S&W Model 15-3 vs Colt Diamondback

The Challenger

This Smith & Wesson Model 15-3 was purchased at a pawn shop for $199. Also known as the Combat Masterpiece, the Model 15 sets the Smith & Wesson standard for .38 Special handgun performance. It's trigger is about as consistently smooth as a double action revolver can be. Today was the first time I have shot this revolver, but I have a preference for the K frame Smiths.

The Standard

This Colt Diamondback was purchased at a pawn shop for $249. Even if Colt had not stopped making revolvers, that would have been a steal for this gun. The Diamondback is a dedicated target revolver built on Colt's D frame. It is sometimes referred to as the Python in .38 Special.

I took both revolvers to the range with 200 rounds of Winchester White Box ammo.
I warmed up shooting my Model 17 for about ten cylinders. Then I switched over to the Model 15-3. The Model 15 was everything I had hoped it would be. It had an incredibly smooth trigger, with spooky accuracy.
When shooting in double action, I do not attempt to stage the trigger. I simply provide a steady, even squeeze on the trigger while holding the sights aligned. Because I favor this technique, the Smith trigger works best for me. I actually prefer the wider Smith trigger, but the narrow one works just fine.

The Colt was accurate as well. I have shown that in the past. While I could not feel the stacking in the Colt's trigger, I could certainly see the difference between the two revolvers in my hands. I simply shot the Smith better. The Colt grips do not fit me as well as the Smith. I attribute some of the lower accuracy of the Diamondback to that factor. When I was acclimated to the Colt's grips and trigger, I shot it very well.

Both revolvers had a high degree of fit and finish. I would rank the craftsmanship as equal. The Colt did have a bit more flash with it's full lug and ventilated rib. The Smith, however had the classic S&W appeal. In the end, my preference is with the Smith, but that does not mean I'm letting go of the Colt!