I bought a few of the recently made Colt 1911's, and I would have to see that they are very, very nice pistols that I bought new for less than $900. The quality is great, and they shoot wonderfully. I wouldn't hesitate too buy a Colt SAA. They are beautiful pistols, and I will own one at some point. I do have a USFA Rodeo in .45 Colt that I use at the range and carry in the field, but it's not a Colt. It is probably one of the better clones, and the same internally as their more expensive pistols.
Is a real colt worth it?
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fastest45ever
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If I was buying another 1911 I would also look at a Colt, if I could find one.
They seem to be reasonably priced for the market.
Is the fit and finish on a Colt SAA really good enough to justify the price, considering the other competitors in the market? Guess it depends on what you find when you go shopping.
They seem to be reasonably priced for the market.
Is the fit and finish on a Colt SAA really good enough to justify the price, considering the other competitors in the market? Guess it depends on what you find when you go shopping.
Hokkmike
Member
Would be for me.... The others are copies. In some cases copies are OK.
One thing many don't consider is that the Peacemaker is an expensive gun to produce, the way Colt does it. They could do cast frames & chemical case colors, but then it wouldn't be a Peacemaker. 
They really don't make much off those guns.
Denis
They really don't make much off those guns.
Denis
And it's a great example of what happens to the price point when a company tries to produce a gun exactly like it was a century or more ago. It isn't that it can't be done, but rather it can't be done and sell it in what would usually be the market.
Ruger on the other hand can, but the results are not the same.
Ruger on the other hand can, but the results are not the same.
A Colt is a Colt.
Any other single action revolver... Isn't a Colt...
Does that matter? Yes, no, who cares? Do YOU care?
I'm an unashamed Colt fanboy, I love having the prancing pony on the side of my 1911s and someday when I get a SAA it'll be a Colt. That matters to ME... You've gotta decide whether you merely like having a cowboy style single action revolver or whether you want a Colt.
Don't listen to the haters, Colt is producing quality firearms nowadays.
Any other single action revolver... Isn't a Colt...
Does that matter? Yes, no, who cares? Do YOU care?
I'm an unashamed Colt fanboy, I love having the prancing pony on the side of my 1911s and someday when I get a SAA it'll be a Colt. That matters to ME... You've gotta decide whether you merely like having a cowboy style single action revolver or whether you want a Colt.
Don't listen to the haters, Colt is producing quality firearms nowadays.
Blasphemy!
There are many a great .357 Mag's, however none will be a great as the immortal "Python"!
I was in a conversation this morning with someone at work that wondered why other gun mftr. companies don't make a knock-off "Python" for their revolver lines and offer it for less than $700. I said who on earth would want a "Python" knock off! I would not want a S&W M29 knock-off, and I certainly don't want a Colt SAA knock off if I can help it.
Some people just want the real thing and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Yup, you're right, and fanboys will never change - even if something else will do the job better for about the same (or sometimes less) cost. Some of our better known makers have been living on their name and (mostly justified) reputation for a long time. But this does not mean that some new kid on the block can't come up with something better for the intended purpose. The ultimate proof will be found on where the holes in the target are...
MMCSRET
Member
Of course it is. A "real" Colt is different than a "real" S&W or Taurus, or Ubertti or any other brand. If you want a Colt don't buy anything that's not!!!!! Seems simple to me.
fastest45ever
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"but I was wondering, would it be worth it to get a real colt? I mean is there a benefit to them other then the name? Cause $2000 is a lot to shell out for a shooting iron(I know that's high side, but the lowest ive seen is 1400) Your input?"
The benefit to Colts are they hold their value, or go up better then pretty much any of the other guns mentioned.
How are the new SAA Colt's made? Are they CNC? All forged? Still using union labor, made in America? Old factory, new factory?
New factory, close to the old one.
http://www.gunblast.com/Colt-NF.htm
The benefit to Colts are they hold their value, or go up better then pretty much any of the other guns mentioned.
How are the new SAA Colt's made? Are they CNC? All forged? Still using union labor, made in America? Old factory, new factory?
New factory, close to the old one.
http://www.gunblast.com/Colt-NF.htm
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rodinal220
Member
Yes,Colt puts out a good product.I have Colt,USPF/USFA,and Uberti's.Now my two Uberti Cattlemens in 45 Colt will out shoot accuracy wise the Colt or the USFA I have(YMMV).
The USFA IMHO is a bit nicer in fit and finish than the Colt.The Ubertis,while nice shooters,will never feel or handle like a real Colt or USFA gun.
When you hold and cock,C-O-L-T, a USFA or Colt gun,you know where the money went.They also have real color case and not a chemical bath finish.
The Colt will always hold its value better and be more desirable by collectors.
The USFA IMHO is a bit nicer in fit and finish than the Colt.The Ubertis,while nice shooters,will never feel or handle like a real Colt or USFA gun.
When you hold and cock,C-O-L-T, a USFA or Colt gun,you know where the money went.They also have real color case and not a chemical bath finish.
The Colt will always hold its value better and be more desirable by collectors.
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Queen_of_Thunder
member
While I do own some Colts ( Anaconda,King Cobra,Diamondback, New Service, a Talo Colt(the Ricardo) and a Lawman III, I must admit I am a S&W revolver fan first and foremost. Don't get me wrong Colts are fine but I prefer the S&W revolvers over any other brand. BTW don't waste your money on a Python when a Colt Lawman III will do. I swear mine has the sweetest trigger Colt has ever turned out and that includes the Python.
bannockburn
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I have several recent Colt offerings (Lightweight Government, Government, Commander, and New Agent), that are some of the best guns, in terms of fit, finish, and accuracy that I have seen from them in quite some time.
If you want an single action revolver that is truly authentic and that will hold its value for years to come, then I would say get yourself a Colt.
If you want an single action revolver that is truly authentic and that will hold its value for years to come, then I would say get yourself a Colt.
Cactus Jack Arizona
Member
"Um... which would those be? The closest in a production revolver would be the pre-1982 S&W Model 27 line and as much as love my 27s they do not equal the Python in fit and finish."
Why should I spend a ton of money for a used Python when I can get a new GP100 for less? I'm not saying Colts are mediocre guns. In fact, they are fine guns. However, when you buy a used Python you are simply paying for a name and the romance of a day gone by. The GP100 is just as fine a revolver as the Python without the inflated price.
Why should I spend a ton of money for a used Python when I can get a new GP100 for less? I'm not saying Colts are mediocre guns. In fact, they are fine guns. However, when you buy a used Python you are simply paying for a name and the romance of a day gone by. The GP100 is just as fine a revolver as the Python without the inflated price.
Trad Archer
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Colt.
alienbogey
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"Why should I spend a ton of money for a used Python when I can get a new GP100 for less? I'm not saying Colts are mediocre guns. In fact, they are fine guns. However, when you buy a used Python you are simply paying for a name and the romance of a day gone by. The GP100 is just as fine a revolver as the Python without the inflated price."
Well, if you spend that ton of money on the Python the next day it will still be worth the same ton of money. Spend money on the brand new Ruger and the next day it will be a used Ruger, and worth substantially less than what you just paid for it.
Same principle as a new car—sign the papers, drive it off the lot, and you lose money.
Next year the Python will likely be worth more than you paid for it, and next year the Ruger will still be just a used Ruger.
(This is from a guy with two Pythons and six Rugers.)
Well, if you spend that ton of money on the Python the next day it will still be worth the same ton of money. Spend money on the brand new Ruger and the next day it will be a used Ruger, and worth substantially less than what you just paid for it.
Same principle as a new car—sign the papers, drive it off the lot, and you lose money.
Next year the Python will likely be worth more than you paid for it, and next year the Ruger will still be just a used Ruger.
(This is from a guy with two Pythons and six Rugers.)
fastest45ever
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Bowen wrote me something similar:
When he gets done with a ruger, it's still a Ruger. What he meant, and in context of the question, is that no matter what he does, he can't turn a Ruger tolerances into Freedom Arms tolerances.
The problem I have with Colts is at the new price point, or used around here, I can buy a Freedom Arms that is little used for less, and has already depreciated.
For the same money as a Colt I get a FAR better gun, for usually less then a new colt costs.
I do wonder how well speced the Colts are, how well made and how tight the cylinders are, and how they spec against a BFR or FA.
Inherent in that question is the problem is the problems with many Ruger
single actions: The specs and tolerances they find acceptable are not close to the specs of higher priced guns, and, getting the guns to shoot with the better guns can make them cost near what a Colt or FA would cost. YMMV.
When he gets done with a ruger, it's still a Ruger. What he meant, and in context of the question, is that no matter what he does, he can't turn a Ruger tolerances into Freedom Arms tolerances.
The problem I have with Colts is at the new price point, or used around here, I can buy a Freedom Arms that is little used for less, and has already depreciated.
For the same money as a Colt I get a FAR better gun, for usually less then a new colt costs.
I do wonder how well speced the Colts are, how well made and how tight the cylinders are, and how they spec against a BFR or FA.
Inherent in that question is the problem is the problems with many Ruger
single actions: The specs and tolerances they find acceptable are not close to the specs of higher priced guns, and, getting the guns to shoot with the better guns can make them cost near what a Colt or FA would cost. YMMV.
Shadow 7D
Member
Um
read there are now more 'authentic' "real" colt SSA revolvers than colt ever made back in the day, they just seem to be multiplying.....
read there are now more 'authentic' "real" colt SSA revolvers than colt ever made back in the day, they just seem to be multiplying.....
It depends on your perspective.
Those that insist it must be a Colt are buying not only a revolver, but a name and it's history. The latter is often based on fiction. That said, the current quality does match the name's reputation.
Those who buy Freedom Arms want the best accuracy obtainable from any production class revolver made, and sometimes it will best even more expensive custom guns. While Colt's over-the-counter single action's can't touch the kind of all-the-bullets-in-one-hole offered by Freedom Arms, that isn't what they're fans are interested in.
You are looking at two different classes of buyers in two different sub-markets.
fastest45ever
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The problem with the market is indeed that it is very small, and dominated by some not very friendly buyers, and some really rude buyers and gunsmiths.
However, that said, in most of the US, it's enough to keep Colts' production at a
pretty high cost.
I assume the Colt union employees are well paid, unlike a lot of the industry, and that is passed onto the consumer.
SAA are not a high priority, since government contracts have paid Colt huge amounts for certain guns that come to mind, and forced other areas onto the back burner.
What I was trying to get at is that if I have a choice, I'm going to start my customs with a Freedom Arms, or BFR, not a Colt. YMMV.
Ruger Maximums also go against the depreciation for Rugers, and the Lipseys as well.
You can turn Rugers into tack drivers. But, why start with a Ruger?
However, that said, in most of the US, it's enough to keep Colts' production at a
pretty high cost.
I assume the Colt union employees are well paid, unlike a lot of the industry, and that is passed onto the consumer.
SAA are not a high priority, since government contracts have paid Colt huge amounts for certain guns that come to mind, and forced other areas onto the back burner.
What I was trying to get at is that if I have a choice, I'm going to start my customs with a Freedom Arms, or BFR, not a Colt. YMMV.
Ruger Maximums also go against the depreciation for Rugers, and the Lipseys as well.
You can turn Rugers into tack drivers. But, why start with a Ruger?
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
First off, I apologize in advance to Denis. You know where this is going before I even get started.
In my view, there is no other subject in the world of firearms that better proves to me that perception is everything. People have a lot of weird perceptions when it comes to Colt's. While single actions are a passion for me that often defies logic and reasoning, I apply a whole lot more logic and reasoning here than blind emotion. When I buy a SAA, I want the best, most authentic sixgun I can get for my dollar and that my friends is NOT a 3rd generation Colt SAA. It takes a lot more than a famous name stamped on a sixgun to impress me. IMHO, there is no more "authenticity" in a new Colt than there is in any replica. Colt's are a little better with nicer, real case colors than Uberti and that famous name but that's about it. Sam Colt's heir does not run Colt Industries. It is a corporation like any other. A company which has survived a long time on its name with lackluster products and overpaid union employees. That Colt romance is an illusion. The original Colt SAA was a handbuilt masterpiece. It was hand finished with a bone charcoal color case hardened frame, loading gate and hammer. The blued parts were finished with charcoal bluing (not that crap the imports market as charcoal blue), which is one of the most beautiful, striking and durable blued finishes available. While the overall design is the same, you won't find such things on a new Colt. You'll find muted case colors, hot salt bluing and a white sided hammer. If you buy a Colt more than a few years old, you'll probably also find a lot of overpolished parts and a lot of roughness inside. My own 3rd generation New Frontier .45Colt looks like it was polished by an angry 600lb gorilla. It also took me several hours of stoning to get the action smooth enough to be acceptable. That, to me, is no more "authentic" than a Ruger.
Enter USFA. We had no idea how good an SAA could be until USFA showed us. These guns are precisely machined on CNC equipment. They are properly polished. The flats remain flat, the screw holes are not dished out, the lettering is not wallowed out and the edges are crisp and sharp. The standard single action, which costs $200-$300 less than a new Colt, has a comparable hot salt blue finish and white-sided hammer but brilliant case colors applied by Turnbull. If you spring for the Pre-war model, you're paying Colt money (~$1200) but you're also getting the gorgeous charcoal bluing of old and those same spectacular authentic bone charcoal case colors with a colored hammer. The inside is as well finished as the outside. No roughness, no machine marks, no lack of attention. These guns were made to shoot and with precision. The dimensions are correct for their chamberings, something Colt still can't get right. The actions must be felt to be appreciated. They are smooth and feel like a precision instrument. No action job is necessary for proper, slick function.
IMHO, if you want an authentic new SAA, you want a USFA Pre-war. Period. They are more authentic reproductions of the original 1st generation sixguns and are better made guns throughout. If you want a second-rate replica with little in common with the original, other than a famous name, buy the Colt illusion. The newer Colt SAA's are much improved over previous 3rd generation iterations but are still a poor value. At least they have re-introduced the New Frontier and Turnbull will be doing the case colors.
Although you better hurry on those USFA's because it looks like that gravy train is over and done with. Which is truly sad.
If you want a "real" Colt, buy a 1st or 2nd generation gun.
I could buy whatever I want and my money goes into USFA's:
In my view, there is no other subject in the world of firearms that better proves to me that perception is everything. People have a lot of weird perceptions when it comes to Colt's. While single actions are a passion for me that often defies logic and reasoning, I apply a whole lot more logic and reasoning here than blind emotion. When I buy a SAA, I want the best, most authentic sixgun I can get for my dollar and that my friends is NOT a 3rd generation Colt SAA. It takes a lot more than a famous name stamped on a sixgun to impress me. IMHO, there is no more "authenticity" in a new Colt than there is in any replica. Colt's are a little better with nicer, real case colors than Uberti and that famous name but that's about it. Sam Colt's heir does not run Colt Industries. It is a corporation like any other. A company which has survived a long time on its name with lackluster products and overpaid union employees. That Colt romance is an illusion. The original Colt SAA was a handbuilt masterpiece. It was hand finished with a bone charcoal color case hardened frame, loading gate and hammer. The blued parts were finished with charcoal bluing (not that crap the imports market as charcoal blue), which is one of the most beautiful, striking and durable blued finishes available. While the overall design is the same, you won't find such things on a new Colt. You'll find muted case colors, hot salt bluing and a white sided hammer. If you buy a Colt more than a few years old, you'll probably also find a lot of overpolished parts and a lot of roughness inside. My own 3rd generation New Frontier .45Colt looks like it was polished by an angry 600lb gorilla. It also took me several hours of stoning to get the action smooth enough to be acceptable. That, to me, is no more "authentic" than a Ruger.
Enter USFA. We had no idea how good an SAA could be until USFA showed us. These guns are precisely machined on CNC equipment. They are properly polished. The flats remain flat, the screw holes are not dished out, the lettering is not wallowed out and the edges are crisp and sharp. The standard single action, which costs $200-$300 less than a new Colt, has a comparable hot salt blue finish and white-sided hammer but brilliant case colors applied by Turnbull. If you spring for the Pre-war model, you're paying Colt money (~$1200) but you're also getting the gorgeous charcoal bluing of old and those same spectacular authentic bone charcoal case colors with a colored hammer. The inside is as well finished as the outside. No roughness, no machine marks, no lack of attention. These guns were made to shoot and with precision. The dimensions are correct for their chamberings, something Colt still can't get right. The actions must be felt to be appreciated. They are smooth and feel like a precision instrument. No action job is necessary for proper, slick function.
IMHO, if you want an authentic new SAA, you want a USFA Pre-war. Period. They are more authentic reproductions of the original 1st generation sixguns and are better made guns throughout. If you want a second-rate replica with little in common with the original, other than a famous name, buy the Colt illusion. The newer Colt SAA's are much improved over previous 3rd generation iterations but are still a poor value. At least they have re-introduced the New Frontier and Turnbull will be doing the case colors.
Although you better hurry on those USFA's because it looks like that gravy train is over and done with. Which is truly sad.
If you want a "real" Colt, buy a 1st or 2nd generation gun.
I could buy whatever I want and my money goes into USFA's:
This is the myth that just won't die. Newer Colt's depreciate just like any other used gun. There is no magic here. You can't buy a new Colt for $1200, shoot it for ten years and sell it for more than you paid. Folks really need to stop repeating this nonsense. The truth is that Colt SAA's have been $1200 for as long as I can remember. So if you bought a new Colt SAA 20yrs ago for $1200, your sixgun is actually worth less due to inflation AND because the guns of the last 5yrs are vastly superior in every way. Old Colt's retain their value. 3rd generation guns are like everything else.
Omaha-BeenGlockin
Member
1911's and AR's---I'll take a Colt every time and not look back
Single actions--not so much---price is way out of line for what you get and in relation to the competition.
Single actions--not so much---price is way out of line for what you get and in relation to the competition.
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fastest45ever
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Excellent work, CraigC.
Thank you.
Thank you.
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