should i get a colt new service 45 or a smith and wesson model 25-15?

Question

both shoot 45. both are in great condition. i know the smith and wesson has some oversized throat issues. supposedly all cleared up before the 25-15. according to the online forums, the serial number checks out as well.

the colt new service 45 is alot older, but in great condition

the s&w has a 6.5 inch barrel and the colt is 5.5 inches

Answer 1

Hello Will!



Bottom line, go with the S&W Model 25 for several reasons:



a) The Smith is current production, the Colt has not been made since prior to 1960.

b) Customer Service support will be available from S&W, while parts and support from Colt will be severely limited.

c) The Smith shoots .45 LC, while the Colt maybe chambered for .45AR (definitely NOT a hunting round). Make sure it is chambered for the .45LC round if you wish to hunt with it!

d) The S&W has adjustable sights, while most of the Colt New Services I am aware of have fixed sights.

e) S&W revolvers tend to have better trigger pulls in both single action and double action. It is easier to "stack" the hammer DA on a Smith than it is a Colt, in the event you need to shoot precise double action.



I would NOT worry about the throat issues on a Smith, if it is not right, they WILL make it right. When/If you reload, make sure to use appropriate sized cased slugs, and you should have absolutely no accuracy issues!



As an added note, many of the 'smiths that really knew how to tune a Colt are long gone, and for many of the new 'smiths, working on an older Colt revolver will be experimenting and learning at your expense!



Good luck and good shooting!

Answer 2

I would go for the Colt New Sevice revolver. It was made during an era when craftsman built the revolver and quality control is at its best. The gun is built like a tank. The one question I ask of you is this, do you really think the present day workmanship and quality control that went into the S&W 25-15 REALLY can compares to that of the older Colt?

Answer 3

I usually agree with what Eagle scout says, However, on this issue, I have to disagree. I recently restored a Colt New Service in .44-40. There ARE parts availavle, and they are cheap.



Second, as to the customer service, You will ALWAYS find more help on internet forums than on any Customer service line.



Third, Stricly speaking S&W is a holding company which means that what they sell may be made in Fong's garage in downtown Singapore.



Finally, I may just have a little bias due to the one I restored was given to my father by a man who lost his arm in a cement mixer, then, the piece was destroyed in a house fire, and I brought it back to life and better than it ever was.