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[compulsivegunbuyer]

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[fun2none]

Having owned a mim 629, I do agree. When compared to pre-lock models, the fit and finish of the latest S&W does not compare. Even the DA/SA trigger pull on the pre-locks is noticeably smoother.

Having said that, among the current manufacturers of double action revolvers, S&W still makes a pretty good revolver.

A DA revolver is a not an easy item to manufacture and assemble without skilled labor. Unlike a semi-auto pistol, there a many small parts that rotate or pivot, and parts that have irregular non-concentric shapes that require hand-fitting.

[chickenfried]

While I prefer the older S&W's. I wonder what the difference is in accuracy and durability, isn't that what matters?

[Gunaria]

Unfortunately the modern motto is "Make it cheaper...Make it faster!"

[Matt C]

While I prefer the older S&W's. I wonder what the difference is in accuracy and durability, isn't that what matters?

Durability has actually improved, although with QC down I'm not sure you would get a more reliable product today. No idea about accuracy, but I know the older ones are a heck of a lot prettier.

[Paradiddle]

I think by and large this is an internet myth. The new S&Ws I've seen are very very nice. The tolerances should be much better then the older ones as the equipment they've been produced with is better.

The lock ruins a lot of it for everyone and probably causes all this talk about the new Smiths being crap. Regardless I'd take a new S&W over any period Ruger.

[30Cal]

Look at blued S&W's today and from the 70's. The finish isn't what it used to be. I think minus the lock, they're better built though.

[Black_Talon]

I think by and large this is an internet myth. The new S&Ws I've seen are very very nice. The tolerances should be much better then the older ones as the equipment they've been produced with is better.

The lock ruins a lot of it for everyone and probably causes all this talk about the new Smiths being crap. Regardless I'd take a new S&W over any period Ruger.

As someone who has had the opportunity to shoot a lot of newer Smiths, I tend to agree with this statement. The only glitches I see are in the final fit-n-finish type of work. Unfortunately, this most often shows up as crappy triggers.

The Performance Center Smiths are as mechanically good as anything S&W have ever put out. Internals are much nicer than even the pre-1960 guns. The CNC really makes a big difference here.

[tankerman]

Durability??????

Please show me a S&W that's been worn out from being shot too much.

[NeoWeird]

You also have to remember that the owner of S&W at the time of manufacture and the location of manufacture has mostly likely changed more than once between those revolvers you compared.

You also have to remember that steel quality has increased over the years and likewise the quality of steel coming out of certain countries is different than steel that came out of our soil.

Most of the time, between the 'old school' and newer guns, the printing on the gun is the only thing that they have in common.

[SnWnMe]

Durability??????

Please show me a S&W that's been worn out from being shot too much.

Tanker,

Read about the events that led to the Endurance Package engineering change that Smith introduced for the magnum N frames in the late 80s. Silhouetters did push the N frame to its limits back in the those days and Smith had to address issues like the cylinder rotating backwards or flying open immediately after firing. Old 29s/629s will stand up with late 80s to present models if we limit bullet weights to 240 and below. The heavier slugs will tear the older, pre Endurance Package examples up.

And this one needed a new mainspring after only ten years.




To the OP

If not for my crappy internet connection onboard this little tin can ship I will post pics of some really shoddy work inside my older Smiths. The fact is, Smith always looked for ways to reduce costs (like any good business). They've been on a downward spiral ever since they did away with the third cylinder lock point at the crane (wish we had Calguns back then so we can read the complaints!) And you gotta wonder how the gun lovers of those yesteryears felt everytime Smith did away with a frame screw. I bet they also said "They ain't making them like they used to"

One day they'll find a way to make guns out of compressed sand and that's what we are going to get.

[AngelDecoys]

One day they'll find a way to make guns out of compressed sand and that's what we are going to get.

I'd settle for dishwasher safe.

[Fate]

My S&W M&P .45 is a working girl, not a lingerie model.

[HowardW56]

A buddy of mine was showing me his S&W collection. The old guns realy had a beautiful fit and finish. What their putting out now is just not up to par compared to the earlier guns. Sad that as manufacturing processes and machinery advance, quality regresses. You would think it would be the other way around.

You can't beat the older S&W revolvers....

I have several of them and a couple of them are one hole guns (When I can hold up my end of the deal)....