Smolt (updated)

[D1911]

Craig Maraviov in Woodland built this Smolt for me on a 686-4. Just picked it up today. I like it!

[Litespeeds]

I have one built by him too. It's on a S&W 66-2 frame with 6" Python barrel. It's a beauty and his workmanship is top notch. Congrats.

I just purchased some new grips and will post pictures later tonight.

[perpetual otter]

Badass!

[Litespeeds]

If you don't mind me asking, what did he charge you for the labor to do the conversion? Does he still have Python barrels? What finish is it? Mine is bead blasted finish and looks similar to yours.

[Che762x39]

Craig Maraviov in Woodland built this Smolt for me on a 686-4. Just picked it up today. I like it!

That is classic old school. Thank you for sharing.

[L84CABO]

How is that done exactly? Does one need a Python to sacrifice or are Python barrels available somewhere?

[Litespeeds]

Smython

[claylakers]

very nice!

[nickel plate]

Posts #1 and #7 have two different generations of Colt Python barrels.
#1 is older-see the double pinned front sight.

[sealocan]

SmColtngratulations !

[Marquand]

It's very nice to see someone still offering Smolts/Smythons. I might just give Craig a call and see if I can work out a Smolt build in .38 Special on a Model 67 I have laying about...

OP, thanks for the post and the pics! She's lovely.

[offrdmania]

I like how in the first pic that he shaved down the top of the barrel to meet the top of the frame. A much cleaner look

[GM4spd]

It won't work---Colt Python cylinders go clockwise and Smith cylinders
go counterclockwise

Looks very nice,

[D1911]

If you don't mind me asking, what did he charge you for the labor to do the conversion? Does he still have Python barrels? What finish is it? Mine is bead blasted finish and looks similar to yours.

I think labor on the conversion is about $275. This one was a bit more because I got the barrel from Craig. The finish is basically the standard finish S&W puts on their guns. I thought about the bead blast (the same finish I had done to yours) or maybe a polished look. For now, I like it the way it is. The only thing I'll do is round off the trigger a bit, polish it and smooth up the action. I have two other Python barrels (4" and 6" blued) and am eyeballing a couple of other Smiths in the safe (a 28 and 19). Smolts are cool!

Here are a couple of pictures of my other Smolt built on a Model 15. This one was done by Mark Kearns, another former Bill Davis smith. This thing is a tack-driver!

[D1911]

How is that done exactly? Does one need a Python to sacrifice or are Python barrels available somewhere?

No Pythons sacrificed here. All you need is a donor S&W (or Ruger Security-Six if you want a "Couger") and a Python barrel and you're in business. Barrels are still out there but are getting harder to find and expensive. I took a GP-100 to Craig for a Couger conversion but the barrel shank on the factory Ruger barrel was a bit too big. He couldn't bushing it so it was a no go. Since the Security-Six guns are a bit smaller, they make great conversions.

Anyone have a mint, blued Security Six they'd like to sell???