I've owned both. The S&W was one that my Grandfather "borrowed" from The Army in WW I and was my first pistol.Harder to shoot than the Colt I own a Colt that had been fitted with a Shooting Master 7 1/2" barrel and it shoots as well as anything that I have ever owned.If you have small hands,go for the Smith .I have been handloading for it for a long time using data for the ACP and only with lead bullets.Reloading for the Auto Rim requires only the shell holder and your standard ACP dies.I've never tried to see how hot I can get it
Best Regards to all
Distel