Have you seen our solution to the 2020 Colt Python sight issue? The new Wilson Combat Rear Sights for the 2020 Colt Python ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ypE5rdCfOz0.html
The 3 inch Python needs a rounded butt!!! That is the very Reason I Just passed on a 3 inch Python this week. I carry my revolvers because I shoot them well. The only thing that really imprints is the butt. So it needs to be rounded to make it less obvious what is under my T shirt. Please do more of these revolver videos. Very relaxing to watch and is a Great source of information for Quality products. Best Wishes from Montana M.H.
What a great conversation! I remember a time when gun shops were full of revolvers as well as Lugers, Walther P-38’s, Mauser Broomhandles, Hi-Powers and 1911’s. I appreciate some of the modern polymer pistols, but revolvers have always been a work of art for me. Thank you for an interesting video.
If I could go into a gun shop now and that's all what they had I would be in heaven. I was born sometime after the invention of the Glock and so the era you mentioned I never personally witnessed but my favorite guns are steel frame single action autoloaders such as 1911s or Hi Powers and double action revolvers from Colt or Smith and Wesson (pre lock only please!).
I could see Mr. Wilson's innovative mind working looking at the rear site....low and behold Wilson Combat just released both rear and front sites for the Python and Anaconda ....Thanks Mr. Wilson !!
Keep this revolver thing going. I’m ex military and a gun guy but have just recently discovered revolvers. My first was a 22lr 3” SP101, the a S&W J-frame, then a 3” Colt King Cobra .357 and my latest purchase is a 2” Colt Cobra. I love them all!
Welcome, I love revolvers, to the point I even have a 9 mm with the moon clips. I have 357 mags and 22 as well. Working my way up to a 44 lol All mine are made by Taurus. Enjoy the shooting.
Great conversation! My favorite revolver is my S & W mod.27 with a 3 1/2" barrel in pristine condition purchased by my father in the 50's and given to me in 1970. I usually shoot 38s in it but finish off with a few rounds of 357 magnums just for old times sake to reminisce shooting it the first time when I was about 10 years old. WOW! That first time shooting a magnum round is something you never forget. Then in the 80's I let my son and daughter fire their first-ever magnum round which they still bring up in conversation at times. Needless to say that this S & W will be handed down in the family hopefully forever. .
Ken Hackathorn, and Bill Wilson. No one will EVER fill these guys shoes! They are Legends! I owe my whole firearm life to both of them. Love you guys! I pray you have good health and long lives! You two are my heroes!
As an impressionable kid in the 70's, the first handgun I ever fired was a Ruger Security Six. Then I was allowed to shoot an old 1911. Today I own several 1911's and several revolvers. I carry a revolver as my EDC back-up. I've been a fan of both for almost 50 years. Each has it's purpose, and I enjoy them regularly. Thanks for sharing.
Have had 3 classes with Ken over the years. The last time there were 4 of us that got him here and had him to ourselves. He is the Best instructor I have ever been around and a Wonderful story teller. We are both the same age....75 this year!!! Glad you are still healthy Ken...come see us...Billy Bruton...Battery Oaks Range, Conway,S.C.
I’m a big fan of S&W revolvers and have a few. My current bedside gun is a pre model 10 with a Hogue grip. I also have a 19-3 that has the sweetest trigger I have ever shot. Thanks for a great video.
I got a 4 inch Model 19-3 that feels like it was brand new. I think the previous owner never shot it so I imagine that once its broken in that this trigger will be buttery smooth.
I teach girls and women to shoot. S&W 4" Model 15, severely Tuned 148gr HBWC at 710fps 99.99% pure lead swaged, beeswax lubed, Nickel case, laquear primer and case mouth. a hit with a wimpy bullet beats a miss with a magnum. The 10 yr old girl and the 80 yr old woman shoot 1.5" patterns at 25 feet in DA.
Well, I've gone over to the the dark side and now shoot the black plastic. However, I still have my S&W M19 that I bought new in '79. I changed the grips to Pachmayr's in the store and have been shooting it that way since. I still have the original ticket ($202.00), box, screwdriver, and bore swab! Thanks for the revolver talk, I think we tend to overlook them. They are super fun to shoot!
I have a 4 inch Model 19-3 that I absolutely love and looks and feels like a new revolver! I also got a 4 inch 586 no dash that has a buttery smooth trigger and is a great shooter!
Just picked up a new Colt Python 3". What an awesome gun. I am a big revolver fan and own Smiths, Rugers, Taurus and now a Colt. Each have their strong points but there is something about the classic Smiths that just butters my toast! Great video
Massad, Ken & Bill.....you guys are addictive. I'm on my third week of binge-watching your channel. I get up at 0700 and before I know it, it's dinner time......next week back to the range......absolutely amazing, thank you so much,
I Love listening and learning from you guys! You two know more about the guns I love than anyone I've ever seen. I grew up reading about Elmer Keith, Jeff Cooper, and Ross Seyfried. Along with John Linebaugh, and now friends with Dustin Linebaugh. My kids come in the living room from time to time and say, "Dad you are always watching those old guys!", and I tell them boys that the reason that I watch them, is because they know more about guns than most people and I can relate to their passion for the guns that they love! Younger guys are about the new fads that are in place. I'm into what is tried and true. Set in my ways, but willing to always learn from the more experienced shooters. Thanks again for all of the good videos. I have John Harison, Dustin Linebaugh, Alan Harton, and several Wilson Combat guns! And enjoy my lever guns!!! Thank you two for everything you do. I Highly respect you both and hold you both to a high regard! Pleas pray for my friend John Harrison! Praying that God will touch his eyesight so that he can do the great things that he likes to do. Good man!
I like most handguns, but my Model 15s are probably my faves. I agree with the fellow at Nut'nfancy who says that if you find a good Model 15, just buy it. Your grandkids will thank you. These guns were built to a standard of quality by craftsmen, not to a price point. I have 3: an old cop gun with a great trigger job, another 4 inchers with lovely bluing, and a snubby version that is deadly accurate. Add these to my 686's and I am in skunk heaven. If you aren't familiar with revolvers, try one; you may just become addicted to them! --Old Guy
Thanks, guys for a great subject. I've always been a Smith guy and was lucky to find a model 66-3 2-1/2" NIB at a gun show. Smooth as butter trigger out of the box. Smith had great gun smiths back in the day.
I’m really happy to see the 2020 Python getting some support from trusted people on the public side of pistol shooting. I’m a full blown nobody when it comes to this type of thing, but am lucky to own some original E/I frame Colts and some nice Smiths. The gun I shoot the most is my 2020 Python. I reload boat loads of .38 Special and most of it is launched with the new Python. They’re great guns if you prize double action triggers.
If you’re look for a budget friendly, large revolver, looks for a Model 28 S&W. Referred to as a “Highway Patrolman”. N frame, .357, excellent trigger. Can be found in 4” & 6” barrels.
Young lad of 67.5 years old here. Had a 1982 sw 28-2 highway patrolman that in traded in in 2019. I had purchased it new and many regrets letting it go. It was the 4” model and I mostly shot 38 special thru it. Great video gentlemen.
I just love listen to you two gentlemen. I often just go through your playlist on my phone and rewatch the presentations many, many times! Best to ya',,,,!
Great episode. I'm old enough that I started competitive shooting when PPC was common. Still have my Ron Powers built S&W. Fiercely accurate and, yes, fun to shoot.
Me too! We had side matches in addition to the Individual Match, which included Service Revolver and Off Duty Revolver. These went out to 25 yards and had to be shot with stock guns. Then we had side matches for Autos. So that was a long weekend but a lot of fun. I used a pair of Model 15's for the revolver sides, a four inch and a two-inch (which had to be one of the ugliest K-frames made. That 2-inch looked like someone had cut off the muzzle with a band saw). I had a Virginia gunsmith named Fred Schmidt build my main gun which was based on a Model 10. It had a huge rib on it with the coolest sight I'd ever seen. At the front sight it had a slide switch marked with 7, 25, and 50 yard settings and individual zeros. That came in real handy moving from position to position unless you forgot to slide the switch! I have to laugh when I hear some kid on RU-vid talk about how it is "impossible" to learn to manage a DA trigger. A lot of us learned to do that at 50 yards, left handed. Cheers.
I shot the PPC course once, a police LT I knew invited me along with he and some other officers to shoot. I didnt realize they were going to qualify so I shot along with them with a 6" model 19. Since the police range was open to the public I shot there regularly so was familiar with shooting from a barricade strong and weak hand shooting from 50 yards etc. Seems like there was a prone position but hell that was 40 years ago and now I'd use all my time just getting prone and miss the next stage trying to get up. Dont remember my score but a few months later I was given an Expert certificate so guess I did ok and I realize I had the advantage of the longer sight radius plus I was shooting a lot.
@@glennrishton5679 Well. you remember most of it. The 50 yard stage included 6 rounds seated from the holster, followed by reloading and 6 rounds from prone, then you stood up and reloaded, then fired 6 left handed from the barricade, then reloaded and fired 6 right handed from the barricade. 24 rounds in 2 minutes 45 seconds. Sissies were allowed to fire the 50 yard stage single action but most of us went DA all the way. I got to Expert with a stock 6 inch Model 586, but to progress to Master I went to a heavy barrel "built gun". Those were fun times. Take care.
@@PPISAFETY I still shoot IDPA and USPSA but I think PPC was under-appreciated. Shooting at 50yd DA was great for learning marksmanship. We learned to shoot with both hands, too. Have to laugh a little when USPSA guys complain about having to make a long shot (anything over 25yd). You were a bona fide good shot if you made Master.
I grew up with revolvers, too. My favorite is a Smith & Wesson Model 25-5 in .45 Colt. I also love my S&W Model 19-3 Texas Ranger Commemorative. That is one sweet gun, and I do shoot it. But for casual "Let's go out and shoot some tin cans" kind of plinking, it's hard to beat my old S&W K-22. Thanks for your conversation! Brings bad some really good memories, too. And isn't Idaho wonderful!!
I didn't think that I would have to go this far down to find another S&W 25-5 , 45 Long Colt Fan , but I did and I agree it's my only revolver and the only modification that I made was replacing the walnut grips with Pachmayr grips and I have never needed to do any thing else , everyone that shoots it loves it !
I love revolvers, there's just something about a revolver that makes it so much more fun than an auto and the selection you had there Mr.Hackathorn was simply sublime ! Beautiful revolvers, each and every one of them.
There was a limited edition Kimber K6S (the Royal), that was black and white, and it has a brass bead front sight, and I would love that revolver. The loved the original K6S when I first saw it, but that K6S Royal is on another level.
The 4inch K frame is about the perfect revolver for me. I dont have a 19 but do have a 10 and a 15. love them. my 586 is fun too but not quite the same as a K frame. great guns thanks for sharing.
When I saw Ken's Model 15, I almost wanted to kick myself a bit. I've always tended to own Model 19's, but there is a different feel to the Model 15 in the same barrel length, and it's nice. Here's where kicking myself comes in. I owned a shooting school in Virginia that I ran on the side in addition to my police work. The bulk of my students had never fired a handgun before, but wanted to get one of the state's then-new concealed carry permits. I ran a course that in addition to classroom time had a separate introductory range class on fundamentals. I kept a wide selection of handguns for my students to try out for free in class. Police were transitioning in droves to the auto pistol and the gun shops and distributors were awash with Smith and Wesson K-frame police trade-ins. Even though I had my FFL, I preferred not to order used guns sight unseen, so I went to a rather large dealer that sold used guns. At times they had so many police trades they were overstocked, so they shared with me their price tag codes that showed how much they had paid for each gun, and I worked out a fair profit with them. I tried not to buy the really nice pieces that they could do well on. I'd go in during quiet hours, get a handheld shopping basket and buy 6-8 revolvers at a time when I needed them. I had every student do their initial exercises with a K-frame unless they already owned a handgun they wished to focus on. Often a new student did so well with an old Model 10 at the range that they would ask if they could buy the revolver, and I always tried to say yes, so I went through a lot of police trade-ins. A pencil-barrel Model 10 would typically cost me about $140, a heavy barrel Model 10 $150, a Model 15 in good shape $175, A Model 19 four inch would cost me$200 and a Model 66 was $250. This was in the late 90's and was simply a function of a very large supply. When I look at what these guns cost now on the used market, it makes me want to cry. Anyway, I owned my own range at the time and a buddy of mine and I had just agreed to go down to a small town in southern Virginia where another friend had just been hired as the Chief. We were going to suit up and work for him until he could hire some staff. We had bought these retention holsters for our Glocks, and you just don't put one of those on and go on duty. So we agreed to meet on the range to practice with them. I had just picked up a 4-inch Model 15 that I gave $150 for and also wanted to adjust the sights if needed so as not to discourage a new student with a gun that didn't shoot to point of aim. When my buddy saw the Model 15, his eyes lit up, and trust me, this was at a time where no one was getting excited about the Model 15, because most people wanted a Magnum. He shot it so much and was clearly delighted by it. I asked him why, and he told me he had been in the Air Force as a kid, and had been a Military Policeman and had been issued a Model 15 loaded with 130 grain FMJ ammo. After a few years he became an OSI Agent and was allowed to keep it and carry it, but had to turn it in when he was discharged. He was having so much fun with the revolver that I gave it to him on the spot. It was a small amount of money but it clearly meant a lot to him. I sold my school later and started working overseas, and by the time I got back the prices of classic SW's were all jacked up. That was the last one I saw at a decent price, and I gave the damned thing away. We now live about 1,200 miles from each other, and whenever I talk to him on social media, he always tells me he still has the gun and plans to have it buried with him when he goes. Oh well, I've got my 19-3 and I'm fine with that. He is so happy with that Combat Masterpiece that when I kick myself over giving it away, I don't kick too hard.
In 1967, while in the Air Force Security Police Tech School, we did indeed receive training with S&W Model 15 revolvers. In the recent past I got a chucked seeing a photograph of Air Force ace, then Colonel Robin Olds, standing in front of his multi-million dollar fighter-bomber in Thailand with his holstered .38 spl. Model 15. Additionally, those Model 15's were likely the main firearm of police for many many years. I was issued one upon being hired by the Los Angeles Police Department in 1974. Through the years we started carrying pistols. When I was in the process of retiring, I turned my equipment into Supply and was asked if I wished to purchase my service revolver (S&W Model 15). I asked, "How much?" I think it was the best $52.00 that I ever spent.
@@larryminton2670 For $52.00 I'd say so! My older brother went on the job in Richmond, VA in 1962 as a patrolman. He was paid $3300.00 per year, and carried a six inch Model 14 on duty in a holster that could be snapped in place for walking beats, or the swivel unsnapped to rotate the gun so that the officer could comfortably sit in a patrol car. The city cars back then had receive-only radios and the city had call boxes with keys so the officer could go to the call box to check in. If a walking beat officer made an arrest, he would typically handcuff his perp to a lamp post and then walk several blocks to a call box to call the wagon for a pickup. The wagon men would pick up the arrested person, load them in the van, and then drive to the call box to return the beat officer's cuffs. I remember being fascinated by all of this as a little kid, and going to the police indoor range to watch the guys shoot bullseye with their K-38's and Model 15's. I started in 1979 and settled on the Model 19 as my duty revolver. I still have that one.
I really enjoy these videos. I feel like we get to be a part of the club so to speak… Something I’d like to see is Ken and Bill go through the S&W frame size lineup (it’s always confusing for me as a relatively new shooter) and show us the differences. Maybe some history on how the frame size naming convention came to be.
I started collecting guns last year and got my 3rd gun and wanted a revolver this year. I got a 10.5 inch performance center 500 magnum. It's so beautiful.
I would pay good money for a reproduction of that Hurst grip Ken has on his Smith & Wesson Combat Masterpiece 15-6, or at least anything really that wasn't an arm and a leg for an original set!
Very nice pic of revolvers. I too learned to shoot with a revolver. I am a retired C.O. and we used S&W mod. 64s. My favorite that I own is a model 66 combat. Thank you for your review of old school revolvers.
Ken...I remember years ago reading an article you wrote about a custom Smith J frame. You mated a 3" barrel from a Model 36 to a Model 49 Bodyguard. You called it a modern day derringer. With today's sub compact 9mm it's a bit out of date but the article made a mark on this young man.
If the world weren't going to hell in a handbasket then I'd be playing around with revolvers. As things stand, I need to focus on guns that give me the most advantage in a fight.
I recently shot my dad's beach-load 12GA from 1910, and it makes me wanna shoot lever guns and recovers for a while. Great timing on a video; there's something magical about the old-school revolver design
I'm not yet into my 40s and I love revolvers, it's not just an old guy thing and I see more and more young shooters embracing the double action wheel gun. I myself got my first revolver not long after I was old enough to buy handguns, however by that time the revolver was seen as a relic of the past by any self proclaimed "serious shooter". Personally I just can't stand not having one in the stable now, even though I favor single action semi-autos for defense nothing beats the pure enjoyment of shooting a nice Colt or Smith and Wesson double action revolver.
Thanks guys! I'm considering a Colt King Cobra with the 3 inch barrel & rubber Hogue grips, my local store has one for what seems like a good price so I'm tempted. I love wheelguns but only have a Taurus and a Rossi that I inherited from my grandpa.
Ha! Recently acquired a S&W model 19. The first time I took it to the range, shooting it put a smile on my face. So much fun to shoot, and accurate. Think I might get Spegel grips for it.
686 6" that I got 27 years ago. Still love it. 627 2.6" that I got for CC. Bit heavy, but an observable improvement over my 686, and not just in capacity. Smith Wesson has loyal customers in my family.
When I turned 21 and got my first permit my grandfather gave me a 4" model 19-1 it was what I learned how to shoot with, it was made in the late 50's. I just sent it to S&W Performance center for a mechanical update, It is still the most accurate gun i have many ever shot. I own Glocks and other modern guns but I am a double-action revolver guy to the end. Unfortunately the new revolvers are shit. I own many other S&W revolvers but won't buy anything after later than a dash-1.
A quality revolver is a thing of beauty and a superbly made mechanical device. In 1935 when S&W produced the "Registered Magnum" and the .357 magnum cartridge, it was probably the epitome of workmanship and elegance. The Colt Python was also a superb revolver of remarkable accuracy and beauty. My favorite however, will always be the model 29 S&W, powerful yet refined, the big N frame delivers a massive yet controlable 1200 foot pounds of energy.
I Have a COLT PYTHON I Got in 1977 and LOVE it in Four Inch Barrel. But I Have it in Nickel and Have to Clean the Cylinder a Lot to Keep it Pretty Mr. Hackathorn !!!
Outstanding! Just received my bequest from my zfsthers estate after 20+ years battling sibling, two Pythons built in the '70's, short barrel was treated with Carbsloyd ( Spelling Correction needed) action smooth as glass!
My 4.25 barrel Python handles and shoots flawlessly yes even with just the regular factory sights. Maybe down the road I'll buy some of the Wilson Combat sights but not because I'm turned off by the standard factory ones. Now there is a tiny amount of movement but it really just doesn't upset me like some. It shoots superbly. Anyways best of luck to you guys.
Revolvers are fun. I still shoot my Smith 629-1 6" at my local IPSC level I comp. I get much laughter from the race gun guys on the 32 round stages due the challenging number of reloads. I don't give two hoots about time but usually get a full house on the scores. The fun part is when someone comes up to me after finding out who was shooting revolver and says "So it was YOU!" I also have a fondness for snubbies (currently have a K6s). Would be nice to see you guys do a video on snubbies? Thanks for the great video, really enjoyed it.
For me at least, when it comes to revolvers, you cannot beat a Ruger GP-100 4” barrel. Replace the trigger spring (15 minutes and 20 bucks) and you have the finest revolver ever made. And very affordable for a world class revolver. Nothing feels better in your hand than a GP-100.
I have a couple pretty cool Pythons that I inherited a few years back. My grandfather was a serious gun collector. He bought 2 brand new Colt Pythons back in the early to mid 60's a 4 inch and a 6 inch. He shot the 6 inch all the time but the 4 inch he bought it and put it in his gun safe only taking it out to clean and oil it from time to time. When I got them I loved the 6 inch so much I bought a new 4 inch so I could shoot it. So I have a 4 inch Colt Python that, unless it was fired from the factory, its never had the 1st round fired through it. The 6 inch model I have was the 1st handgun I ever shot as well. Those 3 guns will never leave my collection.
Back in the day Millett made a superb drop-in rear sight for the Colt revolvers. Colt should commission Millett to resume production of this fine sight to fit it on all new Colts.
Herrett stocks are like no other, especially for Combat Masterpieces. Milt Sparks's shop in Garden City is my only holster maker for many years. They are for gentlemen going to a BBQ, a wedding or just on hunting outing.
I finally got to handle and dry fire one at a shop past week. The action seems to have a shorter take up than what I remember the originals having, but stacked up harder. I’m holding out for a Diamondback in .357…
My friend is a retired CHP officer. We live in Idaho I bought a Model 10, snub nose from him after shooting it. We were at 25 yards. I shot it three times, double action and broke three clay pigeons. For the next three rounds I broke the pieces. I also love my Python and my Model 66. Have others, but those are my favorites.
I love the mechanical aesthetic of a revolver. A striker fire handgun is kinda a magic black box aesthetic. As in, you can't see what's going on inside it. Really, that could be anything if you didn't know it was a gun. You pull a trigger and "something" inside the black box makes "something" happen. You could build a thermometer or a lazer pointer or a lighter or a stapler to look exactly like a glock cause it's a black box that conceals all it's internals. With a revolver, you can see the cartridges in the cylinder, watch it rotate a new one into place, and watch the hammer fall on it. It's like, clockwork punk or something.
You got two of my favorites Smith and Wesson model 19 and Smith and Wesson model 15. The gun I carry a lot when I'm carrying a revolver is a 3-in model 19. I love you videos keep them coming. I am curious about what you think of the Ruger GP series.
Great. Just great. I didn’t know Colt put out a new Mod 3” Python. Gonna have toooo look into one of them. Mr Wilson, please ask VZ,as Ken suggested, to build that grip. Thanks men. Always fun.
