1960, A great year of American manufacturing.

Builders,

Vern and I worked in my shop today making parts for CC #39 and for stock. It was a record warm day here, 85F, but there was a nice breeze all day. When taking a break to throw lunch on the grill, we spent a few minutes at my back yard range with a magnificent piece of American hardware made in 1960. A Colt Python

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Above, 1960 was the very first year of GM producing the Corvair. It was a very innovative design, it was awarded “Car of the Year” by Motor Trend. This Python was made by Clot the same year. Pythons started production in 1955. You will get some argument from S&W 686 fans, but the Python is arguable the finest revolver ever made. The 57 year old example in my hand is worth several thousand dollars. The round in my palm is a .357 magnum, itself an American classic from 1935 and still a very useful powerhouse today.

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Above, Detail on the barrel. It is comparatively easy to shoot with great accuracy, even with full power ammunition. It is a perfectly engineered masterpiece, from an era when companies had great pride in their reputations, and their craftsmen were encouraged to design and make outstanding products that would last. They make plenty of good firearms today, but it is very hard to imaging most of them holding an interest  57 years from now. The same point can be made about the Corvair engine headed to power your aircraft. Some people understand classic things, other people just like consumer stuff. To each their own, but I know what I personally think is worth my attention.

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Above, a size comparison, Python vs. Corvair cam gear. It fills the hand but doesn’t seem heavy nor awkward. Next time you are looking at an aviation magazine and studying the stuff presented as “new and exciting” ask yourself it anyone will be using it in 5 years, far less 50.

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-wewjr.

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