Info Request: Current Production Colt SAA

[nero45acp]

I've toyed with the idea of buying a NIB Colt SAA for some time and I'd appreciate some info/opinions on Colt's current SAA offerings. How do the current production SAAs stack-up against their older models? Do they usually shoot POA? If I buy one it'll be chambered in .357 Magnum. Any opinions as to barrel length 4-3/4" -vs- 5-1/2"? Thanks.




nero

 

[sgtdevildog]

I'd be interested in hearing as well. I too am looking for a SAA. This weekend at a local gunshow I looked at a Colt and a USFA. Both seemed about the same price range, but I don't know enough about either to make an informed decision. There's a sticky at the top of the revolver page about selection which I've now read which is a help. I've heard good things about USFA but, as always, there's something about a pony. Mine would be primarily a range gun as I won't do cowboy action or similar.

 

[nero45acp]

Sgtdevildog,

Kind of a coincidence, but I saw that you list a Colt WWI Repro below your signature line. Part of the reason I'm asking about the Colt SAA is because I'm trying to decide between getting a Colt SAA or a Colt WWI Repro 1911, are you happy with your WWI Repro? Thanks.


nero

 

[sgtdevildog]

I really enjoy my WWI Repro - just kind of a classic feel to it. I actually shoot pretty well with the small sights - I think I'm forced to concentrate on them more. I shoot mine quite a bit and enjoy the retro feel to it since I can't find/afford a real one. Here's a photo.

 

[nero45acp]

Thanks Sgtdevildog.

Great looking 1911 and pic. Looking at pictures of the WWI Repro 1911 makes deciding very difficult....

SAA WWI 1911 Repro


nero

 

[sgtdevildog]

Get both. That's what I'll probably end up doing. I read in another thread that they will stop producing the WWI repro (4,000 total units starting with ser. no. 1000 - they are already in the last 1,000 range) and replacing it with a 1918 model that is essentially the same with the exception of the finish being the Army Black as opposed to the carbonia blue.

 

[Hawk]

Free bump as I'm curious about the SAA as well.

Local scuttlebut was that QC was spotty several years ago but that things have improved. I gather one can now get both the Pony and a fine shooter without buying two revolvers or drop-shipping the product to a CAS gunsmith.

No personal experience, though.

 

[Dain Bramage]

Shoot? *shudder* Monsieur, Colt SAAs are not made to shoot anymore. One merely basks in their unturned glory.

Actually, I'm starting to agree with WildAlaska. With USFAs getting silly-expensive, the old prancing pony is beginning to look good. Their up-and-down quality is supposedly up again.

Out of 4-5/8" and 5-1/2", for the magnum caliber I personally prefer the longer barrel.

I think most fixed-sight .357 magnum guns are regulated for the 158g load. You can replace and/or file the front sight for your favorite load, but between .38 specials, and various magnum rounds, you're going to have to accept a certain amount of Kentucky windage.

 

[rcmodel]

To me at least, Colt SAA's just don't feel right in .357.

Too much metel left in all the wrong places just ruins the balance of the classic SAA big-bore six-guns.


rcmodel

 

[sgtdevildog]

My local gunshow this past weekend had a dealer that had a USFA and a Colt - priced probably within $100 of each other. The colt may have been a tad bit more, but not much.

 

[Bill B.]

Mine is a 3rd. about 6 years old so I don't know if you consider that current production or not. I used it for several years for Cowboy Action as it came from the factory. It is Blue/Case 45LC with the 5 1/2 barrel and shoots as accurate with CAS 45LC's as a .22. Trigger is a bit heavy but without creep. I would think the workmanship shown on mine is as good as it was on the 1st & 2nd. generation Colt SA's. I know for a fact they could not shoot any better. One of these days I may get around to doing a action job on mine but apparently I don't even see a pressing need for that. There is something about shooting and owning a genuine Colt SA in 45LC. I am glad mine is not unturned and in the back of my safe. I have got a lot of pleasure out it thus far and hope you will with your purchase also.

 

[AJD]

USFA come in .38 Special, I don't believe they offer the .357 Magnum as standard. USFA dropped the prices on their "main" line the Rodeo, Rodeo II, Cowboy and Single Action. They are also running a factory rebate on these revolvers. Right now with the factory rebate you could get a USFA Single Action from Gary Granger(USFA employee) through Frontier Classic Firearms for $850 shipped(after rebate).

When it comes to USFA prices, the prices listed on their website are not the price you pay. Those prices are MSRP. For example, the Colt Series 70 has a MSRP of $940. That's about $100 less then what I paid for mine.

But given that you want a .357 Magnum and you are thinking of a Colt SAA. I can say that based on the HOURS I've spend searching for opinions and photos online it appears that recently produced Colt SAA's appear to be of excellent quality.

Here is a recent review for you to read as just an example.

http://www.gunblast.com/Colt_SAA.htm

Jeff Quinn has experience with a number of different SAA's and copies. He says..

For a few years, I could not recommend buying a new Colt SAA without first closely examining the sixgun. After shooting this one extensively, talking to friends who have handled and shot a few new Colts, and fondling several others (Colts, not friends), I can now comfortably recommend buying a new Colt revolver to anyone looking to purchase a new single action. I have seen and handled several new Colt SAA revolvers in the past few months, and they were all of excellent quality. This new Colt that I have here is as good as any SAA being produced anywhere, and much better than most. It is delightfully accurate, well-built, and perfectly balanced. One more very important thing……it’s a Colt.

And just to makes things worse....

http://www.gunblast.com/Cumpston_Colt-WWI.htm

 

[Texas Moon]

The new SAA's are very nice guns. You'll love it.
FWIW, I'd get a Colt over a USFA any day.
As nice as the USFA's are they are still just a clone.
The Colt is....well....a COLT. 'Nuff said!

 

[Hawk]

It may just be my imagination but it seems more and more purchasers of new Colt SAAs are actually shooting them. Further, that Colt is cognizant of this fact and is making an effort to build them accordingly.

I have no personal knowledge regarding whether or not the reputation they got as "building for collectors" was deserved or not but it seems to be fading in any event.

Now, if they'd only fix their manual to get the "don't shoot me" stuff out of it... Who knows where this could lead? Perhaps even the display of product without chastity belts?