colt VS Smith and wesson

scottm21166

which are the better revolver?
automatics?
why?
I ve always been a colt fan but I can't say why. Knowing me, it's just that I think they look better. nothing like a python!! or a GCNM 1911

9mmsmith

I have only had 1 S&W auto I was pleased with and still have it, the 469 9mm. I love it but wasn't happy with some of thier other autos. S&W Revolvers are top of the line, period>

royc38

Big edge to Colt autos, slight edge to Colt revolvers. Had some nice Smiths over the years but the Anaconda,Python, King Cobra trio can beat a 629,686, etc. Smith guys are very well armed however.

bigdaddyjunior

There have been a couple Smith autos that were good guns. The 459 was nice and the 1076 after they fixed the decocker glitch.The model 41 is renowned and deservedly so. Colt autos don't even try to be techno/fancy, they just work. Revolvers it is hard to say. Smith has so many more designs to accomodate any hand for any purpose in any caliber. I never have had a bad Smith revolver and their trigger is the best double action there is bar none. The Colt revolvers have to include the SAA since it is still being made and no finer machine has ever been fit to the human hand. The Agent and Detective snubbies are great little 38's and the Python with a little trigger work is about the finest 357 going.Lets not forget the Diamondback 22 or 38 both calibers are very fine shooting lightweight revolvers.

yawarakai

I own a Colt 38 and a S&W 38 both revolvers. The Colt has a harder draw on the trigger and wear me out faster when shooting. The Smith is lighter and easier to shoot.

Doc

I like them all but I have way more S&Ws than Colts simply because Smith had many more models and variations that they made over the years.

S&W and Colt use different trigger systems and most people seem to prefer the S&W. The Python and older Colts are a little less sturdy in the lockwork. Colts tend to be a bit more accurate due to boring their barrels a little tighter. Colt also offsets the cylinder stop cut unlike S&W who cuts them right over the chambers leaving thin chamber walls.

Older Colts are beautifully finished. A Python from the 1950s has the deepest blue you will ever see. QC went all to hell in the 1970s and I saw crappy guns from Colt for sale in gun shops that were shameful. Colts are more hand-fitted, which makes then nice until you need to swap a part. I don't even count on swapping stocks between Colts as they were often put on oversize at the factory and then the frame and wood were shaped together. S&Ws on the other hand lend themselves to parts swapping. I have swapped triggers, hammers, cylinders and barrels between guns with about 95% success.

Unlike I Dano I like the S&W autos. The old M39 is the best feeling gun I have ever held in my hand and my daily carry piece is a 659 that has been most reliable. I don't like the big grip but I do like the 15 rounds it holds. No need for a spare magazine.

Here are some of my S&Ws. Couldn't get them all in one shot.



Here are my Colts (no clones, that would be a separate photo). I need more Colts, I guess.

hughbetcha

The Smith and Wesson revolver has a faster, more rugged action than a Colt. I also believe there are fewer pieces to a Smith K than Python for example.

A Python has the smoothest trigger pull of any revolver because it has been hand fitted/polished, but not all colt Revolvers are Pythons, Diamondbacks.

When Colt tried to simplify their revolver design with the Trooper to provide a lower cost gun to comptete with Smith and Wesson they fell way behind.

I dont consider Smith and Wesson Autos to be worth bothering with. Obviously no Smith Auto is ever going to be a 1911, unless its like the new Smith Autos which are based on the 1911.

bigdaddyjunior

Thanks a lot for the thread. Stopped by the shop just to shoot the breeze and ended up with a new 638 Smith.[:(!]

KEVD18

which is better coke or pepsi?

marlboros or camels?

oj from tropicana or minute maid?

its a preference thing....

sig232

I only have shot one S&W auto, its a 356TSW from the custom shop. The quality is excellent, finish is beautiful and its a great shooter. But try to find ammo for it, HA!

Had the six inch Python Colt and sold it back in 1979 when I was a little short. Been sorry ever since, wonderful action and accuracy. Purchased it in the mid 1970's and the blue finish was very deep and consistant. Still have my Gold Cup National Match, will be buried with that one I think!

Have had many S&W revolvers and still own a Model 38 bodyguard, Model 65 LS, and Model 36 LS. They work perfectly and are quite fun to shoot.

In a gunfight I'll take the 1911 everytime unless I can have a rifle or shotgun.

sig232

"SP" that is one fine collection of S & W revolvers! Like your Python also.

p3skyking

Okay, the straight story is Colts are the better weapon. Always has been. From an engineering standpoint, the rotation of the S&W cylinder pushes the crane away from the frame. Not a good thing. Over time, the weapon wears and play gets awful. Colts rotation pushes the crane toward the frame. This is why after a hundred years, the New Service, Army Special, Police Positive, and all the rest still lock up just like they were new.
Try this experiment yourself, cock and drop your hammer and keep the trigger pulled back. Check the cylinder for play. Even on new S&W's you will find play.

Colt's have always cost more than Smith's due to the workmanship to fit and finish the weapon. People used to talk about cops carrying Smith's and think they must know something. The truth of the matter is that cops used to have to buy their own weapons for duty. $49 bucks looked alot better than $69 to a guy that was making $75 a week. The guys that could afford a Colt bought a Colt.

Smith's autos have always been a little on the weak end although now that they are making a 1911 that may change. The last original idea that came from Smith was in the 19th century with the bored through cylinder. Glock sued them and won over the Sigma, the little .22 they have out with the barrel under the spring - it's been done. Dreyse Model of 1907.

I've owned a few Smiths and the triggers are sweet, however have you ever noticed how many reversions of the same gun there are. The Hand Ejector went through at least three. They can't seem to get it right the first time on anything. The new 1911 they have has a different extractor than the Colt. Don't know about you, but I know the Colt extractor last a long time under hard service. Time will tell if Smith has to go back and revise it.

I play with a lot of weapons over a hundred years old. The only Smith's I've ever seen hold up were the ones not used much.