Smith for wheel guns, Colt for 1911's.
What say ye, Smith or Colt ?
- Thread starter raylan007
- Start date
THIS ^^^^^^^^
__steve__
Member
I do like how the colt is proportioned visually, would have to pick one up (literally) sometime. Looks like the colt geometry places barrel lower than the 686
I have 3 Colts, my HBAR Match Target, my Government Model (1st handgun), and a Trooper Mk III. When it comes to revolvers, my Smiths outnumber the Colts about 9:1. I am awaiting delivery of a 629 3", which could be my next to last Smith should I find a 610 4" at a price I am willing to pay. I don't know if I am done buying revolvers though. At the Adaptive Defensive Shooting Summit last October, the Colt rep at the demo bay had a King Cobra and a new Python, while the Smith rep only had a few Shield 9 EZs.
For me, the King Cobra (a 4") was too light and the hammer spur was too small for single action, in my opinion. The Python (a 6"), was a dream to shoot, especially single action. It shot as well as my K38s. The Colt rep also shared that a blued Python was in the works. The new Python is at the top of my bucket list. What hurt most, is that Colt donated a Python as an award at ADSS20, and I wasn't fortunate enough to win it. I will say, the P365 that I did win was more practical, at the time!
Between the lock in the current Smith revolvers, and the reports of the decline in both QC and CS that doesn't seem to be customer oriented, I wouldn't hesitate to look at the Colt revolver line.
For me, the King Cobra (a 4") was too light and the hammer spur was too small for single action, in my opinion. The Python (a 6"), was a dream to shoot, especially single action. It shot as well as my K38s. The Colt rep also shared that a blued Python was in the works. The new Python is at the top of my bucket list. What hurt most, is that Colt donated a Python as an award at ADSS20, and I wasn't fortunate enough to win it. I will say, the P365 that I did win was more practical, at the time!
Between the lock in the current Smith revolvers, and the reports of the decline in both QC and CS that doesn't seem to be customer oriented, I wouldn't hesitate to look at the Colt revolver line.
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And single action armies.
For single action it's hard to beat a first generation Ruger Vaquero.
Just throwing this out there for consideration. Don't overlook the Ruger GP100. I have one of those in stainless steel and 5 inch bbl and love it. Rugers are easy to do some spring changes and come up with a very nice action and it's a very durable revolver.
With rare exception I gravitate toward pre lock Smiths. Several reasons which are all pretty common so I'm not going to go there.
However, one thing I have always kind of wished is that I could have been the first owner of at least one of the revolvers in my collection. Closest I've got is my grandpas K22.
So...when the new Python came out it was a done deal. I got one to shoot and an engraved one to keep. I fully recognize they aren't the "original" old school Pythons. But they are mine and I am the first one to own them.
However, one thing I have always kind of wished is that I could have been the first owner of at least one of the revolvers in my collection. Closest I've got is my grandpas K22.
So...when the new Python came out it was a done deal. I got one to shoot and an engraved one to keep. I fully recognize they aren't the "original" old school Pythons. But they are mine and I am the first one to own them.
I have Colt 1911's of various vintage, and the obligatory AR carbine.
They are good guns, no issues.
I never got into the SAA thing, but I do have a few Ruger Bisley Blackhawks and think that they are great shooters.
Colt DA revolvers, pass. I'll take my 686's and 586's any day over any Colt DA wheel gun.
Of course, my L frames are from the early, -mid 80's.
The finish of those guns will never come close to being as nice as the Python, but the Python's trigger pull and action will never be as good as the L frames of that vintage.
JMHO YMMV
They are good guns, no issues.
I never got into the SAA thing, but I do have a few Ruger Bisley Blackhawks and think that they are great shooters.
Colt DA revolvers, pass. I'll take my 686's and 586's any day over any Colt DA wheel gun.
Of course, my L frames are from the early, -mid 80's.
The finish of those guns will never come close to being as nice as the Python, but the Python's trigger pull and action will never be as good as the L frames of that vintage.
JMHO YMMV
wvs&w
Member
My first Colt was a Trooper MKIII 4" that I carried on duty back in the mid 70's, it was a beautiful revolver. I could not warm up to it, the grip and cylinder release were unhandy for me and traded it for a Mod 28. I only have one Colt now a Detective Special, it is my bedside nightstand gun. I have two Rugers, a Security Six and a GP100 both are fine revolvers, but my Smiths are my first love.
Patrick L
Member
I posted on this very subject last summer. As a long time Smith guy, I felt like I needed to experience the Colt sensation so I could speak with some actual experience and not just repeat what we read on the forums. Sooooo...
I bought an old style Colt Trooper . 357 (aka a "poor man's Python"). Has the Python action, just not the barrel. You know what? I like it! Its a quality piece for sure. Im trying my best to prove the internet commandos right and wear it out, have it go of time (because those Colts do that, you know) but so far have been unsuccessful.
Now I will say, they are different from a Smith. Not better, not worse, but different. We have all heard about the Colt DA "stack" and thats real unless tuned, but even 1 hand SA "bullseye" style just has a different sensation in a Colt.
I am glad I have both.
I bought an old style Colt Trooper . 357 (aka a "poor man's Python"). Has the Python action, just not the barrel. You know what? I like it! Its a quality piece for sure. Im trying my best to prove the internet commandos right and wear it out, have it go of time (because those Colts do that, you know) but so far have been unsuccessful.
Now I will say, they are different from a Smith. Not better, not worse, but different. We have all heard about the Colt DA "stack" and thats real unless tuned, but even 1 hand SA "bullseye" style just has a different sensation in a Colt.
I am glad I have both.
BigBill
Absent Comrade
I'm a longtime ruger guy for 45 years, I did buy a python in the beginning. Today my older s&w k series feel as good action wise as my python. I own s&w revolvers besides colts too.
AJ
US Veteran
When I first started shooting revolvers I had a Colt Cobra (2nd Issue) and a Colt Trooper (about 1960 vintage), both did me well. Sold them for something else I thought I needed. Then went to a Model 29-2 4 inch, loved it until I broke my wrist. Then the 29 was a bit much with full house loads. Then I bought a Python with a 6 inch barrel. This felt to muzzle heavy to be comfortable to shoot for long periods. Sold it and bought a Model 27-2 3.5 inch and loved it and still have it. I only own one Colt revolver as of now, it is a Model 1909 U.S.Army in .45 Colt, it is not going anywhere. I own five S&W revolvers and one Colt revolver, not many is it? However, I own three Colt autos and one S&W auto, so I guess it balances out.............
If Smith revolvers were good enough for Ed McGivern, they are plenty good enough for me. My experience is the Smith revolvers run for longer with less service than the Colt revolvers. I do prefer the fit and feel of Colt (read Browning) autos over Smiths.
sportbikeco
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A bit frustrated with my 2020 Python trigger weight and not being able to just lighten it up like you could with literally any S&W with a $15 spring kit.
Also the cylinder release goes the wrong way.
Quality is great as you should expect with the price and name on it, maybe i'll warm up...
Also the cylinder release goes the wrong way.
Quality is great as you should expect with the price and name on it, maybe i'll warm up...
usmc2427765
US Veteran
I still go with the advise I received as a young LEO many years ago. An old grizzled Range Master told me that " he would rather have a mother in a cat house as a partner with a Colt revolver".
Neversink n Klapperthal
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I have been shooting Smiths since 1967. I also have an older Colt Python. Always preferred the Smiths. Occasionally I shoot the Python,but I dont doubt it may be going on the auction block to my LGS in the future
AJ
US Veteran
For older guns (90's and earlier), it's a toss up between Colt and Smith; depends on what I am looking for at the moment. However, of the current production Smiths and Colts, I am 100% Colt.
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