I still have a lot to learn
But I was able to find these 2. I do love them both
But I was able to find these 2. I do love them both
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Colt vs S&W Target models
- Thread starter Centex Bill
- Start date
I shot Bullseye for several decades back in the 1970s thru early 90s and have used both the Colt OMT, OM Special and K-38s.
The difference in accuracy between the Colts and S&W is really so slight, if any that I never noticed it.
Maybe if they were in a Ransom Rest you may be able to distinguish one or the other but my biggest drawback with the Officer Model Special was the front weight of that bull barrel. Both are fine guns and the pre wars are in a field of quality all their own.
The difference in accuracy between the Colts and S&W is really so slight, if any that I never noticed it.
Maybe if they were in a Ransom Rest you may be able to distinguish one or the other but my biggest drawback with the Officer Model Special was the front weight of that bull barrel. Both are fine guns and the pre wars are in a field of quality all their own.
Walter Rego
Member
I have owned a Colt Officers Model Target in both .22 and .38 and currently own a Colt Officers Model Match in .22 and .38. I have also owned a Smith & Wesson K-22 Outdoorsman and a .38 M&P Target Model, and currently own a K-22 Masterpiece and K-38 Masterpiece. I always looked down upon the Colt Officers Model Special, thinking the barrel contour and plastic stocks were ugly. Of course I didn't know that they were made in somewhat limited numbers and now they are getting more expensive.
So I have owned Colts and S&W examples of their target models from several different eras, but I never shot them side by side with the same ammo at the same time. All I can say with regards to accuracy is it would be hard to tell any difference. Same with SA trigger pulls. DA trigger pulls were another story with the S&W's being preferable to me. And the S&W's of all eras seemed to fit my large hands better although the choice of stocks and things like a Tyler T-Grip can change that considerably.
Here are a K-38 Masterpiece and Officers Model Match .38 made within a year of each other. They are both examples of those two companies premier target grade revolvers and I'm sure received similar levels of finishing and fitting. I like them both. I really need to do a side by side comparison with some good wadcutter ammo.
So I have owned Colts and S&W examples of their target models from several different eras, but I never shot them side by side with the same ammo at the same time. All I can say with regards to accuracy is it would be hard to tell any difference. Same with SA trigger pulls. DA trigger pulls were another story with the S&W's being preferable to me. And the S&W's of all eras seemed to fit my large hands better although the choice of stocks and things like a Tyler T-Grip can change that considerably.
Here are a K-38 Masterpiece and Officers Model Match .38 made within a year of each other. They are both examples of those two companies premier target grade revolvers and I'm sure received similar levels of finishing and fitting. I like them both. I really need to do a side by side comparison with some good wadcutter ammo.
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I only have a few Colt revolvers, but two of them are Officers Model Specials (4th issue). This iteration was produced from 1949-1952. I believe there were about 4K produced in 38 Special and 2K in 22lr. They are only OM's that have the straight heavy bull barrel and the only revolvers that have the " Coltmaster" adjustable sight. I don't shoot the 38 much, but the 22 is extremely accurate with no modifications, except for the target stocks.
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They're both very good , the Colt has a faster barrel and a tighter lock up but is more fragile than the Smith and tends to go out of time with hard use. The Smith has a better action as it does not stage DA. Most shooters wouldn't shoot better than either.
While I prefer Coke, Pepsi is just fine.
ol777gunnerz
Member
info
While target revolvers are more expensive & better looking, I owned a Colt New Service 38 WCF with a 7 1/2 inch barrel that easily outshot everyone elses handguns at the gunrange using any brand ammo or reloads.
While target revolvers are more expensive & better looking, I owned a Colt New Service 38 WCF with a 7 1/2 inch barrel that easily outshot everyone elses handguns at the gunrange using any brand ammo or reloads.
I like those Specials, sodacan. When I was younger I thought they were on the weird side of strange. Once my tastes changed I hardly ever saw one at all, much less for sale.
That is interesting. I have two Colt New Service in 38 WCF, one 5.5 and one 4.5 inch. I like those big Colts but while fun revolvers neither could compete on accuracy with my OM Special or my S&W 14s, certainly not with me pulling the triggers.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
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DWalt
Member
Indeed the Officers Model Special is an unusual Colt version, made only from 1949-52, Few were made and they are extremely desirable to Colt collectors. The "Workhorse" Colt Target revolvers were the Officers Model Target (OMT) and later, the Officers Model Match (OMM). Both were built on the Colt E frame, and the most significant difference between them was the sight design. Which is better is a matter of personal opinion. As is the difference between Colts and S&Ws. Such debates are time wasters.
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stevebarracuda
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I have a m14 and a omm and accuracy is equal. I just picked up a model 357 and compared it to my m28 and once again equal.
DWalt
Member
I have an OMT and an OMM. I also have a Colt 3-5-7, which is essentially a .357 version of the OMM (and is the predecessor of the Python). That is my favorite, as I shoot better with it than any other revolver I have, Colt or S&W.
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SnidelyWhiplash
Member
It comes down to the shooter and his abilities. The Colt and the Smith are for all intents and purposes equal in mechanical accuracy. There might be some measurable differences if placed in a rest...but once in the hands it comes down to the shooter.
RobertJ.
Member
I recently took my 14-4 and my Colt OMM to the range for a shoot-out.
This is by no means scientific. I was shooting at 10 yards, offhand. I realized years ago that my offhand groups at 10 yards are identical to my groups at 25 from a rest. So I shoot a few and take an average. These aren't the only targets I shot, but they're typical of the bunch.
I was testing the Hornady 148 HBWC against Berry's 148 DEWC.
As far as the value of either, I'd check the gun auction site to see what people are asking, and what they're actually selling for.
This is by no means scientific. I was shooting at 10 yards, offhand. I realized years ago that my offhand groups at 10 yards are identical to my groups at 25 from a rest. So I shoot a few and take an average. These aren't the only targets I shot, but they're typical of the bunch.
I was testing the Hornady 148 HBWC against Berry's 148 DEWC.
As far as the value of either, I'd check the gun auction site to see what people are asking, and what they're actually selling for.
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I’ve been out of the Bullseye game now for ten plus years. In the revolver legs I shot my model 14-3 mostly with a King cockeye hammer ( since sold hammer ). Being a smith the 14 was worked over by me just for Bullseye shooting swaged wadcutters. The revolver balanced well in my hand, shot better than me according to my Ransom Rest and never hiccuped. Slow, timed and rapid fire always shot SA.
My Colt Officer Model Target Heavy Barrel has original optioned Ropers and shoots as well as my go-to 14 but it’s just too nice for range competitions. This is a late 30’s revolver, hand fitted and has an action smoother and tighter than any revolver I’ve ever owned or worked on. These are very special but a PITA to modify or work on. Funny but this gun prefers cast double end wadcutters
Rick
My Colt Officer Model Target Heavy Barrel has original optioned Ropers and shoots as well as my go-to 14 but it’s just too nice for range competitions. This is a late 30’s revolver, hand fitted and has an action smoother and tighter than any revolver I’ve ever owned or worked on. These are very special but a PITA to modify or work on. Funny but this gun prefers cast double end wadcutters
Rick
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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.
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.
Proofreading my comment, I sound like a cranky old fart. My apologies but I stand by my conclusions.
After WWII, Smith & Wesson recovered faster and produced a full lineup of beautiful revolvers in the 1950s and 1960s. Colt made a few superb revolvers like the Pythons; however, in general their quality never came back across the full line and generally declined after 1960 with the exception of the snake guns.
I’m sorry but the Officers Model Special is the ugliest of the Officers Model line. Who really wants “Coltwood” plastic stocks? I did recently acquire one because my lineup of Officer Model Colts was missing this one:
Compare that to an Officers Model 3rd Issue. (This is a .22 made in 1943.)
And I paid considerably more for this S&W Model of 1950 .44 than the Officers Model Special with zero regrets:
I started collecting pre-1961 Colts first, frankly because I could afford them. They are beautiful revolvers (with the exception of the Officers Model Special); however, they are a bear to work on and they are more susceptible to going “out of time” than Smith & Wessons. There is only 1 gunsmith I know of that I would trust with a vintage Colt. The single action trigger pull can be superb, but Smith & Wessons are better in double action absent an action job.
After WWII, Smith & Wesson recovered faster and produced a full lineup of beautiful revolvers in the 1950s and 1960s. Colt made a few superb revolvers like the Pythons; however, in general their quality never came back across the full line and generally declined after 1960 with the exception of the snake guns.
I’m sorry but the Officers Model Special is the ugliest of the Officers Model line. Who really wants “Coltwood” plastic stocks? I did recently acquire one because my lineup of Officer Model Colts was missing this one:
Compare that to an Officers Model 3rd Issue. (This is a .22 made in 1943.)
And I paid considerably more for this S&W Model of 1950 .44 than the Officers Model Special with zero regrets:
I started collecting pre-1961 Colts first, frankly because I could afford them. They are beautiful revolvers (with the exception of the Officers Model Special); however, they are a bear to work on and they are more susceptible to going “out of time” than Smith & Wessons. There is only 1 gunsmith I know of that I would trust with a vintage Colt. The single action trigger pull can be superb, but Smith & Wessons are better in double action absent an action job.
Wow!...Who wouldn't?...Gorgeous!...And I paid considerably more for this S&W Model of 1950 .44 than the Officers Model Special with zero regrets:
...Ben
ol777gunnerz
Member
My handgun ability is left or right handed, possibly thru shared DNA documented with 2 of my distant cousins, Wyatt Earp & Wild Bill Hickok.
RMFnLA
Member
S&W has significantly more robust lockwork than the old Colts, but the old Colts always feel better in the hand, at least to me.
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