Snubbie: S&W v Colt

[jouesdeveau]

How does the Colt Detective Special stack up against the similar K-frame S&W version, say an M&P pre-Model 10 snubbie?

There must be some very long threads on this somewhere,no?

 

[ACP230]

I have a Colt Cobra and several S&W Bodyguards. The Cobra has better sights and holds an extra round. The Bodyguards have better triggers and I shoot them better. I have considered selling the Cobra several times, the Bodyguards aren't going anywhere.

 

[longaction]

I have some of each. In my limited experience, the pre 1969 Colts tend to have a glass-like double action trigger pull which is better than the long-action S&W's. However, the short-action (pre and post Model 10) S&W's from the 1950-60's era are the best all around for me. Keep your Colt because it is an excellent revolver. Do look around for a 6 shot Smith because it is at least equal to the Colt and much tougher.

 

[doc540]

You need two of each.

 

[semperfi71]

I have a Detective Special (actually a Police Positive Special) made about 1929 or so. And several S&W Military and Police and M10s. Plus several J-Frame S&Ws.

If I was restricted to a single snub-nose .38 Special it'd be a S&W, either K or J-Frame. The S&W action, from any time period, is, or can be made so, the smoothest for D/A work.

 

[Texas Star]

I have a Detective Special (actually a Police Positive Special) made about 1929 or so. And several S&W Military and Police and M10s. Plus several J-Frame S&Ws.

If I was restricted to a single snub-nose .38 Special it'd be a S&W, either K or J-Frame. The S&W action, from any time period, is, or can be made so, the smoothest for D/A work.

AND...the S&W will hold its cylinder timing far longer!

 

[semperfi71]

Texas Star added: "AND...the S&W will hold its cylinder timing far longer!"

AND I most definitely add...........There are not many really good gunsmiths around who can work the old Colt D/As anymore as well. As reported here and on the Colt Forum.

In all fairness good gunsmiths for the older S&Ws are in short supply as well

 

[gkitch]

I have carried both. The S&W J-frame is a slightly better backup gun while the Colt is a very small primary sidearm. There is a significant difference in the Colt and the K-frame S&W though. The Colt is a winner here.

 

[Tunachaser]

I am reading a 1975 Gun Digest and they have an article on the Smith, they call it the torture test, they put it through hell, left outside under a sprinkler, freezing it, salting it, they basicly tried to destroy the gun, the gun won.

 

[guesser]

I have a late model Detective Special, a Model 37, a Model 10-5 and a Taurus Model 85. All are 2" barrels and obviously all 38 Special. The 10-5 is the easiest to shoot due to its weight and size, the 37 is the most difficult to use because of its weight and size. The Taurus 85 is only five shot as is the 37. The DS is sized right, weight in between, and highly accurate. Easier to carry then the 10-5 about the same as the 85 and not as easy to carry as the 37. Give a little in one category and get a little in another. They all do the job if I do mine!!!!!!