python with 148 wadcutters.

 

[BAM-BAM]

In the end the guns tend to be more accurate than the "Shooter"...... so it did pan out but LOL............ only for a few...............

Once the L-frame 686/586s came out the conversions pretty much stopped..... so I guess it's wasn't worth the cost to have a Smolt vs a Smith L-frame...............for most shooters.

But they are so cooooooool..... I'd pay a premium to have one!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[grinchcop]

My roommate and I both had Bill Davis build Smolts for us in about 1981. My RB 19-4 was originally fitted with a 6" barrel, which was later swapped out for a handier 4" barrel. I carried this for years, until transitioning to autos. Yes, the introduction of the L-frame signaled the end of the Smolt. (Coincidentally, this is one of the several Smolts which Dr. Lou referenced earlier.......and it's still not for sale )