[Randy63]

As I posted here before I've been wanting a real Colt SAA since I'm a kid. I want one to shoot occasionally. Ideally I'd like to get a first generation gun in fine condition but I'm not keen on spending $3000+ for one. The second generation guns are also quite pricey in excellent condition.

I'm open to buying a new third generation gun in .45 Colt with the 5.5'' barrel but I have read in several places that many of the 80's and 90's guns don't have the best fit and finish. Many of the complaints are centered around the over polishing prior to blueing were the edges that are supposed to be nice and sharp are rounded out because of excessive polishing, this includes the cylinder flutes, the front sight, and a "dished out" appearance around the screws.

I've also read that because of these past complaints Colt has addressed these problems and improved their QC with the newest SAA's (4th Generation?).

I know the USFA guns are top notch (I've handled them), but they aren't real Colts.

I would like to hear your comments and impressions if you own a newer Colt SAA or have handled one recently.

Thanks,
Randy

[Wil Terry]

The last one I bought was a SAA 4 3/4" 45ACP/45COLT convertible. It shoots beautifully with the 45ACP loads hitting a tiny bit low and the 45COLT loads hitting a tiny bit high. It is shot nearly every week and I ain't had a single problem of any kind crop up.
I did send it to Eddie Janis for his action job plus to have the hammer color case hardened to match the pistol like the original SAA's were as I CANNOT stand the look of the white sided hammers in modern SA sixguns...just a personal peccadillo.

[BigG]

I am by no means a good judge of Colt SAAs, but I am a good judge of quality hardware and the Colt SAAs I have drooled over at gun shows have been among the nicest, crispest minted examples of mechanical art I have ever examined. Check em out for yourself, but bring your wallet!

[MrAcheson]

A used gun will probably be fine, but it is not uncommon to buy a new Colt SAA that still needs an action job. Seems kind of ridiculous to buy a $1500 gun that still needs $100 worth of work. I recommend getting the opinion over at www.sassnet.com because the single actions shooters will probably have more experience with newer Colts than we do.

[guy sajer]

Mechanically we've had no troubles with recent SAA's . However , cosmetically I would recommend to inspect it closely before taking delivery .

[RCL]

You need to check this shop out, I think they address all your concerns, and they aren't that far away from you either.


http://turnbullrestoration.com/colt.htm

[Randy63]

RCL, I've looked at the Turnbull Colt SAA's and the're very nice. I haven't seen any offered for under 2K though. It's too bad Colt doesn't do them like this right from the start.

Randy