Which one would you pick ( S&W66 or Colt KC)?

[FerFAL]

Colt King Cobra 357 magnum 4” barrel. 500USD

S&W 66 357 magnum 4” barrel. 400 USD
I want one just because, already have a couple guns but I wanted another. Besides, a 38/357 magnum can always come in handy.
The Smith would be a better “long term” gun, being easier to fix if it brakes, easier to find spare parts. The Colt is a Colt, the little horse is close to my heart, and they don’t make’em any more so it will probably go up in value. So, the heart wants the Colt but the practical logic says S&W.
Which one would you pick and why? Any and all info/suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

There’s this little 32 S&W Long I have my eyes on, just 120 USD.

FerFAL

 

[S&Wfan]

Hi,

Assuming that both .357 wheelguns are in equally great condition, I'd choose the one that fit me best!

That being said . . . I'm a huge S&W revolver fan (as my forum nickname indicates). I just don't think you can beat the double action trigger pull on a fine S&W revolver. Plus, I prefer the way the Smith triggers "stage," during a double action pull, better that the way Colt designs theirs.

However, others swear by their Colts.

Both are fine firearms indeed.

T.

 

[JMag]

I go with the Colt King Cobra without pause.

 

[Stainz]

It looks like you might get the TWO S&W's for the same $500 that they want for the Colt. Of course, being an S&W lover has no bearing on that...

Stainz

 

[Will5A1]

The Colt would make a better investment if you don't plan on shooting it, or shooting it much, the Smith if you are going to be shooting any amount. I say this as Colt has not, as I understand it, made any DA revolvers since 2005 and Colts are (as I think you know) more difficult to service/repair than a S&W. As time goes on parts may or may not be available from Colt, and the number of gunsmiths skilled on Colt revolvers will continue to go down.

Buy that .32 now. If you can swing it buy all three, but have fun with whatever you do get.

 

[Tom Servo]

+1 on what Will said. The S&W for carry, the Colt for collector's purposes. Both are tack drivers, but I give a nod to the Smith for long-term reliability. I've heard reports of the timing on the Cobras going out every ~600 rounds.

 

[Starter52]

S&W Model 66.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

I've heard reports of the timing on the Cobras going out every ~600 rounds.

What ???
Where the H-LL did you here that ?
That's right Colt's are all junk, sell them to me cheap while they are still worth something.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[L-Frame]

I am a S&W guy, but just bought a 4" stainless KC, and after changing the grips, really like it. Resale on the KC will be higher even if you shoot it, but it would be a concern to me if it were my only revolver dealing with qualified gunsmiths, etc. for the KC. I had my fears calmed by many on this board but still can't totally overcome some of the negativity I've heard about KC's (and Pythons for that matter) over the years.

I do think that King Cobras are among the nicest looking guns ever made.

 

[18DAI]

For carry, I'd get a nice pre lock model 66. Then I'd buy the King Cobra for range use, because it's a nice revolver too.

 

[Hunter0924]

Colt King Cobra.

 

[Master Blaster]

Somone will correct me if I am wrong I am sure.

The King Cobra doesnt have the same lock work as a python, it has a more modern lockwork which is very similar to S&W. The parts are not hand fitted, so its easier to replace them if they get worn out. If it was correctly assembled at the factory and doesnt have any timing issues now it will probably last as long or longer than the smith. It is an extremely strong design.

But there were alot more S&W 66s made, and the k-frame smith parts may be easier to find in Argentina than the colt parts. I dont know how prevalent gunsmiths are there, or how many of them know how to work on Smith's vs Colts.

 

[10-Ring]

I'd get the one in better condition
I like both S&W and Colt, in this case, it would come down to fondling both & getting the one that not only was in better shape but the one that felt better in my hands and was calling out to me more

 

[ryan b]

King Cobra by far the smith can shoot loose if you shoot a lot of heavy 357 shells and colt is not making the cobra any more that would be my choice

 

[Adam Selene]

I prefer the S&W...

 

[Chindo18Z]

Colt King Cobra - In 4" configuration, the Colt is a much tougher/more durable weapon for firing full-house .357.

Neither of them are going to be great for concealment (although it is certainly possible to carry either).

The Colt is going to appreciate somewhat more than the Smith (although both will climb due to lack of current production). In the long term, the Colt will probably retain a better re-sale value.

$400 is a bit too much for a 4" 66. $300-325 if you shop around. I bought a pristine 2.5" last year for $325 (which I considered to be a deal). They usually command a premium over the more common 4" barrel duty revolvers.

$500 is actually not a bad price for the King Cobra. Any used Colt double action in decent shape is (unfortunately) going to run >$450 these days.

First, I'd get the one that feels best in your hand and has the best "eye appeal" to you...

If it's strictly a monetary equation, I'd get the Colt.

Assuming equally good shape for both revolvers, you can't actually make a bad choice. They're both superb.

Of course, I've already scratched my Model 66 itch.

 

[CSA 357]

get the 66, they are good guns, cant say about the colt, never had a kc, csa

 

[Golddog]

Since Colt is mostly defunct on the revolver side, will they fix a KC if things go wrong?