Finally, a Smolt!

[Rodan]

I have wanted a Smolt (Smython, Snake & Wesson, etc) since I first saw one in the early 1980s, and it just never happened. I fully realize that there's really no rational reason for the conversion these days, but that didn't change the fact that I still wanted one.

A while back I scored a really nice 4" Python barrel on eBay, so I dropped it, and my 19-3* off with Frank Glenn in Phoenix. I just got it back, and I'm very pleased with the results!

Really looking forward to getting it out to the range this week.

* For the purists, note that no collectible 19-3s were harmed in this project. It was a shooter 2.5", and the cylinder had already been re-blued.

 

[calmex]

Wow! Now I want one too!

 

[RKmesa]

That’s a beaut! Congrats!!!

Here is mine on a model 28 frame, sporting some KB Ropers:

 

[Thiokol]

Here's one that's for sale that started life as a 27-2. It's not mine nor do I know the seller. I don't want to violate any forum rules by posting a link to the forum where it's listed. If you want the link, please send a PM to me.

 

[Rodan]

Here's one that's for sale that started life as a 27-2. It's not mine nor do I know the seller. I don't want to violate any forum rules by posting a link to the forum where it's listed. If you want the link, please send a PM to me.

I saw that one on GB... a little different than the usual being an N frame, and with an 8" barrel.

There were two 4" Smolts on GB recently, one blue, one nickel... both had absurdly high starting prices/BIN. The nickel one had a S&W 2" ejector rod, which was really odd.

I'm much happier to have built my own!

 

[Thiokol]

It’s also for sale on a forum where you don’t have to pay tax.

 

[dobegrant]

I remember when the Smolts were so popular and I wanted one so bad, never happened, congratulations on your conversion project success

 

[robertrwalsh]

Congrats. That is a fine looking bullet launcher.

 

[Green Frog]

Cool Rodan! Now all you have to do is jump into your Way-Back Machine and go to about 1985. You should find lots of serious PPC shooters who will see that revolver and welcome you into their circle. Then you could live happily ever after until those @*#&% bottom feeders take over!

Can you tell how much I miss those days (and my Fred Schmidt Short Cylinder Gun)? As the old song said, "Those were the days, my friend, we thought they'd never end".

Regardless of your timing, I hope you'll have a great time with it!

Regards,
Froggie

 

[RMFnLA]

There was a ‘smith in Miami in the ‘70s who put Python barrels onto Ruger Blackhawks, called them “Rugethons”.

I don’t recall his name but I think he absconded to S. America with a bunch of customer guns…

 

[sodacan]

I own Colts (including a Python). I have more than a few Smiths. I like them each on their own merits. I don't get the whole hybrid thing, but that's me. The photos shows a Python and an early 586. Both great shooters. Which one is prettier??? LOL

 

[Doug M.]

There was a school of thought among hard core competitors that said the Smith actions were the best and most long lasting for their purposes, but that the Python barrels were better for their twist rate. Assuming that is correct, it likely only made a difference at the far edges of skill. Mere mortals like myself would not get the value of the hybrid.

 

[Rodan]

As I noted in the OP, there's really no empirical benefit to this particular hybrid. Even back in the day, a PPC build probably shot better than a Smolt, though it wasn't as suited to being both a duty and competition gun.

Just for grins, I broke out my M586-3 for a comparison... It's probably the most direct analog to a Smolt, and it's only 3 oz heavier...

But there's just something about that beautiful Python vent rib barrel attached to a well tuned K frame action...

Also, as much as I love my L and N frames (especially the N frames... ), when it comes to 'combat' shooting, I'm fastest and most accurate with a K frame.

 

[colt_saa]

Rodan,
Congratulations on a beautiful addition to the Family

 

[schutz5]

Rodan,glad to know that Frank Glenn is still at it!
Lucky you to be able to walk it in.
I really like your "Pinned Python"

He did nice work!

 

[CajunBass]

Can you tell how much I miss those days (and my Fred Schmidt Short Cylinder Gun)? As the old song said, "Those were the days, my friend, we thought they'd never end".

Froggie

Awwwww...Fred Schmit...a name from the past. I grew up in Mechanicsville, and Fred Schmidt was a legend in the shooting community. The closest I ever came to him having anything to do with me, was seeing his flyers at DeGoff's and Green Top. I didn't dare go into his shop. Me? A mere mortal who hardly knew which end of a gun the bullets came out of? His name was whispered in awe among the IPSC shooters I was with for a year or so over at Issac Walton Park. Revolver or 1911...he was THE MAN. Oh my goodness, that short cylinder conversion? It would even make ME a good shooter.

A Smolt is one of my "grail" guns. No idea why. I've got Pythons, and I've got a Model 19. I have no "need" for a Smolt but that doesn't stop me from "wanting" one. Still, it will no doubt stay a "want". Heck, we gotta have "wants" to keep the dream alive.

To the OP. Congratulations...I'm officially "jealous". Your gun is the very gun I've always imagined when I dreamed of "my" own Smolt. A 4" Python barrel, on a Model 19 frame. Enjoy a few rounds for me.

Ummmm Maybe a Nickel Python Barrel on a blue Model 19...too gaudy?

 

[CHARLIE699]

Or maybe,,, a nicely tuned 586 with the barrel rib milled like a Python?
I recall seeing this conversion done on a 6" 686, here on the forum.
Late 70's & early 80's PPC shooters liked the weight of the Python barrel mated with the S&W action. I shot them but never owned one. I was content using my 6" duty Python for PPC and 4" Python for service matches.
THEN the 586 & 686's arrived. The Colts went away & the S&W's moved in. Another plus,,, the "L" frames utilized the same holsters & Safariland loaders!

 

[bgrafsr]

I have wanted a Smolt (Smython, Snake & Wesson, etc) since I first saw one in the early 1980s, and it just never happened. I fully realize that there's really no rational reason for the conversion these days, but that didn't change the fact that I still wanted one.

A while back I scored a really nice 4" Python barrel on eBay, so I dropped it, and my 19-3* off with Frank Glenn in Phoenix. I just got it back, and I'm very pleased with the results!

Really looking forward to getting it out to the range this week.

* For the purists, note that no collectible 19-3s were harmed in this project. It was a shooter 2.5", and the cylinder had already been re-blued.

Very nice. Now you need to install a TH and either a TT or a smooth combat trigger.

 

[Rodan]

Very nice. Now you need to install a TH and either a TT or a smooth combat trigger.

I'm mostly a DA shooter, so I prefer the combat hammer. I also prefer the narrow trigger over the wider smooth combat trigger, but it was radiused and polished to remove the grooves as part of the action work. Frank didn't radius the edges quite as much as I like, so I may attend to that myself.

 

[Venom6]

Nice! I had a chance at one a few years back at a LGS, but self-control got the better of me. IIRC part of the appeal for the conversion was that while most folks preferred the Smith action, the Python barrels actually featured a tapered bore, and were at least in theory a bit more accurate than the issue barrel.