S&W Compared to Colt

[shep854]

In looking at a photo of the "Schofield" revolvers compared to SAAs, I noticed that the S&W seems to sit much lower in the hand than the Colts.

Does this affect the "shootability", particularly muzzle flip?

At some point I want a "Western" revolver, and the Smith is attractive, not only for its uniqueness, but also the ease of reloading and possible reduced flip.

 

[glowe]

As much as it pains me to state this, the Colt SAA has long been considered as the most shootable revolver ever made, both in terms of balance and overall pointability.

Having said that, I own reproductions of both Colt SAA and S&W Schofield, both in 45LC. I enjoy shooting the Schofield best, mostly because it is quick to reload and it is the only one at the range. Accuracy is pretty much a wash, with both performing well.

If shooting Black Powder, the Colt normally will shoot more rounds before the residue stops the cylinder advance and the Colt is easier to clean, but I still like the "different" look of the Schofield better. I just wish someone would make a reproduction American.

 

[shep854]

Thanks; I've shot neither. That needs correcting.

 

[glowe]

. . . oh I probably should add that you can buy two Uberti Colt SAAs for the price of one Schofield.

 

[shep854]

. . . oh I probably should add that you can buy two Uberti Colt SAAs for the price of one Schofield.

Good point, but like you said, the Schofield is different, in a good way! This being a Smith & Wesson site, one could say one Schofield is worth two Ubertis!

 

[McShooty]

Hmmmmm...A Schofield in the hand is worth two Ubertis in the bush?

 

[twaits]

I used to have a short barreled Uberti Schofield and I liked It quite a bit. Overall I liked it better than the SAA in look and feel. I think the lines are more elegant. They look great cocked (when they are the repro that actually has the firing pin on the hammer)
I sold mine because I only invest in the old stuff now. And it eventually drove me nuts that the hammer was serrated and not knurled...and that it was in .45 Colt and not .45 S&W

 

[BearBio]

I shoot both, same caliber and pretty much same barrel length, as well as Rugers and Ubertis. All are pretty much a wash. (Unless using heavy loads but then those get shot only in the Rugers). The Schofield is neat looking, though.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy


I have agree with glowe. Although I love Smiths, there is no single action revolver that points as well as a Colt SAA. Period.

As far as ease of shooting is concerned, the distance to the hammer spur on a Schofield is a bit longer than with a Colt. This means you have to stretch your thumb out a bit longer to reach the hammer to cock the gun.

As far as muzzle flip, unlike a Russian or a New Model #3, the Schofield grip is rounded, very similar to a Colt. The 'knuckle' on the grip of a Russian model or New Model #3 helps prevent the muzzle from rising in recoil. Here is a link to a page that shows the various types of #3 Smiths and how they are all a bit different.

Smith and Wesson Model Three revolver information

The design of the Colt SAA grip goes back to the Model 1851 Navy Colt. It is designed to roll in the hand under recoil. Pretty much the same with a Schofield. When held tightly these grips will transfer all of the energy of recoil to the hand, and it can get uncomfortable. If allowed to roll in the hand, some of the energy of recoil gets slowed down as the gun rolls, and recoil becomes more manageable. If shooting the same cartridge loaded to the same specs, both of these guns will roll pretty much the same with pretty much the same amount of muzzle flip.

Muzzle flip is not necessarily a bad thing. One can use it to facilitate cocking the hammer for the next shot, particularly if the stretch to the hammer is a long one, or if the shooter has short thumbs.

 

[shep854]

Thanks everyone. I'm reading and heeding--and still wanting a Schofield!

 

[H Richard]

I have never been able to shoot a SAA style of revolver well, as the natural "roll" of the recoil with the grip shape prevents me from getting a consistent grip, and prevents me from geting decent accuracy. But I guess when the accuracy goal was "angle of man" at 20 feet it wasn't too important. The S&W Hand ejector grip shape provides just the consistency needed to shoot well.