Colt revolvers vs. S&W revolvers...

[10-Ring]

I have really enjoyed shooting S&W revolvers but have always liked the looks of the Colt Python. Recently had a couple threads re: the Python. I hvae recently been able to shoot an older Colt Cobra (?) and Phython Elite and was slightly disappointed w/ their triggers. They seemed okay in the first part of the pull, but as it approached the end of the pull they got progressively heavier. Are Colt triggers really like this or were these 2 examples just bad representations?

 

[RON in PA]

Your experience was similar to mine, Smith triggers on the average are much better for DA shooting. Colts stack-up toward the end of the trigger pull. My understanding is that a Python can be tuned to have a good DA trigger but you need a pistolsmith who understands the complexity of the Colt DA system and there aren't many left. In the days when emphesis was placed on SA shooting the Smiths and Colts were tied for popularity but when the switch to DA came after WW2 Colt disappeared from the scene.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Folks-

An arguement can be made for both types of weapons.
I have seen really nice examples of both regarding their
trigger pull; but I have also seen some terrible examples
of each as well. Case in point, very early Pythons with
the "hand honed" action were magnificent; and
the same can be said for most S&W K-frame models.
But, the new Python's and some S&W's leave a lot
to be desired.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Gordon]

I asked this question to Austen Behlert on another forum. He said Colt's were generally more accurate out of the box. Smiths were easier to work on and stronger over the long haul.Good enuff for me and agrees with my 40 years of using both!

 

[9mmepiphany]

i too have always found colts to be generally more accurate "out of the box"...it has to do with the fact that they lock up tighter. unfortunatly that tigher lockup causes slightly accelerated wear on the action.

the design of the colt "leaf spring" action causes it to "stack" toward the end of the DA trigger pull...some folks like it that way...i had mine tuned to pull straight through

 

[JCM298]

Colt v S&W

I carried a Python as a duty gun for 20 years. When the dept. changed to autos, I was issued a Sig 220. It worked nearly as well as the Python.

My first agency issued a Colt, but the second issued Smiths. When I finally settled down in the third agency, I bought the Python and was given a hard time by all. The agency suggested Smiths. With my Python, I placed second in the class. The guy that beat me for first had never fired, or owned, a gun prior to joining. I guess he was a "natural".

I have Smiths and Colts now and, since I'm retired, I can choose what I want. My "always" gun is a Smith 340SC which I bought because of the weight.

My favorite: The Python. It's still as good as the day I paid $100.00, NIB, in 1965.

When it comes down to the bottom line, both companies made fine guns and I've never had a problem shooting well with either.

John

 

[Standing Wolf]

Most Python triggers tend to stack toward the end of the double action pull. If you can find a gunsmith who really knows his Colt double action revolvers, he can reduce the stacking quite a bit, but it'll still stack a little. The newer the Python, if it need be said, the more pronounced the stacking and the higher the single and double action pulls. Frankly, I don't consider current production Pythons any improvement whatever on Rugers, Smith & Wessons, Tauruses, or what have you.

Once you learn an individual Python's double action stack, you can use it to sense when the gun is about to fire, which I find helps improve my accuracy.

That saidâ„¢, I hardly ever shoot double action. I force myself to send some rounds down-range that way when I shoot my carry gun, but I shoot primarily for pure accuracy, and that's single action for me.

 

[Jim K]

Hi, 9mmepiphany and guys,

The "stacking" of a Colt in DA is not due to the V spring, it is due to the way the trigger and hammer strut interact. Most DA revolvers stack, but the S&W is an exception because it has a double cam system. The trigger first pushes the hammer strut to raise the hammer, but part way back, a cam on the trigger meets a surface on the hammer to improve the mechanical advantage and overcome the stacking tendency. This is not the best explanation and a look inside the S&W will show better than I can describe how the system works.

Jim

 

[JNewell]

I've owned two Pythons and several other Colts and a number of Smiths. One Python, just an "ordinary" Python, did stack badly DA. The other, which I still have, came with a Custom Shop action job and some other work (pre-owned but apparently never used) -- it is smooth and even. The Smiths are better out of the box and cost a good deal less for a lock that will maintain its accuracy (which may initially be slightly less) better over time. YMMV...