Sometimes newer isn’t better

[Scott Tschirhart]

I’ve been messing around with.45 ACP revolvers for some time. I’ve come to seriously distrust some of the MIM parts in newer S&W revolvers. But my old S&W 1937 seemed different to me because of the old longer action. But the problem doesn’t seem to be a problem at all after swapping out the grips.

[jeepnik]

By 1937 do you mean a 1917 from the Brazilian 1937 contract?

[Scott Tschirhart]

It’s a Brazil contract gun. But it isn’t marked 1917. I always call them a 1937. The barrel says “S. & W. D.A. .45”. I know that it’s basically the same gun.

This revolver has no problem setting off primers!

[piller]

That is a better looking gun than the Ruger Blackhawk conversion with both the .45 Colt and the .45 ACP cylinder. The Ruger shoots .45 ACP quite well. Some .45 ACP rounds do not feed so well in 1911 style handguns, but revolvers will happily eat them and come back for more. The .45 ACP in a revolver has been much more accurate than I could have asked for.

[2ndovc]

Big fan of the old N Frames. The revolver on the bottom is a British .455, I've been looking for a decent Brazilian contract for years. So many of them are really beat up.



jb

[Scott Tschirhart]

No MIM or plastic parts in my old gun. The hammer is much heavier and falls harder. Lock time might be increased, but not so you can tell. The trigger pull is definitely longer, but I would rather have a gun that goes "BANG!" every time I pull the trigger.

[piller]

It is old enough that it was made back when true craftsmen made them. It probably came from the factory polished and slick internally. We all know that slick, polished quality metal surfaces are able to last longer without wearing away than rough surfaces or lower quality metal. Unfortunately, the quality such as the older Smith & Wesson revolvers were made with is very expensive now.
Well made and practical items are becoming less common.

[Ray]

Deleted.

[marlinman93]

For me it's impossible to do any better than blued steel and walnut. Whether it's old handguns, or old rifles, I will always choose them over any of the new plastic guns. Not saying I don't own newer plastic or black guns, but they have nothing that attracts me as far as beauty goes.