Welcome to TFL, Bozman. I'm going to assume by half frame you are referring to the open top Colt design and full frame would be like the Remington design.
Both designs have a fan club but neither is a clear winner for me. I like both. The Colt is easier to clean.... until you start cleaning the internal parts. There are more screws to remove to access the inside. The Colt is handsomer to some and the 1851 navy style is often cited as the ideal revolver ergonomically. The Colt has a longer sight radius than the Remington given the same barrel length. The Colt requires some pretty precise tolerances to function correctly and so it's maybe more likely you'll get a bad one if the manufacturer's quality control is sub-standard. (or non-existant, like Palmetto's)
The Remington is sturdier due to the solid frame. It's internals are accessed by removing the grips and one screw in the floorplate/trigger guard. It lends itself easily to changing cylinders or to conversion for cartridges. It can be retro fitted with adjustable rear sights if that becomes necessary. Personally, I think the Remington is a shade easier to load due to a more generous cut out in the frame at the rammer. My Colt is small, however, and it's been some time since I loaded a standard framed one so my opinion is based on that small (pocket size) frame experience.
Both will probably have breakages from time to time, notably the hand spring and the trigger/bolt spring. They aren't a big deal to replace and it seems to me those things are just the price of doing business. Buy spare parts when you buy your revolver. I would choose a steel frame rather than a brass frame. Some brass framed revolvers are going strong after years of use but some have worn out due to the softer metal in the frame. Steel framed revolvers don't seem to ever have the problems reported by some of the owners of brass framed ones.
Choosing a manufacturer for your revolver is probably more important than choosing which design you want. I'm sure several other members will chime in on this but I have experience with Uberti, Pietta and Palmetto. My Uberti is better in overall fit and finish. My Pietta will outshoot my Uberti, though, and the difference in the finish is of no consequence when you're looking at a one hole, six shot group! Palmetto? I never saw such a piece of junk. Had to return it and will never spend money on another one!
Just jump in and buy one. It won't really matter which design you pick since I'm betting you will be buying the other one soon thereafter.
Steve
