Smolt Smython
- Thread starter Tom_R
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OP
Tom_R
Member
That is one real sweet revolver. I’ll bet you could shoot the wings off of a fly with that!
OP
Tom_R
Member
I have thought of that too.
StrawHat
Member
Not sure about that, my vision has gone downhill some!
I do remember the first time in competition I shot 180-18X at 25 yards.
Kevin
I bought a gunsmith special 10-7 frame and then I just came into a early 4" Python barrel. Did some research and here is what I know.
The first Python barrels had 2 front sight pins and these had .5634 32 to the inch threads. The next generation of barrels had 1 front sight pin and .5632 36 threads which match their Trooper Mark III revolvers.
I have the 1st style barrel and will have to reform the threads to screw it into a S&W K frame .540 36 (do able as .023 smaller)
Interestingly a S&W L frame has .562 36 threads and I wouldn't be surprised if a 2nd generation Python (1 sight pin) with the .5632 36 threads screwed right in with only a .0012 OD difference and the same pitch. Might also be a bit of difference in thread profile. But, no matter, I am sure, simply chasing the barrel's threads with a L frame tap would make them match perfect. Still have to fit shoulder to get it to time correctly and fit extension to get proper B/C gap. If much of the extension needs to be removed the forcing cone would need adjusted. I have taps and dies for N, K and J frames. I am seriously thinking I am going to rework the 4" barrel, fit and install it on the 10-7 frame, put a ball detent lock on the yoke and mill and install adjustable rear sights and a recessed model 19 cylinder I have in my parts pile.
Why not. Another interesting project. But, I have a hard time believing a Python barrels are that much more accurate than S&W barrels.
I can see the weight part helping, but that's it. Most bench rest guns don't rely on tapered bores and they are far more accurate than any python barrel.
The first Python barrels had 2 front sight pins and these had .5634 32 to the inch threads. The next generation of barrels had 1 front sight pin and .5632 36 threads which match their Trooper Mark III revolvers.
I have the 1st style barrel and will have to reform the threads to screw it into a S&W K frame .540 36 (do able as .023 smaller)
Interestingly a S&W L frame has .562 36 threads and I wouldn't be surprised if a 2nd generation Python (1 sight pin) with the .5632 36 threads screwed right in with only a .0012 OD difference and the same pitch. Might also be a bit of difference in thread profile. But, no matter, I am sure, simply chasing the barrel's threads with a L frame tap would make them match perfect. Still have to fit shoulder to get it to time correctly and fit extension to get proper B/C gap. If much of the extension needs to be removed the forcing cone would need adjusted. I have taps and dies for N, K and J frames. I am seriously thinking I am going to rework the 4" barrel, fit and install it on the 10-7 frame, put a ball detent lock on the yoke and mill and install adjustable rear sights and a recessed model 19 cylinder I have in my parts pile.
Why not. Another interesting project. But, I have a hard time believing a Python barrels are that much more accurate than S&W barrels.
I can see the weight part helping, but that's it. Most bench rest guns don't rely on tapered bores and they are far more accurate than any python barrel.
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OP
Tom_R
Member
Oh, you HAVE to do it now.
Why?
Because ‘Merica damnit, that’s why. Guys out Chevy Engines in ‘32 FORDs and that’s OK. Sometimes the best reason to do something is because you can, even if it doesn’t make sense.
I’d really want to see that build when you are done with it.
Neat revolvers, I have heard a lot of people say that the Colt barrels have tapered bores but I have yet to hear of anybody saying that they actually measured the bore. Not saying it is not the case but I would like to know if anybody has measured the bore on a Python.
One of the officers on my dad’s department had a 4” stainless smolt and I thought it was the coolest thing - been wanting one ever since I laid eyes on it. Has nothing to do with accuracy potential, it’s all about coolness.
Protocall_Design
Member
Because you can get a much nicer action on an S&W. It's easier to shoot a good score.
There used to be Python barrels available from Colt that weren't on a gun, or takeoffs where someone had a custom barrel made and installed, making the original an extra.
RoyS
Member
The Ruger Security Six and both S&W Model 19s have Colt Python barrels. I hope that the person that built the 3" Smython did not take the barrel off of a factory 3" Python.
I shoot all three guns as well as I shoot a factory Colt Pythons.
Now what 3" is a real things of beauty, not in the least bit jealous..
Lovely to see and thanks for sharing.
Cheerio,
Roy
CompromisedLogin
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Never mind. This is a complicated researched answer.
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Thank You, I learned stuff today
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.
OP
Tom_R
Member
If you are ever in my neighborhood, you can come shoot mine.
I live about a mile and a half from the Colt factory.
OP
Tom_R
Member
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.
Diamondbacks are based on the Police Positive Special frame. The barrels might fit better on a J frame.
