A California Original: The Python before the Python

[highpower]

Nice write up! One thing that you didn't mention, was that back in the thirties you could order a gun from S&W or Colt and have it shipped directly to King to have your specific modifications done. Also, King would sell the various pieces like the sights and cockeyed hammer separately so you could have your own gunsmith install them.

I have a 1930 Colt Officers Model Target that the action is like a Swiss watch when you cock it. It is easily equal to my '64 Python.

I really enjoy seeing these type of posts instead of the standard "which Glock should I buy", or "which SSE to get" fare that shows up all the time.

[saudadeii]

Awesome post again Beetle!!

[deephouse]

Sweet jesus.... those are nice.

[kcjr1125]

nice read

[MrExel17]

Enjoyed that thank you for sharing!

[scottbadger]

Thank you for the excellent information.

[beetle]

Nice write up! One thing that you didn't mention, was that back in the thirties you could order a gun from S&W or Colt and have it shipped directly to King to have your specific modifications done. Also, King would sell the various pieces like the sights and cockeyed hammer separately so you could have your own gunsmith install them.
.

Great point. King was a smith of such renown that both Colt and Smith & Wesson offered the ability to order King customizations through the factory.
In fact when Smith and Wesson introduced their then top-of-the-line Registered Magnum it could be ordered with King front sights to be installed during production. King parts were held in such high regard that even Colt/S&W had no issues stocking them and installing them straight from the factory.

[beetle]

[TurboChrisB]

Quality thread! Thanks for taking the time to put it together.

[highpower]

Jeeze Beetle, you give me gun envy in a big way.

The only pre-war target Colt that I have is my aforementioned OMT that I was fortunately able to pick up several years ago before the prices went up. I still paid a pretty good dollar for it though.



I like the early target revolvers, it is interesting how the sights stayed virtually the same until King developed the click adjustable sight.

Here is the earliest target revolver I have, it is a Model 1899 Smith and Wesson hand ejector made in 1901. The sights on it are easily the worst I have ever personally used as they are extremely small and hard to see. I can understand why serious target shooters would flock to D.W. King to get decent sights on their gun.

[73 RB-Z]

Where again is your Youtube channel?

[readysetgo]

Love it!

This thread is (as always from beetle) some of the best content on Calguns. Thank you for sharing.

Love the reflector front sight. So simple but ingenious.

[Capybara]

Beetle, as usual, best thing I have seen on Calguns in weeks. Fascinating history, how did you research all of this and discover it all?

[dyson]

Beetle you got a blog site? great read.

[09cs]

Thanks for an awesome read!