USFA Single Action Army

[Dithsoer]

How do USFA SAA's compare to modern Colt SAAS? How about the Cimarron Model P? Specifically, can I expect possible timing problems early on as seems to be the case with so many of the SAA copies out there today? How about parts breakage? I've had other SAA replica's and had timing problems and internal parts break after only a few hundred rounds. Can I expect this to happen with the USFA'S? I guess what I'm asking is, are they worth their high price? I'm thinking of getting one but really want to know what the general consensus is on these handguns first.

 

[wile326]

I know a lot of people really swear by the USFA, i had one of their rodeos, in less than one hundred rounds the hand broke sent it back to them for repair. They gave really fast service, less than 50 rounds later the the bolt broke. Again back to the factory. They repaired it in quick order. I do not know if I just got a gun that the parts where poorly heat treated or not. I used it a couple months after the last repair as part of a trade for a new colt in 38/40. I really like the colt it is my first genuine colt and it wont be my last.

 

[Old Fuff]

Regardless of who makes it, revolvers made on the original Colt pattern have some weak spots in the lockwork department. This is why Bill Ruger redesigned much of it starting with his first Single Six and Blackhawk revolvers.

The hand spring, followed by the trigger & bolt spring, tend to break. Cirarron Model P's are now coming with a coil, rather then flat hand spring, and the trigger & bolt spring can be replaced with one made of music wire. These seldom break. Having the action tuned by a qualified gunsmith (and not all gunsmiths are so qualified) usually reduces part breakage and timing problems before they start.

USFA make a fine product, but the high cost reflects the fact they are made in the USA, not Italy where labor and overhead costs are lower. Cimarron pays extra for additional handwork and tuning on their imported Uberti revolvers, and this too is reflected in the price.

Bottom line: If part breakage is a major concern, your best buy is a "new model" Ruger Vaquaro.

 

[jdomin]

cant beat the colt but its sure in second place, my opinion better value price wise