Colt vs S&W Target models

Nice revolvers. The only Colt revolver that I have shot was an Official Police, 6 inch barrel made in the early 60's. It shot great but I prefer the feel of the trigger stroke on the S&W revolvers.
 
JohnRippert said:
Was watching a GB auction that finished last night on a OM Special. Was quite surprised at the final price. Yes, it is shooter grade and does not have original grips, but still. About half what I paid for my OM Match.


Just a moment...
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I was watching that and even put in an early bid. I didn’t go higher because A: it was an unadvertised reblue and probably more importantly B: someone had filed the notch wider on the very hard to find rear sight. I was prepared to machine a new replacement for the rear but I’d have had a bunch of hours in it.
 
The Kid said:
I was watching that and even put in an early bid. I didn’t go higher because A: it was an unadvertised reblue and probably more importantly B: someone had filed the notch wider on the very hard to find rear sight. I was prepared to machine a new replacement for the rear but I’d have had a bunch of hours in it.
Click to expand...

Can you point out where you see signs of a re-blue? The pins are all proud and not flattened and the stamps appear sharp. Certainly some wear but indications of a re-blue aren't obvious to me so point them out, I'm eager to learn what I've overlooked. As to the rear sight, it looks exactly like the one on my OM Special. How can you tell that it was filed? Yes, it appears wider than on mine, in the picture, until I bring the rear sight of mine as close to my eye as it is in the picture of the one that sold, and then it looks the same.

I think someone got a pretty good deal on that one.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
 
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Colt vs S&W

I have had MANY of the Colts since my dad collected Colts...He shot an Officers Model Match and my mom shot a Police Positive Target. I sold my dad's match gun since I acquired a Diamondback .38 that was more accurate with my wadcutters than dad's. My mom's gun, the PPT .22 was my first gun, and dad had Ivory stocks put on a the factory, so I still have it and love to shoot it. All the Colt.38's were outshot by my S&W Model 52 and my 5" RM. However, recently, I bought a new Python in 4" and had my gunsmith do an action job (too much Positive Sear engagement) and it is VERY accurate and NOW has a near perfect trigger.... I still have dad's Diamondback factory engraved .22, UNFIRED in Customshop box... To Be Sold only after MUCH enticement.
 

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22hipower said:
Can you point out where you see signs of a re-blue? The pins are all proud and not flattened and the stamps appear sharp. Certainly some wear but indications of a re-blue aren't obvious to me so point them out, I'm eager to learn what I've overlooked. As to the rear sight, it looks exactly like the one on my OM Special. How can you tell that it was filed? Yes, it appears wider than on mine, in the picture, until I bring the rear sight of mine as close to my eye as it is in the picture of the one that sold, and then it looks the same.

I think someone got a pretty good deal on that one.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
Click to expand...

The barrel and cylinder had a plum color and the polishing marks on the cylinder that were visible in one picture looked exactly like the result of spinning the cylinder against a medium Scotchbrite wheel on a buffer. Not that it was a horrible job with washed out side plate seams or anything, but also not a factory grade refinish.

The top view photo showing the rear sight clearly shows the bottom of the notch to be bright in the white and uneven as opposed to the original matte blued appearance of the rest of the rear sight.
 
The Kid said:
The barrel and cylinder had a plum color and the polishing marks on the cylinder that were visible in one picture looked exactly like the result of spinning the cylinder against a medium Scotchbrite wheel on a buffer. Not that it was a horrible job with washed out side plate seams or anything, but also not a factory grade refinish.

The top view photo showing the rear sight clearly shows the bottom of the notch to be bright in the white and uneven as opposed to the original matte blued appearance of the rest of the rear sight.
Click to expand...

Thanks, my old eyes still don't see evidence of a reblue and the "white" on the rear sight appears to be light reflection to me. But I've been fooled before. Still think I'd have willingly paid considerably more than it sold for on GB.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
 
22hipower said:
Thanks, my old eyes still don't see evidence of a reblue and the "white" on the rear sight appears to be light reflection to me. But I've been fooled before. Still think I'd have willingly paid considerably more than it sold for on GB.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
Click to expand...

I lost my nearby FFL early this year, as he moved and decided not to renew again. His wife has dementia and he is going through many of the things I have been going through with Mom. It has made it easier not to spend money by buying off GB. He used to live about 1/4 mile away from my house in the same neighborhood. I would have placed a bid if he was still here.
 
The Kid said:
I was watching that and even put in an early bid. I didn’t go higher because A: it was an unadvertised reblue and probably more importantly B: someone had filed the notch wider on the very hard to find rear sight. I was prepared to machine a new replacement for the rear but I’d have had a bunch of hours in it.
Click to expand...

Also that Colt obviously has been shot a lot. If I could check the timing, carry up, and endshake in person, that would be one thing. Off GunJoker? Nah.
 
Lotsa nice pics and interesting comments. I have plenty of pre 14s,model14s, K-38s, or whatever you prefer and the granddaddy M&P Targets. I have one OMM, simply to use for grips, it’s a very nice gun but it’s no Smith ! Raised up right with Smith & Wesson’s !
The Colt might shoot as well as the Smiths but not in my hands.
 
handejector said:
Way back when, like in the 70s, I had a stock Mod 14. It was the variation with no gas ring on the cylinder.
I also had a Ransom Rest and access to a range that had a 6" steel post set in concrete with a 1/2" steel plate welded on top for the Ransom to bolt to. STEADY! It was a measured 50 yards from the target boards.
With Federal wadcutters, that 14 would consistently shoot 6 rds into a 1-1/2" group. Sometimes better, never worse.
I never tested a Colt.
Click to expand...

That’s the same test procedure I’ve used.
If you’re going to use a Ransom Rest, this is the way to do it!
 
Some retro target revolver films

I’ve posted this film before, but it definitely is in keeping with the topic.
It’s a training film with Marine marksman and Olympic Gold medalist, Bill MacMillan. (He shoots a Colt Officer’s Match):

CONTENTdm

There’s one spot where McMillan shows his timed/rapid fire dry-fire technique. Masterful example of thumb cocking, indeed!

Here’s the relevant thread:

How to REALLY shoot a Pistol! (Film)


If you haven’t seen it, check out the LASD in the film from the 1930s:
RARE - LASD Pistol Team Exhibition, Historic, 1936, Color enhanced - YouTube

I think there are mostly Colts in that one (plus a Thompson SMG!)


How many people do you know that would let you shoot cigarettes out of their mouth or ears? :eek:
 
Very neat film, thank you for posting the link.

If you look closely you’ll notice he has both an Officers Model Special and an Officers Model Match. The Special appears to have been fitted with a Micro rear sight in place of the factory unit.

The K frame rear sight fitted to his 1911 was ahead of its time. He’d also stippled about every non flat surface on that 45 too.
 
Old Colt repair/service article from 1957!

There sure is a lot of talk about the mysteries and complexity of the old Colt “leaf mainspring” DA revolvers, such as those being discussed here.
I had to dig a bit through my archives, but I found an interesting article titled “Servicing the Colt Revolver”. It was published in Guns Magazine in May 1957. The author is William Edwards. But, the real author of the content is Arnold Goodwin (AKA: “Goodie”), then foreman of the Colt custom repair department. He began work during WWI, fitting 1917s! So, by 1957, he knew his stuff.

You can find the article by going to the Guns magazine website, GUNS Magazine Home - GUNS Magazine, then going to the back issues page, and downloading the PDF for May 1957.

Here’s the link (I hope this is OK to list!)

https://gunsmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/G0557.pdf

Give it a read. You might decide the old Colt is worth reconsidering. Or, you might be completely scared off!
I really like the comment that the only tools you need are “a rawhide mallet and a clean file”! (Well, of course, you also at least need the correct screwdrivers!)
 
6string said:
I really like the comment that the only tools you need are “a rawhide mallet and a clean file”! (Well, of course, you also at least need the correct screwdrivers!)
Click to expand...
Well, if the "clean file" is the nail file I found in my Mom's old purse, then I already have a screwdriver...After all, it's just a Colt...:rolleyes:...Ben
 
One of the things I did learn after owning a half dozen or so Colt DA evolvers was how to properly disassemble the action for a good detail cleaning and lube with modern lubricants, which often helps considerably if they are coated with old, varnished oil. And how to stretch the hand. They seem to go out of time fairly easily, evident if you cock the action slowly and watch for when the bolt pops into the cylinder locking notch. Stretching the hand just a couple thousandths or so often remedies that issue.
 
6string said:
There sure is a lot of talk about the mysteries and complexity of the old Colt “leaf mainspring” DA revolvers, such as those being discussed here.
I had to dig a bit through my archives, but I found an interesting article titled “Servicing the Colt Revolver”. It was published in Guns Magazine in May 1957. The author is William Edwards. But, the real author of the content is Arnold Goodwin (AKA: “Goodie”), then foreman of the Colt custom repair department. He began work during WWI, fitting 1917s! So, by 1957, he knew his stuff.

You can find the article by going to the Guns magazine website, GUNS Magazine Home - GUNS Magazine, then going to the back issues page, and downloading the PDF for May 1957.

Here’s the link (I hope this is OK to list!)

https://gunsmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/G0557.pdf

Give it a read. You might decide the old Colt is worth reconsidering. Or, you might be completely scared off!
I really like the comment that the only tools you need are “a rawhide mallet and a clean file”! (Well, of course, you also at least need the correct screwdrivers!)
Click to expand...

Walter Rego said:
One of the things I did learn after owning a half dozen or so Colt DA evolvers was how to properly disassemble the action for a good detail cleaning and lube with modern lubricants, which often helps considerably if they are coated with old, varnished oil. And how to stretch the hand. They seem to go out of time fairly easily, evident if you cock the action slowly and watch for when the bolt pops into the cylinder locking notch. Stretching the hand just a couple thousandths or so often remedies that issue.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much for posting that link. Jerry Kuhnhausen’s book(s) on Colt double action revolvers are great references also. I have 2 Colts that need their hands stretched a bit but I don’t have the confidence to tackle that particular repair.
 
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colt officiers

I have a 1966 Colt Officiers Model Match 38 Special, purchased from a collector in excellent original condition.
I have a few Smith Wesson Model 14s, also from collectors.
I plan to test the Ransom Rest at my range in the next few days.
I have shot the Smith Wesson 14 for years and have won many medals.
But I have been shooting a Manhurin MR 38 revolver for a long time.
I recently got a Colt, I am very interested in the results with the Ransom Rest.
I am eagerly awaiting the Grip inserts and will do some tests then.
I can share the test results on the forum.
 
I was thinking about this just a few days ago. I have a OMM from 1959 and just acquired a K38 from 1954. Would be fun to see which one I could shoot most accurately. Got to go out and find me some .38 wadcutters. Second photo the OMM is bottom one, the other is a 1959 357.


 
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