"Old School" S&W Revolver Quality

[VaTom]

Today I went to the range and took two S&W revolvers out of the collection. A recently purchased Model 1917 and a Model 63 Kit Gun that I have for several years. The Model 1917 is approximately 85 years old and the Model 63 is 35 years old.

Both revolvers performed flawlessly as usual! I began my affection for S&W revolvers as a Law Enforcement Officer in 1976 when we were issued nickel , 4 inch barrel Model 10s.

While there are many fine handguns being made today. I wonder how the modern striker fired polymer pistols will be performing 3-8 decades from now ?

Just a thought.

 

[Toblerra]

There are firearms that are practical and then there are firearms that are practical while being a beautiful testament to American craftsmanship. The latter will be handed down to my grandchildren all my polymer hand guns have been recently traded for S&W wheel guns and classic autos like my Colt Commander and Browning Hi Power.

 

[Arik]

While there are many fine handguns being made today. I wonder how the modern striker fired polymer pistols will be performing 3-8 decades from now ? Just a thought.

Perfectly fine. The first polymer striker fired ones (HK) came out about the time you began your carrier in law enforcement and the first striker fired guns came out in the 1910. Made by Mauser. If your concerned about polymer then don't be. The original Colt AR had plastic stock and grip that are still in service today around the 3rd world and black markets. Along with that you can still buy them for your retro AR. Those came out in the 60s, that would make them 50 years old give or take. The Russians used plastic grips on their Tokarev handguns in the 30s and 40s. Those are still around and thay plastic was much more fragile and used in worse conditions. And unless they were ran over, blown up, cut up or otherwise destroyed they have not fallen apart just because.

If you want to take it further.....plastic bags and bottles take several thousand years to degrade while metal will rust a lot sooner. Neither one, polymer or steel gun, is safe after a fire.

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[ImprovedModel56Fan]

VaTom,

Congrats on your good taste in firearms and your good luck with your 63. I remember looking for a 63 around that time, and I eventually found one that was built more or less properly. In no way did it compare to what I believe you found in your 1917.

BTW, nice grips on the 63!

 

[VaTom]

I didn't mean to disparage newer high quality polymer frame firearms. They are fine guns. I am just always amazed at the craftsmanship of the older S&W and Colt revolvers.

I own two polymer pistols and one rifle. A S&W Shield 9mm and a Ruger SR22 as well as a M&P 15-22. During my career we transitioned to Glocks and I carried a Model 23 for a number of years.

Took me a bit to find J Frame, Square Butt target stocks but was able to find some NOS on Ebay.

 

[JohnRippert]

I sold my one real entry into polymer pistols. A XD9 that was alright, it just did not do anything for me at all. I stick with my Hi Powers and 1911's for 9mm. I do still have a KelTec P11 in the safe. It is more of a trade bait in a deal or toss it in the console and not worry about anything happening to it kind of gun. Everything else I have is all steel in the way of handguns. Lately I have been concentrating on K-frame .357's and .22's. That will probably be my focus for a while.

 

[Arik]

I didn't mean to disparage newer high quality polymer frame firearms. They are fine guns. I am just always amazed at the craftsmanship of the older S&W and Colt revolvers.

I own two polymer pistols and one rifle. A S&W Shield 9mm and a Ruger SR22 as well as a M&P 15-22. During my career we transitioned to Glocks and I carried a Model 23 for a number of years.

Took me a bit to find J Frame, Square Butt target stocks but was able to find some NOS on Ebay.

Those days skilled labor was cheap and machine was expensive. Today skilled labor is crazy high and machining is cheap and fast.

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[VaTom]

John,

K-Frames are nice. My next purchase will be a pre-1982 Model 18 if I can find one. Own a Model 15 and a Model 64. Both are mid 1970's models. (S&W stopped pinning barrels in 1982)

 

[JohnRippert]

John,

K-Frames are nice. My next purchase will be a pre-1982 Model 18 if I can find one. Own a Model 15 and a Model 64. Both are mid 1970's models. (S&W stopped pinning barrels in 1982)

VaTom,

My Model 18-3 was the one that got me started with K-frames. I picked up two Model 19's recently and have my eye on a 17-3. All of my .38 K frames are M&P's. I have been trending towards adjustable sights and even nickel lately. Neither of which appealed to me when I was younger.

 

[Cal44]

There are firearms that are practical and then there are firearms that are practical while being a beautiful testament to American craftsmanship. The latter will be handed down to my grandchildren all my polymer hand guns have been recently traded for S&W wheel guns and classic autos like my Colt Commander and Browning Hi Power.

Well but your grandchildren will likely trade the guns you hand down for whatever new guns are available then.

I bet there are lots of new police officers who don't even know how to load or unload a revolver.

 

[susieqz]

you guys are talking about the difference between icky plastic n metal.
what about old s&ws vs new?
if i buy a brand new one will i get the same magic action i have in my 1980 model 15?

 

[Toblerra]

I sold my one real entry into polymer pistols. A XD9 that was alright, it just did not do anything for me at all. I stick with my Hi Powers and 1911's for 9mm. I do still have a KelTec P11 in the safe. It is more of a trade bait in a deal or toss it in the console and not worry about anything happening to it kind of gun. Everything else I have is all steel in the way of handguns. Lately I have been concentrating on K-frame .357's and .22's. That will probably be my focus for a while.

Like you my next revolver will be a model 19. What I really want is a 4" round butt. But I hear they are hard to find.

 

[Toblerra]

you guys are talking about the difference between icky plastic n metal.
what about old s&ws vs new?
if i buy a brand new one will i get the same magic action i have in my 1980 model 15?

I may be able to speak to that question. I have a model 586 no dash mfg. 1981, unmodified. I also own a 3 inch 686-6+ that is brand new from the factory this year. I removed the internal lock from the 686 and plugged it, I have also replaced some springs to lighten the DA pull on it but that's all I've done. Concerning the craftsmanship I have to say that the 586 is a bit "finer."

By that I mean that in subtle but noticeable ways it seems that more attention was paid to little details on the gun. E.g. The colored insert on the front ramp sight is brighter and cleaner on my 586 than my 686 even though it's used and more than 30 years old. Also, the deep blue finish on the 586 is just beautiful despite the holster wear. The biggest difference though is the trigger pull and the smoothness of the action. My 586 takes the cake in this side by side comparison, it is notable lighter and smoother, and much easier to stage the trigger while shooting DA. Now I love both of these revolvers and I find my 3" to be just as accurate as the 4" 586. Lock up is tighter on my 686 but then again it's not 30 years old.

Here's my conclusion from this very limited experience: yes, the older smiths are superior in terms of the detail craftsmanship, hand fitting, etc. However, the new ones are tight, accurate, solid and just as reliable. By the time I'm done tuning this new revolver I expect the action to be just as smooth as my 586 and will likely shoot it way more and keep the classic in the safe. Neither one is going to be sold or traded I can tell you that much!

 

[susieqz]

thank you, tob.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

what about old s&ws vs new?

As Cal44 warned: "... your grandchildren will likely trade the guns you hand down...."

I recently picked up a post-WWII K22 shooter, 4-digit sn, LERK from the grandson of the gentleman who reportedly bought it new in 1946 or '47.

Within a few weeks of getting it I stumbled upon an ultra-clean 617, 6-shooter from around 1991.

Putting the two through their paces, side by side, single and double action, the old K22 outperformed the 617 in every respect: smoother, more accurate, a noticeably finer piece of machinery. Now, I must add if I hadn't had the K22 to compare I would have thought the 617 a wonderful shooter.

... my two bits,

Bob

 

[susieqz]

looks like older is better. a nice action is everything.
there is no way i can ever handle guns without purchasing online. nearest gunshop is 90 miles, so i rely on you guys.
thanks.