Colt vs S&W Revolvers

[@oldcop18]

My first service revolver in ‘68 was a Colt Official Police and it saved my life about a year later when a guy w/a sawed off shotgun confronted me. In 1974 I used my issued Colt Detective Spl snub in a gunfight w/armed robbery suspects. I still have my Colt Cobra 2” purchased for off-duty in ‘68, but carry a Ruger LCP in my old age.

[@texmexshoots]

Wow! That's some scary stuff Oldcop18! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.

[@boostimalaka1]

Did you have to use the 158 grain lead round nose bullets known as the Widow Maker. I know the Police Departments started moving to the Semi Wadcutter 158 grain bullets in the 70’s for better stopping ability.

[@palerider964]

Thanks for sharing the old stories, bumper! I'd love to hear more!! 👍😊

[@oldcop18]

@@boostimalaka1 Yes, my first two OIS involved that round and it did the job the first time but failed the second. After my ‘74 OIS the department adopted the FBI round, a 158 grain lead hollow point, going forward. I used it in my ‘83 confrontation w/a hostage taker and it put him down, saving the hostage’s life. My stories are retold in “Out of Ammo”, an article written by Mas Ayoob in a 2016 edition of American Handgunner.

[@dmgthree6051]

I would stick with the Colt over the lcp

[@Me2Lancer]

Thanks for your post. I love this comparison. In the summer of 1965, my ship was patrolling the coast of South Vietnam. Prior to returning to Subic Bay for replenishment, I started shopping for a .357 Magnum revolver. Based on the resources I had, I hoped to pick up a S&W Highway Patrolman revolver. When we arrived at Subic Bay I visited the Navy and Marine Corp Exchange intending to purchase a handgun. After checking inventory, I learned they did not have the Highway Patrolman but did have a Colt Trooper. I went ahead and purchased the Colt Trooper with a 6" barrel. It served me well for years. After completing my service in Vietnam, I returned home to Texas.

[@texmexshoots]

Thanks for sharing your story! I hope that Trooper stays in your family for generations. A great testament of your service to our Country.

[@Me2Lancer]

@@texmexshoots Thank you, Tex.

[@guaporeturns9472]

Thanks for your service in that thankless job.

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

Welcome home! That was not a bad choice since you couldn't get the M28.

[@raymondproulx1095]

I carried the S&W 28 as a duty weapon in the late 70’s when I was a Sheriffs Deputy. I really loved it. Great trigger. Very accurate. Perfect reliability. It was heavier than the Model 19, that was the darling of the day for wheel gun carriers, but you appreciated those extra ounces when you pulled the trigger. The only Colt revolver I have owned is a 6” Python. Fantastic shooter, but I never carried it for duty, and can’t comment past the point of saying I love it. Neither of these guns will be sold in my lifetime.

[@texmexshoots]

I don't blame you! Those revolvers should be heirlooms passed down to the next generations in your family. The 28 certainly does tame the recoil of the 357 over the 19. Especially in the 4" barrel versions. Take care and thanks for watching.

[@roykiefer7713]

My early-1970’s M27Smith (five inch barrel, P&R’ed, with the “three T’s) remains an incredible excellent firearm. The N Frame’s tank-like design and quality essentially ensure durability, reliability and - if one does his part - accuracy. Colt revolvers are finely made, but (imho) they often do not exhibit the reliability and durability of S&W’s.

[@texmexshoots]

Thanks for watching! The N frame is a big boy. But just the right size to keep it from being too heavy. I have more experience with the K frame M19.

[@palerider964]

I totally agree with you about the durability of the s/w's.

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

I have a 4" M28-2 and I consider it to be one of the best 357 mag handguns ever built. I put a set of Mikulek target grips on it and gave it the perfect balance and trigger pull. Great in the hand. Never did a thing to tune it and the trigger is about identical to the one you have in the video. Couldn't be any better. I only had it on the steel target range one time and it was hard to miss with it. I like the finish better than the finish I had on my 5" M27. All of the blue steel N frame Smiths are beautiful and just have a magnetic attraction for me.

[@texmexshoots]

I'm sure those target grips make the Model 28 a joy to shoot. They really are some of the most beautiful Smiths produced. Thanks for watching!

[@hawkeyeinthehouse2995]

Interesting video, thank you for the comparison. I was FORTUNATE to get a PRE-PYTHON Colt (Colt 3-5-7) 6" model. They only made 15,000 of them (4"-6" from 1953-1961). It's a SHOOTER, well at least at 25' with CCI Blazer Brass 125gr 38special FMJ! First time out I put 3 touching across a 1" red dot and the other 2 were 1/2" at 1 o'clock and 7o'clook!! I shot another 5 shots but used the shelf at the indoor range as a impromptu rest and made ONE HOLE that looked like 3 shots instead of 5 shots, WHIT A BIG GRIN ON MY FACE I THINK TO MYSELF "THIS IS A KEEPER"!!!😮😊😊😊

[@texmexshoots]

Sounds like an amazing revolver! Certainly one I would never get rid of. Although a revolver is only as good as the man behind it so you sound like a great shooter!

[@chipsterb4946]

The Colt Model 3-5-7 came out a year before the Python and it has the same action. Not as fancy looking as a Python but every bit as good a revolver.

[@hawkeyeinthehouse2995]

@texmexshoots It's all about PRACTICE, remember PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!! I've had NO FORMAL TRAINING, but I read everything about building accuracy!! I've learned TRIGGER CONTROL, which is so IMPORTANT! A long time ago, I figured out that by target shooting front a bench or some other steading device, I can concentrate more on trigger control and sight alignment when I shoot!!! If you can't do well from some rest, you will certainly NOT do well without the rest!! Another thing is to get proficient at very close range when shooting at targets, whether it be outside or at an indoor range! If you can't CONSISTENTLY shot well and 10' you DEFINITELY won't do well at LONGER RANGE!!! That's a couple of TIPS on improving your shooting skills. It helps to have a GOOD WEAPON and AMMO as well!!!

[@machinegunclemons876]

I prefer a Colt single action and a S&W double action/single action.

[@texmexshoots]

Thanks for watching Maurice! Makes sense. Colt SAA are beautiful pistols. But S&W does give many more options when it comes to double action revolvers.

[@Valorius]

I have always been a Ruger man when it comes to revolvers. I've had 3 of them over the years. Good video brother!

[@texmexshoots]

Thanks my friend! Ruger makes some SOLID revolvers. But I do have a soft spot for classic Colts and S&Ws

[@coryferguson8234]

Me too I own a GP 100 and used to have a Blackhawk

[@texmexshoots]

@@coryferguson8234 Love my GP100. Had a stainless Blackhawk that I sold many years ago. I missed it so much I bought another one, but blued.

[@dwheeler016]

I carried a Model 28 on duty in the 70's.

[@texmexshoots]

And I bet you felt well armed with it! They really are great revolvers. After talking with my friend, he claimed his Granddad got it in 78" and had the trigger mechanism polished. Makes sense now why the single action was so light.

[@frankhinkle5772]

I carried the issued SW Model 66 or my own Model 19 for the first half of my career, before we switched to semiautos. I love a good revolver.

[@cervus-venator]

They are both really nice revolvers. I like them both as they are classics in my eye. Thanks for sharing and hay, you hit the targets - that's a good thing.

[@texmexshoots]

I honestly thought I would do a little better 😅

[@kylewood8327]

Fun video to watch shooting these two classics! I’ve always had revolvers (my preferred gun) since the early 80’s when I started shooting. Colts were always a little to expensive for my budget so S&W’s is what I always shot, M19’s & 66’s. Still carry my 1985 66-2 snub everywhere.

[@texmexshoots]

Thanks for watching Kyle! I also spent a good time of my teenage and early adult years shooting my Dad's M19. He bought it off a retired officer. Still have that revolver to this day. I also have the first Colt revolver I ever shot which was his snub nose 38 special. He usually had it loaded with snake shot for out time out in the woods. Those were good days.

[@kylewood8327]

@@texmexshoots Absolutely…unfortunately my dad had had enough of firearms being a WWII vet, at least that was my guess anyway. But my son and I enjoy shooting my revolvers (Ruger Blackhawk .357, S&W 10-5, and S&W 66-2.

[@professorpewpuew]

First .357 I got to fire was a Colt Lawman, something like the Trooper Mk. III. Admittedly, I am not a Colt guy but a Trooper and an Official Police are on my short list.

[@texmexshoots]

I've shot a Colt Lawman. They are great revolvers! A classic Trooper would be a nice addition.

[@Salieri47]

Two classic revolvers. I don't care for 158 gr unless I'm shooting one of my Security-Six, or even better yet the GP100, with a six inch barrel. It's amazing how moving out to 25 yards opens up my groupings.

[@texmexshoots]

Thanks for watching! The 158gr does have a bit of kick to it. Something the GP100's weight helps soften. It's not easy to keep those groups tight as you move out to 25+ yards. At that distance the front sight starts to cover up a large area on the target.

[@dangerman007]

I have both of these revolvers. You can't really go wrong with either. I would have to say that I shoot the Smith better than the Trooper. In general, that has been the case with all my revolvers. I guess I'm a Smith guy. But I do love a Colt though. I actually prefer shooting the Trooper over the Python as it's more comfortable for me. Thanks for the video!

[@texmexshoots]

Thanks for watching dangerman! Sounds like you have a nice collection of great revolvers. For me, the Smith's combat grips fit my hand much better than the Colt's. And my favorite 357 is still my S&W Model 19.

[@LowIQinHQ]

My first revolver was a 686. Then a 66. I bought colt anaconda and the action was smooth, lock up, everything felt amazing, and it’s just the nicest thing ever! With that said, colts are over priced for what you get. I’m the dummy 😢

[@texmexshoots]

Sounds link you have a nice set of revolvers now! And I also expect the colt is worth more now than when you bought it 🙂

[@johnmadow5331]

I brought Trooper Mark II both 4" and 6" barrel in 1976 for $225.00 each. I love the Trooper Mark III with shell recess feaster that missing from Python. I was original from state of CT and NH barrel in 1976 for $225.00 each. I love the Trooper Mark III with shell recess feaster that missing from Python. I was originally from the state of CT and when I lost my job the state Unemployment office send me to work at Colt in Hartford and you can buy Colt firearms at employee discount program asa benefit's package. That why I had a lots of Colt firearms that from the warehouse new in the box.

[@texmexshoots]

Thanks for sharing your story John. Very cool that you were able to get a job at Colt back in their heyday. With an employee discount I would have lost money buying 1911's, different woodsmans and lots of revolvers 😅

[@amf1717]

My Trooper Mk III is a 6" version and I love it. Shoots great. It is the poor mans Python.

[@texmexshoots]

Thanks for watching! I bet the 6" is a blast to shoot! Even though it's easier to carry a 4" I always shoot the 6" revolver so much better.

[@JanFrankenberg]

The S+W N-frame was as to my knowledge intended for the .44 Mag. The cylinder may also designed for .44, therefore the thicker chamber walls. But anyway the additional weight of the N-frame helps to make recoil more bearable.

[@roberthahn3710]

Actually the N frame was designed for the NEW .357 cartridge, in the 1920s.

[@texmexshoots]

I honestly don't know enough about the history of the N frame's original purpose, but the extra weight does help with recoil.

[@99dsm1]

​@roberthahn3710 N frame existed prior to that for 44 special, example the 44 hand ejector

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@99dsm1yep

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@99dsm1In 1907

[@johndilday1846]

I used to be strictly a Smith guy. I have an old model 28 in excellent condition, among others. If I were to be buying a revolver nowadays, I would get a 3 inch Python.

[@texmexshoots]

Pythons are great looking revolvers. A 3" would be awesome. I always wanted one of the old production ones, but they were always a bit out of my price range.

[@nlb2000]

To be completely honest with you… the new python didn’t do it for me. Fit and finish wasn’t there for the price point for me. Found a 4 inch trooper made in 1970 in a gun shop and it is LEAPS AND BOUNDS better made than the new pythons…bought it and sold off the new python

[@johndilday1846]

@@nlb2000 Thanks for letting me know. I was hoping that Colt would get better after CZ purchased them. I suppose not.

[@frankhinkle5772]

First off, the thumbnail photo that you posted of these two war horses is one of the sexiest pictures posted on KZbin. Those are two very attractive revolvers. You should test them more, maybe in 125 grain loadings to see if the Highway Patrolman hits closer to center. And make sure to post a picture of what holster you carry your Trooper MkIII in!

[@texmexshoots]

Thanks Frank! My buddy who lent me the 28 thinks his granddad purchased it in 78' and then had the trigger assembly polished. That explains the very light single action trigger pull.

[@JamesWilliams-w3t]

Elvis carried a phython❤

[@texmexshoots]

I bet it was a stainless model too.

[@ironhorse127]

I do feel they are both quality revolves. I just never cared for the grip angle on the Colt’s. Not comfortable in my hand.

[@texmexshoots]

The bottom of the Colt grip is a bit thick for my hands. Might end up replacing them.

[@327SixShooter]

I know you can only compare what you have available, but a model 19 would have probably been a better comparison with a colt trooper. I have a new production model 19 classic k frame and man is it a beauty. I also have a 686 which is the L frame. I'm sure the highway patrolman is nic,e but in my opinion, an N frame is a little bit overkill for .357 magnum. I'm sure it is soft shooting and all that heft soaks up the recoil pretty well, but the 686 which is one frame size smaller is very tame as well. Even the model 19 k frame is pretty manageable and isn't too bad unless you are shooting some really hot .357 loads and even then I would just call it a little bit uncomfortable, but not painful like a j frame .357. A j frame .357 on is a completely different animal. I don't think anyone shoots full house .357's out of those for "fun" lol.

[@texmexshoots]

I have a buddy that uses a scandium J frame 357. Now that is just pure masochism. 😂 I do have a K Frame model 19 but it is a 6" model. I thought this one might be a slightly better comparison due to them having similar barrel lengths.

[@mannywilliams6409]

Had a 2-inch Lawman MK III, good shooting gun but just a bit too chunky. Used it to shoot bowling pins.

[@texmexshoots]

I bet the 2" Lawman was a hoot to shoot!

[@mannywilliams6409]

@@texmexshoots Was more pleasant to shoot once I replaced the stock Colt grips.

[@texmexshoots]

@@mannywilliams6409 I may have to break down and do the same. I like the look of the original grips, but they aren't the most comfortable for my hands.

[@mannywilliams6409]

@@texmexshoots The factory stocks are good if you stick to standard pressure .38 Special, but it is a 357 after all.

[@olskool3967]

i have 2 first year 5 screw 1954 highway patrolmen revolvers. a 4in and 6in. they are super accurate,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@texmexshoots]

Thanks for watching. Sounds like you have a couple of amazing revolvers!

[@Provo647]

Digital trigger weigths never give you accurate measurements. That’s why they are banned in pre competition controls by the ISSF, and that’s why they use calibrated weigths instead. The problem with digital is that they measure post trigger pull release energy , in other words, your hand inertia. For accuracy tests, I recommend using an official ISSF international pistol target, where you can aim easily at the base of the black. With a “duelling” type target, like the one used in video, it’s a lot harder to aim accurately, for lack of reference.

[@texmexshoots]

Thanks for the info Provo. Unfortunately that is the only trigger gauge I have. Can you recommend one to me that won't break the bank?

[@Provo647]

@@texmexshoots just a rod in U shape and hang a known weigth from the opposite extreme to the one on the trigger. Lead balls, beans, rice, or whatever known weigth you want, until the trigger fires in SA. Hold the gun fron the barrel in perfect righ angle to the horizon and lift the gun up with the weigth resting on the table. It’s what they do in ISSF Centerfire competitions to check trigger weigths, as below 1 kg in SA is not allowed. They just use brass calibrated weigths of 1 kg, and the gun must not fire under that weigth on the trigger. Any other mechanical or digital system is less accurate than a calibrated weigth.

[@TheRealZJM377]

Welll if anyone remembers when colt went to shit with there 1911s it was so bad that even the revolvers suffered building junk horrible quality control file bankruptcy several times and they still have not bounce back. Nice video

[@texmexshoots]

Thanks! I appreciate the complement. It is sad that Colt, along with other manufacturers, let their quality control go downhill. That is probably one of the reasons why classic pistols and revolvers from the 50's through 80's are so sought after.

[@doranmaxwell1755]

I like both brands. Smith frame sizes are pretty straight forward in that they is the smallest j frame on up to the latest whatever they call em half a ton behemoths But the Colt sizes are a tad more confusing. They make frame sizes comparable to Smiths K and L frames but guns like the Anaconda 44 are bigger than the N. The only Colt frame sizes I have are the 'L' like frame size in my old Python and Mk3 The only other Colt is the 1905 and it is sorta 'K' frame size. My K frame guns are a K 22 and a model 19 target. I don't have an L frame smith. I do have 'N' frames in the 629 and model 1917 For most people the K frame guns fit their hands very well and they even kept the same grip frame on the L frame the N frame is probly one of the handiest 44 mag guns big but not 'too' big. On the Python and Trooper. Those are pretty much the size and heft of an L frame in fact it is difficult to believe that Smith did not copy the Colt for that frame size. Early on the K frame .357 smiths had some problems with strength. (as did the N frame 44) those issues have been pretty much taken care of without changing the actual size of the gun. Also my handloads today are not near as hot as in the 70's and 80's There is just no point in red lining every round. the Python is a very stout revolver. pretty hard to break one. Mine is a minty 69 model. Same for the Trooper. The only issue back in the day with Pythons was hand wear (guns hand not yours) if left unattended to you could get timing issues. What you should know is that Colts rotate the opposite direction of the Smiths. Basically the Colt locks with the hand pushing the cyl into the solid part of the frame while Smith is actually pushing in a way that is trying to push open the cyl. When you fire a Colt double actionit really locks up tight and all the wear is on the hand. Single action it is far less. Also the Colt mechanism is more complex in some ways but actually simpler in some. A hand for a Python is like $25 repo now days and requires fitting The Trooper kinda sorta also. My Trooper is a high round count 70's gun and it spit a tiny bit of lead due to a worn hand... not always but a lot. The hand is easily removed on the Colts and I just took it to the anvil and gave it a few smacks on the side flat and it 'grew' a couple thousands. I think I got lucky and it is enough without being too much on the first try.

[@texmexshoots]

Thanks for all the info Doran! The K frame smiths are my favorite 357 as they do fit my hand well. I only have a 6" but that helps me shoot better at distance and helps tame the 357 just a bit.

[@doranmaxwell1755]

@@texmexshoots Almost all my revolvers are 6"... I believe that the accuracy and the velocity increase is worth it. Also... the biggest improvement for my aging eyes is a patridge front sight. it is not just whim that all target guns have em. For me.. I had 20/15 vision till .. well.. I got old. now it is 20/20 corrected. before it made no difference what kind of sights... I shot everything well. Now? the patridge is a 10% or better improvement over say a ramp. I even converted my old Python to patridge with a believe it or not honest to goodness new in the box NOS patridge blade. My Smiths are easily (but not cheaply) converted using a Tritium night sight set. You knock out the useless red insert and a tritium patridge slides right in with a little bearing locker permatex and you are set.

[@texmexshoots]

@@doranmaxwell1755 Thanks for the info! I'll do some research on patridge sights. May need to swap some out on mine.

[@doranmaxwell1755]

@@texmexshoots LOL... well... even a young feller like you could get some good use out of em. Take a look at any revolver or 1911 that is touted as 'very accurate' or most accurate and you will see some version of a patridge. The extremely expensive revolvers all have em. The ramp front sight was developed for..... holsters.... not for accuracy. The patridge does not slide out of a cops holster... it can tho with the right guide (a grooved insert like safariland did) I have not seen custom gun makers use a ramp. I probly just blew it tho posting this. Me and my buddies are very competitive when out plinking lol for some reason gun guys do that right? now my cheat is exposed! I love it when some guy shows up with one of those glow tube ugly front sights that turn into a huge fuzzy ball in the sunlight. I am an iron sight guy. I want peeps on my rifles and patridge on my handguns. well.... patridge on rifles two but most already have em or a hood.

[@AMT4245]

Smith & Wesson has pretty much always historically been considered a better gat than a Colt. I like the old colts, but if I had to pick between the two... you already know.

[@327SixShooter]

Colt's are usually prettier to look at and sometimes have smoother triggers depending on the model, but smith and wessons were generally considered better suited for duty. Tougher and more reliable.

[@texmexshoots]

Both make some classic firearms, but S&W did make many more models back in the day. I think in the past, probably more police agencies carried S&W than Colt.

[@G1FREAKZ]

SMITH FOR ME 😁🤣✌️🍺🇺🇸

[@texmexshoots]

Smiths are great!

[@Desperado3248]

This not really a reasonable comparison. The Colt Trooper is more akin to an S&W L frame. I had two S&W 28s,a four and a six. I sold the 4 incher and bought a model 25-5 45 Colt. Sold the six in her and rolled it into an old model 6 inch Trooper 357x like the Mark 3 series. When tuned with proper springs they are fast, smooth and accurate.

[@texmexshoots]

Thanks for watching Desperado. I'll certainly agree there are models that are more similar to compare. But these are the firearms I had access to. Plus, it gave me an excuse to go shoot a couple of great revolvers. 😁

[@coryferguson8234]

The S&W mod 28 was Mad Max's revolver in the 1st movie

[@texmexshoots]

From the original Road Warrior? I am the night rider!

[@coryferguson8234]

@@texmexshoots yep that 1 you can see it mounted to his shoulder as he getting ready to pursue the night rider at the beginning

[@coryferguson8234]

I own a S&W 686 and a Colt Python

[@texmexshoots]

Sounds like you have a couple of amazing revolvers. Those two would be great to compare as well.

[@arigprasomthong2852]

Trooper mark 3!

[@texmexshoots]

It's a great revolver!

[@enricomandragona163]

Go to Altmont for the grips

[@texmexshoots]

I'll go give them a look!

[@gc641]

That 28 is a tank

[@texmexshoots]

Yes sir it is! Thanks for watching.

[@boostimalaka1]

The new Colt revolvers are not the same quality as the older Colt revolvers. The new Pythons are sadly not the same. The single action pull, trigger, hammer, sights and wood stocks are inferior in quality to the original Pythons. The new Blued Python is not the Pythons Royal Blued finish. Definitely the reason why the original Pythons never tanked in value like the first KZbin video with Ken Hackathorn with the other guy did, bashing the original Python and praising the 2020 model. The one KZbin video by Hickock45 was honest. He got many people at Colt upset when he revealed the issues with the new 2020 Python. At SHOT Show. People were experiencing problems with them.

[@texmexshoots]

They are definitely not made like the old ones. The classics were well made and hand fitted works of art. I suppose that would make them too expensive to produce now. So they made some compromises with the new models.

[@enricomandragona163]

Dash 2 would make it a 60's version not 80's!!

[@texmexshoots]

My buddy claimed it was late 70's. I tried to date it using its serial number. But you seem confident of your assessment so I'll go with made in the 60's!

[@bradmcmillan8028]

a time honored rule of thumb: if you want an automatic, buy a colt. if you want a revolver, buy a s&w. ask any gun collector. a model 28 is just about indestructible.

[@texmexshoots]

Thanks for watching Brad! That makes sense. Especially when it comes to the classic Revolvers and 1911s.

[@gigizoubek4047]

Colt revolvers are very good

[@enricomandragona163]

Did he fire 5 or did he fire 6!! ... click 😂

[@texmexshoots]

Yeah, I must have really messed up and not loaded six. 😄

[@4catsnow]

Two companies that fit in categories closely related to American History..Sadly, Colt suffered for a time due to insufficient management...resulting in CZ resurrecting them..to a degree...but nowhere near the company they were back in the day...

[@texmexshoots]

Yes indeed. Colt now is but a shadow of the past.

[@bornfuct]

Meh colt is dead to me…they abandoned the civilian market, then came groveling back…

[@texmexshoots]

It is amazing to me how hostile some of our firearms manufacturers seem to get toward the civilian market. It's always nice when we see one actually making and marketing firearms people want.

[@TheREALLibertyOrDeath]

@@texmexshootsgovernment contracts make them ignorant