SMOLT

[Steve638]

My stepfather has just passed and left me a model 15 with a python 357 barrel. I'm told it was done by Bill Davis, in the late '70's. My problem is when I put a .357 mag load in the cylinder the end of the round petrudes from the back end about a 1/16th of an inch. I thought a .357 load in a .38 cylinder should petrude through the front. I know a lot of .38 rounds have been fired from this pistol, and there is a carbon line on the inside of the cylinder about an 1/8th of an inch from the front of the cylinder. Could this be the reson why .357 loads wont fit in this pistol?

Thanks in advance- Steve.

 

[surfgun]

A model 15 is a .38 Special. One can not chamber a longer .357 Magnum in a shorter .38 Special chamber. Your chamber is doing it's job, to help prevent the destruction of your Model 15. Disregard the caliber designation on a barrel not built for your revolver.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Hard to say it any better than surfgun just did, but I would have used UPPERCASE and a lot of EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!!

 

[Steve638]

Surfgun; As the model 15 is a K frame and this has a 357 barrel can I put a .357 cylinder on this pistol and SAFELY shoot in . I would like to use it as a side arm while hunting

 

[Broker50]

Surfgun; As the model 15 is a K frame and this has a 357 barrel can I put a .357 cylinder on this pistol and SAFELY shoot in . I would like to use it as a side arm while hunting

Definitely NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sheriffoconee]

The Model 15 is a 38 special revolver....the barrel is marked 357 of course, as it is from a revolver that was originally chambered for both 38 and 357. The barrel doesn't matter, the frame and cylinder of the revolver matter....
Shoot 38's in it to your hearts content. It won't fire 357 rounds, which as you noted are too long for the cylinders. Enjoy it as it with the 38's....

 

[Steve638]

Thanks for the info. A .38 it is.

 

[Palmetto Sharpshooter]

Please!

 

[Steve638]

I'm a new member just joined tonight. I will post a pic. as soon as I figure out how!

 

[Ironhand]

Go to Photobucket and sign up for a free account. Follow their directions for uploading pics, then post 'em here.



Happiness ensues!


Oh, and welcome...

 

[Engine49guy]

Welcome aboard and please post pics as we have had a few people saking for pics of a SMOLT.

Your 38 K frame looks the same as the Magnum frame but K Magnum frames were heat treated at the factory to add additional strength because of the excessive pressures generated by Magnum loads.

 

[Steve638]

Hope these help.

 

[murphydog]

Very nice. You can find heavier loaded .38 Specials that approach .357 performance that are safe to use in your Smolt; Buffalo Bore is commonly recommended. Enjoy!

 

[Martya]

Just curious, why would one have that done?

 

[samandglove1]

Now that is a Pinto I have never seen before. I bet its fun shooting 38s out of it, though.

 

[john traveler]

The original reason(s) for making a "Smolt" is the "wow" factor in owning something unusual or unique.

Shooters may tell you that the Colt barrel has a more accurate twist or that it gives better balance and handling. But let's face it: why else would someone go to the expense and trouble of making a non-factory hybrid gun?

 

[Steve638]

WHY A SMOLT

I'm told that Bill Davis made more than than a few of these.The colt barrel has a 4 1/4" twist nd the S&W barrel is 4 1/8 twist so they joined the best of both pistols. I'm told bulls eye shooters in the late 70's early 80's had them custom made. AS FOR WHY?iIt's a sweet shooting nice looking, different handgun that not everyone else has. Soooo. WHY NOT!

 

[Murdock]

Why?

The SMOLT predated the M686. People wanted a S&W frame and action with a full lug barrel to control recoil.

The advent of the 686 did away with the need for a custom proposition.

S&W has not had a big problem copying other manufacturer's ideas when they appear to have been successful. Examples such as the 1911, the ASP conversion, the Python's barrel and the Taurus Judge are legion.

Then again, lots of people have copied S&W too.

 

[Onomea]

...AS FOR WHY?iIt's a sweet shooting nice looking, different handgun that not everyone else has. Soooo. WHY NOT!

I like that answer! I'd like to have one because they are unususual, different. But I do wonder why the top of the bbl, the rib -- that useless but oh so sexy vented Python rib -- was not smoothed down to be flush with the top of the frame...

Neat gun. I'd also research Bill Davis, were I you. Piece of shooters' Americana you have there!

 

[Timbo22]

Welcome to the forum. You have inherited a very unique revolver. They were quite the item in their day and definitely a custom built proposition. Please play it safe and enjoy it as a top notch 38 Special target revolver.