I've long been in the "own-'em-both" camp and have had '17 Colt and Smith & Wesson revolvers since I was young.



I do like the Colt New Service revolver in all its variations and have fired my 1917 Colt quite a lot down through the years. It's never given a minute's trouble and is reasonably accurate with most loads and useful out to about 25 yards or so. It seems to really like lead semi-wadcutter bullets 250-255 grains in weight that are designed for the .45 Colt. Load them up in .45 Auto Rim cases behind a moderate charge of Unique and you'll have a sweet shooting and still practical revolver.

I have large hands with long fingers but still can't say I can manage the double action trigger pull of the Colt New Service to any great advantage. I could still clear a trench with it.