Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this truly unique and head-turning double-action revolver today for a penny start auction; this is the legendary Custom "Smolt Smython"!
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The Smython, also known as a Smolt, is considered the highest level of craftsmanship in custom revolvers. This double-action revolver is custom-machined by Bill Davis using a Smith & Wesson 686-4 frame and an 8" Colt Python barrel. Although it's a simple idea, executing it properly can be challenging. These revolvers were created years ago by a small group of enterprising gunsmiths when Colt Python barrels were more easily obtainable. However, even back then, these custom builds were rare, and few were built to the level of customization seen in the Smython.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson / Colt
Model: 686-4 / Python "Smolt Smython"
Serial: BRL2658
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Stainless
Barrel Length: 8" Vent Ribbed Python Barrel
Optics/Sights: Pinned Red Ramp Front with Adjustable Micrometer Click White Outline Rear
Stock/Grips: Wood Combat Finger Groove Grips with S&W Medallions
Action: Double
Markings: The left side of the frame is stamped with the S&W logo, and the right side is stamped "MADE IN U.S.A. / MARCAS REGISTRADAS / SMITH & WESSON / SPRINGFIELD, MASS." The left side of the barrel is roll marked "PYTHON / *.357 MAGNUM CTG.*." The right side of the barrel is roll marked "COLT'S PT.FA.MFG.CO.HARTFORD, CONN.U.S.A."
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Have you ever heard of a "Smython"? It's a term that has an interesting backstory that dates back to the days of PPC, or "Police Pistol Combat." In this type of competition, members of police departments would compete with each other and other departments using service-type sidearms. For a long time, this competition was dominated by revolvers, as they were the only sidearms issued by police departments until a couple of decades ago.
The two revolver brands that dominated the market were Smith & Wesson's K and N frame models and Colt's E and I frame models. Both brands produced well-made revolvers, but things changed when Colt introduced the Python around 1955. In the hands of a skilled shooter, the Python could have slightly better accuracy than any previous design. This wasn't because of the gunrag writers' exaggerated claims about the Python being the "World's Greatest Revolver" (which it wasn't and isn't) or its being "hand-built" (it was no more or less hand-built than any other revolver). It was solely because of Colt's use of a tapered or "choke" bore, where the bore tightened toward the muzzle by about .001". This, combined with the 1 in 10 twist rate, made for a supposedly tack-driving revolver. However, one had to deal with the way Colt's action would "stack" during the double-action pull, due to the Colt design using a single V-spring to power the entire action (it drove the trigger and the hammer). This is where the Smith & Wesson was far superior to the Colt. The S&W powered the hammer and trigger with separate springs, the mainspring being a single leaf and the trigger spring being a coil type. Due to the S&W's lockwork geometry, neither spring needs to be particularly powerful for reliable function, and most importantly, the double-action pull has a consistent weight.
During the 1950s and 1960s, some pistolsmiths wanted to combine the best features of the Python barrel and the Smith frame. While this was not an easy task, as the barrel threads and dimensions were different, and the Colt did not have a front bolt like the Smith, these pistolsmiths found ways to overcome these obstacles. Although some of the conversions were more nicely done than others, this practice made neither factory very happy. However, the need for these conversions eventually faded as Colt stopped choke-boring the Python, and Smith & Wesson released their L frame revolvers, which had similar dimensions to the Python and a full-length underlug with solid weight, unlike the hollow underlug of the early Python. Nowadays, people who want a combination of the two simply like the look of the Python's distinctive vent rib and underlug.
This Bill Davis custom "Smython" is chambered for the powerful 357 magnum cartridge and has minimal wear and tear. It boasts an 8-inch python barrel, trigger over travel, stop, and stainless finish. Additionally, it has a ball detent triple lock action. Smith and Wesson discontinued the lock on the hand ejector second model and replaced it. However, the Magnum models had other lugs that shrouded the ejector rod. A ball detent triple lock was only added to their high-end performance center models. With a keen eye for what was important to serious shooters, Mr. Davis offered the triple lock almost a decade before the performance center was even started. These rare revolvers are of top-notch quality and come equipped with an array of the most desired features. Unfortunately, the notable man who would make them is no longer with us. This revolver would make an excellent addition to any revolver collector and still serve as a reliable hunting or competition revolver.
Condition:
This example is in IMMACULATE condition, showing no evidence of regular consumer use or handling!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: 686-4 / Python "Smolt Smython"
Serial: BRL2658
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Stainless
Barrel Length: 8" Vent Ribbed Python Barrel
Optics/Sights: Pinned Red Ramp Front with Adjustable Micrometer Click White Outline Rear
Stock/Grips: Wood Combat Finger Groove Grips with S&W Medallions
Action: Double
Markings: The left side of the frame is stamped with the S&W logo, and the right side is stamped "MADE IN U.S.A. / MARCAS REGISTRADAS / SMITH & WESSON / SPRINGFIELD, MASS." The left side of the barrel is roll marked "PYTHON / *.357 MAGNUM CTG.*." The right side of the barrel is roll marked "COLT'S PT.FA.MFG.CO.HARTFORD, CONN.U.S.A."
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Have you ever heard of a "Smython"? It's a term that has an interesting backstory that dates back to the days of PPC, or "Police Pistol Combat." In this type of competition, members of police departments would compete with each other and other departments using service-type sidearms. For a long time, this competition was dominated by revolvers, as they were the only sidearms issued by police departments until a couple of decades ago.
The two revolver brands that dominated the market were Smith & Wesson's K and N frame models and Colt's E and I frame models. Both brands produced well-made revolvers, but things changed when Colt introduced the Python around 1955. In the hands of a skilled shooter, the Python could have slightly better accuracy than any previous design. This wasn't because of the gunrag writers' exaggerated claims about the Python being the "World's Greatest Revolver" (which it wasn't and isn't) or its being "hand-built" (it was no more or less hand-built than any other revolver). It was solely because of Colt's use of a tapered or "choke" bore, where the bore tightened toward the muzzle by about .001". This, combined with the 1 in 10 twist rate, made for a supposedly tack-driving revolver. However, one had to deal with the way Colt's action would "stack" during the double-action pull, due to the Colt design using a single V-spring to power the entire action (it drove the trigger and the hammer). This is where the Smith & Wesson was far superior to the Colt. The S&W powered the hammer and trigger with separate springs, the mainspring being a single leaf and the trigger spring being a coil type. Due to the S&W's lockwork geometry, neither spring needs to be particularly powerful for reliable function, and most importantly, the double-action pull has a consistent weight.
During the 1950s and 1960s, some pistolsmiths wanted to combine the best features of the Python barrel and the Smith frame. While this was not an easy task, as the barrel threads and dimensions were different, and the Colt did not have a front bolt like the Smith, these pistolsmiths found ways to overcome these obstacles. Although some of the conversions were more nicely done than others, this practice made neither factory very happy. However, the need for these conversions eventually faded as Colt stopped choke-boring the Python, and Smith & Wesson released their L frame revolvers, which had similar dimensions to the Python and a full-length underlug with solid weight, unlike the hollow underlug of the early Python. Nowadays, people who want a combination of the two simply like the look of the Python's distinctive vent rib and underlug.
This Bill Davis custom "Smython" is chambered for the powerful 357 magnum cartridge and has minimal wear and tear. It boasts an 8-inch python barrel, trigger over travel, stop, and stainless finish. Additionally, it has a ball detent triple lock action. Smith and Wesson discontinued the lock on the hand ejector second model and replaced it. However, the Magnum models had other lugs that shrouded the ejector rod. A ball detent triple lock was only added to their high-end performance center models. With a keen eye for what was important to serious shooters, Mr. Davis offered the triple lock almost a decade before the performance center was even started. These rare revolvers are of top-notch quality and come equipped with an array of the most desired features. Unfortunately, the notable man who would make them is no longer with us. This revolver would make an excellent addition to any revolver collector and still serve as a reliable hunting or competition revolver.
Condition:
This example is in IMMACULATE condition, showing no evidence of regular consumer use or handling!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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