Two exact opposite revolvers that are the pinnacle of each makers art.To compare the actions is a useless endeavor,they are so completely different from how they work why would it not be different ? If Colt had not invented the counter clockwise lock up and S&W did would the comparisons still be valid ? Compare S&W against S&W and Colt against Colt from their perspective eras.I have heard all the "they go out of time"forever, 20 + years of collecting/shooting Colt and S&W and have had not one with a timing issue not single one not a Smith or a Colt.Thousands of rounds through pre-war Colts and S&W they both do exactly the same thing differently. I have no preference one over the other, I know they are different and appreciate the finest revolvers made at a time when a man was proud to be good at his job. It is reflected in the quality that both S&W and Colt mastered at a time when time was cheap.