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.
Colt vs S&W Target models
- Thread starter Centex Bill
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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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handejector
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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
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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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COR6
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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.
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...
Just a moment...
The Kid
Member
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.
"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"
Well let me know when you put that ugly gun in the classifieds.
Well let me know when you put that ugly gun in the classifieds.
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.
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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The Kid
Member
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.
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
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.
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.
The Colt might shoot as well as the Smiths but not in my hands.
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?
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?
The Kid
Member
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.
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!)
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!)
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...
...BenWalter Rego
Member
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.
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 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.
