Ed Brown or Smith & Alexander Beavertail?

[1234Lizard]

Colt offers the Smith and Alexander beavertail with or without memory grove for $87 installed. They offer the Ed Brown Beavertail installed for $87 without memory groove or $118 with that groove.

These will be going on my 70 Series nickle 1975 Colt for a carry gun. The gun will have every update I can think of. It will basically be the Gunsite model minus the dehorned edges when I'm done.

What do you reccommend for the beavertail and hammer and why?

Thanks,

Lizard

[larry starling]

I would recommend that you do nothing to this gun if its all original. Nickel series 70's are getting hard to come by. Especially if its all original....Larry

[Joni Lynn]

I like the S&A, but most of my guns have the Ed Brown without the speed bump. It allows the gun to sit lower in my hand than most ofther grip safeties. (higher grip)

[auto45]

Tough call because it's personal preference.

I've had both on Colt's and they do feel very different to me with my medium sized hands. My Colts have the EB's now.

The S&A is a "low" grip type, meaning it doesn't raise your hand much as compared to an EB which allows a very high hold. It would be good if you could feel the difference before you choose.

IMHO, if you like the Gunsite "look" or can't decide, I'd go with the S&A. It's the "safe" bet because later on you could always put an EB on which requires a lot more "metal" removed on the frame. You can't go the other way around...easily anyway.

[1234Lizard]

Thanks for your responses!

I'm not worried about collector value because I've decided I'll never sell this gun. I'll give this to my son after I retire from law enforcement. I'm adding everything to this gun required for functionality and reliablity. I like the look of the 70's series colts in nickel and I have one. So I might as well use it. I origianally looked at going the route you are suggesting and just buying a newer loaded Colt. I put my gun on the for sale thread and did not get one reponse or comment. They must be as rare and wanted as some think.

If I ever get rich I'll start collecting guns I don't use. For me the pistol is a tool of the trade. My tools are very nice and always get used. (HK MP-5) Our department requires us to wear expensive suits everyday which they pay for. I might as well have a pretty tool hanging from my belt to match.

Thanks again for everyone's advice!

Lizard

[RickB]

I prefer the bumpless grip safety, regardless of make (I've heard EB doesn't make a bumpless beavertail anymore?). I have guns with ultra high-rise (STI) beavertails, guns with drop-in (Wilson) beavertails, and guns with G.I. non-beavertails, and as long as the gun isn't biting me, I can't much tell the difference.