Smyth Busters: Are Old Smith & Wessons Better Than New Ones?

Published on November 24, 2020
Duration: 4:38

This video from Brownells' 'Smyth Busters' series, featuring firearms expert Steve, delves into the debate of whether older Smith & Wesson revolvers are superior to newer models. Steve, demonstrating expert knowledge, concludes that both have distinct advantages. Older S&W revolvers excel in collecting due to their classic features like pinned and recessed barrels, while modern S&W revolvers are better suited for frequent, hard-use shooting thanks to advancements in alloys, heat treatment, and manufacturing processes like MIM parts, which have significantly improved in strength and dependability. The video highlights specific models and technical differences, such as cylinder throat diameters affecting accuracy.

Quick Summary

Firearms expert Steve from Brownells explains that while old Smith & Wesson revolvers are excellent for collecting, new S&W revolvers are better for frequent, hard-use shooting. Modern models benefit from improved alloys, heat treatment, and more dependable MIM parts, making them more robust for demanding applications.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction: Old vs. New S&W Myth
  2. 00:19Collecting vs. Hard-Use Shooting S&W
  3. 00:41Features of Classic S&W Revolvers
  4. 01:00Features of Modern S&W Revolvers (MIM Parts)
  5. 01:31Strength and Accuracy of New S&W
  6. 02:24Old S&W .45 Long Colt Example
  7. 02:49Conclusion: Both Are Good for Purpose
  8. 03:00Internal Lock and Action Jobs
  9. 03:19Model Specific Preferences
  10. 03:45Final Thoughts & Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

Are old Smith & Wesson revolvers better than new ones for shooting?

According to firearms expert Steve from Brownells, while old Smith & Wesson revolvers are excellent for collecting due to their history and build quality, new S&W revolvers are generally better for frequent, hard-use shooting. Modern advancements in alloys, heat treatment, and manufacturing processes make new models more robust and reliable for demanding applications.

What are the key differences between old and new Smith & Wesson revolvers?

Older Smith & Wesson revolvers often feature pinned and recessed barrels, classic hammers, and forged internal parts, making them highly desirable for collectors. Newer models benefit from improved alloys, heat treatment (like the 'Endurance Package'), and advancements in MIM parts, leading to enhanced strength and accuracy, though some dislike the internal lock feature.

How has MIM technology improved in new Smith & Wesson revolvers?

While early MIM (Metal Injection Molding) parts in Smith & Wesson revolvers could be problematic, Steve notes that they have significantly improved in strength and dependability. Modern MIM hammers and triggers in new S&W firearms are now considered robust for shooting purposes.

Which Smith & Wesson revolvers are recommended for collectors versus shooters?

For collectors, older Smith & Wesson revolvers with classic features like pinned and recessed barrels are highly recommended. For those intending to shoot frequently and heavily, newer Smith & Wesson revolvers are advised due to their modern construction, improved alloys, and enhanced durability, such as the 'Endurance Package' in .44 Magnum models.

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