Colts vs S&W for collectors: Your views

BubbaShakers · Nov 12, 2020

My collecting interests bounce back and forth between Smith and Colt DA revolvers. Lately I've developed a fascination for Smith DA breaktops.

As others have noted, high condition collectible Colts generally require a lot more bread than their Smith counterparts, and unfortunately the money involved draws scammers and bottom feeders like a dogpile attracts flies.

There is an entire cottage industry around counterfeit boxes, hang tags, brochures, and the like (The most notorious being a fellow that operates out of TN, but he is NOT the only one involved). As the collectors become more proficient in recognizing fakery, the fakers improve their wares.

The Python market is particularly risky for eager collectors with money to spend, but that haven't done their homework.

The Norseman · Nov 12, 2020

S&W and Colt

I like what JH1951 said. Myself, I like both S&W and Colt.

I have never owned a Colt yet, just never ran across one I liked.
I like the 44 S&W Special so levitate toward that Cartridge. I really
like the New Frontiers, but they are really scare now.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.

Drm50 · Nov 12, 2020

When I started into handguns I bought Rugers SAs. 1st a Single-6 then a SBH. This was early 60s, I was young teenager and the only reason I bought Ruger was price vs Colt. I had no interest in DA revolvers. Until I shot m17. I did buy Pythons and Diamondbacks but at time I was much more hunter & shooter. Got solid into S&W DAs in late 60s and never looked back.

kevin in nh · Nov 12, 2020

I have both and like them equally except for the prices Colts demand. Smiths revolvers seem to be almost half the price in some cases. My pre-29 and Python will go to my grandson along with a couple of 1911s. If your considering 1911s be very careful as there are so many mix masters being advertised as "all original" You cant go wrong with either. There is just something about revolvers be it a Smith or Colt that brings a smile every time I pull one out the safe!

Retired W4 · Nov 12, 2020

Two WW II revolvers side by side. the Colt, SN: 6715, was produce, I believe, right after a large OSS order. The S&W Victory (all matching, including stocks) shipped May 1943 to the U.S. Navy, Norfolk, VA.

When it comes to collecting these old war horses I think it is a toss up. That's my opinion.

Absalom · Nov 12, 2020

A single-track focus gets boring after a while.

A S&W revolver was the first handgun I ever fired (a Model 37) and owned (a Model 19), and will likely be the last to go (a Model 36, or if that gets too heavy, a 360sc). But in the decades between I‘ve had periods “collecting” everything from old topbreaks of all brands and replica Civil War muzzleloaders to German police guns, and carried cocked-and-locked 1911s and various Nines.

For the last several years I’m more into older DA revolvers, and since I’m more of a historical rather than a technical or investment collector, that means S&W or Colt is not a choice I need to make. And I’m still branching out occasionally; just bought a Luger, just because I never had one. Life is short

inspcalahan · Nov 12, 2020

For collecting, craftsmanship, historical reference and holding their value, I go with the Colt's.

For shooting, using in the woods, actually carrying, I use the Smith's.

I know there are many Smith's that are works of art themselves. I've just found I prefer the Colt's in that respect. Plus, I've won the lotto a few times with historical value on some of my Colt's. The only Smith's I've been lucky enough to have increase in value, were a few models from the late 90s/early 2000's that just, by luck mostly, ended up becoming "collectible". My 686+ Mountain Gun for example. Had I known what they would bring in demand 20 years later, I would've bought all three that they had on the shelf that day back when I made an impulse buy.

Sevens · Nov 12, 2020

I'm basically a Colt hater. I don't spend a lot of energy vomiting out Colt hate but I am capable of it when pressed. Above, the first series Woodsman was mentioned -- I am also a tremendous fan of the Woodsman and all of it's variants. I cannot agree that the First Series is the one to chase however, if actually shooting is part of the equation. Magazines for the first series make owning and loving a First Series a very expensive affair.

I owned a nice 1928 Woodsman that got sent along because of the difficulty and expense of getting more than just the one magazine. I would suggest that folks chase a Second or Third Series instead.

Beyond the fact that the Woodsman pistols are sublime and inspiring, Colt made soooooo many that they don't cost an arm and a leg to get one.

If it's all about collectibility and value and investment, I really don't have strong opinions here.

nipperdog · Nov 12, 2020

I do own several Colt 1911s and am very pleased to own them. I have never owned a Colt S/A, because they never caught my interest. I have always preferred S&Ws to Colt in D/A Revolvers.
The Innards of a Colt D/A seemed too delicate. Out of Respect for Colt Re Releasing their Double action Revolver, I ordered a newly Released Cobra, I was shocked to see the new design. The sear spring looked like it was cut from a Tuna Can. It quickly was disposed on GB. My 2nd choice is Ruger. They are not as Artsy as the Smith but they are built like a Brick Outhouse. I own several Redhawks, and like them.

Injunbro · Nov 12, 2020

I own S&W's to shoot, IMO they're superior in that dept. S&W people tend to buy & shoot good guns & are priced accordingly. I only buy Colts if they're cheap, in great shape & I can sell them @ a profit. Colt collectors are a bit weird - if it's not pristine it's nothing... unless it has provenance it was owned by a hero & is still 100% original. Guns used by hero's often needed repairs so that's borderline silly.

Colts vs S&W for collectors: Your views

BubbaShakers

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The Norseman

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Drm50

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kevin in nh

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Retired W4

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Absalom

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inspcalahan

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Sevens

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