FINALLY...A Model 28-2 Smolt Franken Gun

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Model39

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After seeing a thread posted by Forum member 410 bore about a Model 28 he found with a 6" Colt Python barrel, I decided that I would also like one. I had seen "K" frame Smith's with Python barrels, but had never seen one on an "N" frame before. The project started when I found a used. not abused, early 6" "S" serial numbered Model 28-2 at a local gun shop. I was lucky to find a 6" ported Colt Python orange ramp front sight barrel on line for a reasonable price, and set things in motion. I sent the cylinder off to TK Custom to be machined for full moon clips and added a .500 target hammer and trigger and a white online blade to the mix. I took the gun and parts to the Custom Shop Gun Shop in Walworth, Wayne County, New York in the fall of 2017. I had asked Dave the owner and master gunsmith to do his magic and build me a two-tone (Army green frame with the rest of the gun in matte black) Smolt Franken Gun. I got a call this afternoon that my gun was ready and when I picked it up I could not have been more happier. This goes to show that good (great) things are worth waiting for.I can't wait to get this to the range. *NOTE* The Birdseye Maple grips which really set this revolver off were made by John Culina. Any thoughts?

 
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Congratulation on the new addition to the Family

Even though I do not own one, I have always liked the SMOLTs that I have handled and fired

One of our fellow Forum members from my old neighborhood in Hollywood Florida is a SMOLT fan and owner perhaps he will notice this thread and jump in as well
 
6" 28s are about 44 ounces. Add the ported full lug barrel without the 28's normal taper and recoil must be very light. It would be competitive in local matches that do not allow loading more than 6 cartridges in any gun to attract more competitors by being "revolver friendly."

N frame Smolts are a lot less common than K frame Smolts because the Python's barrel threads have a smaller diameter than N frame barrel threads. Am I correct guessing that weld was added to the barrel threads then the shank was rethreaded?
 
That is pretty darn cool man! Good job.

As to the barrel fitting in the frame, I have wondered how they do that, especially with an N frame.

I would love to do one of these too, except that I would like to make it a pinto in Ford's nickel and Master Blue.
 
Frame Was Sleeved To Accept The Python's Barrel Threads

k22fan said:
6" 28s are about 44 ounces. Add the ported full lug barrel without the 28's normal taper and recoil must be very light. It would be competitive in local matches that do not allow loading more than 6 cartridges in any gun to attract more competitors by being "revolver friendly."

N frame Smolts are a lot less common than K frame Smolts because the Python's barrel threads have a smaller diameter than N frame barrel threads. Am I correct guessing that weld was added to the barrel threads then the shank was rethreaded?
Click to expand...
I believe the frame was sleeved with a threaded piece which screwed into the existing frame threads and then the sleeve was rethreaded to accept the threads of the Colt barrel. A ball detent was fitted into the yoke to lock into the frame since there is no extractor locking pin in the barrel shroud. There was a lot of work done to make this functioned right. It was test fired before finishing to make sure it is range ready. Thank you for your interest.. .
 
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Awesome looking gun. I have a friend that has a 472" Mopar Hemi in a 1962 Chevy BelAir. People at car shows scratch their heads. He tells them it's a secret NASCAR motor that Smokey Yunick was building for GM. So develop a convincing yarn about this Smolt. And have fun shooting it
 
I like almost everything about this frankengun, except those birdseye maple grips. I'm not a fan of combats to begin with, but mainly I just don't like the color. A set of Kurac combats in ebony would look much better IMHO. This gun is begging for some ebony grips. Cool project!
 
I have to disagree with gdogs. My favorite part about that setup is the birdseye maple combat grips. It is a neat looking gun, but I'm not sure if I care too much for the green frame though.
 
I shot a 6 inch 27 in PPC for several years. I always thought the 27/28 6 inch guns needed a heavier barrel for a better balance. The RMs had a heavier barrel than the later made 27/28!

That looks just about right!
 
Nice rig!

Thanks for completing a project that I've long contemplated doing. I've always wanted to do a 4" SMOLT, but wasn't sure what frame to use. I know the traditional SMOLT uses a K frame, but I have a 4" 28-2 that I've been eyeing for such a project.

My main concern was how the barrel rib and top strap will mesh. From a purely aesthetic position, having a step between the barrel and the top strap would drive me nuts; SMOLTS that use a K frame seem to have a much cleaner transition. I am curious as to how an L frame would work in that regard. A 686 and 2.5" or 4" stainless python barrel would be sweet, provided there was no step between the barrel and top strap. I also didn't know about needing to sleeve the frame to accept the smaller barrel shank, wonder if that applies to the L frame as well. hmmm

Thinking my 28-2 will maintain it's factory 4" barrel for now.
 
Good looking wood makes the rest of the guns finish pop. Nice birds eye maple. Looks good. My ccw(carry guns) get pachmeyer grips the range guns have wood grips.
 
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Love the Smolts. They were the thing back before the 586.
Can't say anything bad about Culinas, they're one of the two or three at the top of the grip game these days.
The color, though.... sorry, brother, all I can say is, I hope your wife doesn't let you pick out the drapes. :cool:
Enjoy that critter.
 
Smolt's Cousin

I have previously posted pictures of my 3" and 6" Smolts. Both of these guns are built on Model 19 frames. This Cougar may be closer to the size and weight of an N frame S&W.

IgxisRR.jpg


Enjoy your new Smolt. It looks like a lot of thought went into making a one of a kind gun.

Mark
 
CH4 said:
My main concern was how the barrel rib and top strap will mesh. From a purely aesthetic position, having a step between the barrel and the top strap would drive me nuts; SMOLTS that use a K frame seem to have a much cleaner transition. I am curious as to how an L frame would work in that regard. A 686 and 2.5" or 4" stainless python barrel would be sweet, provided there was no step between the barrel and top strap. I also didn't know about needing to sleeve the frame to accept the smaller barrel shank, wonder if that applies to the L frame as well. hmmm
Click to expand...


I've had a number of Smolts built over the years, mainly on K-frames and one L-Frame. The gap between the rear sight and the rib is easy to address on the K/L frames, especially if using an earlier (old style sight) short barreled gun, as the rear sight base extends to the end of the frame and makes a seamless transition from the sight to the barrel rib. I had my local smith build a Smolt on a 686-4, which has the newer rear sight that is rounded at the end. Since that sight couldn't simply be replaced with an older sight from a short barreled gun, he milled the sight track in the frame (to remove the round channel) and welded an extension on the sight base to meet the barrel rib. It turned out nice. For N-frame Smolts, he machines a bushing for the frame/barrel to make up for the difference in the Python barrel shank and the frame. Works flawlessly. L-frames don't require anything special other than rethreading the barrel shank.

I also like the Couger (Ruger Security-Six/Python barrel). The Ruger frame is tough, the action can easily be smoothed and the balance with the Python barrel is excellent. And the barrel rib/frame junction is perfect.

jbZ5c3A.jpg


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Probably something obvious I missed but,, why was it machined for "half moon clips"?
 
Very nice Richard, yes that's the one ;) I did really like the look of those stocks on it - funny they just happened to come in, in a lot of grips I bought on GB right after I bought that gun. They were nice and period for the 28 sn range so they stayed (and they look GOOD). But, IF I was going to keep the gun long term, I was going to have Mr. Culina, or another maker, cobble up some S&W style target stocks but with Colt medallions to sort of get to a "1/2 and 1/2" grip concoction as well :)
 
Odd Smolt-Smython

I bought this on internet auction. It is built on a Model 19-3 round butt frame SN 8K81206 circa 1975. At the time the round butt frame was used for the 2 1/2" snubby and the ejector rod was the normal short one. One of our Forum members and SWCA member offered to swap me into a normal K-frame rod which we did successfully. Much better brass pusher. The frame still has the barrel pins which have some dings from removal. Cylinder is recessed. Hammer is standard checkered and trigger is smooth 3/8"; both are case-color.

Now the barrel. It has all the proper dimensions of a Python BUT, there are no markings of any sort on it. The length mics out to 4.186". Front sight is standard Colt black ramp with two pins. The barrel rib may have been machined(filed) down to slope to meet the top strap and rear sight. The barrel rib is still a wee bit proud off the top strap.

I imagine the barrel was bought direct from Colt w/o markings. Colt surely was aware of the barrel swapping. Anyone else have one with no markings?
 
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