Today is Thanksgiving Day 2021. All of the family have just left and I'm settled in at my keyboard in my office, just admiring these two beautiful guns. One is a Colt, the other a Smith & Wesson, each representing the finest factory production target revolvers of their time.
This afternoon I'm going to compare and contrast these two guns, then one day very soon, I will take a trip to the shooting range to see how they perform. In my cursory review, I won't try to split hairs. Wait, I might split a hair or two if I can.
As a preface to my comparative analysis, I must admit that I paid considerable attention to the details of each gun during the buying process just days ago. When the guns arrived, as I was able to handle and inspect them, I felt a predisposition to declare the S&W gun the winner. The lesser weight and smaller grip felt better in my hand.
But then, there's this thought in the back of my mind that the larger grip and extra weight of the Colt may translate to better accuracy at the range.
These two have more general characteristics in common than they have differences.
These two each. also have different characteristics. The Colt sold for $75 new, the Smith sold for $72 (with Bright Blue Option) new, or 4% less.
Comparing the prices paid for these two guns won't result in a fair analysis. The Colt was purchased for $1,230 at open auction on November 14, 2021. The seller charged a 3% credit card fee. The gun did not include the original grips and it had no box or paperwork. But this model was produced in very low numbers and when you see one come available, you take it as it comes. On the other hand, the Smith was purchased at open auction using a "Buy It Now" option that was available, on November 18, 2021 for $1,023. The seller did not charge a 3% credit card fee. The original grips are numbered to the gun, however the box number is non-matching.
My MOS when I served in the United States Army was 76Y. For you non-military readers, the Military Occupational Specialty of 76 Yankee means that I was a Unit Armorer. While on REFORGER 85, I trained with German Paratroopers and qualified as "Expert" with the German G-3 rifle, the Israeli Uzi 9mm sub-machinegun and the 9mm handgun.