I'm looking into purchasing an M1917 revolver in the next few months and I'm looking for information on the differences between them.

I have seen them both individually, but never side by side to make a comparison, and have only ever fired a S&W. My impression was that the Colt was mildly heavier and larger than the S&W, and had a hard trigger pull. I was also unable to compare the Colt's bulk to other large revolvers such as the 1873. I saw one comparison that it's the largest old Colt revolver, and I think an 1873 is big.
I am not a revolver collector and am looking for a shooter grade example of either. I prefer the look of the Colt, but the S&W might be better suited.

I would like to know opinions on reliability, replacement parts, and size compared to each other, and compared to the largest pistol I an familiar with, an 1873 replica.

I am also looking for opinions on the subtypes of each, including, but not limited to;

Colt M1917

Colt New Service, someone else's 45 Acp conversion. These seem to be less expensive, but do they work?

Colt Commercial M1917. These cost about the same and look like they can be in nicer condition.

S&W M1917

S&W 1937 Brazilicon. These look inexpensive and can be in good condition.

The final factor in what I purchase will be based mostly on the opinions on size and shootability. If the Colt is "Not really that big", I am biased to it's appearance.
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