Colt Police Positive Special VS S&W Model 10-5

38dick · Dec 11, 2018

I almost pulled the trigger on a like new PPS until I talked
to a few people that know more than I do. They were saying the trigger/firing setup on the Colts weren't nearly as good as the Model 10/15 guns are. The PPS they said also had timing issues?

I own a nearly new 38 Detective Special and have had no issues with it

I have treed a really nice Model 10-5 that I think I'll be much happier with...or will I?

Like to hear some thoughts on this

mtgianni · Dec 11, 2018

I can shoot a model 10 relatively well @ age 64. I have not been able to focus on a PPS sights for ten years or so. It is getting more difficult to find smiths well versed in Colt repair. I think you did well.

153 · Dec 11, 2018

Given revolvers of equal condition I would say either one is a good choice. I’ve seen fewer Colt’s over the years.

Problems are usually caused by Bubba getting into the actions to slick ‘em up.

old tanker · Dec 11, 2018

The Police Positive Special has the same lockwork as the Detective Special so there is that. If you like the feel of the Smith better, then it sounds like you have made a choice. Most folks don't shoot enough to wear either one out.

Absalom · Dec 11, 2018

The PPS is built on a smaller frame than the M&P series, so you're not really comparing the same guns. The PPS weighs something like 8 or 10 oz. less depending on barrel length

It comes down to your personal preference. Like how you like the grip, feel of the gun, or the sights as mtgianni mentioned.

Quality-wise, there is no difference. That "trigger/firing set-up" and "timing issues" stuff is scuttlebutt usually dispersed by folks who want you to think they know more than they do. I've been hearing that for decades; I've also shot Colts and Smiths for decades and not broken one or needed a gunsmith yet.

Assuming it is indeed in like-new condition, the PPS, just like the 10-5, will long survive you. Don't overthink and pick whichever feels best.

harvester1 · Dec 11, 2018

The model 10 is a little larger and heavier but in a nice way. I think the Model 10 is more robust and less prone to what used to be standard revolver maintenance on a Colt, repair of timing. I like both.

OLDSTER · Dec 11, 2018

I own a Colt Official Police, and several M&P/10's. All great shooters; however the Colt trigger stroke is a different feel than the Smith, due to lock work designs. The Colt is an "E" fame, about midway between a "K" and "N".

Bosquebass · Dec 11, 2018

There is nothing wrong with a Colt PPS. If it's in good shape now you can shoot standard pressure 38s in it from now until you are old and gray and have no trouble. If you start shooting +P or +P+ ammo you may develop timing issues sooner with the PPS than you will with the 10-5. But if you want to shoot that kind of high velocity ammo you need a 357.
I say get both guns.

Riverboys · Dec 11, 2018

I almost bought a Colt .32 PP, a dainty little gun. I passed because of ammo cost, but it would have been a fun little piece.

Bosquebass · Dec 11, 2018

This is a Police Positive and not a PPS but you can see that the frame in slightly smaller than a Smith 10-5 K frame. The PPS has a longer cylinder and frame to accept the longer 38 special cartridge, pretty much the same size as a Detective Special I believe.

Bacon · Dec 11, 2018

An Official Police or other E-frame Colt would be the correct comparison to a Model 10. The D-frame Police Positive is just a little bigger than a J-frame.
I gotta hand it to Colt, they did make some nice revolvers back then.

deyomatic · Dec 11, 2018

Isn't the Official Police slightly larger than the K- more like an L frame?

Either way, I have two OP's and they both have the smoothest, sweetest trigger of any revolver I have personally fired. One of these has a problem with cylinder throw-by that has been to a Colt guru twice and still doesn't work. Supposedly not just any gunsmith will know what to do with the Colt.
Given the choice again- and for the money I've spent on this second OP, I should have gotten a 10-5.

Papaw · Dec 11, 2018

I had a PPS which worked just fine but the grip just didn't fit my hand at all. The OP is larger and feels better to me.

alwslate · Dec 12, 2018

The S&W lock work is more durable and easier to repair than that of the
Colt. Finding a gunsmith that could actually repair an older small frame
Colt would probably be a challenge. The smaller frame older Colts seem
less durable than the larger frame models like the 1917. The model 10
S&W is a much better revolver in my opinion if you want to use it for
a shooter.

38dick · Dec 12, 2018

I will post pics when I get the Model 10 in, I think you guys are right here and how the gun feels in your hand should be the determining factor. I have handled Model 10s and they do feel right in hand. Like one dude said get em both and I may well do that in future given the cheap (to me) price points on both.

38dick · Dec 18, 2018

Here She Is, Guys...A 1966 Model 10-5

Wow...was all I could say when I got it
Gun hasn't been shot much if at all
Fits great, going to range tomorrow

RMFnLA · Dec 18, 2018

I have always liked the way Colts feel in the hand but their internals are definitely less robust than the S&W's, especially the hammer block and the cylinder stop.

Bosquebass · Dec 18, 2018

You did very well. That 10-5 looks as fresh as the morning dew!

38dick · Dec 18, 2018

Thanks, it's a sweetheart and somewhat rounds out my vintage Smith Revolver roundup.

.38 Special Model 10-5
.357 Highway Patrolman Model 28-2 6"
.44 Cal 4" Model 29-3

...and the one that started all this off for me

1980 Colt Detective Special 38

mrchuck · Dec 18, 2018

I have and shoot a Colt 32sw revolver.
It is smaller in size even though it was made in 1925.
Very poplar then with Police Chiefs.
Ammo, 32S&W Long, is easily found an costs me 7 Dollars for a box of 50.
I expect knockdown power is minimal,but easy to pull the trigger until one is satisfied with the results..

Colt Police Positive Special VS S&W Model 10-5

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