October 5, 2012, 08:44 PM | #1 |
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Remember these?
I was on another forum and these "hybrids" came up.
First was the "Smython" a Smith & Wesson Model 19 fitted with a 4" or 6" Colt Python barrel. These were made up early in action pistol shooting matches to get the smooth and consistant double action of the Model 19 with the weight and accuracy of the Python's barrel. The other was the "Smolt" a S&W 22/32 Target mated with a barrel feom a Colt Officers Model Match. Again to get the small frame and smooth single action let-off of the Smith combined with the weight of the Colt's barrel. This was especiall popular with the ladies of that era. And Herrett's and Cloyce's Stocks, both loosely based on Walter Roper's designs. Some were so convoluted that the shooter almost put them on like putting on a glove. These led to stricter stock dimensions, and revolver modifications. The sights were to be open, contain no glass, and the front sight could not extend past the muzzle, and the rear sight had to be in front of the hammer. It was the "Smython" that led to the Smith L-Frame revolvers. Ah, what an era! Bob Wright Last edited by Bob Wright; October 5, 2012 at 08:49 PM. |
October 6, 2012, 02:03 AM | #2 | |
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Ever see one of the "cougars" or maybe "COuger" which was a security six with a Python barrel? They are around too. I call them "Pythgers" because I see them as a more silly concept than even a Smython.
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October 6, 2012, 08:48 AM | #3 |
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Call me a liar if you wish. The gun was featured on the cover and in an article in the June (I believe) 1954 issue of The American Rifleman). The Colt barrel had been milled flat in the area of the extractor rod, and a front lock had been dovetailed in place.
As to model number, this was prior to the practice of identifying S&W revovlers by model number. And 22/32 target revovlers wers not so scarce at that time. As to J-Frames, these were considered suited to the ladies, who found the K-38 too large for their hands, and too heavy. Improbable? If you say so. Bob Wright |
October 6, 2012, 08:53 AM | #4 |
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Silly concept though you deem them to be, Smythons were at one time popular with action shooters, who wanted the extra heft out front for their matches.
I didn't this up. Bob Wright |
October 6, 2012, 09:13 AM | #5 |
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And the Ruger Security-Six with a Python barrel, was a "Couger."
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October 6, 2012, 09:51 AM | #6 | |||
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These had the I frame target extension stocks. The modern wrap around target stock wasn't around yet. SN 163XXX probably shipped 1915/16. The first 3000 had a separate number on the bottom of the grip, 1 to 3000 which mine has. Even though its been there done that, I keep it because its early and I don't have another.
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Winchester 73, the TFL user that won the west Last edited by Winchester_73; October 6, 2012 at 09:57 AM. |
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October 6, 2012, 09:55 AM | #7 | |
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October 6, 2012, 02:12 PM | #8 | |
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Winchester_73 said:
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And it was the lady featured in the article credited with coining the term "Smolt." Bob Wright Incidentally, the revolver shown appears to have a Paine front sight, not a Patridge. O.K. I went to a Smith & Wesson forum and the revovler shown they refer to as a pre-Model 35, with Patridge sights and sort of Magna stocks, referred to as a 22/32 Target. Last edited by Bob Wright; October 6, 2012 at 02:27 PM. |
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October 6, 2012, 02:33 PM | #9 |
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Again, I refer to the days when combat action shooters were using K-Framed Smiths of various models, in .38 Special or .357 Magnum, some sporting barrels of 1" in diameter, using target sighted Smiths or fixed sighted with outlandish full ribs mounting both front and rear sights.
You say a lot of effort for small gain, but apparently the shooters and 'smiths of the day didn't think so. As to popularity, both Smythons and Smolts did a fair amount of exposure on the firing lines. And what about those short cylindered .45 ACP Colt M1917s? Again a lot of effort, but done non the less. Bob Wright |
October 6, 2012, 02:41 PM | #10 |
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Well Bob, I remember.
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October 6, 2012, 09:07 PM | #11 | |
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On Revolverforums.com aimtrue wrote:
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October 6, 2012, 10:42 PM | #12 |
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At one time the concept was very popular and all the rage of action shooters. Remember them well.
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October 6, 2012, 11:39 PM | #13 | |||||
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Some guys preferred the Colt action and other people knew their S&W was fine, with original barrel. If someone was a top PPC shooter, with a plain S&W 66 for example, he (or she) is not going to have trouble beating someone because they have some magic hybrid revolver. The guns that were converted with Colt barrels did not weigh enough more for it to be worth it. Also, the taper barrel thing, for such shooting is not important enough to justify doing this. I think your reasoning of "some people thought it was worth it" is very flawed. Many people also think the Taurus Judge is an excellent home defense option too. Many others think Obama will save this country. Popular ideas aren't always right and right ideas aren't always popular. Have you ever heard someone complain that the BARREL on a S&W isn't accurate? I don't mean the gun, I mean the barrel. I can understand buying a competition barrel such as a Clark for a S&W 41, but a Colt barrel on a S&W because its more accurate? The difference if any would be small enough to where its splitting hairs. Quote:
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Even though I still say such guns are a nonsensical waste of time and resources, I would like to have such a gun (like this one of a kind S&W 22 / colt OMM hybrid), with the proper paperwork of course. The concept would be one of a kind, because it became obvious there was a very very small benefit to such a gun. After the myth behind the first creation hybrid gun was disproved, no more needed to be made.
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October 8, 2012, 01:01 PM | #14 |
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Smythons were popular with the PPC crowd.
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