[megatronrules]

Which should i get? They seem to be in the same price range for a shooter. What are the weights of these guns? Thanks all.

[The Silver Bullet 1719]

I don't have any experience with the Colt Official Police, but the S&W 10 is one of the best DA revolvers in my opinion (Asides from the Python). The vintage ones can be had at cheap prices,shoot excellent, and have smooth triggers.

[LWCmdr45]

Assuming all under discussion are .38 Specials with 4" barrels and basic wooden factory stocks, the original Official Police (without an extractor shroud) and the heavy barrel S&W M10 both weigh 34-35 ounces. The later versions of the O.P (Mk. III) are about 39 oz.; the skinny barrel M10 is about 30 oz. My choice among them all would be a 4" heavy barrel M10 but, if I had a few bucks more I'd pop for a M19 with its adjustable sights and greater ammunition choices.

Steve

[Dienekes]

The Model 10, by all means. The Colt's lockwork is more complex, needed more handfitting, and while the SA pulls were excellent, the DA is not because of the 'stacking'. The Colt does not have a front lockup, and if it needs work relatively few smiths understand them and parts may be hard to get now. S&W owned the police market from approx 1960 onwards and for good reason. Very hard to go wrong with one.

The Model 15 is also a gem, and the Model 19/66s are as well. There are some good bargains in police trade-ins out there, with most showing carry wear but relatively little actual firing.

With the modern loads available, I would have no reservations about using a Model 10 for a defensive gun today. About all they ever 'need' is a suitable set of grips if the small factory ones are still on it.

[Kahr carrier]

S&W Model10:)

[Tamara]

I'd go with the Model 10.

In addition to having (IMO) a better DA pull, on average, a K-frame Smith will give you a much wider selection of grips, leather, speedloaders and et cetera.

[ruger357]

Model 10 hands down.

[bpisler]

I'ld go with the model 10 because of the much better choices for holsters,
gripsand easier to repair if needed than the colt.I owned a OP and while it was a great shooter when it started to go out of time i was looking at 125-140 dollars to get it repaired.

[Quantrill]

If is was me, I'd go for the #10. Excellent action. Quantrill

[Johnny Guest]

megatronrules, you'll not go wrong with either. Look at the excellent article by member Jim March, floated at the top of this forum, Revolver Checkout. It'll help you choose a good specimen.

If you'll use the most powerful .38 +P loads, either factory or handloaded, you might be happier with the Colt OP. As mentioned, the older model uses the same frame as the Colt .357 Python. The Mark III uses the same frame as the Trooper and Lawman Mark III .357s, so there is plenty of beef there. there is probably little difference in absolute strength between the OP and M10, but the heavier OP is a bit more pleasant to shoot, and takes longer to shoot loose. With moderate loads and decent care, either gun will last for generations.

For routiine concealed carry, the M10 is a bit lighter. As to concealable stocks, anything that fits the Python fits the older OP.

The front latch of the S&W is probably a non-issue. As the old OP cylinder turns clockwise, it is being pressed into the frame by the hand. Also, as the trigger is pulled, even after the lock bolt goes into place, the cylinder is pressed tightly into lockup. For this reason, well-used Colts tend to be slightly more accurate than similar Smiths--Again, all other factors being equal.

Whatever you choose, I trust it will serve you long and well.
Best of luck to you.
Johnny

[jar]

That's a really tough choice. I don't have an OP but I do have a couple of the Colt Army Special which became the Official Police and I gotta admit, I really like them. The trigger on my old Army Specials is nice and smooth and not as stagey as some of the later Colts I've shot. But then I really like my M-10s as well.

Only thing you can do is get both.

[Hutch]

Tamara, did you really just say: and et cetera????

[Tom B]

I have a 1977 vintage M10 and a 1969 OP. As far as which trigger has the litest pull its the M10. The OP has a very good trigger also. My M10 can't touch my OP in the accuracy department. Its the pistol I selected when I needed to qualify for revolver in the state certification. It would be my work carry pistol except I don't want to knock it around and wear the finish.

[9mmepiphany]

it is rather an odd comparison as they are not really comparable today (they were when they were both produced)

the OP is the forerunner of the colt python... that makes it the same size as the smith L-frame. it is sorta like a 581 chambered for the .38spl. so it is more a matter of which size gun you'd be more happy with.

the colt action is more subtle and does take a more knowledgable smith to tune. i happen to think it is worth it because the resulting action will rival a pythons' (not quite the same due to the hammer mounted firing pin)

[sixgun_symphony]

Get both! :)