[FrankD]

The SAA bug bit me. I tried a friends Colt SAA 45 and loved it. Now I want one. I'm finding out the price of a Colt 45 is pretty steep tho. Also found that Uberti has the Cattleman that appears comparable in appearance, and the price goes about 25% that of the Colt. Now I'm in sort of a dilemma. Do I go for the lower cost Uberti. Being fairly priced, I can feel comfortable shooting it. If it get some dings along the way, which I'm sure it will, I won't feel too bad because of not much money tied up in it. Now if I go for the Colt, I have the Colt name, something american made, and much more money tied up in it. And the Colt does feel nice in my hand. I don't think I'd feel all that comfortable shooting it because I'd be afraid of damaging the finish. Feeling that way wouldn't allow me to really "enjoy" shooting it. Has anyone faced the same decision making their first SAA purchase.? What did you do.?

[Lobotomy Boy]

I wouldn't select either, because neither gun has a transfer bar safety. They have fixed firing pins and need to be carried with the hammer on an empty chamber. For hunting, I find that a serious pain in the rectal region.

I'd go with a Ruger. I have a Ruger Blackhawk for hunting, and if I wanted a cowboy-action style gun, I'd get a Vaquero. That way you have an American-made gun that has a transfer-bar safety.

[thatguy]

I have a real Colt and several Italian made clones. The Colt is better. No question about it. Is it three times better, reflecting the cost difference. I don't know. I do know a Colt will hold its value much better than will a clone so your initial investment may yield some profit down the road should you sell.

I say buy the clone. If you really get into single action shooting you may want to get a Colt later on. If you're happy with the clone then fine.

Personally, I don't think the Ruger is a substitue for the SAA. Yes, they are strong and all, yada, yada, yada. But they are not traditional single actions. That funky loading system sucked when it came out, sucks today, and will suck forever as far as I'm concerned. I don't need the safety system as loading only five is no big deal for these guns since they are toys, anyway. If a hunter is using a single action and needs more than five shots perhaps he ought to reconsider what he's doing out there. Would one more shot really help?

The Rugers are also, to my eye, ugly. Not just a little ugly, but way ugly. Matte bluing on aluminum parts doesn't compare to polished blue and case hardened steel in my book. Even the clones are much richer looking than the Rugers. And having a novel stamped on the barrel turns me off beyond belief.

You may disagree and fall in love with the Ruger, But if what you want is the feel of the traditional Single Action Army the Ruger is not it.

Just my opinion.

[ZBill]

I purchased a Uberti Cattleman a few months ago, my first SAA-type. I really like it, so much in fact that I later purchased a Colt SAA for its stable mate. I am using the Uberti exclusively for shooting right now until I learn the ins and outs of SAA actions, handling, loading and unloading. Once I get all that down, I'll work up the courage to fire my Colt. I'm very glad that I got the Uberti first. Bill

[bow4828]

I am more than happy with my Uberti.I am even using it for fast-draw.(with action job of course)It is holding up very well.If You want the Colt feel,but the advantage of a tranfer-bar;check into the Beretta Stampede.I am torn betwwen one of those or a USFA Rodeo for my other F-D gun.Both are Very nice.

[paul45]

I have to say having had a beautiful Colt SAA 7.5 inch in .45 colt,that I never shot it .I couldnt bring myself to do it,but that is just me.I did however shoot the heck out of a very nice Uberti SAA clone with a 4 3/4 inch barrel that was great fun.It also had a 45 acp cylinder with I mostly used.My answer is get a Colt to admire and keep...get a clone to have fun with....but remember...thats just me.

[Jim Watson]

The best way to admire a Colt is by shooting it. If the finish gets a little honest wear, so be it. My 3rd Gen .44 Special with .44 WCF cylinder is my SASS main match gun. I cheaped out and bought a Cimarron when the stages started requiring two sixguns, but had to put some of the money back in for work on sight picture and zero, trigger job, and grips to make it look, feel, and shoot as much like the Colt as possible.

The Ruger New Vaquero is only slightly larger than a real SAA, has a detent to line up the chamber with the loading gate, and is still stronger than a Uberti and cheaper than a Colt, if you want a Harrington and Richardson transfer bar. But it is not for monster magnumized Big Vaquero/Blackhawk .45s.

If I were starting over it would be with either Ubertis or USFAs for Cowboy because they suit my hand size and strength but for less money than a real Colt. I have no other use for a single action revolver.

[Frandy]

Sure a Colt is a great gun. Sure it will hold its value. Sure it has the pedigree. But, dollar for dollar? For value? I say Uberti or Beretta Stampede.

Stampede in Mernickle holster:
http://home.mindspring.com/~inkedup/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/beretta_stampede_in_mernickle_640.jpg

[EghtySx]

I'm a Colt guy. Nothing like em for me. I own 5 Cot pistols and love em all. Just gave my Dad my Kimber for CCW and got another Colt. Ths is sheer opinion and I have nothing against any other gun as I want them ALL!! :evil:

[Majic]

I wouldn't select either, because neither gun has a transfer bar safety. They have fixed firing pins and need to be carried with the hammer on an empty chamber. For hunting, I find that a serious pain in the rectal region.
If you need six shots for the kill then somethings terribly wrong.

[Pilot]

Have you considered a USFA Rodeo or their SAA? American made, high quality, no transfer bar which I see as a positive on an SAA. For just hunting, nothing wrong with the Ruger Blackhawk either, but if you want a true SAA the Rodeo is better. BTW, I have both and shoot the Rodeo more.

[Vern Humphrey]

I'm also a Colt guy. I don't have a SAA in .45 Colt (but I do in .357 Mag.) The Colt is a superior product.

IF I wanted a single action in .45 Colt in the traditional format, I'd go with a genuine Colt. I'd save my lunch money for a few months to make up the differece between the Colt and the better clones.

[DHart]

For cowboy action shooting I started with Cimarrons (Ubertis) and they were very nice. But then of course I wanted to have the real McCoy, so I sold them and bought Colts.... no regrets at all. Nothing like a genuine Colt SAA. I take very good care of them, but I do shoot them as well.

[Chuck R.]

I bought my first Colt SAA, early 3rd generation, 45 Colt 5 ½” barrel, at a gun show in TX. A few years later, when I became interested in CAS, I picked up a second 4 ¾” barrel. The pair are probably my favorite revolvers (although my Python gives them competition). They both now have blueing wear and scratches from being used in CAS matches, but that just gave them character.

Yes Colts, are expensive, and yes, there are better “values” available. But the substitutes or clones aren’t Colt SAAs. They may even perform as well, or better, but it’s just not the same.

Chuck

[Brad Johnson]

I am a devout fan of the Vaquero, especially with it's new smaller frame, and would not hesitate to recommend it. However, if you are a die-hard SAA fan I think you should seriously consider the USFA SAA. It's made here in the States, and the action is good enough that Doug Turnbull uses the guns with no action work for his beautiful SAA reproductions. Not as cheap as the Uberti, but lightyears better in materials and workmanship. They have several lines available, from the bare-bones Rodeo to high-end custom work.

Click here to check out their web site. (http://www.usfirearms.com/) If you like the patina'd look of 'real' old Colts, be sure to check out their "Gunslinger" series under the Cowboy Action section of the product page.

Brad

[Standing Wolf]

If I ever buy a single action, it'll be from http://www.usfirearms.com

[wanderinwalker]

If one can afford it, I'd definitely go Colt and shoot the snot out of it! (I can hear people at the range already: "That's a REAL Colt? Why are you shooting it?!" Just smile and say, "Because I bought it to use it!")

I learned SA revolvers on old Rugers and an all-too-brief outting with one of my uncle's Colt SAAs. Absolute joys to hold and shoot. Had a New Model Super Blackhawk for a while. Do you have any idea how long it takes to unlearn the half-cock and spin routine? Plus, I still only loaded it 5 around, force of habit ya know. And the big-frame Ruger is no Old Model Flattop or SAA in the hand; it is a cannon and you know it hauling it around.

Go Colt. Or maybe get a pair of Uberti's or similar. That would be nice too.

[Randy63]

Just think how cool it would be if Colt contracted out their SAA line to USFA. You would have the best built and nicest finished traditional SA revolver in the world stamped with that legendary horsey! I'd buy two of them.

They wouldn't be able to build them fast enough.

Randy

[FrankD]

How do dimensions and weight compare between the Colt and Uberti.?
The Uberti Millennium seemed diferent in my hand when looking it over at the shop. Cross town at another shop is were I held the Colt. Wasn't able to have them side by side, but something felt different betwen the two. Must be the weight and/or dimensions. Thats why I'm wondering if anyone has done a close physical comparison.

[Jim Watson]

The weight is likely very close.
But they keep messing with the grip. A recent magazine article said the USDFA grip was "slimmer but longer". And indeed a Rodeo I looked at felt substantially skinnier than my Colt.
But WHY?
Why change a good thing?

The one piece European walnut stocks on many Ubertis are noticeably slimmer than recent Colt plastic. Which is why I put Colts on my Cimarron, so they would set the same in my hand. Took some fitting, even Colt grip straps vary enough to need it.

[P. Plainsman]

This thread has surprised me a little bit. I take it the original poster is contemplating a new 3d gen Colt SAA. I have read many shooters here and on other forums decrying the poor quality, and especially the value for money, of current production Colt SAAs, so I expected a stampede (pardon the indirect pun) of posts saying "U.S. Firearms all the way!" That seems to be the clear consensus over at sixgunner.com, for example. I must say, based on what I've read, I would be extremely reluctant to purchase a current production Colt SAA. A USFA Pre-War .44 Special is the current object of my SAA desire.

But I don't speak from personal experience. There seem to be a fair number of enthusiasts of 3d gen SAAs here. As I said, an interesting surprise.

[thatguy]

Colt QC has been up and down over the years but my 3rd G in .44 Special is just fine in fit and finish and has provided over 25 years of reliable service (so far).

http://www.fototime.com/323FE6F3349E3A0/standard.jpg

[cookekdjr]

Have you considered a USFA Rodeo or their SAA? American made, high quality, no transfer bar which I see as a positive on an SAA. For just hunting, nothing wrong with the Ruger Blackhawk either, but if you want a true SAA the Rodeo is better. BTW, I have both and shoot the Rodeo more
Have noticed this opinion among most USFA owners. I'm strongly considering selling my blackhawk to finance a Rodeo purchase.
-David

[asa]

I've never owned a Rodeo, but have handled and fired a friend's and must admit it feels and shoots just like my SAA 3rd. Several years ago I had a small shop. Sold mostly collector's Wins. and Colts, and mostly through th Gun List. I did some local business and I can honestly say there were three primary categories of "tradeables" I hated to see come through the door: 1) Any of the Colt SAA clones(not including Rugers). Used, you own them forever. 2) Any Llama-worse than worthless. 3) Grandpa's old single barrel shotgun. I used to give guys 5 bucks just to put any of these back in the car. -Asa

[P. Plainsman]

Lovely revolver, thatguy. That's in essence the gun I want, down to the grips.

Looks fine after 25 years of use. Again for what it's worth, the scuttlebutt I have read is only consistently down on SAAs made in the last few years.

[homeka45]

My vote is for anything from USFA, damn those guns are beautiful. Coupled with a lightning carbine, I'd be in heaven while my wallet would be in agony.

[FrankD]

Boy have I been looking and comparing to no end trying to decide. Soon as I think I've narrowed it down, something comes along to change my mind. This forum has sure helped me tremendously. Right about now I'm leaning pretty strong towards the USFA Rodeo. Even thinking about the optional color case hammer (looks cool). There may be some out there that might think I'm making a mistake, but I think I'm moving in the right direction. Damn, now I'm starting to get excited.!

[poe_9999]

get a colt cowboy. They were made by colt but discountied a little while ago. I picked mine up for $470. I bought a pair of 2nd generation SSA grips and they fit the cowboy almost perfectly. The cowboy has a transfer bar and the trigger is offest to the side slightly. keep in mind to save cost on these guns colt used a cheaper manufacturing process. By the way i like my cowboy way better than my beretta stampede.

http://hunting.about.com/od/guns/l/aastcoltcowboya.htm

[Randy63]

I've been following this thread closely because I've been wanting an authentic SAA. No matter how good the USFA guns are, and they are, an authentic SAA is a Colt. I've done a lot of reading on the internet as well as talking to knowledeable people locally and I've been hearing a lot of good things about the most recent Colts, the so called "4th" generation guns because Colt has gone back to using the 2nd generation style removable base pin bushing. I've recently handled one of these with the 5.5" barrel in .45 Colt and was quite impressed with the fit and finish. I could have had it for $1100 which isn't too bad. Too bad with the Colt a color cased hammer is an option as well as a beveled cylinder.

Randy

[DHart]

I took a good long look at the USFA's when I sold my Cimarrons and ultimately bought Colts. The USFA's are very, very nice guns indeed. Even the lower priced Rodeo is a great gun. And of course, my Cimarron Ubertis were fine guns as well. I would have enjoyed shooting any of them.

It isn't about what's a better gun as they're all very nice and they'll all do the job, look good, hurl the lead, and be enjoyable to shoot. In the end what it's really all about is whether you want the genuine article, the Colt, or you don't care about the brand, the history, the charisma, etc.

When it comes to resale, if you ever have to sell your guns, you'll want to have Colts to sell. Of course, you won't really want to give up Colts either. It would be hard to give them up, but easier to give up a clone.

Some folks are just as happy saving some money and buying Ubertis or USFA's. For these folks, those are excellent choices. Other folks see something special in a Colt being a Colt and will make that choice. All the prospective buyer has to try to understand is which "camp" he or she falls in. It isn't something you analyse or compare engineering specs on, it's really more of a gut decision made from the heart, not the mind. Just my thinking, use it as you wish.

[thatguy]

Here's a pair of EMF (Uberti) clones wearing fake ivory (what else?). Not as fine as the real Colt but for the money they are very nice revolvers.

http://www.fototime.com/60EB182E494889A/standard.jpg

[Pilot]

I may be biased as stated earlier in this thread, I own a USFA Rodeo. I did my homework, and this one came up as the best value. I don't think the USFA "clones" can be put in the same category as other clones. They are that good, and some think better than the Colts. I think they will hold their value and prove to be a great alternative to the hit and miss quality Colts, plus I hear their customer service is top notch. I'd love to have a Colt if I new I was getting a good one.

[BigG]

I haven't got a dog in this fight, but any pistol originated by Colt has charisma. The clones do not, despite some of them having great workmanship, etc.

That comparison is akin to a Gibson Les Paul Custom compared to something "just like" it. The only trouble with that thinking is to me there is nothing just like it except another Gibson Les Paul Custom. YMMV

[DHart]

BigG... I agree. Just like there's nothing like a "real Stratocaster", no matter how much the copies look like it or feel like it.

[FrankD]

With trying to stay true to history, charisma and authenticity, the Colts today have nickel plating and bores of 38/357 cal which some people prefer and suggest as a preference. Back in those old days, did they have nickel and 38cal.? So if I decided on a Colt in that finish and caliber, wouldn't that then place it OUT of the catagory of History and Authenticity.? Meaning close but no cigar and no better than a clone.! Whew,, this can really be brain rattling.

[DHart]

Frank... you may be thinking too hard about this and over-analysing it. What's important to you? If you want to shoot .38 spl. then buy one in .38. Actually, .357 mag is an even smarter choice because you can shoot both .38 spl. and .357. If you want to shoot .45 Colt then buy that caliber.

On the other hand, if absolute historical accuracy is more important to you than which caliber you would prefer, then your work and thought is just beginning.

If you don't need to, don't turn this into an exercise in frustration. If you want a fine SAA to enjoy having and shooting, go with your gut and don't worry too much about every tiny last historical detail...

[FrankD]

Well, you were right about thinking too hard and over analyzing. Went out today and bought a new USFA Rodeo with the color cased hammer in 45 LC. Looks great. I'm pleased. All I have to do now is wait til sunday to shoot it.

[DHart]

Frank... you made a great choice. If I were to buy an SAA other than a Colt, it would be the Rodeo for sure! If you're going to pay what a high end USFA costs, you might as well buy the Colt, but if you want to save some money, then the Rodeo is a high quality gun at a very modest price. Good going! I'm sure you'll enjoy it. And bravo on the caliber too, I love .45 Colt!

[thatguy]

Frank, to answer your question, yes, Colt SAAs were made in .38 caliber. The SAA was chambered in something like 26 calibers over the years. I believe the 45 Colt was most popular/common followed by the 44/40, the 38/40, and then the rest including the 32/20, 357 mag, 38 Spl., 455 Eley and even the 30 Carbine and 22 Long Rifle.

I agree with you about the big bore feeling right. all of my single actions are 44s or 45s. But I must confess that the notion of a 7.5" nickeled SAA in 32/20 appeals to me for some reason.

[Vern Humphrey]

My SAA (2nd Generation) is in .357. My wife gave it to me our first Christmas together, and I still marvel over her wisdom. The SAA in .357 is a highly versatile gun. I often carry .38 Special wadcutter loads (very mild) when riding or hiking. During deer season, when I'm not actually hunting, just out and about the place, a heavy, flatnosed bullet is the choice.

[Randy63]

This thread got me really wanting an SAA even more. As luck would have it I walked into a local shop and setting there on the top shelf was this 2nd generation Colt with a 4.75" barrel in .357 magnum. It was made in 1972 and is in very nice shape....but not too nice as to be worried about shooting it. It does show some honest wear but still loks up rock solid and the timing is perfect. The price seemed right at $900 + tax. I'm thrilled. Here's a couple of pics.
http://www.hunt101.com/img/271170.JPG
http://www.hunt101.com/img/271175.JPG

These guns are very cool and I can understand why they have such a cult following. Now that I have my Colt I think I'm going to pick up a Rodeo in .45 Colt with a 5.5" barrel. For some reason the matte finish on the Rodeo really appeals to me.

Randy
(pictures edited)

[Vern Humphrey]

You got a Colt SAA for $900!

You got a deal!

[DHart]

Great choice, great gun, awesome price!