Update: 38 is scarce around here, there is no 357 to be found I don’t reload (yet, anyway) and don’t have any other revolvers. I was able to buy 2, 50 boxes and have put 99 rounds through it. 1 round of Winchester white box, 130 grain jacketed, failed to fire. Primer strike was good, writing it off as a dud. Overall, I’m very happy with this gun.
A couple of minor quibbles. The grips aren’t great. I don’t feel like I’m getting the best hold on the gun. The space between the rear of the trigger guard and the grip itself needs to have more fill. Considering a set of Hogue wood grips. Stippled wood is an option, so I might go that route.
The rear sight notch isn’t very deep and the face of it is… busy. I’d like an Elliason style rear blade, but reproduction Elliason’s, like Kensight’s, won’t fit. I was hoping that Bowen would release a Rough Country rear sight but a very nice email reply from Mr. Bowen himself, indicated that isn’t on any roadmaps for now.
Last, the trigger. It’s flat faced with serrations and I think it would benefit if it had a rounded profile. I’ve been dry firing it a lot and my index finger gets sore where it rubs on the edge. It’s not razor sharp, but it’s a hot spot after 20-25 dry fires. I don’t have the issue with my Beretta 92.
None of these things detract from the overall appeal of the Python, though. I am enjoying learning about shooting revolvers and welcome any advice on becoming proficient with them.
I have read both claims but you can't have it both ways.
Ball burnishing is a standard industrial process, but I don't know how to form a tapered bore in mass production.
I don't even know how Harry Pope did it custom. He said he did not emery his barrels. Maybe he was covering up with a narrow term, maybe he used some other lapping compound.
Code Name: JET STREAM