Shopping for a SAA (or clone)

[nero45acp]

I'm looking to buy a 4 3/4" SAA (or clone) in .38 special/.357 magnum in the next month or so and I've narrowed it down to three. I'd appreciate any advice/input/opinions on these three pistols:


Colt SAA Blue/Case (the real McCoy)

USFA Rodeo (I would have it hard chromed at Accurate Plating)

Cimarron's Evil Roy Model (sounds interesting but I haven't heard from anyone that actually owns one)

This will be a shooter so I am mostly concerned with overall quality and reliability. Also, I prefer that it shot POA right out of the box, though I understand alot of SAA's require a little front sight filing and the occasional barrel turning to make them shoot POA. Thanks.



nero

 

[thatguy]

I have had 1st and 2nd Generation Colt SAAs and currently own a 3rd Generation made in the 1970s. I also own three clones, one Armi San Marcos and two by Uberti. In general, the Colts are better in fit and finish. They just look and feel a little better. Do they look and feel four times better? That's up to you to decide since you're doing the shopping.

I have had no experience with the Rodeo, but I know some people with the Cimarrons and the reports I hear is that they work great, look beautiful when new, but the finish seems a tad thin and wears more quickly than most other guns.

Sounds like you know what you want but to me an SAA begs to be bored for a man's cartridge, like a .44 or a .45. I had a 2nd Gen in .357 and it just never looked right with those tiny holes in the cylinder and barrel.

 

[Wildalaska]

How much ya lookin to spend?...I have 27 SAAs here from the 80s waITING FOR HOMES

WildyeeehahAlaska

 

[tulsamal]

If I was going to buy a SAA, it would be from US Firearms.

I've had to stop looking at their catalog or I won't ever be buying anything else!

Gregg

http://www.usfirearms.com/pdf/USFA_2004_catalog.pdf

 

[El Rocoso]

I have a Cimarron Model P (black powder frame) and it's been excellent. No problems mechanically and the finish has held up fine. Color case hardening is not really a very durable thing. Look at old Colts. I also have two USFA Rodeos and they are splendid if you don't mind the matte blue/black finish. I happen to like it and it's probably a little more durable than the case hardening. I would buy as many USFAs as I could afford, frankly. I got my first on the recommendation of a shooting compadre of mine who also rebuilds and shoots 1st and 2nd gen. Colts. He has shot and worked on most of the clones and he has now bought 4 PAIRS of USFA Rodeos.

I also sent one of my Rodeos in for a bit of warranty work and it was back in my hands eight days from the day I shipped it from Ok. to Conn.