I'm looking at getting a 2nd SAA, and am looking for one that's a little better quality than the one I've got now. I think I've narrowed it down to a Colt or a US Firearms. I was wondering if you guys could try to talk me out of either one to help me decide what one I want to get into. Also any other outfits that make a good quality SAA around the same price range I'd like to hear about. Would be getting a 45LC in 4.5 or 5.5 inch barell. I'd like to stay with a genuine Colt, but have heard that the US Firearms is a little better. Was lookin for some people's opinions...
Colt vs US Firearms
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snooperman
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I have Colts and agree the U.S. firearms are..
beautifully made but , I would buy the Colt as it will increase in value. I am not so sure that the U.S. firearms guns will. Go with the Colt.
beautifully made but , I would buy the Colt as it will increase in value. I am not so sure that the U.S. firearms guns will. Go with the Colt.
calaverasslim
Member
Snooperman, not necessarily true. I have a Gunslinger which cost 750 in 2005 and now sells for about 1200.
It all depends on which model you select.
Just bear in mind that all single actions can benefit by some kind of action job. The first thing you need is a replacement mainspring from Wolff.
All in all, USPFA has some of the nicest SAA's right out of the box and generally a few bucks cheaper.
That being said, there is nothing that beats a Colt. I have 3 and 2 of the USPFA. You will be just fine with either one.
Good luck
It all depends on which model you select.
Just bear in mind that all single actions can benefit by some kind of action job. The first thing you need is a replacement mainspring from Wolff.
All in all, USPFA has some of the nicest SAA's right out of the box and generally a few bucks cheaper.
That being said, there is nothing that beats a Colt. I have 3 and 2 of the USPFA. You will be just fine with either one.
Good luck
Thanks for the input snooperman and calaverasslim, I'm kinda going at this knoing even a Colt will in some sense be a reproduction still, same was the case with my new Winchester Model 92 which I'll be pairing this new revolver with. I'm planning to take it to my gunsmith over the winter and get the rebounding hammer done away with back to the old style, and possibly remove the 'safety' and slicken up the action a bit. Maybe I sould consult him about how the new Colt's bennefit from an action job. Am I correct that both the Colt and USFA are made here in the USA? Even though it's hard to see with the blueing, I can see 'Made in Japan' from a mile away on my Winchester only because I know it is there and wish that it wasn't.
I bought a USFA Rodeo, it shot to point of aim, trigger pull was right, what was not to like.
Then I bought one of their Trumbull finished single actions. The case hardening colors are wonderful, and it is a wonderfully timed piece.
USFA builds pistols which you can shoot. You don't have to worry about huge (like 458") chamber mouths on USFA pistols, but you do on Colts.
I got to examine some real garbage Colt SAA's back in the 80's. Colt was shoveling out pistols with mismatched barrels and cylinders. Like 38/40 cylinders and 45 caliber barrels.
I have handled a number of Colt double action revolvers from the 60's and 70's, the 70's stuff is awful, did not get any better in the 80's. I would assume the single action revolvers from that era were all equally awful. The earlier the Colt the better.
So far, USFA has all been good throughout the production. People currently pay more for the Pony, but that generation may die off like the fans of the Model T and Model A fords.
Last night I looked at a book with a picture of the pre WWII Colt factory. Huge, lots of people lots of equipment. Recently I read Colts is down to 160 employee's. They are not the Company they used to be.
Then I bought one of their Trumbull finished single actions. The case hardening colors are wonderful, and it is a wonderfully timed piece.
USFA builds pistols which you can shoot. You don't have to worry about huge (like 458") chamber mouths on USFA pistols, but you do on Colts.
I got to examine some real garbage Colt SAA's back in the 80's. Colt was shoveling out pistols with mismatched barrels and cylinders. Like 38/40 cylinders and 45 caliber barrels.
I have handled a number of Colt double action revolvers from the 60's and 70's, the 70's stuff is awful, did not get any better in the 80's. I would assume the single action revolvers from that era were all equally awful. The earlier the Colt the better.
So far, USFA has all been good throughout the production. People currently pay more for the Pony, but that generation may die off like the fans of the Model T and Model A fords.
Last night I looked at a book with a picture of the pre WWII Colt factory. Huge, lots of people lots of equipment. Recently I read Colts is down to 160 employee's. They are not the Company they used to be.
The "Colt as an investment" idea just hasn't held up in the real world. NIB Colts sell on the market today for less than they cost several years ago, just like most used guns. I like the USFA guns because they feel more like the old Colts than the new Colts do. I am not sure I can pinpoint the area of difference, but it is there and if you have handled as many old SAA's as I have you can tell.
By all means, buy a Colt if you prefer, but don't buy one as an investment.
Jim
By all means, buy a Colt if you prefer, but don't buy one as an investment.
Jim
By no means looking to have this as an investment, more something to have on my hip, in the pickup, etc. I'd like to stay authentic to Colt and have their logo engraved on the gun and pay for the name, but I haven't been around the new SAA's 3rd gen's, The only genuine Colt my immediate family owns is a 1st gen Serial # dates to 1894. I can tell my EMF New Dakota has got a different 'feel' to it than our old Colt.
Reproduction of what? LOL! Too funny.
Show me one. The largest I've ever measured on a Colt was .456 or a rare .457"., but NEVER a .458". I also measured .456" and .457" throats on an early 20th century 1st generation Colt SAA, so it's nothing new. I've also heard that Colt's throat dimensions have been tightened up recently. Confessedly, that would be nice.
Last time I checked, this ain't the '80s. If your bias was formed on guns made thirty years ago, don't you think it's high time to update your information.
The current Colt SAAs are exceptional quality."All" good? It's odd, then, that I have read threads started by disappointed USFA owners. No gun or manufacturer is perfect, ever.
And your point is? Don't believe everything you read (like ".458-inch throats"
). How many employees does USFA have? And what would that prove anyway? Squat, that's what.You obviously have a bias, and so do I. May I suggest you come up to date so at least your bias is relevant and helpful.
So, now, speaking of being helpful, since you feel a new Colt SAA is some kind of reproduction, then may I suggest you just buy the USFA. They are nearly as good as a real Colt, and some may be even better. Colt is down to 160 employees now, don't you know, and there just may not be enough Colt SAAs to go around for those who care to buy the real thing.
PRM
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+111 SAA
I've been shooting Colts for over 35 years. My SAA 45LC was made in the mid 1960s and is a gem. I sent it back to Colt in 2000 to have a 45 ACP cylinder fitted to it and refinished. When I got it back, it not only looked pristine but the 45 ACP is a real performer.
Same with Colt DA revolvers. I've got two Detective Specials (2nd & 3rd issue) and a Police Positive Special (1966 vintage). All of which have been great investments and top of the line shooters.
I know you can get a lemon with any brand, but Colt did not get the reputation it has by building junk. If you get one that's not right, they have a great customer service and stand behind their product.
USFA makes a good gun along with Uberti and others who have copied the Colt design. Nothing wrong with them. I own a couple of Uberti(s) and would not be opposed to a USFA. USFA has some models that Colt does not offer and that is a definite draw. If I wanted a basic SAA and cost was not a factor ~ I would buy the Colt. Not arguing resale, but at prices an individual seller would want, the Colt would be easier to move if you ever wanted to sell it.
I've been shooting Colts for over 35 years. My SAA 45LC was made in the mid 1960s and is a gem. I sent it back to Colt in 2000 to have a 45 ACP cylinder fitted to it and refinished. When I got it back, it not only looked pristine but the 45 ACP is a real performer.
Same with Colt DA revolvers. I've got two Detective Specials (2nd & 3rd issue) and a Police Positive Special (1966 vintage). All of which have been great investments and top of the line shooters.
I know you can get a lemon with any brand, but Colt did not get the reputation it has by building junk. If you get one that's not right, they have a great customer service and stand behind their product.
USFA makes a good gun along with Uberti and others who have copied the Colt design. Nothing wrong with them. I own a couple of Uberti(s) and would not be opposed to a USFA. USFA has some models that Colt does not offer and that is a definite draw. If I wanted a basic SAA and cost was not a factor ~ I would buy the Colt. Not arguing resale, but at prices an individual seller would want, the Colt would be easier to move if you ever wanted to sell it.
I wanted an SAA for a long time, but didn't want to spend $1,200 for a Colt. I bought a USFA Rodeo for about $450 in 2005. I don't think they are much more now. It shoots great, and to point of aim. The Rodeo has a very basic black finish, but the fit, quality, and internals is the same as USFA's more expensive offerings. If you want something to wear on your hip, take in the woods, keep yin your truck, etc, the USFA Rodeo is a very good choice.
However, I still want a Colt, and am now prepared to spend the money to get one. I have examined some of the newer ones in person, and they seem fine to me, but I am no expert.
However, I still want a Colt, and am now prepared to spend the money to get one. I have examined some of the newer ones in person, and they seem fine to me, but I am no expert.
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I own three Third Gen Colts, all three have had expensive work done on them, well worth it for me.
I found the actions could use some slicking up, among other things, but much of that work was cosmetic. Many people are happy with Colts as they come.
Worst was my first in the mid '90s, barrel was overly canted. Ended up replacing it.
I own one USFA Rodeo that had to have a cylinder pin fabricated to replace the factory pin. Shoots to point of aim, well worth the money otherwise if you don't care about "pretty".
I've worked with at least four other USFA single-actions, all of which came over-sprung, and two had canted front sight blades. USFA fit & finish is typically outstanding, and they offer a much wider selection of models & variations than Colt does.
If the cost doesn't matter, make your decision based on whichever configuration you like, or on the Colt name.
If money IS a consideration, USFA will be slightly cheaper.
Both are putting out good quality guns in general, with usually good workmanship and good materials.
Quality with either will be much more predictable and consistent than with an Italian version.
Denis
I found the actions could use some slicking up, among other things, but much of that work was cosmetic. Many people are happy with Colts as they come.
Worst was my first in the mid '90s, barrel was overly canted. Ended up replacing it.
I own one USFA Rodeo that had to have a cylinder pin fabricated to replace the factory pin. Shoots to point of aim, well worth the money otherwise if you don't care about "pretty".
I've worked with at least four other USFA single-actions, all of which came over-sprung, and two had canted front sight blades. USFA fit & finish is typically outstanding, and they offer a much wider selection of models & variations than Colt does.
If the cost doesn't matter, make your decision based on whichever configuration you like, or on the Colt name.
If money IS a consideration, USFA will be slightly cheaper.
Both are putting out good quality guns in general, with usually good workmanship and good materials.
Quality with either will be much more predictable and consistent than with an Italian version.
Denis
Hammerdown77
Member
That's MSRP though, for the polished blue with case hardened frame, correct? Actual "street" price is going to be closer to $900. The Rodeo model with the matte finish is significantly less.
New Colts, street price, depending on which model/finish you get, are closer to the $1200 mark and go up.
New Colts, street price, depending on which model/finish you get, are closer to the $1200 mark and go up.
Doubting Thomas
Member
The sample of one USFA isn't much but it's more impressive than the one Colt I bought new in the 80s. IMHO it's a better gun than the Colt, just missing the fabled prancing pony. I'd rather have a well made gun at a more reasonable price. If I want nostalgia I have a 1882 Colt SAA for that.
And to answer an unasked question, for a first class 'knock around' SA the Ruger Vaquero is a good piece at half the price. My SS high gloss .45 is well made, purty, and accurate. It'll do anything I need done now and fifty years from now.
And to answer an unasked question, for a first class 'knock around' SA the Ruger Vaquero is a good piece at half the price. My SS high gloss .45 is well made, purty, and accurate. It'll do anything I need done now and fifty years from now.
jamesb
Member
I do not think you can go wrong with either. Both make exceptional revolvers. The few USFAs that I have handled feel like my Colt and look like my Colt. For the same type of finish in both they run pretty close to the same price. My Colt is a 2007 SAA in 45 colt with a 4.75 barrel. When I get another one I will get the 5.5 barrel as they handle a little better. My 2 cents is that Colt has over 100 years of history, while USFA does not have as much there name is synonymous with fine quality pistols. I am sure in another 30 years people will be talking about them like they do Colts, they have good years and bad years like all manufacturors but in the long run they will always be a copy of a Colt.
If you are looking at the next lower price point I would look at taylor's and Co out of Winchester VA. I own a few of there firearms and have been real happy with them. They import italian clones and finish them at their facility. I have been up their more than once and like what I saw, also very friendly to deal with. Their smoke wagon is the slickest out of the box pistol I have handled and almost had me replacing my colt in the rig for one.
Also the Ruger's are solid revolvers that look like colts but do not feel the same or time the same. My buddy shoots several of them and the ones I have shot have been nice but I like the feel and timing on the Colts.
If you are looking at the next lower price point I would look at taylor's and Co out of Winchester VA. I own a few of there firearms and have been real happy with them. They import italian clones and finish them at their facility. I have been up their more than once and like what I saw, also very friendly to deal with. Their smoke wagon is the slickest out of the box pistol I have handled and almost had me replacing my colt in the rig for one.
Also the Ruger's are solid revolvers that look like colts but do not feel the same or time the same. My buddy shoots several of them and the ones I have shot have been nice but I like the feel and timing on the Colts.
Trad Archer
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Colt.
Buy one of the USFA guns finished by Doug Turnbull and you have the equivalent of a 1st generation Colt in perfect condition, spectacularly blued/color cased. It just doesn't have the colt name on it and it will cost you about 10K less than a "real" unfired 1st Generation colt.
Either One
Either Colt or USFA are good choices-I have a 45 USFA that I bought used at a good price-it has a real "glass rod"trigger and perfect fit and finish-it seems to be regulated at 30 feet for optimum qccuracy.
Same story with my Colt 2ng Gen in 38 Special made in 1959-30 feet.
The Colt is a great shooter and I'd never part with it-same for my USFA.
I agree that some later 3rd Gen Colts weren't so freat,but I understand they have corrected that situation.
USFA has used all made in USA parts for years now.
Either Colt or USFA are good choices-I have a 45 USFA that I bought used at a good price-it has a real "glass rod"trigger and perfect fit and finish-it seems to be regulated at 30 feet for optimum qccuracy.
Same story with my Colt 2ng Gen in 38 Special made in 1959-30 feet.
The Colt is a great shooter and I'd never part with it-same for my USFA.
I agree that some later 3rd Gen Colts weren't so freat,but I understand they have corrected that situation.
USFA has used all made in USA parts for years now.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
USFA simply builds a better SAA than Colt does and they do so for less money. Period. Sure, Colt true-believers will defend them to the end but when you compare the guns side by side, inside and out, it should be clear to anyone with a critical eye who is building the better gun. A great many 3rd generation Colt SAA's are way over polished. You will see rounded off edges, dished out screw holes, wallowed out lettering, etc.. You won't find this on a USFA. They always appear to have been hand polished. The flats are flat, the edges are crisp and even, the lettering sharp, everything is simply done better. USFA also gets their dimensions right. No huge chamber mouths, yes I have .457" mouths on my New Frontier. As well as all the other aforementioned maladies.
On the inside, Colt's greatly benefit from an action job. They are typically as rough inside as an Italian replica, though my NF was worse than late model Uberti's. USFA's are as finely machined and well finished on the inside as the outside. They need only a spring swap.
USFA offers way more options and chamberings than Colt.
A USFA standard single action is comparable to a Colt in finish level but costs $200 less.
USFA offers a true 1st generation replica in the Pre-War model. It has authentic finishes that Colt has not used since WWII and costs the same as a standard white-sided hammer, hot salt blue Colt.
The resale/investment rhetoric is just that, nonsense. Folks repeating what they've always heard. Colt SAA's have been $1200 for as long as I can remember so your brand new 3rd generation will never appreciate in your lifetime. Fired or unfired, there is nothing magical about a 3rd generation Colt's value. A NIB 3rd generation Colt from 20yrs ago is not worth any more than a brand new production model, except that the new gun will be better. If you want an investment, buy a 1st or 2nd generation Colt.
If you want a 2nd rate reproduction with the famous name, buy an older 3rd generation Colt.
If you want a good SAA that still costs too much but has the famous name, buy a new Colt.
If you want the finest SAA money can buy and the best value, get a USFA.
On the inside, Colt's greatly benefit from an action job. They are typically as rough inside as an Italian replica, though my NF was worse than late model Uberti's. USFA's are as finely machined and well finished on the inside as the outside. They need only a spring swap.
USFA offers way more options and chamberings than Colt.
A USFA standard single action is comparable to a Colt in finish level but costs $200 less.
USFA offers a true 1st generation replica in the Pre-War model. It has authentic finishes that Colt has not used since WWII and costs the same as a standard white-sided hammer, hot salt blue Colt.
The resale/investment rhetoric is just that, nonsense. Folks repeating what they've always heard. Colt SAA's have been $1200 for as long as I can remember so your brand new 3rd generation will never appreciate in your lifetime. Fired or unfired, there is nothing magical about a 3rd generation Colt's value. A NIB 3rd generation Colt from 20yrs ago is not worth any more than a brand new production model, except that the new gun will be better. If you want an investment, buy a 1st or 2nd generation Colt.
If you want a 2nd rate reproduction with the famous name, buy an older 3rd generation Colt.
If you want a good SAA that still costs too much but has the famous name, buy a new Colt.
If you want the finest SAA money can buy and the best value, get a USFA.
Driftwood Johnson
Member
Howdy
The only thing I have to add to this discussion is that some USFA revolvers come with the old style 'V' notch rear sight. Personally, I prefer the square notch 2nd Gen Colt rear sight, it is easier to use and easier to form a good sight picture than with the old 'V' notch. It appears that some of the USFA guns come specifically with the 'V' notch, and others the square notch as standard. And with some if you order it from the factory you have an option as to which type of rear sight you get.
I believe the current 3rd Gen Colts all come with the 2nd Gen style square notch.
I prefer Colts, but mine are 2nd Gens. I bought them to shoot, not as investments.
The only thing I have to add to this discussion is that some USFA revolvers come with the old style 'V' notch rear sight. Personally, I prefer the square notch 2nd Gen Colt rear sight, it is easier to use and easier to form a good sight picture than with the old 'V' notch. It appears that some of the USFA guns come specifically with the 'V' notch, and others the square notch as standard. And with some if you order it from the factory you have an option as to which type of rear sight you get.
I believe the current 3rd Gen Colts all come with the 2nd Gen style square notch.
I prefer Colts, but mine are 2nd Gens. I bought them to shoot, not as investments.
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