Smython???++PIX ADDED++

[snubbiefan]

Yep....that's what I was told it was called. My table-buddy picked up a model 28-2 married to a 6-inch Python full underlug barrel today at the gun show. Beautiful nickel job and a fantastic barrel fitment.

Not sure how to spell it, or what to call it. Pictures are in-the-works, but just visualize a 686 with "Python" roll marked on the barrel. As usual, I asked around among other dealers and got as many answers as the number of dealers I asked. From "bogus" to "don't ask less that $3,000 for it".

Anybody have any information of this home-spun 28-2/Python?

Pictures will follow.

 

[bronco45]

A 586 is a lot cheaper and just as accurate and strong.

 

[harvester1]

Smython was popular some years ago but I do not think they get a big premium when sold. Depends on the gunsmith as far as value.

 

[lebomm]

The "Smythons", also called "Smolts" were originally built using Python barrels on Model 19 frames, but the 28 could make a good one, provided the Colt barrel has enough material to match the S&W threads.

Larry

 

[Green Frog]

Prior to the advent of the 586/686 series, the Smythons and Cougars were very popular conversions for the PPC competitors who wanted the heavy barrel of the Python but for some reason wanted a S&W or Cougar action. I don't know about the Cougar lovers, but the Smython lovers got their Jones fixed in spades with the Models 586 and 686. JMHO, but I doubt the gun in question will bring much of a premium unless you find some old PPC shooter eaten up with nostalgia or can provide provenance for the gun to some well known competitor or event.

Froggie

 

[Nightowl]

Pythons shot better than K 38s for PPC due to the Python barrel being tighter. (that was what I was told back then) Anyway, several noted gunsmiths put Python barrels on Smith frames because the Smith action could be tuned to be smoother than the Python, as the Python action stacked toward the rear. These conversions predated the use of aftermarket heavy barrel and sight ribs, and maybe started the aftermarket barrel market when there were not enough Python barrels for all the PPC shooter who wanted custom guns.
About the only PPC shooters I recall used the Pythons were from the Texas Highway Patrol and their guns were tuned by Reeves Junkind. This was in the early '70's so chances are that 28 is from that era.

 

[k22fan]

I looked at both a K frame and Security Six frame with Python barrels in Davis’ store in 1980 so they at least had some left to sell after bull barrels came into use. They were being marketed as a Smolt and Cougar respectively with the story line that the Python barrels were more accurate due to their tighter bores.
An argument could be made that a K frame’s lighter moving parts could contribute to lighter DA for PPC and the bigger revolvers’ durability would not be an advantage firing 148 grain wadcutters. I don’t know how you’d rationalize a Python barrel on an N frame unless you wanted to have a gun that no one else at your range has. It could be someone whose 28 had a bulged barrel simply had a Python barrel lying around their shop. Autos have mostly replaced revolvers for PPC and PPC’s hay day was a long time ago so the best PPC revolvers sell for a fraction of what it cost to build them. Consequently, you may need to think of a creative sales pitch for your Highway Patrolt if you plan to sell it. If it were mine, I’d slip it into the range rotation for target shooting and hope it makes a good conversation piece.

 

[snubbiefan]

As usual....the experts have arrived. It's been shot...you can tell and the fitment of the barrel and overall looks of the gun are very professional. It certainly was not done by some guy in his garage. We'd just never ran across one before. I would agree that it's likely more of a conversation-piece....don't plan to shoot it and will likely sell it to somebody that may want it worse that my table-buddy does. It did draw a crowd. Most people will pick it up and think it's a Python, until you show them the S&W trademark on the frame. I don't know what my buddy has in it...he traded for it, but I believe it's likely $600-$700. He never took it for a "shooter", just the novelty factor. We knew it was an outlier and he'll likely stick it in the safe or put it on the table at the next show and find somebody that wants it worse than he does. Who knows....somebody out there may be willing to pay a premium for it.

All of you have been very helpful and I'm more educated now. I still plan to get some pictures up. Whoever built and used this thing did not use it a lot. It really is a beautiful gun.

Thanks!

 

[k22fan]

[...] It could be someone whose 28 had a bulged barrel simply had a Python barrel lying around their shop. [...]

I get the feeling I should appoligize and reword that to " ... a gunsmith who came across an 28 that needed a barrel happened to have a Python barrel in his shop ... ". I did not mean to question the quailty of the gunsmithing. I'm sorry for my wording.

Incidently, in a thread asking about a K frame Smolt for sale a member posted a picture of their nickeled N frame with a 6" Python barrel a year or two ago. I don't remember the base model being named, but 28s were inexpensive back when Smolts were being assembled, so it likely was a 28. I wonder if it was the same revolver.

 

[westcoast362]

I would be interested in seeing your pictures. I have an eight inch Smolt that was built by Davis in Sacremento CA. It too is a S&W M-28 and has a finish that looks like Armalloy or hard chrome. It is very nicely done.
I think that there is a lot more to it than screwing a Python barrel onto a Smith & Wesson frame.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

"I doubt the gun in question will bring much of a premium unless you find some old PPC shooter eaten up with nostalgia or can provide provenance for the gun to some well known competitor or event." - Sounds like I have been found out - always wanted a Smolt/Smython just to have it. Anyone in the mood to humor an old man???????

 

[snubbiefan]

I have added a few pictures. This is truly a beautiful gun. Does ANYBODY have a clue as to is potential worth. I would like to sell it at a fair price.....but I have no clue as to what a fair price is. I will likely stick it on one of the Internet sites and see where it goes......unless some forum member PM's me with a good offer.

 

[RussellD]

Very nice sir. I almost built one a few months ago.

 

[BubbaBlades]

In addition to these two Smythons, I have a 6" Couger (Python barrel on a Ruger Security Six). I also have four Colt Pythons. I might sell or trade the Pythons some day but the Couger and Smythons are here to stay. All seven of these guns shoot about the same for me, however, I like the balance and feel of the three hybrids better than the factory Colts.
I have found these hybrids difficult to find and well made ones selling for more than $800.

Mark

 

[snubbiefan]

Almost makes me want to go out and put my Chevy front-end on my Ford.

Nah....I'll leave the gunsmithing to the gunsmiths. I should have gotten interested years ago as opposed to spending the last 25-years of my life building and rebuilding Harley's.

 

[Black Knight]

snubbiefan: Your "Smolt" looks like a large highly polished 686 with a ventilated rib. Nice job whoever did it. Value is anybody's guess since it is an aftermarket custom. As far as your Ford and Chevy goes here's one for you. The owner of a local auto body shop has a Ford Ranger pick-up with a Toyota bed on it. It don't look bad at all.

 

[Nightowl]

How does the front part of the ejector lock up? It does not look like it has one, so maybe a ball detent lockup?

 

[papajohn428]

Mark, that 3" Smython looks like one I shot many years ago, it was perhaps the sweetest handgun I've ever shot...........and I've shot a bunch. It's also about the prettiest little thing ever!

 

[MakeMyNight]

FWIW: Colt uses a 1 in 14" twist rate for their 357/38 barrel rifling, and Smith uses 1 in 18-3/4" twist rate.
There has always been controversial arguments whether Colts shoot harder than Smiths....yadda, yadda, yadda.

 

[Culina]

Wow, it was nicely done, the gunsmith even put in a wide target hammer and trigger. It looks more like an Anaconda than anything else.