[klinett]

I recently inherited a 357 magnum python. The gun however has a S&W marking on the main body of the gun. It also has a bobbed nickelplated hammer and extremely wide grooved nickleplated trigger. It has a full rubber pachmayr grip. I have taken this to several local gunshops and experts and have heard different stories at all of them. Was told its possibly a custom made gun from our local police department. My uncle was a bit of a loner so no one in my family even knew he owned this so I only know what I've been told about it.

Anyway, I just figured I should ask here what to do with the gun. I've been offered between $400-$800 at the gunshops but told its value is dramatically less because of the hammer and grip modification. Would it be possible to source parts to return this gun to stock or would that even be worth it?

Any input is appreciated.
Thanks,
Tucker

I tried to attach some pictures I took but they wouldnt upload. I will try to figure out a different way to put them up when I am off work tonight.

 

[SnakeGunner]

Would really like to see pics. If you can't post them, someone here should be able to do so for you.

 

[Mike_Anderson]

It sounds like a "Smolt" made to shoot police combat competitions. It ought to shoot really nice groups.
Pictures would be nice.
Mike

 

[JudgeColt]

Welcome to the Forum!

It sounds like you have a K-frame Smith & Wesson with target trigger, target hammer and rubber stocks on which a Colt Python barrel has been installed. That was a popular modification in the early 1970s for shooting PPC. If the gun shops to which you took the gun did not recognize it as such, then they are not staffed with knowledgeable people. As Mr. Anderson says, some applied the name "Smolt" (Smith & Wesson + Colt = Smolt) to such a modified Smith & Wesson.

The main value of such a gun is for its novelty. Some would probably pay more than you mention. I would not.

 

[KMKCOLT]

It's not original anything. It's a Frankenstein gun. There for its a shooter and that's about it. I personally wouldn't bother trying to salvage it by spending more money to bring it back to what it should be. I would take the money and run. I don't think it's worth anywhere near $800 but that's me. Unless you want yo keep it and shoot it yourself. The conversion was common back in the day as stated above. It was done due to people liked the action on a smith&Wesson but wanted the accuracy of the python barrel and there for you have Dr. Frankenstein's smolt. I never have seen one in person nor fired one but have read they are very accurate and nice to shoot.

 

[klinett]

Thanks for the input guys! Learned more in a few hours here than in a week of going to all the local gunshops! Parrisjr offered to put the pictures up for me so they have been emailed to him and hopefully should be up for you all to see and confirm. I'll have to go pick up some ammo and see what kind of groups I can get.

 

[Parrisjr]

Klinett posted pic's.

Post 1 of 2

 

[Parrisjr]

Klinett posted pic's

Post 2 of 2

 

[Redcrow]

I'd vote to keep it and shoot it, plenty of smiths can work on Smith & Wesson revolvers and I'd venture to guess that a used Smith & Wesson with a Python barrel (provided it's professionally done) would be worth equal or more than a used unmodified Smith of the same condition. I'd even wager that if you took your time, advertised right, and waited for an interested buyer you could do well selling it. It's not going to bring Python prices, but it would surely bring more than a beat up Model 10. I don't know anyone who has a Smolt or Smithon in their collection, but it would be an interesting conversation piece to say the least.

 

[oberon]

Run it.
If you aren't particulary impressed, you can peddle it easy.

 

[Gisguns]

Very nice