Posted: 5/20/2008 5:55:56 PM EDT
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When it comes to 1911s and AR15s, I am a pure-D Colt Kool Aid Drinker. On the subject of revolvers though, I am a dyed in the wool S&W fanatic. Both S&W and Colt are quality manufactuerers, so it isn't like comparing one to R&G.  Don't ask me to explain my attachment to the S&W line, they just feel right to me. |
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I'm fond of my Smiths, but if I came across a Colt for a steal of a price I'd have to jump on it, if only to hold for a bit. I have books on Colts and enjoy learning about them (like all firearms) but I don't really plan on dropping the cash for one any time soon. I'll pit my "simple" 586s against the Python guys just for fun at the range any day. |
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I prefer the Smith double action pull, particularly tuned. I prefer the looks of Colts, and I have found the quality of Colt barrels to be superior. I have sometimes considered making a "Smolt". I prefer the adjustable sights on Colts over the Smiths. I prefer the Smith grip frame angle over the Colt DA revolvers. Colts and particularly Smiths have had times in their production histories where they were shoddy in quality. I am particular about what "vintage" of both revolvers I buy. I find the slop in the cylinder fit on Smiths to be really annoying. As I shoot my revolvers they get looser and looser. |
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FactColt's cylinder release on thier revolvers is a pull. I dislike it to me it is not user or speed friendly. FactS&W cylinder release is a push that is in a near perfect place to reach with the thumb. observation grounded in factsS&W designed there pistols for the average hand and then made them a little smaller it seems. While Colt designed there pistols for large hands. The most dramatic example of this is the 1917, a COlt 1917 is HUGE while and Nframe S&W 1917 is a pleasure to shoot and hold. OpinionColt's blueing was superior to S&W and there trigger is slightly smoother, but in my opinion the S&W trigger breaks crisper than a Colt's. finial opinionWhen it comes down too it I feel S&W is a better revolver hand down. I think Colt is over rated over all, their M-16 and M-4s are loose and not as accurate as FN's. While I feel that Colt's discontinued 1911 line like the series 70 & 80 were top notch far superior to other 1911's I have handled. |
| I'm a died in the wool Kool Aid drinking Colt fan. Wouldn't own a Smith wheelgun for anything. I'll take the bank vault lock up of a Colt 6-shooter any time. I have a LE6920 for an AR and a Colt new Agent as a carry gun, and a full collection of Colt's snake guns. I have a couple Pythons, an Anaconda, Cobra, King Cobra, Viper, a couple Diamondbacks an Agent and a Magnum Carry .357. I've got friends with Smiths and have tried most of them but still always go back to my Colts. Funny thing is my Colts seem to be gaining in value instead of depreciating like most Smiths. JMHO! |
 A few years ago when S&W discontinued the K frame magnum, used ones sold for $300 or so. Now, you're lucky to find one in good shape for under $450. S&W 29's are appreciating fairly quickly. More common stuff like model 10's have gone up quite a bit as well. I used to see them regularly around $200. Now, the few that I see are more in the $300+ range. Priced Registered Magnums or Model 27's lately? It won't be long and Colt's will be relegated to "sit in glass cases" status because of a lack of repair/replacement parts and people capable of working on them. If they were truly that good, Colt would still be making them. 
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The same can be said of a Smith wheelgun too. I have owned several both and always leaned towards the Smiths. I found the quality of both to be excellent but the S&W's always felt better and tighter overall. I could tell no difference in accuracy and durrability between the 2 is not much if any. |
BUT, I also like S&Ws. My S&W M 41, 342PD(Ti/Al J-frame 38spl), 696(SS, 3"BBL 5 shot 44spl), 296(5 shot Ti/Al L-frame 44spl), I can easily sell for more than what paid. The factory triggers on my S&Ws are really heavy over the factory triggers on my Colts. |
I'm in no way a fan of Colt wheel guns. I own a Commander 1911, but that's different. However, there's a lot of stuff that Smith isn't making anymore either. I won't speculate on the reasons, because I truly don't know them. Now as far as Colts sitting in glass, they should anyway, their revolvers are crap IMO. I've had too much shit go VERY wrong with Colts. |
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Well in my 4 month history of owning revolvers I kind of agree I like the smiths cylinder latch better and also prefer the smiths rotation of the cylinder being a right hand shooter, I can see my empty cylinder coming around (why don't they make 38 or 44 pistol ammo in 6 across packaging?) my smith's and colts triggers are excellent...... I have yet to shoot a python however but a SW 686 is next on the list (the gp100 isn't doing it for me) |
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| I'm hardly a revolver expert (I just bought my first one two weeks ago!) but I think that older Colt DA revolvers (New Service in particular) look the best. The trigger guard on N frame S&Ws looks like a misshapen lump compared to a Colt. I don't care for the Python though or any other revolver with the vent rib/full lug barrel. |
Les Baer and many other custom makers disagree with you, my friend. 
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Sorry, that's just incorrect information. Go look at how tight pre-70 series Colt commercial, an Ed Brown, or a Les Baer is. None of the above carry a premium because their tolerances cause malfunctions. |
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Can I like both I have a Python that I truly love, for two reasons. One is that the revolver is beautiful and acccurate while fitting my hand great with a set of custom grips. The second reason is my wife got it for me when we did not have the scratch; she slowly payed it off over several months. Saying that, I carry a S&W 642 most of the time because I can conceal it very easy and it is light-weight. I have around 500 rds through it and several thousands of dry firings so the trigger is smooth as all get out. My third and last revolver s a USFA SA. I know, not a Colt bit a lot better than most 2nd gen and all 3rd gen Colts. Ihave shot the Schoefield and Colt (both originals) and I definetly prefer the Colt in that arena even with the Colt being slower to load and unload. The balance and accuracy of the Colt SAA is great (even above the remingtons SAA). Havve a great day
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Are we talking revolvers or pistols. When it comes to pistols, nothing IMO, beats the colt series 70. Now for revolers, I'm a N frame guy, I've had colts, some reason I cant shoot them, but I have no problems with the smiths. I'm partial to the N frames, I've had severa M-19s and M-13, and I've shot them loose. I havent been able to do that with the N frames and I shoot some pretty heavy loads. How ever I do have a M-18 (22 cal) I really like. |
Me too! Besides, the Colt cylinders turn in the wrong direction. Still, have two Diamondbacks (38spl and 22lr) and a Commando and New Service in 45 Colt on the "want list." |
The New Navy Colts turned the same ! Bob
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the reason colts go up in value is that colt ceased production that is the only reason. smiths hold value you cannot beat a model 27 .357 mag n-frame i have seen colt go out of time more then any smith. i have owned colt revolvers but sold them did not shoot as well as my smiths |