Colt-style DA's?

Status
Not open for further replies.
burnse

burnse

Member
Joined
Oct 4, 2008
Messages
221
Location
Minnesota
Are there any companies out there that make reliable DA revolvers with a colt-style cylinder release? I know that smith is pretty much the company to turn to these days, but I have trouble working the release because I am a lefty. I have handled a python and a cobra - the release is PERFECT. I just don't have colt money.

All I would like to know whether or not there is a company who makes a revolver with colt's release and a reliable enough record to warrant carrying the gun, or if I should just save for a colt.

Also, how hard is it to get hold of a colt anaconda in 45 colt, and how much should I expect to give for a good condition one to carry or shoot?

BTW, I live in minnesota and I am comfortable carrying most any size of pistol, as I wear fairly heavy clothes all year.
 
Armscor makes a sub $200 gun that is has a colt style release in .38 spl. Quality seems to be hit and miss, but some are supposedly reliable.

I've never handled one, but if you search this forum there are a few threads on them.
 
I am not aware of any reputable revolver manufacturers using the Colt-style cylinder release. The good news is some Colt revolvers are very affordable, including the Cobra, Detective Special, Agent, Trooper MK III, and Official Police. If you want a .38 Special, you have lots of choices. The Official Police is the same basic gun as the Python; it is chambered in .38 Special, does not have a vent rib barrel, and has less metal polish. The Trooper MK III is available in .357 Magnum and .22 LR.

Anacondas do trade in the market frequently, but the prices are often high, very high.
 
Uberti made the Inspector which was a clone of the D-frame Colt, with models comparable to Police Positive Special, Detective Special, and even Diamondback with adjustable sights.

Otherwise, you are going to have to save up and get a real Colt.
 
How does being a lefty have anything to do with it?

I can understand how you might prefer pulling on the Colt instead of pushing on the S&W, but other then that? They are both in the same place.

My son is a lefty and he sure doesn't seem to have any problems loading S&W's fast.

rc
 
Also, Ruger has yet a third style of cylinder release. It's more of a button that's pressed rather than slid like a Colt or Smith. Has he tried that?

Ruger's revolvers are known for reliability.
 
I once saw a revolver marked "Mauser" that I'm damn sure was a DS made by Colt and re-branded a Mauser.

I haven't seen an Anaconda in 45 Colt in a number of gun shows. Have you looked on gunbroker?
 
Rcmodel, what left handed has to do with this is that I am a lefty and most DA's are designed for right handed people. A Smith seems to be best worked by using the thumb of the right hand to operate the release, which I am not comfortable with at all, but for some reason I can easily maneuver the pull style release on the Colt with my index finger. It feels as close to natural as I imagine a DA release worked by my left hand can be. It is a fluid motion and requires very little manipulation on my part - the gun almost doesn't change position a bit in my hand, and from there I can easily flip the gun, using my left thumb to swing out the cylinder, and load with the right hand. For me, that preference IS the only thing, but it makes ALL the difference, and is important enough to make me not want a Smith & Wesson, which is for most others, an undoubtedly great gun. If I were your son, I'd be awfully glad that I have no trouble working a Smith & Wesson with my left hand.

Thanks for the Ruger suggestions but I couldn't get those to feel right, either, although I do like that alaskan super redhawk - felt good in the hand.
 
I'm a lefty, i shoot my Colt OMM's and my Colt / King Super target all the time. Have no problems, just being used to them for years. yes it would be nice for a "reversed" revolver, but i don't see that happening, just like a left ejecting 1911 platform ( been beaned more than once on my forehead). Just got to get used to them.
 
Right-handers punch the latch with the right hand while transfering it to the left hand, which finishes opening the cylinder, and then reload with the right hand.

It would seem a lefty could do the gun thransfer first, open the cylinder with the right hand, then reload with the left hand.

Anyway, that's the way my left-handed son does it and he's mighty fast with it.

rc
 
Mr. Bear, a Korth would be great, but I don't see myself ever having one.

rcmodel, I never actually tried the way right handers do it, but considering how I like to work the Colts, that way might work for me, with some changes. I do prefer using the right hand as the reloading hand.

I need to get back to the shop and play around some more.
 
The fastest revolver shooters always transfer the gun to the weak (left) hand to hold the gun & cylinder, and use the strong (right) hand to handle the speed-loaders or loose ammo.

You would just do the reverse and open the cylinder with the weak right hand and load with the strong left hand.

It just gives better fine motor control to use the strong hand to handle the ammo and put it in the holes quickly.

rc
 
Older Colts don't necessarily have to be expensive, but the Anaconda, expecially in .45 Colt, is an exception to the rule. I watched a couple sell at auctions this past weekend, and the winning bids were over $1,000.

Others were less, sometimes far less. You might well consider a Colt New Service in .45 Colt, or any number of others chambered to use smaller cartridges. Finding what you want at local shops may be unlikely though. An alternative is Internet Auctions that often cover the whole country. Also keep an eye out for local estate auctions.

You might consider buying a copy of The Standard Catalog of Colt Firearms by Rick Sapp. it costs about $30.00 and has among many other things, detailed information covering every Colt double-action revolver that was ever made.

If you like the Colt system there is no reason to not buy a Colt. However be aware that repair parts and qualified gunsmiths to install them are few and far between - and neither come cheap. Therefore be sure that anything you purchase is in first class condition from the functional point of view. How much original finish is left is a moot point, although a little finish wear can be advantageous for a user/shooter because collectors won't be interested in them. Perfect guns can go for big bucks.
 
I have one of the Armscor M200 revolvers. It's a near identical copy of the Colt Diamondback. The cylinder release is identical to the Colt. They are made under license from Colt. Of course, the materials used are not Colt quality steel. The revolver uses MIM parts to reduce cost. Overall, not a bad little gun for under $200.
 
I am aware of the armscor models. I have handled them, and honestly, I liked them. I really do want one chambered in .45 colt, though, so I'm going to look into this new service. and I will definitely check out the book, too.
 
And as long as we're paying attention to the "fine print", Burnse also said...

I just don't have colt money.
Click to expand...

If anyone knows of a Colt revolver that is chambered in .45 Colt that he might deem affordable, I'm sure Burnse will forever be in your debt.
 
Also, how hard is it to get hold of a colt anaconda in 45 colt, and how much should I expect to give for a good condition one to carry or shoot?
Click to expand...
Pricey, and they don't grow on trees, but are available, and are fine revolvers.

GB

As ArmedBear and Lovesbeer posted, what about the Ruger style cylinder release? A Redhawk in .45 Colt, at least in 4", is widely available and cheaper than the Anaconda. The older 5.5" & 7" ones, while still not cheap or plentiful, will still be cheaper than an Anaconda.

I have an Anaconda in .45 Colt, and Redhawks in .41 & .44 Mag. I really like both the Anaconda and the Redhawk.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

A
  • Locked
What do you prefer: Smith & Wesson, Ruger, or Colt Revolver style cylinder release?
2 3
Replies
63
Views
3K
CraigC
CraigC
G
  • Locked
DA in 45 Colt
2
Replies
47
Views
4K
45crittergitter
4
N
  • Locked
Colt Revolvers?
2
Replies
38
Views
3K
thatguy
T
M
  • Locked
What if you owned Colt and, wanted to make revolvers again?
2 3
Replies
60
Views
2K
18DAI
1
N
  • Locked
How about this picture thread. Colt revolvers!
2
Replies
41
Views
3K
bfoster
B
Back
Top