August 22, 2009, 02:33 PM | #1 |
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Colt SAA Vs Uberti
I have a question for you folks that are familar with these revolvers. If a shooter was blindfolded and given a Colt SAA just to hold and then given a Uberti, same model/bbl length etc, or vice versa on being given which first, could an experienced person tell the difference, if there is any? The reason I ask is I do not want to shoot my never been fired Colts but sure would like to have some fun with the 45 LC, hence the Uberti option. Thanks. Tom
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August 22, 2009, 03:27 PM | #2 |
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Probably not. The key differences are in metallurgy, spring quality and machine fit'n'finish.
Once you cock it and fire, there's probably going to be a difference in hammer/trigger feel. And there's very likely to be an accuracy difference. In your shoes, I would strongly recommend taking a look at the USFA Rodeo!!! THAT gun is really at least as good a gun as a Colt SAA if not *better*, but with a very plain-jane finish to keep the cost down. Spanks the hell out of any Uberti at a price not much higher.
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August 22, 2009, 03:35 PM | #3 | |
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all the ubertis i have, shoot pretty darn good.
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August 22, 2009, 04:37 PM | #4 |
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RUGER!
Colt thinks very highly of their guns and prices them accordingly. Pick up any one of the extensive line up of Ruger single actions and you won't be disappointed. I have a Blackhawk in 357 that is a hoot, but if you need fixed sights for your event they make the Vaquero. The plus side to buying a Blackhawk over a Vaquero is that you get the ability to shoot those hot as heck Ruger only loads |
August 22, 2009, 05:16 PM | #5 |
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I have 4 pairs of Uberti's. They are as accurate as any Colt I have fired. I have not had the opportunity to shoot the USFA guns. When you buy a Colt, you are paying for a name. Granted they will hold their value, and people will pay ridiculously high prices for them. I have nothing against the Colt's except the price tag. Buy a Uberti or two through Cimarron, and you will have a fine shooter that you won't have to worry about shooting, and have enough money left over for ammo!
DS.
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August 22, 2009, 05:17 PM | #6 |
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You're not likely to be able to tell the difference blindfolded, unless you're able to discern minute differences like the setscrew Uberti uses for their blackpowder frame SAA's. Both are typically equally rough inside. However, you would be sure to notice the difference between the two and a USFA. You'll swear it's had an action job. They are very slick right out of the box.
That said, there's really no reason not to shoot your Colt's if they're third generation guns. Unless they're a rare variation, it won't appreciate in value in your lifetime but think of the joy you would experience in shooting them! |
August 22, 2009, 06:19 PM | #7 |
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A Colt built right will usually out-shoot an Uberti, but there have been "low points" in Colt's quality control during which Uberti would usually spank 'em.
The reason I didn't talk about Ruger is that it's not a "traditional action" inside. The Ruger New Vaquero is the closest to a Colt SAA and it's pretty close - fits in the same holsters for starters. But it's a tad heavier despite being the same size, and the way the action works inside is very different. You load a Ruger with the hammer all the way down and there's no half-cock; Colts load/unload on half-cock. Colts have flat springs, Rugers are coil. Etc. The USFA on the other hand is more like a Colt than the Uberti, never mind Ruger.
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August 22, 2009, 11:25 PM | #8 |
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Colt SAA vs Uberti
Thanks for the input guys. CraigC, you are probably right on about appreciating. Just it's NIB and I am hesitant about putting that first round down the tube!
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August 22, 2009, 11:32 PM | #9 |
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Just FWIW, I have handled a few single actions and IMHO, the only one that feels like the pre-WWII Colt is the USFA. Not even the current Colt really has that indefinable something that just feels "right." I think it is the grips rather than the metal, but there do seem to be some small differences in the grip straps as well.
For a gun to use and abuse, the Rugers are the absolute best, but they don't feel, look, or operate like the old Colts. Good guns, but... Jim |
August 23, 2009, 01:35 AM | #10 |
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Colt vs Uberti?
Get the Uberti. With blade sights, what the heck. I've got my grandfathers Colt SS Frontier (1889) that you would be lucky to hit the side of a barn at 100 feet. I've reloaded it and cast lead bullets for it from .452-.457 with little results escept for the .457 wad cutters. I've had a .22 SA Frontier back in the 70s with adj. sights that was a tack driver out to 100 yards. However, sinc you are talking SAA revolvers with blade sights, I would definitely go for Uberti since the price is reasonable. You are essentially using the front blade for alignment and in SASS shooting I've seen, they have compared above Colt and along with Ruger Vaquaro. The Uberti is an exact mechanical copy of the original Colt SSA made back in the 1870's. I prefer them since that is what I grew up on.
The Ruger SA is the ultimate Rube Goldberg design of SA Pistols. Tear a Colt or Uberti down and it is simple. Take a Ruger apart and you have these little (I DO MEAN LITTLE) springs and miniscule beaings that fly everywhere. They are worse than completely tearing down an M-1 Garrand. But as far as accuracy and firepower (pressure strength) they are the king. All of the Rugers have adjustable sights. I have my Grandads .45 Colt SAA which is retired, three Uberti's (.45C, & 2 - 357mags), a Charles Daly .45C (AKA Uberti), and 4 Rugers; 91 .44 Superblackhawk, 93 .44 Superblackhawk, 63 .357 Blackhawk, and a 06 .30 caliber Blackhawk. Anytime you want to clear the pistol range, just load that .30 Blackhawk about 2400 fps and watch them scatter. The noise is unbelievable. Bottom line, get the Uberti for a good price ( $400 or much less). |
August 23, 2009, 03:34 AM | #11 | |
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August 23, 2009, 05:01 AM | #12 | |
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I felt the same way after I bought my NIB 50th Anniversary .357 Blackhawk. I knew once I fired it, it would no longer be NIB, but doggone it, I bought the gun to shoot, so I took it to the range and never looked back! Its sort of like getting that first door ding on a new car. Shoot the gun, it will be OK, I promise! Scott
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August 23, 2009, 10:22 AM | #13 |
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Look at AWA's Ultimate 1873. Beautiful blue/CH finish (the CH done by Turnbull). Nice satin finished walnut grips. Leaf mainspring replaced by a coil spring. Feels like it's had an action job right out of the box. Improved sights. The parts are made in Italy (I believe by Pietta) and put together very well by AWA. ~$700
http://www.awaguns.com/default.htm http://www.hobbygunsmith.com/Archive.../Interview.htm I own/have owned new & old model Vaqueros, a Longhunter USFA Rodeo, and several Ubertis, and my AWA Ultimate is the nicest of the bunch. nero |
August 23, 2009, 08:19 PM | #14 |
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Colt SAA Vs Uberti
Ok now a new maker shows up, AWA. Sounds like a well made piece but like the USFA price is hedging to less that $300.00 for the genuine Colt. Of course 300 bucks buys lots of ammo! I think I will have to go to a store and do the hands on test. Thanks All. Tom
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August 23, 2009, 11:18 PM | #15 | |
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Last edited by CraigC; August 23, 2009 at 11:24 PM. |
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August 24, 2009, 01:00 AM | #16 |
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Here we go again, Gents!
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August 24, 2009, 09:54 PM | #17 |
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Colt SAA Vs Uberti
LOL You all leave without me. Think I'll stay and save my samolians for the Colt. Something about that "mystical" part. Tom
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August 24, 2009, 11:37 PM | #18 |
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I'm getting tempted by the AWA for $565. It has the Turnbull finish just like the USFA? and comes with a color cased hammer, one piece walnut grips AND comes in .357 mag?
Usfa would add almost $400 to the $975 price of the Single Action for these grips and hammer, making it WAY more expensive. Last edited by erikrichard; August 24, 2009 at 11:44 PM. |
August 24, 2009, 11:50 PM | #19 | |
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August 24, 2009, 11:50 PM | #20 |
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If the grips are the same, you'll never know blindfolded. I have owned two Uberti .357 and a friend has a Colt. There may be differences in metalurgy, but as to fit and finish, the Ubertis were just as good as the Colt. Springs, etc, the Colt may be better quality and last longer, but for my purposes, the Ubertis are without flaw. For a more serious, dedicated SA shooter, the Colt may have advantages. As an occasional shooter, I couldn't see a difference.
However, I got quite the response when I took the Ubertis to my local bowling pin shoot. The guys with the STI and Kimber race guns really gave me some good expressions when I put my two nickel revolvers on the table. The auto guys got to use extra mags, the revolver guys got speed loaders, they ruled I could use two SAs, but I only had ten shots, while most everyone else had at least fifteen per round. Since we shoot the pins off a 4x8 sheet of plywood, sometimes the pins took an extra shot or two to get to the ground.
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August 25, 2009, 06:28 AM | #21 |
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In reality, even present-day Colts, let alone lesser brands, are mere imitations of the original SAA revolver. When the real thing in a nice mechanical condition can be had for around $2K, why would anyone settle for the second best?
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August 25, 2009, 10:32 AM | #22 | |
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August 25, 2009, 12:03 PM | #23 |
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I'll have to agree with CraigC on the 1st Gen comparison. 2nd Gen would be a better/more legitimate comparison for that (2k) kind of money in something I'd actually shoot on a regular basis, but I also have to say my "4th" Gen (late 3rd ca. 2008) Custom Shop .44 Sp--I stumbled upon for NIB $1200 OTD (or the going rate on Colts now, but .44 not a regular offering)--is right up there with 2nds I've experienced in overall goodness. I have/had all 3 basic choices mentioned in this thread, and my Uberti (Cimarron) is a great gun for the money, and the one I actually take out 'n about without worrying about scratching it up. The "regular" Single Action USFA is creeping back toward Colt $ territory. I'd say, ironically, the extreme ends of the spectrum are where USFA shines, the (relatively) low buck, matte finish Rodeo and top Pre War model. The latter indeed is the same $ (or more) as the Colt, but does provide the full 1st Gen features Colt would charge considerably extra for and add--in some cases--many months in the process: "black powder" beveled cylinder, case hardened hammer, premium-grade blue finish etc. (All USFA SAs offer the BP cylinder standard btw).
To me it's all a pretty simple budget equation. Can't afford much? Get the Uberti or Pietta and feel good about it--these are really good pieces these days. A little more and don't mind the matte finish, as a "working gun," USFA Rodeo--but with all the internal goodness of the more premium polished guns. A little more but still can't quite stretch to the Colt?... USFA's blued/case hardened "Single Action" model - most analagous to the regular Colt offering. Can afford the extra $200, get the Colt--and shoot it. For another $100-150, and you don't care about no prancing pony, the USFA Pre-War. If you've got to have that horsie, and I admit I felt I did at least once in my life, The current "4th Gen" crop of Colts is so good--or for the skeptics out there, good enough--that the extra $400-700 for a like condition 2nd Gen is strictly a "collector's" thing any more. Last edited by gak; August 25, 2009 at 12:09 PM. |
August 25, 2009, 12:39 PM | #24 |
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I've come across quite a few internet horror stories/complaints concerning nib Colt SAA's. Certainly enough to make me not want to waste my time ordering one in hopes I get one in the condition that you describe, Gak.
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August 25, 2009, 01:00 PM | #25 | |
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This 1933 vintage 7½" SAA chambered in .45 Colt came to me a couple of years ago via Gunbroker.com in exchange for $3,750. It was in all likelihood unfired, and its only mechanical defect was a gap in the forward grip strap fit to the frame that I fixed by loosening the screws and tightening them in reverse order. I shoot it regularly, and hope to have it joined by a 1925 5½" specimen in a similar condition, coming up in a European auction with a low estimate. |
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