OK, my two cents is YES, the Rems are stronger with the top strap and cylinders are easier and faster to change-BUT, the Colts are nicer looking and feel better in the hand. Plus they have a more historical history and name and...……….! If I'd never handled a Colt style percussion or cartridge open top style, I'd probably would have been happy with a Remington, would have never felt the difference. I do shoot Remington percussion, but the Colts sure feel better in the hand. Fav' Colts are a 2nd Model Dragoon and Richards II (44Colt). I do enjoy my '60 44 Army percussion and '51 Navy (44) percussion though.