While never a bullseye shooter, I do recall that
the S&W SAO Model 14s were designed to better
compete against the Colt Officer's Model.

Using one hand only and cocking, the Colt was much,
much easier with its "V" mainspring all the while not
disturbing the grip or sight picture in any way.

The traditional DA/SA S&W with its flat mainspring was
much harder to cock single-handed and not disturb
the grip and sight picture.

At the time the Colt model was king in the bullseye game.
But it's DA was never that great compared to the one on
a S&W but that didn't matter as it was not needed.

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