Interesting revolver 1/2 Python 1/2 S&W
- Thread starter superpelly
- Start date
Jim Watson
New member
I have seen a number of these over the years, this the first I have seen with the Colt barrel cut off at the breech and rethreaded to really fit the S&W.
Others have been done by pretty much cross threading and bushings.
Others have been done by pretty much cross threading and bushings.
BigD_in_FL
Moderator
Years ago when those revolvers were plentiful, a lot were made - typically called a "Smython" they were pretty accurate DEPENDING on WHO did the work
Mike Irwin
Staff
Yep, relatively common, and popular with revolver target shooters. Don't see them as much anymore now that revolvers aren't as popular with the target crowd and Python barrels have started to dry up.
Those guns were made up for folks who believed that Colt Python barrels were more accurate than S&W barrels. I don't know if anyone ever really proved that conclusively one way or another, but custom gunsmiths made money and they buyer got an interesting, and good looking revolver.
I doubt the "Smython" influenced S&W to produce the L frame; the main reason for the L frame was to allow room for the forcing cone to be strengthened. That had been a weakness of the otherwise superb Model 19 Combat Magnum, based on the K frame.
Jim
I doubt the "Smython" influenced S&W to produce the L frame; the main reason for the L frame was to allow room for the forcing cone to be strengthened. That had been a weakness of the otherwise superb Model 19 Combat Magnum, based on the K frame.
Jim
Dfariswheel
New member
The Python barrel on a S&W frame came out of the Practical Police Course, (PPC).
PPC shooters wanted the muzzle heavy and more accurate Python barrel, but preferred the S&W action, so custom pistolsmiths installed Python barrel on S&W's.
These were variously known as "Smythons" or "Smolts".
Other shooters say these in gun magazines and started having Python barrels put on other guns. As example the Python-Ruger was known as a "Couger".
S&W developed the "L" frame because of complaints that the "K" frame was not standing up to large quantities of shooting with full charge Magnum ammo when the police stopped practicing with light reloaded .38 Special ammo and started doing all practice with the same Magnum ammo they were using for duty carry.
Another factor was Colt's Trooper Mark III, Mark V, and King Cobra.
If you compare them, S&W copied the Colt Python and especially the King Cobra as closely as they dared using virtually the exact same cylinder diameter and the Python/KC shrouded and lugged barrel.
PPC shooters wanted the muzzle heavy and more accurate Python barrel, but preferred the S&W action, so custom pistolsmiths installed Python barrel on S&W's.
These were variously known as "Smythons" or "Smolts".
Other shooters say these in gun magazines and started having Python barrels put on other guns. As example the Python-Ruger was known as a "Couger".
S&W developed the "L" frame because of complaints that the "K" frame was not standing up to large quantities of shooting with full charge Magnum ammo when the police stopped practicing with light reloaded .38 Special ammo and started doing all practice with the same Magnum ammo they were using for duty carry.
Another factor was Colt's Trooper Mark III, Mark V, and King Cobra.
If you compare them, S&W copied the Colt Python and especially the King Cobra as closely as they dared using virtually the exact same cylinder diameter and the Python/KC shrouded and lugged barrel.
Bob Wright
New member
Most conversions were done on the K-Framed Model 19 or Model 14. The advantage of the K-Frame was that the line of the bore was closer to the hand, reducing muzzle flip, and getting off succeeding shots a mite quicker. Also the extra weight of the Python barrel helped dampen recoil. A step further, a big step further, were the big 1" diameter barrels affixed to the K-Frame Smiths.
The very first American Rifleman I received, I believe the June, 1954 issue, featured a lady shooting a Smith .22/32 Target fitted with a Colt barrel, from an Officers Model Match. The J-Frame was better suited to her smaller feminine hand.
And Dave Clements now makes S&W style barrels, with the solid rib, for Ruger Single Action revolvers. the rib mates perfectly with the flat top frame of the Ruger.
Bob Wright
The very first American Rifleman I received, I believe the June, 1954 issue, featured a lady shooting a Smith .22/32 Target fitted with a Colt barrel, from an Officers Model Match. The J-Frame was better suited to her smaller feminine hand.
And Dave Clements now makes S&W style barrels, with the solid rib, for Ruger Single Action revolvers. the rib mates perfectly with the flat top frame of the Ruger.
Bob Wright
armsmaster270
New member
One good maker of the Smolt/Smython was Bill Davis of Davis Co. (formerly Cake Davis) He was an ex highway patrolman and PPC shooter.
BubbaBlades
New member
I find that the accuracy and smoothness of these Smythons (and my Couger) is about the same as it is with my Pythons. The big difference for me is that I can do minor part changes and tune ups on the S&Ws but I would not try to work on a Python action.
Mark
I agree and follow the train of thought, but I have to ask--
when did Colt debut the King Cobra? Given that the L-frame Smith & Wessons hit the market in 1980, it would be easily argued that it was similar in look to the Python (being full-lug) but without the vented rib. But was the KC on the market in 1980?
Those were my formative years... actually, the early 80s predated my serious interest in firearms, but didn't the King Cobra come out after the L-frame S&W, as, perhaps, Colt's answer for a mass-produced and easier to manufacture (cheaper to price) revolver than the Python?