Is there any reason not to get a USFA Rodeo
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Smokin Gator
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usfa rodeo
I have a 45 cal USFA Rodeo. Mechanically, for the money, I don't think you can do better than the rodeo for a Colt/clone. Of course they don't have the finish like an original Colt or the other USFA guns. As for barrell lenght, it just depends on what feels best to you. I like the shorter barrel. Mark
I have a 45 cal USFA Rodeo. Mechanically, for the money, I don't think you can do better than the rodeo for a Colt/clone. Of course they don't have the finish like an original Colt or the other USFA guns. As for barrell lenght, it just depends on what feels best to you. I like the shorter barrel. Mark
ArchAngelCD
Member.
No reason at all not to buy a USFA Rodeo revolver. They are probably the highest quality Colt clone on the marker out of the box. I prefer a 5.5" barrel over the shorter and longer barrels because it's a good compromise for shootability and ease of the draw/handling.
Bill of Ojai
Member
I've had a .38 special and .45 Colt Rodeo. Both exceedingly well-made and accurate.
messerist
Member
I really like mine. The only reason I can think of not to get one is if you are missing both arms and your head fell off
messerist said:
HILARIOUS!!
burnse, last year I bought two USFA Rodeos in .45 Colt from Jim at www.longhunt.com and they are FANTASTIC revolvers. I would definitely advise you to buy one and preferably two if you can afford it. Jim will give you consecutive serial numbers at no extra charge ... it'll cost you $100 for that alone if you buy from USFA.
I went with the 5-1/2" barrels and would do so again.
Jim has excellent prices ($625 for one or $595 for two or more) and I strongly recommend that you buy from him and get the outstanding upgrades that he does. I still continue to be amazed by the Rodeos. I was thrilled at how easy it is to remove the cylinders for cleaning (but that's not unique to USFA). As for the revolvers, Jim opens up the notch in the rear sight and the sights are fixed so I wasn't expecting much, but my first 5-shot group shot at 25 yards off hand was 2" and centered about an inch low ... I couldn't believe it!! Also, there wasn't a scratch, dent, nick or any other defect on either of the revolvers ... VERY unusual these days.
Good luck with your decision.
bluetopper
Member
I like target guns......not having adjustable sights is keeping me from getting one.
Sure.
If you're not shooting CAS, that's a good reason.
They're not pretty, they have plastic grips and fixed sights.
They're a match gun, with EXCELLENT mechanicals, accuracy, etc. They feel great.
But they're not pretty, and they're not particularly versatile. They are 5-shooters with no modern safety features. They're not made for heavy loads like a Blackhawk, either.
Depends what you want.
For CAS, no question, I'd buy two. They're great guns.
For a trail gun, I'd just get a Blackhawk in stainless and have it 'smithed if I had issues with the standard trigger.
If you're not shooting CAS, that's a good reason.
They're not pretty, they have plastic grips and fixed sights.
They're a match gun, with EXCELLENT mechanicals, accuracy, etc. They feel great.
But they're not pretty, and they're not particularly versatile. They are 5-shooters with no modern safety features. They're not made for heavy loads like a Blackhawk, either.
Depends what you want.
For CAS, no question, I'd buy two. They're great guns.
For a trail gun, I'd just get a Blackhawk in stainless and have it 'smithed if I had issues with the standard trigger.
parasite and ArmedBear, I was under the impression that the OP WANTS a SAA. In other words, his/her question is whether or not he/she should buy a USFA SAA rather than Colt, Ruger or Uberti SAAs. The question wasn't "should I buy a SAA?"
OP, my apologies if I misunderstood your question.
OP, my apologies if I misunderstood your question.
OP asks if there's any reason not to buy a Rodeo if he wants a "non-Colt."
There's nothing there that says it must be a SAA repro, nor what he wants it for.
The fact that he is looking at a Rodeo suggests "utilitarian", which leaves a good deal of leeway in my mind.
Without his further input, we'll never know.
There's nothing there that says it must be a SAA repro, nor what he wants it for.
The fact that he is looking at a Rodeo suggests "utilitarian", which leaves a good deal of leeway in my mind.
Without his further input, we'll never know.
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Assuming the OP wants a traditional SA type revolver, but at a lower price than the Colt, IMHO, the USFA is the best. The Rodeo is a less finely finished gun, but is quite "pretty" in its own way. And, again IMHO, the USFA guns are the only ones that "feel" like the old Colts; the Colts have been changed too much.
If one wants a "modern" SA, by all means go with Ruger; they can't be beat for the simple reason that they are NOT traditional.
Jim
If one wants a "modern" SA, by all means go with Ruger; they can't be beat for the simple reason that they are NOT traditional.
Jim
IMHO the length depends on the caliber.
If you're looking at .44 or .45, I'd consider 5.5". If .38, I'd consider 4 5/8.
The bore size changes the weight of the barrel and cylinder noticeably.
The only way to REALLY know is to handle a similar gun.
If you're looking at .44 or .45, I'd consider 5.5". If .38, I'd consider 4 5/8.
The bore size changes the weight of the barrel and cylinder noticeably.
The only way to REALLY know is to handle a similar gun.
Virginian
Member
Quote:
"Is there any reason not to get a USFA Rodeo if I want a non-Colt (because of price) that is as true to the original as possible?"
Yes. If one does not like flat or satin finished guns. To me that is not 'true to the originals' at all. I remember that song about "Never make a pretty woman your wife", but I did, and do not regret it. I feel the same way about guns.
"Is there any reason not to get a USFA Rodeo if I want a non-Colt (because of price) that is as true to the original as possible?"
Yes. If one does not like flat or satin finished guns. To me that is not 'true to the originals' at all. I remember that song about "Never make a pretty woman your wife", but I did, and do not regret it. I feel the same way about guns.
LOL
I got a matte black Uberti (back when you could buy a new one for around 250 bucks) and, especially given some of the Ubertis I've seen lately -- they can do a pretty nice polished blue -- I wish I'd spent the extra hundred at the time.
For real field use, I'd rather have a New Model Blackhawk anyway, so if the Colt clone is going to be a "fun gun", I'd prefer a pretty one.
That said, USFA is like Porsche. The sticker price isn't the killer, the options are. Want a CCH hammer? That'll be $175, sir. The price difference between matte and polished blue ain't no hundred bucks like the Uberti.
I have a USFA Rodeo in .45 Colt. I got the 4 5/8 barrel as I like the way it balances better and I do carry it as a woods gun. I have no problem with a 250 grain .45 going 900 FPS as opposed to something I could stuff in my Blackhawk. The SAA is slimmer, lighter and just plain more fun.
Just sent mine to Longhunter for some work and will get it back next week.
Just sent mine to Longhunter for some work and will get it back next week.
Jim Watson
Member
Nitpick alert!
The Colt SAA, USFA, and other faithful copies have 4 3/4" barrels.
Ruger makes guns with 4 5/8" barrels.
The Colt SAA, USFA, and other faithful copies have 4 3/4" barrels.
Ruger makes guns with 4 5/8" barrels.
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