Why S&W Revolvers are Lower Quality Than Colt?..Too Many Moving Parts & Safeties!

Published on June 13, 2024
Duration: 9:48

This video provides a detailed comparison of the internal mechanisms and safety features of Smith & Wesson and Colt revolvers, specifically focusing on the S&W 686 and Colt Python. The presenter, TheYankeeMarshal, argues that Smith & Wesson revolvers have a higher number of moving parts and safety mechanisms, which he believes are unnecessary and detract from the overall quality compared to Colt designs. He breaks down four distinct safety measures in the S&W, contrasting them with the simpler Colt system.

Quick Summary

Smith & Wesson revolvers, like the 686, often have more internal parts and safety mechanisms, including a hammer block, a redundant trigger reset safety, a cylinder-open hammer block, and a key lock. Colt revolvers, such as the Python, typically use a simpler transfer bar system, which the presenter argues leads to a higher quality and less complex design.

Chapters

  1. 00:11Introduction & Follow-up
  2. 00:21686 vs Python Internals
  3. 00:44S&W's Multiple Safeties
  4. 01:08Comparing Moving Parts
  5. 01:42Hammer Return Slide Differences
  6. 02:12Examining S&W Safeties
  7. 02:36Primary Safety Comparison
  8. 02:50Hammer Block vs Transfer Bar
  9. 04:05Extra S&W Safeties Explained
  10. 04:12Redundant Trigger Safety
  11. 05:11Cylinder Open Hammer Safety
  12. 06:14The Key Lock Safety
  13. 07:05Summary of S&W Safeties
  14. 08:07Improving S&W Revolver Design

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main safety differences between Smith & Wesson and Colt revolvers?

Smith & Wesson revolvers often feature a hammer block safety, a redundant trigger reset safety, a safety preventing hammer cocking with an open cylinder, and an external key lock. Colt revolvers typically use a simpler transfer bar system and lack these additional safeties.

Why does the presenter believe S&W revolvers have more moving parts than Colt revolvers?

The presenter points to the S&W's hammer return slide being composed of multiple pieces, unlike Colt's integrated system. Additionally, the multiple safety mechanisms in S&W revolvers inherently add more components and complexity to the firearm's design.

What is the function of the hammer block safety in a Smith & Wesson revolver?

The hammer block safety in an S&W revolver is a piece of metal positioned between the hammer and the firing pin. It prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled, which moves the block out of the way.

What is the transfer bar safety mechanism in a Colt revolver?

In a Colt revolver, the transfer bar safety is a bar that rises when the trigger is pulled. The hammer strikes this bar, which then transfers the energy to the firing pin. This design ensures the hammer cannot directly hit the firing pin.

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