SAA choices

[BruceGFL]

Hey All,
After reading the article in the latest Handgunner about the STI Texican, my choices are narrowed to it and the USFA model. I understand, a lot of money, but my shooting years left are not as long as they once were so I decided to spoil myself. I see in the article that the STI cylinder throats all slug to a uniform .452. Does anyone know if the USFA throats are the same size? I cannot tell from their website but I may be missing it. Thanks as always.

[boatswainsmate]

If you want to spoil yourself get one these!
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn271/ericlee1971/img_0625.jpg

[Jart]

Gunblast reports the USFA throats are .452 - at least in the case of the flattop:

http://www.gunblast.com/USFAFlattop.htm

You'll probably need to find a different criteria for a "tie breaker". I gave up and got both a Turnbull Classic and an STI. The Turnbull is a smidgin prettier if you're into carbona blue, the STI has a nicer trigger, slicker action and I tend to shoot it better.

You will find that buying replicas that cost more than a Colt, for whatever reason, will puzzle many, astonish some and irritate a few. But that's part of the charm. Personally, I tend to think they're both worth every nickel.

[hoghunting]

The Texican's frame, loading gate, and hammer are case-hardened by Turnbull Restorations.

[Threefeathers]

Go to SASS and see what they are using, that is the group you'll want to join anyway.

[BruceGFL]

Thanks very much for the help Gentleman, lots of good points. And I will take this over to the SASS forum as mentioned. Take Care

[Jart]

Wanting a single action of traditional pattern doesn't necessarily translate into joining SASS or wanting what the gamers use.

It would translate into wanting two revolvers though. Then there's the rifle, the shotgun the leather and all the other paraphernalia. Nice bunch of folks but hardly a prerequisite for enjoying a nice single action.

[AJD21]

Haven't shot a Texican or handled one but can tell you from experience with 5 different USFA SAA's that the quality is CONSISTENT and TOP SHELF in ALL regards.

[imdarren]

I just went through this question a few months ago.
And belive me, it took a few months to decide.
I decided on the Doug Turnbull (USFA) "Cowboy Classic".

I figured that if USFA and others are all sending their frames to have Turnbull do the Case Hardening, why not just buy the same gun from Doug ! ?
I think Doug "Kicks it up a notch or two" for his guns, and they have DTxxx serial numbers, Doug is quite a fomous firearm finisher, so why not own one of his guns. Besides, some day they will be worth more, just wait.
I called Turnbull, ordered it, and had it at my local FFL in less than 2 weeks!
I have seen (and have) MANY revolvers in my life, and I can't recall ANY that had as nice of blue and case colored job as Dougs. Period!

My second choice would be the USFA "Pre War".

Oh, by the wat, Dougs was $70 less than the USFA too.

D

[Jart]

I think Doug "Kicks it up a notch or two" for his guns,...

If it's the case color, I'm not seeing it and I've got an STI side-by-side with a DTR Classic.

The carbona blue on the DT is distinct from the standard blue on the STI. The blued portion of the STI isn't what I'd call "mirror" polished but it's pleasant enough.

The DT would have an edge in flexibility (you can get the STI any way you want it so long as it's .45 Colt with a 5-1/2" barrel) and delivery - the STI is hard to find.

IMHO, the STI has the edge in trigger quality and the action in general. The DT has a slight aesthetic edge but the case color isn't part of it. A shooter would probably lean more toward the STI, a collector more toward the DT. I hadn't considered the notion of "resale" in the context of non-Colts - it didn't really cross my mind with either the STI or DT.

[gak]

You are not saying cost is an overriding factor - and I gather it isn't. Still, the current prices on the "regular" (polsihed blue/CCH) SA USFA's are at a new low (for past half-decade +, at least) - Check out their website. Have (finally) comfortably distanced themselves from "equivalent" Colts. I can speak from experience, the USFAs are top notch. STIs, while very nice, are to me just spending more money. If you're going to spend in that territory, get the Colt - the current crop is excellent...and the better to ultmately hand it down to your family. But, as you say you're in a spoiling mood - get the gun that looks, feels and shoots the best to you--and the heck with my or any others' opinions! Good luck!

[Jart]

I'll quote a post (not mine) from another forum:

If you look in the official Colt instruction book and owner's manual that comes whith each of their Single Action Army revolvers you will see that it says in bold print:

DO NOT FIRE THIS GUN!

Yup, that's directly from the factory itself. They go on to explain that the gun is suppose to be a collector's item, and to fire it even so much as once will degrade its value. You shouldn't in fact, not even turn the cylinder lest you mark it up. :rolleyes:

Now this is straight from the horse's mouth (pardon the pun) so obviously EVERY handgun is not made to be fired. I'm sure you wouldn't challange the Colt company as the top authority on this would you???

Would you...

While I continue to hear how the current Colt's are the best they've ever been, (for shooting) it's a sentiment not shared by... wait for it ...

Colt's

You pays your money and takes your pick.

Those of us that download owner's manuals prior to making a decision are not filled with confidence by Colt's rendition thereof.

I tend to respect those that post here that Colt's SAAs may be shot and that they (horrors!) may actually shoot quite well. I assume both they and I would prefer that portion of the Colt's owner's manual just go away and quit bothering us. Yet, there it remains. Not really surprising that some of us would cheerfully spend more money if the objective of the enterprise is to shoot the dang thing, now is it? If the objective is for your descendents to scavenge a nickel more from their UNTURNED inheritance, than the choice is clear: get the pony.

[Pilot]

You don't need to spend the equivalent of buying a Colt for a USFA. The USFA Rodeo can be had for around $500, which is close to what a Ruger woud cost.

[CraigC]

You can't go wrong with any of the three, USFA (multiple models and grades), Turnbull's Cowboy Classic or STI's Texican. Dimensions will not be an issue. The Cowboy Classic would be my choice because it's available in any barrel length as well as the .44Spl chambering and they answer the phone at DTR. ;)

I would also prefer the carbona blue of the Cowboy Classic or USFA Pre-War over a modern hot blue and the hammer MUST be case colored.