1917's: S&W vs. Colt

[chiefdave]

S&W vs Colt 1917's is the same as S&W 38 M&P vs Colt Official Police. Colts lack the graceful looks and feel of the Smiths. I have found that my old Colts lock up a lot tighter than a Smith from the same era.

 

[Jack Flash]

Thx for sharing that article. Several inaccuracies especially regarding the British .455 service revolvers but by and large a general historical sense of what transpired. Just don’t quote the production volumes. And a glaring wrong fact about the .455s is they had premium commercial Circassian walnut grips with gold plated brass S&W medallions, not plain smooth military grips like the 1917.

The author also claims that moon clips were "the first speed loader for a revolver." Please see the link below, also from an NRA publication.

Rifleman Q&A: What Was The First Speedloader? | An Official Journal Of The NRA

 

[Boxlock]

I seem to recall that the s&w has steps in the cylinder for headspacing; the Colt was thru-bored. So you can shoot the S&W without clips. True?

Yes, you can, the cartridge will headspace on the rim but the half-moon or full-moon clips speed retracting.

 

[45NUTT]

I have been advised (on the Colt Forum no less!), if I want to buy and shoot an old Colt DA revolver that I need to buy three, one to shoot and 2 for spare parts.

I do want a 45ACP 1917 and when I get one it will be a S&W.

 

[Big guy]

I had both , Still got the Smith!

 

[Timbo22]

I have both and like both for different reasons.

The S&W N Frame has survived to today for a reason. It's robust and has been updated and chambered with modern calibers.
The Colt New Service has passed away into history. It is an antique but marvelous piece of machinery.

 

[silicosys4]

I don't have a Colt but I do have a 22-4, and it's very accurate. However, it is not at all comfortable with the original small grips. Range days require a change of grips.