Ok, the fact that you are here, you’re probably going to buy a pair of handcuffs.
You’ve landed on either Peerless or Smith and Wesson handcuffs
Which one to choose?
Disclaimer!
You can never go wrong with either of them!
They both have a high-quality standard.
But what are the differences?
Peerless vs Smith and Wesson Handcuffs?
Let’s check it out:
Peerless vs Smith & Wesson Handcuffs – What are the similarities and differences?
Both producers use high-quality carbon or stainless steel.
They both produce their handcuffs from the USA.
Except:
Peerless has one model that is produced in South Korea. The Peerless model P010. They are approved since they meet the standards of the US government.
FUN FACT: Both Peerless Handcuff Company and Smith & Wesson are located in Springfield, Massachusetts.
The standard models, Peerless Model 700 and Smith & Wesson Modell 100 have about the same weight and size.
In addition to chain cuffs, both producers also have other models like hinged cuffs,
The general quality and user experience are great for both cuffs.
Smith and Wesson and Peerless use the same standard handcuff keys.
They also fit in the same handcuff cases.
Both the S&W and Peerless cuffs use lever lock handcuffs.
And of course, Smith and Wesson and Peerless handcuffs have a double locking mechanism.
Double locks:
This is where we’ll find the differences between Peerless handcuffs and Smith & Wesson handcuffs.
It’s a different action to activate the double lock in Smith & Wesson vs Peerless cuffs.
The Peerless handcuffs have a little button on the side of the double-strand.
While the Smith and Wesson handcuffs have two options:
The classical is a little push pin that you move with the handcuff key. It’s located not far from the keyhole on the check plate.
S&M also has models with a finger-activated double locking mechanism. You can only use your finger to activate the double lock preventing further ratcheting.
It is located on the side of the double-strand.
The double locking mechanism is the only outstanding difference. There are no other differences that are of much value.
Unless you care about the Peerless handcuffs appearing shinier than Smith and Wesson handcuffs.
Metrics of Smith & Wesson and Peerless handcuffs
| Numbers | Peerless model 700 | Smith and Wesson modell 100 |
|---|---|---|
| Total length | 227 mm/8,9 in | 22,8 cm/8,98 in |
| Weigth | 283 grams/10 oz | 286 gram/10 oz |
Should you choose Peerless handcuffs or Smith & Wesson handcuffs?
It depends:
Do you have any experience with any of the brands?
Do you already own a pair of handcuffs from one of the brands?
As I stated earlier:
You can never go wrong with either of them.
I suggest that if you already have a pair of Smith and Wesson handcuffs, you should probably stick to it.
The same applies to Peerless.
Why?
Because of the mentioned differences.
You are already used to the double locking mechanism of the handcuffs that you own.
It will be easier to keep using the same double locking mechanism.
However:
The double lock is just a minor detail. So you will probably do fine with one pair of each brand as well.
User experiences – Peerless vs Smith and Wesson handcuffs
Referring to my own experiences.
I use Peerless cuffs. These are a great pair of handcuffs.
They’ve never failed me.
I’ve also tried Smith & Wesson handcuffs on a few occasions. They’re also great!
I also have colleagues who have been using Smith and Wesson for years and the cuffs have never failed them.
So I went ahead and checked on Amazon.com, to find what other user experiences that’s out there.
Here’s what I found:
- Both brands have 4,7 out of 5 stars!
- Smith and Wesson has an 83% 5 stars rating and 2% 1-star rating.
- Peerless has an 84% 5-star rating and a 2% 1 star rating.
- Most of the complaints about both brands are about the handcuffs they received being used (That’s not the manufactures fault, but the Amazon seller’s fault).
Smith and Wesson: Someone was complaining about the handcuffs being stiff. I don’t know what they meant by that. But it might be that they are hard to attach around someone’s wrists.
There was also a scenario where the double lock had faulted for a user, so he had to cut the handcuffs of the inmate.
Peerless: Most of the complaints are ab/out the handcuffs rusting easily.
My Peerless model 700 is from 2010. There is some rust on the “sliding parts”. But the handcuffs have been through rain, snow, dirt, and blood. So rust is inevitable. Metal does rust.
Proper handcuff maintenance is important to keep them working for a long time.
I’ve asked Peerless Handcuff company for a comment on the rust complaints and this is what they had to say :
We rarely have complaints about the model 700C rusting.
It is highly possible that they are referring to the model 701C, it has a black oxide finish. The problems with the rust and the black-oxide finish is not uncommon.
Frequent lubrication is necessary with this type of finish to keep them rust free. The nickel plated finish is less prone to rust issues but still requires routine oiling.
Chris Gill
Peerless Handcuff Company
Alternatives to Peerless or Smith and Wesson
There are other handcuff alternatives out there.
- ASP Handcuffs
- Vipertek Handcuffs
- Hiatt Handcuffs
- CTS Thompson Handcuffs
- + many more
All the above-mentioned alternatives are very good handcuffs that you can be sure of no disappointments.
I have written a review of Vipertek handcuffs here.
This article lists the best handcuffs on the market.
Where to find and buy these handcuffs
Amazon.com:
You also have Handcuff Warehouse which is a business that specializes in handcuffs.
LApolicegear.com is also a great place to find handcuffs and other police gear.
To conclude…
The differences between Peerless handcuffs and Smith & Wesson handcuffs are minimal.
If you are considering buying one of them either way, you will get a high-quality handcuff that you can rely on.
Both are in the same price category and both manufacturers are well-known for delivering good products.
Both are used by police officers worldwide.
Interested in learning more about handcuffs? Be sure to check out our article about the different types of handcuffs.
