Colt Officers Match or Smith Model 17?

[absolute0]

Guys,

In my continual quest to accumulate sweet, sweet, .22 caliber handguns, I've decided I'd like to pick up a really nice old target revolver. By all accounts, these two are at the top of the heap, but unfortunately I've yet to find an example of either in my local gunshops.

My tastes seem to run heavily toward Colts & Rugers. In fact, I've never owned a Smith & Wesson revolver so I'm kind of leaning towards a Model 17.

This gun would be for target shooting & plain ol' pure fun only, and would probably never see a holster or be used as a woods gun. I may end up buying online, so some firsthand input from my fellow THR'ers would be mucho appreciado.....

 

[Tacoma]

Of the two mentioned, the Colt will cost you considerably more for a nice specimine. I like old colts but am amazed at what has happened to their prices. The 17's and pre-17 K-22's are not quite as hard to locate (even in minty condition.) As for shooting accuracy, you'll get arguments for both. I'm a S&W fan myself anf have several early 17's and a sweet old 39' K-22 outdoorsman. All (mentioned) are more accurate than I can hold them and just a joy to own and shoot. FWIW, my 39' Outdoorsman has kicked butt in competition against a field of 22 semi auto "target guns" just to sweeten my pride in ownership. FWIW, you can expect to pay $300-$500 for a old K-22 according to it's condition.

 

[Standing Wolf]

The old Colts are going to be horrendously expensive unless you get lucky—but they're wonderful shooters.

 

[Golddog]

I've shot lots of examples of both. The 17's were more accurate, and the DA pulls on the Smiths are usually superior to those of the Colts. And it's a lot easier to get parts, repairs and trigger jobs on the Smiths.

 

[jobu07]

I have an old K-22, but no experience with the Colt. But, i'll agree with the previous post, the K-22 is a superbly accurate gun. Probably the most accurate handgun I own. It's rediculously accurate.

 

[mec]

Had a .22 OM for a while and have shot some .38 OMs. They are fine revolvers and very accurate. They do seem to have more Wear/Timing issuest than the Smiths. Early failure to completely carry up is one of them but I don't know how significant this is. It occured with my OM but the revolver never lost its accuracy edge while I had it.

 

[Bullet Bob]

I have one of these:



And love shooting it.

But I have a small bunch of these:


('48, '55, & 90-something)


So, I guess you can tell which ones I like best.

 

[absolute0]

Very useful input fellas - thanks!

How about the various dash models of the Smith & Wesson? Any to look for specifically or avoid?

 

[mec]

It's hard to say. Some eras have better and worse reputations than others but you can find good shooters from any period.

 

[thatguy]

I have a Model 17 circa late 1970s. The codgers like me prefer the guns made before 1982. Just look for the pinned barrel. The S&Ws 22s are a joy, pure joy.

My M17

But to me the old Colts just have a tad more style, or panache, or something. Some Smith shooters hate Colts, and some Colt shooters hate Smiths. I can't imagine doing without either. This Officers Model Target dates from 1930.

My OMT

 

[Majic]

Though many today think highly of the Officers Model Match (OMM) the older Officers Model Target (OMT) was the favorite even after the OMM was brought out. The OMM had the newer sights (fully adjustable rear sight), but the sighting system of the OMT was preferred by a lot of shooters.
On a head to head competition my OMT will outshoot My M17 most of the time, but I do prefer the Colt's action and that probably has a lot to do with the results. The old Colts did win a lot of the competitions in it's day.

 

[Gordon]

Bullet Bob, those sure look like Fishpaw grips on that model 18!

 

[Bullet Bob]

Gordon, you're obviously a gentleman of discerning taste and class.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

From www.gunsamerica.com

$625.00 Colt Officers Mod. .22 cal., 6 inch barrel, 3rd issue. Manufactured between 1908 - 1940. Adjustable rear sight. Nice checkered walnut grips. Comes with a set of custom made real ivory target grips. Inspection plate has been reblued by Colt because of a small rust spot. Bore is 100%. Action is tight and solid. Finish is strong 98% condition. Very ea

(I have a gun almost identical to this -- it will outshoot my Ruger Automatic MKII.)

From the same source:

$399.00 Smith & Wesson Model 17 - 22lr - 6 inch - blue. Target trigger and hammer. Original factory grips. Red insert front / white outline rear sites. Pinned barrel, recessed chambers. Action is smooth and tight on lock up. Muzzle and bottom of trigger guard have blue wear, otherwise the blue is quite nice. Grips have some dings on the bottom. Sn.K7285XX.