USFA Henry Nettleton

[CraigC]

The Nettleton makes my 5th USFA and the only one that's not 4¾". My first was an early US"P"FA in .45Colt. These guns were made from Uberti parts. Nice but the difference compared to the later guns is drastic. Here it is next to the later 12/22.



Colt type guns are notorious for needing their grips fitted, as there is much variation between guns, makes and eras. USFA's machining was so good, these one-piece walnuts were take-offs from a gun that received carved ivory and fit nearly perfectly.



Then I got a Rodeo II in .38Spl.



Then my flagship .44Spl, since fitted with Nutmeg ivory. Paid $1200 for it as USFA was liquidating their sixgun assets. Wish now I'd bought more.

 

[JCooperfan1911]

Once in a lifetime deal, you STOLE it!

 

[CraigC]

I really got good deals on all of them, considering where things ended up. I paid $420 for that first one and it came with two full leather rigs from COWS. Then $676 for the 12/22 and $600 for the Rodeo II. Which is really an indication of why USFA tanked. The guns had far more into them than they ever got out of them.

The belts were too small but here is the two holsters that the first gun came with.

 

[Dave T]

My photography isn't up to CraigC's but these late production USFAs are in the 3 standard Colt barrel lengths of 7-1/2", 5-1/2" and 4-3/4".



All are 45 Colts and all have black powder frames.

The middle gun is the "Artillery Model - Henry Nettleton" I mentioned in an earlier post in this thread.

Dave

 

[CajunBass]

I like these threads and seeing other USFA revolvers. They are beautiful guns. That one of Craig's...those wood grips...fantastic.

I'm far from an expert on these things, but I eneded up with one almost by accident. I saw it in the case and thought it looked nice. I'm not a single-action guy though and I was going to pass until my wife stepped in and said I should get it. "You need a cowboy gun." I paid $1300.00 for it in what I'm sure was unfired since the factory condition, with box, papers, and such. I'm glad she twisted my arm a bit. I had heard of USFA and knew they made a nice, well thought of gun, but didn't know how well thought of.



A fellow on the Colt forum who seemed to know what he was talking about, told me it's an all USA made one. I'll take his word for it. The US on the grip looks scratched up for some reason in the picture, but in real life looks totally different.

I decided I was going to shoot it, and have put about 30 rounds through it, but stopped just so I could save some of the ammo (45 Colt). I've found another box since then and may shoot it again before too long.

 

[CraigC]

Yours is definitely all domestic. By the time they started doing white-sided hammers on the standard SAA, they were all domestic. Super fine!

 

[Steve S.]

Sequential serial #’s, CC Bisley hammers and fire blues screws; I am fortunate to own these pieces.

 

[CajunBass]

Thanks Craig. It's not something that I lost sleep over, but it's nice to know. I figured it was worth what I paid for it and I plan to keep this one.

I even bought a Lee Loader for 45 Colt. Who knows. I might reload those empty cases I've got.

 

[CraigC]

It works to your advantage. They are measurably better guns and are more valuable on the market.

 

[Rexster]

Congratulations, on that acquisition, CraigC! USFA definitely made most wonderful firearms, during a glorious moment in time.

 

[edwardware]

I have handled a USFA Nettleton repro once, in an estate collection. It is, I think, the most beautifully finished firearm I've ever handled; more like jewelry than a tool.

Gorgeous.