smolt

bilcar

A number of years ago, a gunsmith in the one of the western states I believe was making SMOLTs; putting a Colt Python barrel on a Smith & Wesson Model 19 frame. This work included re-threading the Python barrel and installing a S&W locking bolt, locking bolt spring, and locking bolt pin in the Python barrel. Does anyone know who the gunsmith is and if he still does the work or if anyone else is currently doing this conversion?

bilcar

Anyone know where I can obtain info on putting a python barrel on a smith & wesson frame

nononsense

bilcar,

I admit, I haven't seen that term in quite a few years. The other variation is Smython.

I was all caught up in this a while back but the factories finally got the idea and started producing better barrels. The jist of this conversion is that Python barrels were better suited to lead bullet accuracy and better accuracy in general when compared to the factory Smith & Wesson barrels. The barrel dimensions (interior) were actually a tiny bit tighter with a twist rate appropriate to the target bullets. The Smith & Wesson frame and action parts were better suited to 'smooth and tune'

Unless you are a pistolsmith with all the tools and knowledge commensurate with the job, you need to give this project to a good 'smith who is familiar with the process which should be any of them really.

Here are some bits and pieces from my notes:

the advantage of the smith action was the shorter hammer fall (better for combat) and that the actions are easier to "tune" (read cheaper)

the advantage of the python barrel was the extra weight(steadier), choked bore (trued lead bullets), 1 in 14" rifling (optimum stability), and vent rib (just cool looking)

the L-frame had the weight and the higher front post sight allowed for a "neck hold" from the 50-yd line, tho...still not as cool...

As other have said, people wanted the smooth action of the Smith but the accuracy of the Python barrel. The rifiling of the Python barrel was optimized for use with 148 gr. hollow base wadcutters which made it desirable for PPC type shooters and others interested in accuracy with the 148 HBWC's.

RCrosby

In line with nononsense's comments, is there a reason you aren't looking at the L-Frame? I have a 6" Python and an "L" in the same length. Both are superbly accurate, though I prefer the S & W. To each his own. I actually traded the 686 away a few years back and was thrilled when I had a chance to reacquire it after a span of a few years. Wasn't crazy about the stainless steel factor, but never found another .357 as accurate. The Smolt conversion will work, if that's what you have to have, but should the day come when you want to sell or trade it you'll be hard pressed to get a much money for it as you would for either a Python or a Smith that hadn't been tampered with.
Good luck,

select-fire

Just a tidbit of infomation . All python barrels are not threaded the same. Old style is with two pin front sight are not same pitch thread as newer one pin front sight pythons. I believe only the older barrels will thread with S&W.