Questions about Colt .22 SAA clones

[moewadle]

In 1963 I bought a Colt Frontier Scout 62 and it was stolen 10 years later. Also, moving forward timewise I have, just this year, gotten back into guns after a 20 year lapse. I realize I have been replacing guns I used to have and regret selling. So, I am in a mood, emotionally, to replace things that were "lost" let's say. For months I have been wanting a .22 Colt SAA clone and realize there are some significant differences in the Frontier Scout, the Nickeled model, the Peacemaker, and the New Frontier. However, I do not want a New Frontier. I have been reading that the original Colt 22 SAA clones have alloy frames and that the Peacemaker has a steel frame. I also see the difference in price between the Colts and say, a new or used Ruger Single-Six. So, my question is two-pronged. The first part has to do with the quality of the two or more varieties of .22 Colt SAA clones meaning the Scouts and Peacemakers and what I should buy, if any. The second part of the question is.....I know this is sort of a pyschological thing wanting to replace the long-ago stolen Frontier Scout. Am I unwise to spend 400 dollars and up for a Colt instead of just getting a nice Single-Six? If I do buy a Colt which one of those should I buy? Whatever I buy I want to shoot, shoot, shoot at the range. It would not be in a holster. I am 63 so will probably still have it when they plant me under the grass. I cannot say money is no object but I can afford the difference between a $200 toy and a $500 toy if I want it badly enough. Thanks in advance for giving me opinions about the firearms and my personal wishes. I know this has been a wordy question.

 

[gazpacho]

Starting with a sound firearm and minimal maintenance, any of the firearms you mention will last many generations (hundreds of bricks of ammo). Buy the one that makes you happiest. The only thing unwise would be to spend $200 trying to satiate a $500 thirst.

If it will REALLY make you happy, buy two of your favorite SAA and get fitted for a custom leather rig.

[Slight pause while I get my 45 Colt Ruger BH and leather rig out of the safe, strap it on and draw down on myself a few times in front of the mirror.]

Yeah . . . spend the money and make yourself happy.

 

[Jim Watson]

I think I'd look for a Peacemaker in your fix. Steel frame, very nice blue & case color finish, fixed sights. Enjoy. I am only a little younger and I am getting to the point of buying what I want and not letting the nickel and dimers bother me. Just today shot a gun recently back from a custom gunsmith who put more work into it than I paid for the gun. Nice.

 

[dfariswheel]

There are several different versions of the Colt .22LR single action.
The 1960's versions had frames made of aluminum or a zinc alloy called "Zamac".

The guns made in the 70's and 80's had steel frames.
In the 80's the guns were fitted with a cross-bolt safety that was exposed when the loading gate was swung out.

The most attractive and durable models are the 70's steel framed guns.
These came in a number of barrel lengths, and with or without adjustable sights.
The Colt color case hardened steel frames are VERY good looking, and more durable in both the material and the case colored finish than the older aluminum or Zamac frames.

So, from an appearance and durability standpoint, the steel framed versions the best.

While the Ruger's are really nice, the appearance is not up to the fantastic Colt color case hardening, and since you want to replace the original Colt, you will likely not be satisfied with anything else.

Last, the Colt will maintain it's value forever.

 

[Bullet Bob]

I have the New Frontier version (without the crossbolt safety); it's one of my favorite guns, and I don't even like single actions! I'd love to find a Peacemaker version to go with it. Smooth, and accurate.

 

[moewadle]

Thanks to all of you

because I think you all know how I feel. I have ordered the Wilkerson reference book on the Colt 22 Scouts, etc. I think someone verified what I figured out so far...that the Peacemaker with the steel frame is what I want over the alloy. And...as at least two of you said and supported the opinion that....I am getting old enough, and do have enough money that if I want to spend $575 instead of $325 the difference is not that much. One of the members had made an offer to me that I will consider as I advertised a WTB .22 Peacemaker in the buy and sell section. Thanks for the cheerful help. PS As most of you probably know that Scout '62 that was stolen cost me about $60. Now I see them on the internet for $400. But we all have stories like that. Thanks.

 

[moewadle]

Probably going to buy

a Peacemaker, with 6" barrel, and the two cylinders and in the box that I found through the internet. Slightly used and appears very nice in close up digital photos. I am not getting it cheap but from studying the market it is a fair price. The main reason I am leaving this entry is to say I received the Wilkerson reference on .22 Colt SAA Clones today and it is a great reference book. I recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about Colt Scouts, Peacemakers, and New Frontiers in the .22 caliber. Moe

 

[moewadle]

Just one more entry

on this thread, at least for now. My Colt Peacemaker .22 is on the way to Iowa from a Texas dealer and I anxiously await it. In the meantime I have decided that coming up is possession of one of those neat, very handsome, K series Frontier Scouts with the nickel plating and walnut grips. Quite a nice looking firearm.