Which model do you prefer more?

That's a nice pair of revolvers you have. I prefer the M66; I have never fired the Trooper, but have shot other Colt revolvers, and don't care for the cylinder release, to me it's less intuitive and slower to use than the S&W's, but then, I've always owned and shot S&W's and am used to the thumb push release. I also like stainless guns better than nickel guns, although that nickel Colt looks stainless, with the dull finish it has.

Just curious, do you know the year model the M66 you have was made? It's still P&R, but the logo is on the left side, which didn't start until about the same time P&R was eliminated. I'm guessing it's a 1981 or very early '82 gun. Unless, of course, it's some sort of commemorative with the side plate stamped or engraved with some other design.

I prefer S&W, but not for any particular reason. They are easier to find locally, and typically easier on the wallet. And it seems that its easier to find a well qualified gunsmith for the older S&Ws (which most of mine are). I have personally never had an issue with one sooooo.
Not to say I wouldn't buy a Colt revolver if I found one for a good price, because I probably would.

S&W. My thumb prefers to push a thumb piece (cylinder release) rather than pull it.

I would like the footprint of the Colt with the internals of the S&W given they are of a similar era. The MkIII is a strong revolver with some materials problems of their internals that don’t exist in the S&W. I also prefer the S&W lock work and trigger potential over the MkIIIs.

I prefer smiths. Why? I don't know. They just look and feel right.

I had to vote for S&W ... look at my avatar !
Model 58 S&W ... a fine looking and great shooting six gun .

I do like the Colt Single Action Revolver and the Colt 1911 semi-auto (in 45 acp ) but thereis just something about the S&W double action that feels right .
Gary

bangswitch said:

on't care for the cylinder release, to me it's less intuitive and slower to use than the S&W's

Click to expand...

That's a pretty significant issue for me as well.

If you're giving them away, I'll take either one. And THANKS!
Naw, actually I prefer the looks of the Smith, and the fact is, "pushing" instead of "pulling" the cylinder latch is what I've grown very used to in well over 50 years of revolver usage.

I have to go with Chicharrones. I sure would hate to be in a situation where I had to choose between the two.

Those are brands, each of which has various models. I pick 686.

Never went for the Colts due to their stacking DA trigger pull. In SA they were as accurate as the Smiths but the cops I knew at the time much preferred a S&W for the above DA trigger pull. Those who claim Colts had a better polish/bluing haven't examined enough Smiths from the same era. While Colt did rule the revolver portion (Centerfire) of the 3-gun Bullseye leagues, they did so because of their frame and hammer configuration which made for a quicker Timed and Rapid fire run. The Pony revolvers however did not exhibit superior accuracy. Rod

I started on S&Ws, and I've owned quite a few through the years, so I am familiar with their trigger and cylinder release.
Also, I have been able to own S&Ws in a number of chamberings such as .41 Mag and .45LC, which I am not sure Colt has made (in DA revolvers).

The other difference you overlooked is that Colt's cylinder rotates the wrong way

Push cylinder release.

S&W wins because availability, though recent price spikes are limiting.

The Colt Trooper is a fine weapon. However, Colt using that sintered metal spring, prevents obtaining the smooth, light trigger pull of a S&W.

I love the older Colts. New Police, Police Positive

Of course, the Ruger DA revolvers are a quality choice, also. Maybe not as refined or classic, as S&W or Colt, but they are rugged, accurate and worth consideration.

Eh, I'd feel comfortable with either. Oh,, wait, I do have 'em both...

Rodfac said:

The Pony revolvers however did not exhibit superior accuracy.

Click to expand...

A popular modification when I was young was putting a Colt barrel on a S&W revolver -- the "Smolt." This after tuning the Smith's trigger. Hmm.

I voted S&W purely on aesthetics. The grips on the MkIII always looked odd to me. Though Im not a huge fan of the finger groove grips on the S&W either.

I would happily accept either.

They are both fine handguns.

I have always liked the Smiths.
I sold the only Colt I had ( 4" Diamondback) l didn't like it at all.
I have recently found a great respect for the Rugers, especially the GP-100 Match Champion, I think I like it as much or more than my Smiths.

PapaG said:

. I pick 686

Click to expand...

My wife laid down the law... 586.

Which caliber are you going to shoot more?
.38s, the Smith.
.357s, the Colt, as the Colt has a larger frame.

Neither.
I own Rugers with 2 exception. The 1st exception is a "S&W Mod. of 1905 - 4th Change" that I inherited. It is about 75-80 years old and doesn't get shot as the ammo is very hard to find (.32-20), expensive, underpowered, and reduces the revolver's "book" value. The 2nd is a Colt Junior in .25 ACP, also inherited.
The rest are 2 Rugers, a Keltec, and a Spanish Astra.

'Nuf said?

I have both and like them equally. The direction or configuration of the cylinder release never mattered much to me. Push, pull or press, I seem to adapt seamlessly.