Want to buy a Colt single action

screasy · March 20, 2009, 07:43 PM

Thinking about buying a single action , does anyone have any advice on barrel length, or clone. I would be using it for general alround use .

screasy101@yahoo.com

rustler · March 20, 2009, 07:49 PM

You might want to look at a Ruger - not a colt but indestructible for everyday use.

Of course there is the real "Colt", expensive $1200+ and also USFA who makes Colt clones (actually better than Colt...)

There are bunch of Italian colt clones - You can get all the answers you need from the SASS board. (http://sassnet.com) in the forums section.

Barrel length - 5 1/2 is the most common.

CraigC · March 20, 2009, 08:28 PM

Depends on what you want, what's important to you and how much you want to spend.

gak · March 21, 2009, 12:05 PM

I can speak from experience that there's nothing like the feel of a Colt SAA, including the recent years' production "4th gen" (though the purists here and on other forums will blanch at that terminology--still insisting on "3rd gen"....but "4th" makes for no confusion, essentially indicating production since the reintroduction of the removable bushing - 5 years? - and supposed (but apparent to me) improvement in quality of fit and finish over previous 3rd gen years. I say "nothing...like a Colt" except the USFA's are awfully fine pieces - for great (relative) bargain prices now. Still, for about $1,100 - about the lowest I've seen a new Colt recently - not a bad price for something that, even considering bad economic times, has the Colt name on it and should never really go down; all the rest will - relatively speaking.

For several years, especially after Colt "lowered" their prices a bit, presumably to be more competitive with USFA, the two prices were close enough, I'd automatically say "Colt." But with USFA's new lower pricing on their standard Single Action.... that's roughly the comparable model to the Colt SAA...the USFA's an easier call, especially if you're on budget. If you're talking the "more premium-featured" USFA "prewar" featured model, then that's right back up there again with the basic Colt $... So then it's a question of, do you want a slightly fancier USFA for the same price as the Colt? Depending on your perspective, your answer could go either way on that one. Btw, all Colt blue'd models, some modest special order options notwithstanding are basically the same trim level...polished blue and case-hardened frame. OTOH, all USFA single actions, from their "lowly" (but same good stuff inside) Rodeo right up through the "pre war" models - have the nice "blackpowder" beveled cylinder. Not so the Colt, which has to be special ordered that way.

If you want all the internal and fit ' finish goodness of the USFA's "better" models (as well as the Colt SAA for that matter), but don't care about the level of finish - at a bargain price - get the Rodeo. Though I don't care for the flat dark gray finish, it's still a lot nicer than the cheaper Uberti line flat charcoal black that are sold in the sports warehouse palaces.... and I view the Rodeo as the perfect starting place for an antiquing job anyway....DIY antiquing on one of those would beat USFA's out of the box antiqued model - the Gunfighter - by $200-300+.

Cimarron (and others) via Uberti represent a very good clone - my Cim Model P .44 Special being one example that's a joy to shoot and handle. On request, it was antiqued after-the-fact (post shipment from Uberti to Cim) by the Cim shop, so the "aging" is a little different (better in my book) the the flat old gray of Cim's "original finish" done at the Italian Uberti factory. I had one of the country's top Colt tunesmith's do an action job for me and added some current gen Colt eagle grips custom fitted onto the gun (the Uberti's grips are slightly larger than the 2nd and 1st gen Colt's, limiting what aftermarket grips will fit; the 3rd gen Colt's run a bit larger; still take fitting (and adding the SAA locating pin boss, etc.) but the result is stellar)..... and now it's just so - looks, feels and acts like an old Colt - I love it - my favorite trail piece -- for a total of about 45% the price of a new Colt--or 2/3 the price of a polished blue USFA Colt clone...and I don't worry about dropping it and dinging it up.

Some swear by the Pietta Colt clones as being the very best of the imports; have heard no bad remarks about. They're avaialble from Charles Daly as well as EMF, the latter as the Great Western II.

These responses all deal with the more "direct" Colt clone designs. For the most reliable single action that still looks pretty much like a Colt, the Ruger New Vaquero can't be beat. Different feel to the action for sure, but you can load 6 safely (yes I know you can too on the Beretta-Uberti) and have a reliable as nails trail or range arm for 1/2 to 1/3 the price of the USFA or Colt, respectively. Downside? Other than the lack of the "4 click" Colt action, the calibers are limited (for now?) to .357 and .45.

chucksolo69 · March 21, 2009, 02:43 PM

I currently own a Colt SAA in .357 Mag with 5.5" barrel. I don't shoot it anymore because It is worth too much. I bought it in 1976 for $400.00. It is worth 3 times that now. My Colt is accurate and fun to shoot, but I want to keep it in it's current condition. I am currently considering buying a Beretta Stampede for single action fun. I have checked them out as well as the offerings from Taurus, Uberti, Ruger and a few others. I prefer the Beretta because, being a purist, it must be placed on half cock and the loading gate opened for the cylinder to rotate. It does have a transfer bar safety, unlike my Colt (fixed firing pin and actually a "five shooter"). I dislike the Ruger because the cylinder is freed up by just opening the loading gate. Cabela's lists an SAA clone in its catalog with a matte blue finish and brass back strap and trigger guard for a whopping $300.00. I like the Beretta because the finish on their guns is very well done and attractive. However, if you want the "real thing", the Colt IS the SAA to get. Freedom Arms guns are indeed nice and extremely well built, AND expensive, but they ain't no Colt.

Walther22lr · March 21, 2009, 03:47 PM

Barrel length affects balance. In other words, how it feels in your hand.

Longer barrels put the weight out towards the muzzle. Caliber plays a part in this too. A .45 Colt SAA with a 7.5" barrel will feel less muzzle heavy when compared against a .357 with the same barrel length since there is more steel in the barrel of the .357.

Longer barrels will give you a higher muzzle velocity and a longer sight radius too.

For carrying though, the shorter barrel may be more preferred for comfort and weight.

Personally, if I were looking to get a .45 Colt, I would not have a preference on barrel length. If I were getting a .357, then I would get the shorter barrel length.

Chesster · March 21, 2009, 06:33 PM

I like the USFA Rodeo .45 for general standard pressure shooting. Colts are too expensive to bang around IMHO.

Hirlau · March 21, 2009, 07:15 PM

Go with the BEST !! Colt SAA, 45LC

bufordtjustice · March 21, 2009, 07:43 PM

I say go with the older ruger vaquero in .45LC and a 5.5" bbl. They are on a beefier frame so can handle heavier loads for hunting and of course cowboy loads for plinking. I got a special one 5 or 6 years ago that also came with a .45ACP which is fun.

CraigC · March 21, 2009, 11:43 PM

Great post by gak, can't add anything to it. If it were me and I were spending $1200 on a SAA, it would be the USFA Pre-War model. Colt is building a good sixgun now but at $1200, it's comparable to the basic USFA model that's $400 less. The premium Pre-War model is head and shoulders above Colt with superior fit and finish along with brilliant case colors and authentic carbona bluing that hasn't been done on a factory gun in many years. Same for Doug Turnbull's Cowboy Classic. USFA also gets their dimensions right, something Colt still can't manage to correct. All those I've seen reports on still have oversized chamber mouths.

Quote:

I don't shoot it anymore because It is worth too much.

IMHO, there's not really any reason not to shoot a run-of-the-mill 3rd generation Colt SAA. They won't appreciate beyond inflation in our lifetimes and you'll get a lot more out of it by using it. Once the market realizes that the new 3rd's are much better guns, the older 3rd's might even depreciate. According to an online inflation calculator, $400 in 1976 dollars is $1442 now so in reality, you've already lost money. I say shoot it, carry it and enjoy it.

Walther22lr · March 22, 2009, 12:06 AM

Quote:

I don't shoot it anymore because It is worth too much. I bought it in 1976 for $400.00.

I have to agree with what CraigC said on this one.

Quote:

IMHO, there's not really any reason not to shoot a run-of-the-mill 3rd generation Colt SAA. They won't appreciate beyond inflation in our lifetimes and you'll get a lot more out of it by using it. Once the market realizes that the new 3rd's are much better guns, the older 3rd's might even depreciate. According to an online inflation calculator, $400 in 1976 dollars is $1442 now so in reality, you've already lost money. I say shoot it, carry it and enjoy it.

My Colt, shown in the above post, was purchased by me in 1975 for about $350. I still have the original box and papers it came with. Is it too valuable to shoot? Not to me. Why should I relegate it to the category of "safe queen"?

I bought it to shoot and enjoy. Life is too short.

Hirlau · March 22, 2009, 12:30 AM

CraigC wrote: "The premium Pre-War model is head and shoulders above Colt with superior fit and finish along with brilliant case colors and authentic carbona bluing that hasn't been done on a factory gun in many years. Same for Doug Turnbull's Cowboy Classic. USFA also gets their dimensions right, something Colt still can't manage to correct. All those I've seen reports on still have oversized chamber mouths."

Yes, USFA has some "Pretty guns", but they are not COLTS

On the Seventh Day God rested, On the Eight Day God created Colt !

CraigC · March 22, 2009, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Yes, USFA has some "Pretty guns", but they are not COLTS

Disregarding them as "pretty" is rather short-sighted and condescending considering that USFA is superior in EVERY way possible. Superior fit and finish, inside and out. They don't even need an action job. Carbona bluing that Colt has not used since before WWII. Most 3rd generation Colts, up until the last couple years, are terribly over polished but most people that espouse them don't know the difference just because they have the rampant pony. Even Colt is not Colt anymore, they're just a copy of the original and happen to have rights to the famous name. The current company is selling a name and little more. If that name is all that's important to you, it's easy to overlook everything else. Personally, I'm not that blind.

As a rule, I'm pretty positive on Colt's until I hear comments like that. I can buy whatever I want and for my $1200, it's USFA (or Turnbull's USFA's) every single time.

Hirlau · March 22, 2009, 01:31 AM

Feel free to copy my photo in post # 8, have it enlarged, maybe

CraigC · March 22, 2009, 01:34 AM

Why would I do that? I have a Colt New Frontier and two USFA's within arm's reach.

41rem · March 22, 2009, 02:05 AM

My old guns all fun to shoot. I like blowing smoke w/ the 1851 Navy & The S&W M-19 is quite accurate & the second generation SSA 4 5/8" .45 Colt is a fine shooter w/ mild reloads.

The 1950's vintage .22 Challenger is a blast to bounce tin cans about the back 40 with. And that trusty three screw Ruger 357 w/ some warm +p .38's runs a close second on the fun meter...

4one

AJD21 · March 22, 2009, 02:49 AM

The Colt vs. USFA debate gets brought up all the time.

I've owned four "4th" Gen Colt's all made in the last 2.5 years and seven USFA's (1 Rodeo, 4 Pre-Wars, 2 blue/cch and 1 nickel plated) in the last 3 years. Buying and selling along the way. I currently have two USFA's and no Colt's.

I love Colt. Own a Python, three 1911's made by Colt and a Colt 6520. I've owned more Colt firearms than probably all other brands combined.

There is no doubt, not even a trace, not even sniff, that USFA produces a higher quality Single Action Army in fit, finish and shootability(is that a word?) than Colt and the USFA costs less money.

Don't take this to mean that Colt's aren't nice. They are very nice. USFA's are just better.

Every Colt SAA I purchased had some QC or "issue".

Whether it be the weird "flame cutting" appearance on the frame that comes on some NIB Colt's(It looks like flame cutting but apparently it happens when they install the barrel or something). Or it could be the gritty sounding action or the creep in the trigger pull or the excessively loose cylinder(so much so it rattled when shaken straight out of the box with the hammer down!) or the "cloudy" patches on several parts of the bluing or the small gaps between the frame and the grips, etc. etc. etc. These problems werent all on one gun but were issues that came up between the four different models. Some having more than one of the above.

Even without these issues the fitting of the parts on the USFA was better, the CCH was more vibrant, the quality of the blueing(especially on the Pre-War's) was just a bit better. Its the small details that you start to notice after having so many pass through your hands. And not just picking them up in a gunstore for 10 seconds and declaring Colt to be equal but actually shooting, cocking, handling and closely examining them.

Having owned 11 different SAA's between the 2 brands has given me the firm conviction that Colt's are for those that want a nicely made SAA that has the Colt name and Colt brand appeal. And you know what...THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH WANTING JUST THAT AND BEING HAPPY ABOUT IT.

USFA is for those(like me) that simply want the best Single Action Army(COPY or "geniune") that has probably ever been made.

My Browning B-92 is made in Japan but again sometimes quality just has a way of helping you to turn a blind eye to the "Made in Japan" on the barrel.

And the USFA's are just so perfect that I, as a Colt lover, find a way to forget about that little prancing pony and to be honest I've almost come to the point of feeling like if it isn't a USFA then I'm holding a copy.

I'll probably save this post and just cut and paste as this is brought up every few days on one of the various forums.

CraigC · March 22, 2009, 01:06 PM

Excellent post!!!

Quote:

Don't take this to mean that Colt's aren't nice. They are very nice. USFA's are just better.

Agreed, it's not that the current Colt's aren't good guns, USFA's are just better, in every way.

Quote:

...Colt's are for those that want a nicely made SAA that has the Colt name and Colt brand appeal. And you know what...THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH WANTING JUST THAT AND BEING HAPPY ABOUT IT.

USFA is for those(like me) that simply want the best Single Action Army(COPY or "geniune") that has probably ever been made.

Exactly!

Quote:

My Browning B-92 is made in Japan but again sometimes quality just has a way of helping you to turn a blind eye to the "Made in Japan" on the barrel.

Oh yes! Lots of folks are completely turned off by "Made in Japan" being stamped on a Winchester (or Browning) levergun. Fact is, the finest quality leverguns made in the last half century have come from Miroku in Japan. They are head and shoulders above anything produced domestically since Winchester's heyday. I own three Miroku guns and they are all top quality. My late model Winchester `95 .405WCF is not only a beautifully made rifle but also one of the most accurate guns I own, piling the Hornady 300gr into an inch at 100yds with the factory buckhorn sights. "Made in Japan" doesn't bother me a bit when the quality is this good.

You simply won't find a better fit and finished traditional sixgun on the market than USFA. Their precision is rivaled only by Freedom Arms.

Hirlau · March 22, 2009, 06:31 PM

"COPY" being the key word here.

CraigC · March 22, 2009, 07:28 PM

Quote:

"COPY" being the key word here.

Bury your head in the sand much?

Copy of what? If the current USFA is a copy of the original, then so is the current Colt. The Pre-War is an almost exact duplicate of those guns Colt produced before World War II and probably even better. The new "copies" with the rampant pony don't even come close. By those lofty standards, the USFA is a steal at $1200, the current Colt is a ripoff. There's a hell of a lot more to it than the name stamped on the barrel. If you don't know the difference, ignorance is surely bliss.

chucksolo69 · March 22, 2009, 07:43 PM

The Colt I have, and I have verified this, is one of the last SAAs made on the original Colt machinery. I bought it NIB in 1976, I didn't say it was manufactured in 1976; I also have the box and all paperwork, adding to its value. Therefore, I still believe that my Colt is one that I want to keep in the condition it is in. It is 98% factory finish. There 's nothing wrong with my wanting to keep it that way. Colt's have historical appeal. That's what it is all about with me. I never heard of Old West desperados and lawmen wearing and shooting USFA guns. Have you?

CraigC · March 22, 2009, 07:46 PM

Quote:

The Colt I have, and I have verified this, is one of the last SAAs made on the original Colt machinery.

Well, that's certainly different. I assumed it was a new production gun in 1976. But I do hope it's worth a lot more than $1200!!!

Quote:

I never heard of Old West desperados and lawmen wearing and shooting USFA guns.

Nope but USFA builds a gun that is closer by FAR to the original Colt's than Colt does now. That much is indesputable. Like I said, the name isn't everything but it seems like they could stamp "Colt" on a cat nugget and it would be the bees knees to some folks. The fact that you guys are so enamoured with the Colt name doesn't make the guns any better. They didn't carry leverguns made in Japan in the 1800's either but the fact of the matter is that right now, the best made leverguns come from Miroku. Of course, they do have the magical name on them.

Hirlau · March 22, 2009, 07:53 PM

Easy Tough Guy, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

I'm looking for a new handgun and I didn't want to buy another SAA. I'm now going to surf over to USFA and take a look. Decide and order through my dealer.

When it comes in, I'll push 300 through it. I'll then have a hands-on opinion to return with.

I like the looks of this one;

chucksolo69 · March 22, 2009, 08:00 PM

Now that is a nice Bisley!!! Yep, when I bought it I had run out to my local gun shop because they had mentioned in a story in the "American Rifleman" that Colt was discontinuing the SAA. I was told that there were no .45 Colt SAA guns to be had since people were buying them up like crazy. I had to settle for the .357 in 5.5 inch since all the 4.75 inch guns had been snatched up!!

AJD21 · March 23, 2009, 02:04 AM

BTW,

I read on Coltforum.com that Colt will be raising the distributor price of the SAA by $300 to $1173. Add in mark up to the dealer and the dealers mark up to you and its probably going to be $1300-$1400 or more for a Colt SAA before long.

This is not "random internet rumor" as it came from a very reliable source that has contacts within Colt. I would be surprised if it wasn't true.

FYI, my last USFA with the extra CCH hammer was $795 shipped from Gary Granger.

If were are indeed looking at a $500-$600 price difference between USFA and Colt in the near future then I would find the comparison even more in favor of USFA then it is now.

And if you want a new Colt SAA you better hurry because the Pony rollmark isn't getting any cheaper.

March 20, 2009, 07:43 PM	#1
screasy Junior Member Join Date: March 20, 2009 Posts: 1	Want to buy a Colt single action Thinking about buying a single action , does anyone have any advice on barrel length, or clone. I would be using it for general alround use . screasy101@yahoo.com

March 21, 2009, 12:05 PM	#4
gak Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2005 Posts: 2,714	I can speak from experience that there's nothing like the feel of a Colt SAA, including the recent years' production "4th gen" (though the purists here and on other forums will blanch at that terminology--still insisting on "3rd gen"....but "4th" makes for no confusion, essentially indicating production since the reintroduction of the removable bushing - 5 years? - and supposed (but apparent to me) improvement in quality of fit and finish over previous 3rd gen years. I say "nothing...like a Colt" except the USFA's are awfully fine pieces - for great (relative) bargain prices now. Still, for about $1,100 - about the lowest I've seen a new Colt recently - not a bad price for something that, even considering bad economic times, has the Colt name on it and should never really go down; all the rest will - relatively speaking. For several years, especially after Colt "lowered" their prices a bit, presumably to be more competitive with USFA, the two prices were close enough, I'd automatically say "Colt." But with USFA's new lower pricing on their standard Single Action.... that's roughly the comparable model to the Colt SAA...the USFA's an easier call, especially if you're on budget. If you're talking the "more premium-featured" USFA "prewar" featured model, then that's right back up there again with the basic Colt $... So then it's a question of, do you want a slightly fancier USFA for the same price as the Colt? Depending on your perspective, your answer could go either way on that one. Btw, all Colt blue'd models, some modest special order options notwithstanding are basically the same trim level...polished blue and case-hardened frame. OTOH, all USFA single actions, from their "lowly" (but same good stuff inside) Rodeo right up through the "pre war" models - have the nice "blackpowder" beveled cylinder. Not so the Colt, which has to be special ordered that way. If you want all the internal and fit ' finish goodness of the USFA's "better" models (as well as the Colt SAA for that matter), but don't care about the level of finish - at a bargain price - get the Rodeo. Though I don't care for the flat dark gray finish, it's still a lot nicer than the cheaper Uberti line flat charcoal black that are sold in the sports warehouse palaces.... and I view the Rodeo as the perfect starting place for an antiquing job anyway....DIY antiquing on one of those would beat USFA's out of the box antiqued model - the Gunfighter - by $200-300+. Cimarron (and others) via Uberti represent a very good clone - my Cim Model P .44 Special being one example that's a joy to shoot and handle. On request, it was antiqued after-the-fact (post shipment from Uberti to Cim) by the Cim shop, so the "aging" is a little different (better in my book) the the flat old gray of Cim's "original finish" done at the Italian Uberti factory. I had one of the country's top Colt tunesmith's do an action job for me and added some current gen Colt eagle grips custom fitted onto the gun (the Uberti's grips are slightly larger than the 2nd and 1st gen Colt's, limiting what aftermarket grips will fit; the 3rd gen Colt's run a bit larger; still take fitting (and adding the SAA locating pin boss, etc.) but the result is stellar)..... and now it's just so - looks, feels and acts like an old Colt - I love it - my favorite trail piece -- for a total of about 45% the price of a new Colt--or 2/3 the price of a polished blue USFA Colt clone...and I don't worry about dropping it and dinging it up. Some swear by the Pietta Colt clones as being the very best of the imports; have heard no bad remarks about. They're avaialble from Charles Daly as well as EMF, the latter as the Great Western II. These responses all deal with the more "direct" Colt clone designs. For the most reliable single action that still looks pretty much like a Colt, the Ruger New Vaquero can't be beat. Different feel to the action for sure, but you can load 6 safely (yes I know you can too on the Beretta-Uberti) and have a reliable as nails trail or range arm for 1/2 to 1/3 the price of the USFA or Colt, respectively. Downside? Other than the lack of the "4 click" Colt action, the calibers are limited (for now?) to .357 and .45. Last edited by gak; March 21, 2009 at 12:12 PM.

March 21, 2009, 06:33 PM	#7
Chesster Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2007 Location: Dixie Posts: 2,538	I like the USFA Rodeo .45 for general standard pressure shooting. Colts are too expensive to bang around IMHO. __________________ Chesster Proud NDN "The American Idle" Vote 'Pro-Choice' on 2nd Amendment issues!!!

March 22, 2009, 02:49 AM	#17
AJD21 Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2007 Posts: 152	The Colt vs. USFA debate gets brought up all the time. I've owned four "4th" Gen Colt's all made in the last 2.5 years and seven USFA's (1 Rodeo, 4 Pre-Wars, 2 blue/cch and 1 nickel plated) in the last 3 years. Buying and selling along the way. I currently have two USFA's and no Colt's. I love Colt. Own a Python, three 1911's made by Colt and a Colt 6520. I've owned more Colt firearms than probably all other brands combined. There is no doubt, not even a trace, not even sniff, that USFA produces a higher quality Single Action Army in fit, finish and shootability(is that a word?) than Colt and the USFA costs less money. Don't take this to mean that Colt's aren't nice. They are very nice. USFA's are just better. Every Colt SAA I purchased had some QC or "issue". Whether it be the weird "flame cutting" appearance on the frame that comes on some NIB Colt's(It looks like flame cutting but apparently it happens when they install the barrel or something). Or it could be the gritty sounding action or the creep in the trigger pull or the excessively loose cylinder(so much so it rattled when shaken straight out of the box with the hammer down!) or the "cloudy" patches on several parts of the bluing or the small gaps between the frame and the grips, etc. etc. etc. These problems werent all on one gun but were issues that came up between the four different models. Some having more than one of the above. Even without these issues the fitting of the parts on the USFA was better, the CCH was more vibrant, the quality of the blueing(especially on the Pre-War's) was just a bit better. Its the small details that you start to notice after having so many pass through your hands. And not just picking them up in a gunstore for 10 seconds and declaring Colt to be equal but actually shooting, cocking, handling and closely examining them. Having owned 11 different SAA's between the 2 brands has given me the firm conviction that Colt's are for those that want a nicely made SAA that has the Colt name and Colt brand appeal. And you know what...THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH WANTING JUST THAT AND BEING HAPPY ABOUT IT. USFA is for those(like me) that simply want the best Single Action Army(COPY or "geniune") that has probably ever been made. My Browning B-92 is made in Japan but again sometimes quality just has a way of helping you to turn a blind eye to the "Made in Japan" on the barrel. And the USFA's are just so perfect that I, as a Colt lover, find a way to forget about that little prancing pony and to be honest I've almost come to the point of feeling like if it isn't a USFA then I'm holding a copy. I'll probably save this post and just cut and paste as this is brought up every few days on one of the various forums. Last edited by AJD21; March 22, 2009 at 12:15 PM.

March 20, 2009, 07:49 PM	#2
rustler Junior Member Join Date: April 26, 2008 Posts: 4	You might want to look at a Ruger - not a colt but indestructible for everyday use. Of course there is the real "Colt", expensive $1200+ and also USFA who makes Colt clones (actually better than Colt...) There are bunch of Italian colt clones - You can get all the answers you need from the SASS board. (http://sassnet.com) in the forums section. Barrel length - 5 1/2 is the most common.

March 20, 2009, 08:28 PM	#3
CraigC Junior member Join Date: November 28, 2001 Location: West Tennessee Posts: 4,300	Depends on what you want, what's important to you and how much you want to spend.

March 21, 2009, 02:43 PM	#5
chucksolo69 Junior member Join Date: January 21, 2009 Posts: 255	I currently own a Colt SAA in .357 Mag with 5.5" barrel. I don't shoot it anymore because It is worth too much. I bought it in 1976 for $400.00. It is worth 3 times that now. My Colt is accurate and fun to shoot, but I want to keep it in it's current condition. I am currently considering buying a Beretta Stampede for single action fun. I have checked them out as well as the offerings from Taurus, Uberti, Ruger and a few others. I prefer the Beretta because, being a purist, it must be placed on half cock and the loading gate opened for the cylinder to rotate. It does have a transfer bar safety, unlike my Colt (fixed firing pin and actually a "five shooter"). I dislike the Ruger because the cylinder is freed up by just opening the loading gate. Cabela's lists an SAA clone in its catalog with a matte blue finish and brass back strap and trigger guard for a whopping $300.00. I like the Beretta because the finish on their guns is very well done and attractive. However, if you want the "real thing", the Colt IS the SAA to get. Freedom Arms guns are indeed nice and extremely well built, AND expensive, but they ain't no Colt.

March 21, 2009, 03:47 PM	#6
Walther22lr Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2000 Location: Arizona Territory Posts: 294	Barrel length affects balance. In other words, how it feels in your hand. Longer barrels put the weight out towards the muzzle. Caliber plays a part in this too. A .45 Colt SAA with a 7.5" barrel will feel less muzzle heavy when compared against a .357 with the same barrel length since there is more steel in the barrel of the .357. Longer barrels will give you a higher muzzle velocity and a longer sight radius too. For carrying though, the shorter barrel may be more preferred for comfort and weight. Personally, if I were looking to get a .45 Colt, I would not have a preference on barrel length. If I were getting a .357, then I would get the shorter barrel length.

March 21, 2009, 07:15 PM	#8
Hirlau Junior member Join Date: January 1, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 296	Go with the BEST !! Colt SAA, 45LC

March 21, 2009, 07:43 PM	#9
bufordtjustice Senior Member Join Date: February 14, 2008 Posts: 279	I say go with the older ruger vaquero in .45LC and a 5.5" bbl. They are on a beefier frame so can handle heavier loads for hunting and of course cowboy loads for plinking. I got a special one 5 or 6 years ago that also came with a .45ACP which is fun.

March 22, 2009, 12:30 AM	#12
Hirlau Junior member Join Date: January 1, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 296	CraigC wrote: "The premium Pre-War model is head and shoulders above Colt with superior fit and finish along with brilliant case colors and authentic carbona bluing that hasn't been done on a factory gun in many years. Same for Doug Turnbull's Cowboy Classic. USFA also gets their dimensions right, something Colt still can't manage to correct. All those I've seen reports on still have oversized chamber mouths." Yes, USFA has some "Pretty guns", but they are not COLTS On the Seventh Day God rested, On the Eight Day God created Colt !

March 22, 2009, 01:31 AM	#14
Hirlau Junior member Join Date: January 1, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 296	Feel free to copy my photo in post # 8, have it enlarged, maybe

March 22, 2009, 01:34 AM	#15
CraigC Junior member Join Date: November 28, 2001 Location: West Tennessee Posts: 4,300	Why would I do that? I have a Colt New Frontier and two USFA's within arm's reach.

March 22, 2009, 06:31 PM	#19
Hirlau Junior member Join Date: January 1, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 296	"COPY" being the key word here.

March 22, 2009, 07:43 PM	#21
chucksolo69 Junior member Join Date: January 21, 2009 Posts: 255	The Colt I have, and I have verified this, is one of the last SAAs made on the original Colt machinery. I bought it NIB in 1976, I didn't say it was manufactured in 1976; I also have the box and all paperwork, adding to its value. Therefore, I still believe that my Colt is one that I want to keep in the condition it is in. It is 98% factory finish. There 's nothing wrong with my wanting to keep it that way. Colt's have historical appeal. That's what it is all about with me. I never heard of Old West desperados and lawmen wearing and shooting USFA guns. Have you?

March 22, 2009, 07:53 PM	#23
Hirlau Junior member Join Date: January 1, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 296	Easy Tough Guy, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. I'm looking for a new handgun and I didn't want to buy another SAA. I'm now going to surf over to USFA and take a look. Decide and order through my dealer. When it comes in, I'll push 300 through it. I'll then have a hands-on opinion to return with. I like the looks of this one;

March 22, 2009, 08:00 PM	#24
chucksolo69 Junior member Join Date: January 21, 2009 Posts: 255	Now that is a nice Bisley!!! Yep, when I bought it I had run out to my local gun shop because they had mentioned in a story in the "American Rifleman" that Colt was discontinuing the SAA. I was told that there were no .45 Colt SAA guns to be had since people were buying them up like crazy. I had to settle for the .357 in 5.5 inch since all the 4.75 inch guns had been snatched up!!

March 23, 2009, 02:04 AM	#25
AJD21 Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2007 Posts: 152	BTW, I read on Coltforum.com that Colt will be raising the distributor price of the SAA by $300 to $1173. Add in mark up to the dealer and the dealers mark up to you and its probably going to be $1300-$1400 or more for a Colt SAA before long. This is not "random internet rumor" as it came from a very reliable source that has contacts within Colt. I would be surprised if it wasn't true. FYI, my last USFA with the extra CCH hammer was $795 shipped from Gary Granger. If were are indeed looking at a $500-$600 price difference between USFA and Colt in the near future then I would find the comparison even more in favor of USFA then it is now. And if you want a new Colt SAA you better hurry because the Pony rollmark isn't getting any cheaper.