The Cougar/Couger/Rython Magnum is a particular hybrid revolver, it consist of a Ruger Security-Six frame mated to a Colt Python barrel chambered in .357 magnum, a few gunsmiths in the US used to offer such conversions back in the late 70's till the mid 80's. Along with the more popular Smython or Smolt (S&W M19/66 frame with a Colt Python barrel).
The Colt Python barrel was reputed to be the most accurate production barrel of it’s day because of its higher quality rifling and tighter tolerances. It also tapered to .001 smaller at the muzzle.
The twist rate of 1:14 was more aggressive than both Ruger and Smith & Wesson’s 1:18.75 twist rate. More twist equals more spin and more spin, it was believed, resulted in greater accuracy. Particularly with the 148 grain wadcutters that were generally used In competition.
Moreover, the heaver barrel with full under lug was another advantage providing good forward balance. The Python barrel’s vent rib was claimed to provide a better sighting plane. And, the Python forcing cone was alleged to be stronger and more durable allowing more rounds before accuracy degraded.
So, why the Ruger and Smith & Wesson frames? Because it was, widely known that the Colt Python lock-work and timing did not stand up as well under the heavy use of and high volume of rounds common in PPC competition guns. Ruger’s and Smith’s were accepted as stronger, more durable thus the combination provided the best of both worlds. So, from this the Couger (“Co” from Colt and “uger” from Ruger) Smolt (or Smyton) were born.
Bill Davis, famous for building these guns, was a California Highway Patrol officer and PPC (Police Pistol Combat) national champion. He was also a part-time gunsmith that was doing some work in his garage when he finally decided to leave CHP and start a gunsmith custom shop, Bill’s Gunsmithing Shop, in Sacramento, CA. Later, in 1984, he partnered with his brother forming a small chain of gun shops called Cake-Davis headquartered in Berkley and later Hayward, CA.
The big thing about a Bill Davis conversion was not just the barrel change. It was the action job he would perform. His Smith & Wesson and Ruger action jobs are reputed to have produced the sweetest, buttery smooth, no creep and glass rod break ever.
https://www.gunnuts.net/2010/10/12/the-cougar-magnum/
I used to own a Smolt/Smython and foolishly sold it many years ago, glad to have finally found this one.
This is my new to me Cougar Magnum built by Bill Davis Custom Shop in ~1985:
The Colt Python barrel was reputed to be the most accurate production barrel of it’s day because of its higher quality rifling and tighter tolerances. It also tapered to .001 smaller at the muzzle.
The twist rate of 1:14 was more aggressive than both Ruger and Smith & Wesson’s 1:18.75 twist rate. More twist equals more spin and more spin, it was believed, resulted in greater accuracy. Particularly with the 148 grain wadcutters that were generally used In competition.
Moreover, the heaver barrel with full under lug was another advantage providing good forward balance. The Python barrel’s vent rib was claimed to provide a better sighting plane. And, the Python forcing cone was alleged to be stronger and more durable allowing more rounds before accuracy degraded.
So, why the Ruger and Smith & Wesson frames? Because it was, widely known that the Colt Python lock-work and timing did not stand up as well under the heavy use of and high volume of rounds common in PPC competition guns. Ruger’s and Smith’s were accepted as stronger, more durable thus the combination provided the best of both worlds. So, from this the Couger (“Co” from Colt and “uger” from Ruger) Smolt (or Smyton) were born.
Bill Davis, famous for building these guns, was a California Highway Patrol officer and PPC (Police Pistol Combat) national champion. He was also a part-time gunsmith that was doing some work in his garage when he finally decided to leave CHP and start a gunsmith custom shop, Bill’s Gunsmithing Shop, in Sacramento, CA. Later, in 1984, he partnered with his brother forming a small chain of gun shops called Cake-Davis headquartered in Berkley and later Hayward, CA.
The big thing about a Bill Davis conversion was not just the barrel change. It was the action job he would perform. His Smith & Wesson and Ruger action jobs are reputed to have produced the sweetest, buttery smooth, no creep and glass rod break ever.
https://www.gunnuts.net/2010/10/12/the-cougar-magnum/
I used to own a Smolt/Smython and foolishly sold it many years ago, glad to have finally found this one.
This is my new to me Cougar Magnum built by Bill Davis Custom Shop in ~1985:
