In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.
Master Gunsmiths ??????????
n/a
Member Posts: 168,427 ✭
I see an ad for a Python manufactured in 1962 saying it was assembled by master gunsmiths. Do you have to be a master gunsmith to assemble one model on a single pistol. I think not.
If it was of such high quality and well built a master gunsmith would not be required. Your thoughts.
Sage 1
If it was of such high quality and well built a master gunsmith would not be required. Your thoughts.
Sage 1
Comments
If it was of such high quality and well built a master gunsmith would not be required. Your thoughts.
Sage 1
My first thought was that it may be a bag gun. Assembled from a sack full of mostly repair parts. Of course the seller may be using that as a selling point, aimed at unwitting buyers. As far as I am concerned every Python that has left Colt has been assembled by masters.
As for Master Gunsmith. Master gunsmith by who's opinion? Are they of known reputation with sound references?
I've seen unit armorers in the Army who thought they were gunsmiths. Hence the reason I had to reassemble so many bag guns. Mostly Model 10's.
There is a big difference when fitting things precisely, over just screwing them together , and seeing if the cylinder still turns. The only other revolvers that fall into the category of the Python are the Colt diamondbacks, and the Korth revolver. Freedom Arms is a close contender also.
You must have not have ever handled a Python, or you wouldn't have asked that question. I suggest you find someplacve where they have one or two and look at one.
Best
I see an ad for a Python manufactured in 1962 saying it was assembled by master gunsmiths. Do you have to be a master gunsmith to assemble one model on a single pistol. I think not.
If it was of such high quality and well built a master gunsmith would not be required. Your thoughts.
Sage 1
Don't forget, in 1962 it was a whole different era.
They didn't have computer aided manufacturing, MIM (or polymer) parts, or a whole host of modern manufacturing tools and equipment that allow higher tolerances between parts.
Back then there was a lot more handwork involved in putting out a production gun than there is today.
There was also a far higher demand for revolvers, and probably a better appreciation of them since more people were shooting them.
With the caveat that there is no real criteria for being a "master" gunsmith, no don't have to be a particularly skilled gunsmith to assemble a gun from parts, but you *DO* have to be one to tune a REVOLVER to the high tolerances and super smooth feel that Pythons are known for.
The Pythons were (and many consider them still to be) the best production revolvers ever, and they got that way because every single gun WAS effectively tuned by high-level smiths at Colt's facility.
If it were easy to make guns that good EVERY gun off EVERY assembly line would be a "Python". . .they ain't.
Look to one of our moderators for a MASTER GUNSMITH, as a gunsmith I have the utmost respect for this man and his opinions. I have been humbled by his knowledge more than once. We all have our areas of expertise but a Master has this in MANY areas.
Lance
NOTE: S&W "Masterpiece" was a moniker placed by them and were nothing more than a regular production gun.Their custom shop guns are their attempt to be equivalent of the Python. Each one was a one off by both companies.
This post reminds me of a story/lesson told to me by my father about 60+ years ago.
He asked "how many legs does a dog have?"
My answer "four"
He said "well, if we call his tail a leg, now how many legs does he have?"
I answered "five"
He said "WRONG, you can call the tail anything you want but it's still only a tail."
Point being; for merchandising purposes we all sometimes want to do 'one better'. Webster says "master" is one in charge - or "master" is a craftsman or artist above the norm, capable of producing a masterpiece.
If Colt is not just calling their assembly workers "master gunsmith" but in fact they have achieved that extra level of skill, I submit that they have finally come up to Smith & Wesson quality of work. After all, Smith & Wesson produces a whole line of "K frame Masterpiece" revolvers.
Per Webster, one who produces a "masterpiece" is truly a master at what he does.
Jim