Your preference, Colt or S&W Snubbies?

IMHO J frame triggers as a rule stink.

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Yes and no...

Because of the small frame the hammer and trigger studs (pivot pins) have to be relatively close together, and the trigger has less leverage when it comes to rotating the hammer backwards. Then the distance between the stud and firing pin is less then those in larger frames which reduces the hammer travel at the firing pin height. To make up for this S&W uses stronger springs to insure reliable primer ignition under ALL circumstances, including hard primer cups.

Some users have a cure - cut the spring tensions (especially the rebound slide spring) by using lighter aftermarket springs. But this can affect reliability and invite short-stroking the trigger which will jam the action and tie up the gun.

While it won't lighten the double-action trigger pull, dry firing will smooth the contact points in the lockwork by burnishing and make it feel better, and unlike hand polishing that can remove metal, and affect tolerances, it won't possibly void the warrantee. If you are not going to pocket or ankle carry larger stocks are a big help too.

Last but not least, if the ultra-small size and lighter weight aren't all that important move up to a K-frame, Colt Detective Special, or Ruger SP 101.

The D-frame snubbies are a bit big for side pocket carry, but in my view they are best-of-the-breed otherwise. Those who have them are fortunate indeed. - Old Fuff

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+1

I just gave my son a NIB Detective Special that he carries pretty regular. Got my Detective Special and Police Positive Special put up most of the time, but I still shoot them (that's what they were made for). Even put Pre-ban Ivory on the PPS.

I picked up a S&W, 3 inch heavy barrel, Model 36-1, round butt (NIB) (1978 production) about a year ago that sees a lot of use these days.

I will always be partial to the Colts, but the S&Ws carry their weight too.
One of the first Sheriff's I worked for as a young deputy would have nothing but a Colt. He used to say, "he would rather live next door to a man who owned a Colt, as to have anything else."

I think Colt makes the PRETTIEST revolvers out of all 3, bar none. Even slightly above my beloved Rugers. However, they need to be kept in check at all times, and you're not going to be able to get spare parts from your local Midway. In a sense, I'd compare Colts to a Rolex or a Ferrari/Porsche.

Smith & Wesson makes a decent revolver, I LOVE their triggers (no space wasted on D/A, and S/A is a featherlight touch-off), and I like the push-forward cylinder release. However, I feel that they engineer their designs more for sales, social image and lawyers than practicality - as half the points on an S&W I really don't see as any sort of a benefit. (Internal-lock,Scandium-magnum series, hammers going flush with frame on J-frames [hammer-bite/pinch], outdated plunger/yoke lockup, "nipple-ejectors"...etc.)

Buy vintage S&Ws...

I've never had to replace parts on a Colt, but do concede it's a possibility. Numrich has a pretty good stock of both OEM and aftermarket. Out of production, does put a little different collector spin on them.

In my mind, my late vintage Detective Special has solved my concealable .38 issue. The debate for me begins with magnums or when I can tolerate a larger frame.

I take good care of what is caring for me so I do not hesitate to use the Colt and anticipate that in my lifetime I won't have to change.

P.S. I do keep my eyes open and at the moment I am anxiously awaiting the day I can shoot a Remington R51 as a possible semi-auto alternative to the DS. We shall see.

Some of us think ahead for spare parts for outta production guns....I have at least two D frame parts kits that include every thing but the frame and barrel. I think I paid about 40 bucks for them.

Yes, +1

I don't carry revolvers often due to the width of the cylinders. But for some reason, I like to drop the Detective Special in my pocket when around the house and mowing the lawn. I shoot it often at the range and will continue to until one of us no longer functions. I like the Colt, but won't be too disappointed if it gives out before me.

Never really liked J-Frames; which is unusual since I prefer compact handguns in general. If I did get a J-Frame it would have to be one like Cocked and Locked's (gotta find me a drool emoticon).

Colt DS is the every day carry. My Model 10 is bigger and heavier. I prefer the Smith's cylinder latch to the Colt, but not enough to justify the increased bulk. Also, the corners on the Mod 10 are too sharp for pockets, and I don't have the heart to relieve them after 50+ years. In colder weather, I'll sometimes carry a 1917, and there I prefer the Smith.

For shooters: S&W. They still make them and the parts.

For collectors: Colt. They don't still make them and parts are not always easy to come by.

Ruger = 0
Colt = 0
S&W = 9 (Only one made after 1982)

The replacement parts issue comes up often when Colt's are mentioned, but shooting New Service's, 1917's, and Trooper's, I haven't found that to be a problem. In my decades of shooting, I haven't had to repair a revolver yet. They just plain hold up.

Now, in sporting competition, that is different. But Colt's are made for shooting and they hold up. For most applications, an older Colt that goes out of time is more likely abused than simply used.

Shall we hang up the spurs on all firearms no longer manufactured because parts might be tough to get? Most guns would simply be relegated to dust-collecting were that the case. Every one of my hunting rifles is out of production (indeed, out of production now for at least 30, sometimes 40 years). Shall I discard them and get something new only because I might break a part that is no longer manufactured?

Well Ash,

In a word, no. Colt's are still fine, hardy revolvers and IMHO they hold an advantage over the J frame Smiths to this day. It gets pretty complicated after that.

These indeed may be the "latter days" of the Colt double actions, but if so I will relish every moment given me.

I'll take a colt over a smith any day

Shall I discard them and get something new only because I might break a part that is no longer manufactured?

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I hope not, but the reality is that the newest of these discontinued revolvers is at least 50 years old, give or take. Since they are no longer made the only source is the used gun market. There you will find examples where condition runs from poor to like new.

The point of this is if you are looking for an example to use, mechanical condition may be very important, and the closer you get to like-new the better. Be sure to notice I said “mechanical condition,” because finish wear – in and of itself – is far less important in a user that isn’t being purchased as a collectable.

Those that have timing or other mechanical issues are probably not good for restoration “project pieces” unless you fully understand what would be necessary to make whatever repairs or adjustments are needed to make it fully functional.

If you already have a revolver that’s correctly timed and working fine there is no reason not to shoot it, at least on a limited basis with ammunition that’s correct for the time period that matches when the gun was made.

I like snubbies. I've have models from most of the manufactures. Lately, my favorite has been my Charter Arms Southpaw. Yep, I'm a lefty. I sure hope they someday make a Pitbull in .45 acp, and a Southpaw version would be perfect.

I prefer handguns with prancing ponies on them but I can't find fault with older S&W's. Since there are no more Colts being made they are starting to get pricey.There are good deals to be had on S&W's. I'd trust a S&W in a self defence situation.

You can get a Colt Lawman with 2 1/2 inch barrel and service grips and they are only 30 years old. S&W revolvers are great and folks have every reason to prefer them. Yet it seems those S&W's that are the same age as Colt's are the ones folks tend to want most.

This thread needs more pictures

Yeah, here's a Lawman snubbie.