I own both and I think any revolver fan would not pass up a chance to
grab a 1917 Colt given the chance. The Colt is thought to be more
complex, more subject to timing-lockup problems and more difficult for
the amateur to work on. I would want to handle any colt before buying
to check for action looseness. Final lockup occurs as the trigger is
pulled unlike a S&W. Early guns had cylinders without shoulders for
the case mouth to headspace on but later guns had them. My gun
does and a .45 acp case will not fall through. I prefer lead bullet
handloads in AR brass however so it doesn't matter. If you find a nice
tight Colt grab it wait for a S&W and then you will have both to shoot
and compare.
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