Colt SAA 45LC or copy?

[Daddyfixit]

I was thinking about getting into Cowboy action fun. The Colts seem a little pricey($1200 & up) but then again they're Colts! Cimarron's look good(so does the price $400 to $500)? Any advice? I'm also thinking of using a cast boolit in 45LC.:veryconfu

[jh45gun]

I really like my Taylor's (Uberti) Clone.

http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/

[edsmith]

can't go wrong with a uberti, I have one.

[Daddyfixit]

I really like my Taylor's (Uberti) Clone.

http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/

I'll have to check out Uberti. I just mentioned Cimerron because I saw them at Cabella's
Thanks

[NickSS]

I have three Uberti and one Cimeron which is also a Uberti. The only difference between the Uberti and the Cimeron is the hammer does not have a safety block. The Uberti marked revolvers have a little metal block that pops into position to block the hammer when You cock the gun to the first safety carry catch (first click) The Cimeron does not have this feature but is like the original colt. I do not trust the catch on the Uberti and only load five cartridges when carrying it. They are all in 45 colt and they all shoot great.

[9.3X62AL]

The Colts ARE mighty nice sixguns, but a Uberti at less than half their price is no slouch, either. Rugers are hell for strong if creative handloading is on the agenda, but the 45 Colt and its 250 grain boolit at 900 FPS is no powder-puff. I've only handled one USFA, and didn't fire it. I had to set it down in a hurry, or it would have followed me home.

Yes, there are some nice 45 Colts out there these days.

[Daddyfixit]

I have three Uberti and one Cimeron which is also a Uberti. The only difference between the Uberti and the Cimeron is the hammer does not have a safety block. The Uberti marked revolvers have a little metal block that pops into position to block the hammer when You cock the gun to the first safety carry catch (first click) The Cimeron does not have this feature but is like the original colt. I do not trust the catch on the Uberti and only load five cartridges when carrying it. They are all in 45 colt and they all shoot great.

Thanks, I didn't know that Uberti made both. I would likely prefer the Cimarron because of the transfer bar. With four pistols what's your preferance on barrels length?
Thanks to all for your input[smilie=s:

[jh45gun]

I like the 5.5 barrels not too long and not too short sort of a compromise.

[Potsy]

I saw a USFA the other day, looked slightly used but not abused, not sure which model except it had the case hardened frame and the nice blueing job. $652, according to the tag.
I backed away slowly.
Starts making it real hard to justify spending $1200 on a Colt.

[dubber123]

I saw a USFA the other day, looked slightly used but not abused, not sure which model except it had the case hardened frame and the nice blueing job. $652, according to the tag.
I backed away slowly.
Starts making it real hard to justify spending $1200 on a Colt.

If you saw the fit and finish on the last Colt SAA I handled, the choice would be alot easier... The Colt was NOT finished like a $1,200 revolver should be. It may have been a "Friday" gun, but it didn't impress me at all.

[targetshootr]

You can find second hand USFA Rodeos for $500-600. If I saw a current model with case hardening for $652, it would be gone. Possibly an older USFPA?

[Dale53]

If I were going to compete in Cowboy Action, I would get a Ruger, hands down. After initial tuning (.45 Colt's often need the cylinder throats reamed) with a trigger job and a free spin pawl (you can easily modify the original pawl) you have a sixgun that'll run forever. AND-d-d, it didn't cost an arm and a leg.

I have a number of Rugers of various types and they are dern near "bullet proof". Further, the Ruger's have MUCH better sights. If you want adjustable sights, you can get them. If you prefer fixed sights (some shooting disciplines require them) they have an excellent sight picture. Regulating some fixed sights can be a serious endeavor. However, I have owned two fixed sighted Rugers. The first one, a .45 Colt Vaquero, out of the box was dead on for windage but shot a bit low with a 250 gr bullet. That was an easy fix - I just gradually shortened the front sight (over a period of three range trips to ensure I didn't over do it) with a file. The second one was a Bisley Vaquero 5½". Right out of the box it shot dead on at 25 yards with a 250 gr bullet and black powder. It also shot to POA with a factory equivalent load. The sight picture is excellent.

I have a Cimarron .44 Special 4 5/8". It came with a two pound creep-free trigger and absolutely first rate polish, blue, and brilliant color case. The sights are similar to a First Generation Colt - which is to say, miserably small. It doesn't shoot to the sights. About 2" low and to the left at 25 yards. It DOES shoot quite well (under 1.5" at 25 yards even with those miserable sights). As you can see, it is a beautiful handgun:

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/DalesPistolsRevolvers4Selects-0315.jpg

YMMV
Dale53

[9.3X62AL]

SAA PORN ALERT!!

Mighty nice machinery, gents.

[Potsy]

That Colt is beautiful. To my mind, a basic Colt for $1200 wouldn't be worth it, that pistol for $1800 however, seems well worth the money.

Targetshootr, holler at Frontier Firearms in Kingston, TN. Thats where the pistol I was referencing was. I'm pretty darn sure it was a USFA. Had a little holster wear around the muzzle, that was all I saw, but I didn't handle it, I was scared to.

[DLCTEX]

For Cowboy action shooting I'd go with 2 Ruger Vaqueros for about the price of the Colt. If I spend $1800 for a gun I would be hesitant to wear it with a lot of rounds and dry firing practice.

[Dale53]

I wouldn't presume to tell anyone else what they SHOULD be doing (I'll leave that to the present President and his administration). A pair of Rugers indisputably represents the most value of your hard earned cash.

However, there are those who won't be satisfied with anything but a Colt. They should HAVE a Colt. That engraved one is about one of the prettiest guns I have seen.

Dale53

[KCSO]

Who makes Colt parts now? Where are they assembled? Who knows. I do know that when a buddy HAD to have a REAL Colt 1862 and NOT a Uberti. The gun arrived and would not fire, the frame casting was left rough and the hammer would not go down far enough to hit the caps. We repaired the gun and found a slip of paper in the bottom of the Colt box under the foam. The slip said the gun was from Italian parts and had been assembled by Harrington and Richardson. Since that COLT cost just twice what the Uberit would I sure got a laugh on my COLT loving buddy. Now that was several years ago but the last COLT i ordered in for a fellow was sent back for poor workmanship and he ended up with a Cimmarron. I hope that Colt has improved but I haven't risked any of my money to find out. The last Colt SA I had was bought new in 1972 for $125.00 and was a pretty decent gun, but if I were spending $1200 today I probably wouldn't spend it on a Colt.

[Tazman1602]

How about Ruger Vaquero or USFA Rodeo models? I've got a Ruger New Model Vaquero in .357 and love it.

Man you guys are killing me with all those purty pics of those custom guns you have. Do you actually shoot them or do you just look at them and polish them like Harley riders do to their bikes (LOL -- FLAME ON!)

Art

[bob208]

how do you file some off a front sight to make it shoot lower? you need to make the sight taller to make a pistol shoot lower.

[Dale53]

how do you file some off a front sight to make it shoot lower? you need to make the sight taller to make a pistol shoot lower.

bob208;
You DON'T. That was a "slip of the key" :roll:- it shot a bit low. With the generous front sight on the Ruger, it was a simple matter to correct.

Thanks for spotting that error. I have corrected the error.

Dale53

[lbaize3]

Wow, that engraved SAA is awsome! Say, Daddyfixit, I have to agree about the Rugers if you will be dry firing the pistols as a means of practice. They will hold up better to the dry firing. I have three Uberti pistols from Cimmaron, two 3" Sheriff's models in 45 Colt and a 5.5" Cattleman in 45 Colt. I also have two Navy Arms 5.5" SAA clones in 32-20 (wife's cowboy pistols), two Taylor's Co. 5.5" deluxe Smokewagons in 45 Colt, a couple of 45 Colt Schofield models and assorted Rugers.

I compete with the Smokewagons now. They come with all the bells and whistles and I really appreciate the thin checkered wood grips. If you don't want to slick up the guns yourself, go with the deluxe Smokewagons. Should be able to get them for $599 or less. I think the Uberti and other Colt Clones are very easy to slick up and a bit cheaper than the Rugers. Spring kits and instructions for smoothing the action abound on the internet. I slicked up the Cattleman and it is a fine backup gun to my Smokewagons. I also like the 5.5" barrels better than the shorter and longer ones. They help my old tired eyes see the sights much easier and I think they are better for the point and shoot style of Cowboy Action than the shorter ones. The long barrels are ok, but too darned slow.

I use 250 grain round nose flat point lead bullets with a max listed load of Trail Boss. This is a fine shooting load with little (for me) recoil. It shoots to point of aim in my 1873 Uberti Trapper. You can also do well with the 200 grain version of that bullet. Lots of the gamers (folks who try very, very hard to win) shoot 38 caliber pistols with 125 grain cast bullets and light loads of powder. Some of those folks are simply amazing with their speed and accuracy. Me, I just shoot for the fun and companionship.

[Sagebrush Burns]

You won't go wrong with a Colt SAA. They work just fine for cowboy action shooting. I've been playing that game with Colts since 1984 and had no problems. The Colt is a stronger gun and will take more abuse than it is generally given credit for. Of course, no gun should ever be abused, but as long as one isn't stupid about it, a Colt will get the job done. There are a couple of things you should not do with a Colt. If you want to carry with six in the cylinder, get a transfer bar Ruger. If you want to shoot 1200+ fps loads get a large frame Ruger or a Freedom Arms. If your happy with 250 grain bullets at 900 fps and five in the cylinder, nothing is better than a Colt.

[jh45gun]

You won't go wrong with a Colt SAA. They work just fine for cowboy action shooting. I've been playing that game with Colts since 1984 and had no problems. The Colt is a stronger gun and will take more abuse than it is generally given credit for. Of course, no gun should ever be abused, but as long as one isn't stupid about it, a Colt will get the job done. There are a couple of things you should not do with a Colt. If you want to carry with six in the cylinder, get a transfer bar Ruger. If you want to shoot 1200+ fps loads get a large frame Ruger or a Freedom Arms. If your happy with 250 grain bullets at 900 fps and five in the cylinder, nothing is better than a Colt.

Well in that case Sagebrush a Uberti will suffice just as well also! And for a lot cheaper price.

[Daddyfixit]

Bill, NICE!...I'm green with envey! I'm glade to here you shoot it. I would too! I could never afford a "collector" gun...just as well, I'd have to run some rounds throgh it! But sir, This was presented to pres Lincoln by Sam Colt him self! I Know! but I want to see how it shoots!!:Fire:
Great food for thought. Real nice pics!

[Four Fingers of Death]

I would love a Colt to match my 1911 and my old Po Po. However, they are about $AU3400 here.

I have used (and still do) Rugers. Great guns, never a problem.

I have a pair of Piettas I bought new a bit short of two years ago. They were slicked up by the shop I bought them from. They screwed up the 73 Uberti rifle and the IAC hammergun I bought at the same time, but apart from the triggers ebing too light, they did a fine job on the Piettas. They are slicker than frog snot, shoot to point of aim and have a bit of air around the foresight, giving an excellent sight picture.

I also have a pair of USAFs which are dome blued with Tru Ivory grips, very pretty and very well timed. Like a swiss watch. Not as slick as the Piettas, but very positive cycling. So far the Piettas win hands down in the accuracy department over the others. I think the USAFs will respond to a heavier boolit. The Piettas shoot well with anything so far.

As to price ( in aussie dollars)

Piettas standard, $675, tuned $795
Rugers $895-950
USAFs: Don't know but the previous owner said it cost him $AU1800 each to land them in Australia about 3-4 years ago, probably dearer now.
Colts: Currently advertised around $AU3400.

You can see why there aren't many Colts on the firing line here. I have a friend who uses a pair and I can't say I've seen any others in 5 years of cowboy shooting and lots of other disciplines previously.

I would dearly love some genuine Colts, but at approximately four times the price and a bit of a lottery quality wise, I won't be holding my breath.

I like the Rugers (NM Vaqs), but I find the Piettas and USAFs easier to shoot duellist with my arthritic big hands and thats the way I'm headed.

[August]

I beat the heck out of mine. They just keep on runnin'.

If you get roogers that work from the factory, they run forever. Not a sure thing they are right when new, however.

Colt's demand smithing as they often have dimensional issues in the cylinder throat and forcing cone areas. Third gen colt's are really clones in the sense that they are quite different than first gen 1873s. Relatively, the new ones are heavy.

Some of the eyetalian 1873s have heat treating and/or warpage issues. So, check them out dimensionally very carefully before committing to one.

If you want a first gen 1873, there are two choices -- pony up 3-5 K bucks for a real one or buy a USFA gun.

Roogers are tools.
Colt's is the name of a company that used to make guns but now is just a name.
Uberti guns are soft.
USFA guns are perfect in every way.

[jh45gun]

I beat the heck out of mine. They just keep on runnin'.

If you get roogers that work from the factory, they run forever. Not a sure thing they are right when new, however.

Colt's demand smithing as they often have dimensional issues in the cylinder throat and forcing cone areas. Third gen colt's are really clones in the sense that they are quite different than first gen 1873s. Relatively, the new ones are heavy.

Some of the eyetalian 1873s have heat treating and/or warpage issues. So, check them out dimensionally very carefully before committing to one.

If you want a first gen 1873, there are two choices -- pony up 3-5 K bucks for a real one or buy a USFA gun.

Roogers are tools.
Colt's is the name of a company that used to make guns but now is just a name.
Uberti guns are soft.
USFA guns are perfect in every way.


I suspect some of the earlier guns may have had issues and you say Italian guns well that covers a lot of area as there are several different manufacturers. From what I have seen on the net Uberti has a good rep for the guns they make which is why I bought one. If you consider them SOFT because they cannot handle the hot loads the rugers do OK but I am more then perfectly satisfied shooting a 250 grain cast bullet at 900 fps or less. My load is more like 850 fps since I am shooting 8 grains of Unique with a 250 grain SWC which will kill any whitetail.

[Sagebrush Burns]

Well in that case Sagebrush a Uberti will suffice just as well also! And for a lot cheaper price.

Yes, the Uberti is a lot cheaper price, but it's a lot cheaper gun. The Uberti is serviceable, and, if price is the primary consideration, not a bad choice. Fact is, if low price is important, the Ruger New Vaquero may be the best option. I am a Colt man and have been for 40 years - have not seen any reason to change.

[Doc Highwall]

I have shot the USFA's in 38spl and with 158gr at 25 yards they both hit poa dead nuts. That is what I want, no question about quality. I already have the rifle in 38spl to go with them.

[jh45gun]

Yes, the Uberti is a lot cheaper price, but it's a lot cheaper gun. The Uberti is serviceable, and, if price is the primary consideration, not a bad choice. Fact is, if low price is important, the Ruger New Vaquero may be the best option. I am a Colt man and have been for 40 years - have not seen any reason to change.


I'll take the Uberti over the Ruger in fact I did after having a couple of Rugers with issues I gave up on them.

[Marvin S]

If ya want tough modern internals get the Ruger. If you want something that says C O L T when you cock it but is actually made very well get the USFA. If you just look at one and see how they are put together, like how the loading gate fits the frame you will smile. There is also the STI texican but I have not handled one.

[Daddyfixit]

If ya want tough modern internals get the Ruger. If you want something that says C O L T when you cock it but is actually made very well get the USFA. If you just look at one and see how they are put together, like how the loading gate fits the frame you will smile. There is also the STI texican but I have not handled one.

Thanks for all the great input guys!
I looked at the USFA's, but (online anyway) the finnish looks strange? I found a Colt for $1050 but I have not seen it yet. The Cimerrons look nice!

lbaize3, I'm with you on the 38SPL thought, At my age & (more important) eye sight, I am just going to do it for fun:Fire: That's why I'll use the 45LC. If this group is a sample of the people at these events I know I'll have a GREAT time:drinks:

[longhorn]

I find it fascinating that today's handgunners prefer a 1911 pattern auto made by someone other than Colt (in general), but arguments about the SAA seem to go on forever. I've owned Colt, Uberti, and Ruger single actions, never a USFA. John Taffin speaks (writes) very positively about the new production Colts. If I were shopping for a classy single action, I'd look at Colt and USFA and pick the nicest, not the name.

[405]

If you want purdy at a glance they all make em. If you want a gun that won't drop much if any in value once out the door get a Colt. If you want a gun that won't drop too much get a USFA. If you want a gun that drops in value like a Yugo get an Italian. Rugers are OK but not repros of anything except earlier model Rugers. All single actions pretty much go bang and can be servicable. Both Colt and USFA make very good guns. Join SASS and get a plain USFA for 875 plus some waiting plus membership, shipping & transfer. Get a plain Colt for 1050 plus shipping & transfer. Ford or Chevy anyone? :mrgreen:

[buckeye]

For a shooter--- Get a Ruger!

[jh45gun]

If you want purdy at a glance they all make em. If you want a gun that won't drop much if any in value once out the door get a Colt. If you want a gun that won't drop too much get a USFA. If you want a gun that drops in value like a Yugo get an Italian. Rugers are OK but not repros of anything except earlier model Rugers. All single actions pretty much go bang and can be servicable. Both Colt and USFA make very good guns. Join SASS and get a plain USFA for 875 plus some waiting plus membership, shipping & transfer. Get a plain Colt for 1050 plus shipping & transfer. Ford or Chevy anyone? :mrgreen:


I think your off base with the YUGO comments I have seen the Uberti's and other clones in the used market and they still get a decent price for them.

You make the Ford Chevy comment well I suppose you could say the Colts and the USA guns are the Caddys of the field and the Rugers the Fords and the Uberti's the Chevies or vice versa. Thing is I never owned a caddy in my life but I have driven Chevies until they dropped and got years of service out of them. I suspect the same out of the Clones as long as you take care of them and do not hot rod them.

[jh45gun]

For a shooter--- Get a Ruger!

And expect a C**p shoot whether its a good one or not. Been there done that several times.

[John F.]

Bill Weddle,

That is one beautiful Colt!! I'm also glad you shoot it and enjoy it, rather than just stuffing it in the back of the safe! To me, guns with honest blue wear look better than brand new ones...

If you don't mind my asking, what grade of engraving is that, and are the patterns
pretty much the same at the Colt Custom Shop, or do you have much choice?

You have me thinking bad (expensive!) thoughts!
John

[405]

I think your off base with the YUGO comments I have seen the Uberti's and other clones in the used market and they still get a decent price for them.

You make the Ford Chevy comment well I suppose you could say the Colts and the USA guns are the Caddys of the field and the Rugers the Fords and the Uberti's the Chevies or vice versa. Thing is I never owned a caddy in my life but I have driven Chevies until they dropped and got years of service out of them. I suspect the same out of the Clones as long as you take care of them and do not hot rod them.

Ford, Chevy comparison..... NO! You're wrong! [smilie=b: It's a common phrase about comparing different tastes of different people and has nothing to do with comparing a Ford to a Chevy- sheesh!!!!

Market facts show the Colt will retain value over most others... so buyers/owners can think what they want, buy what they want and enjoy their shooters.

Plus, something just doesn't sound right about Dodge City, Italy :confused:

[jh45gun]

Maybe it don't sound right Dodge Italy but if not for them we would not have a lot of great replicas in this country. Besides giving us some great guns some of their spaghetti westerns were not bad either. Clint anyone? I cannot afford a Colt or a USA and I tried Ruger's and had some bad ones so that pretty much left the Uberti which I am well satisfied with.


Market facts show the Colt will retain value over most others... so buyers/owners can think what they want, buy what they want and enjoy their shooters.

If ya would have said that in the first place I would not have questioned you but your YUGO comment was not called for as a lot of folks like and shoot the clones out of Italy both short gun and rifle!

[Lloyd Smale]

I love colts but would subject a 1200 dollar gun to cowboy action shooting.

[John F.]

Hi, Bill,
Thanks very much for the good info on the engraving!! I will check it out!

John

[lathesmith]

IF I suddenly struck it rich, and IF money were no object....well, I'd probably own a dozen genuine 1st Gen Colts, maybe an original 1875 Remmy, and probably would drive a Rolls Royce or two. But, since I am firmly part of the (fast-disappearing)middle-class, at least what's left of it, and money IS definitely a consideration....I'll look around a bit, and see what kind of quality I can find at what I deem a reasonable price. Mind you, "value" doesn't necessarily mean the cheapest thing I can find. I've seen a lot of good value for the money from the likes of Taurus, Uberti, Ruger, Colt, and others, and not necessarily in that order. For me, it just all kinda depends on what might pop up at any given moment, and at what price. Now, let the brickbats fly....

lathesmith

[jh45gun]

Bill I do not have an extra 100 a month laying around hell to buy my Uberti I had to make some trades with an Encore Barrel a Marlin 60 and some extra cash or I would not have been able to get it.

[Daddyfixit]

Thanks for all the input! So here's how my trip to the gun shop went Saturday.... I had my eye on a Colt 5 1/2 bbl & a USFA 4 3/4 bbl. The USFA had better balance but the Colt grip fit my hand better. I noticed the frame on the USFA was a little narrower....so as I'm still debating this when my son said "Dad, they have a Luger over here that says DWM on it!" Now you all know I've been reserching alot on the SAA.......but...it.. it was a P-08 with matching numbers for $1200 in REAL good condition! Don't see those very often! So... I...well lets just say I will have a little longer to decide on the SAA Colt or Copy... barrel length? I like the 4 3/4 balance.....mmmmm

[jh45gun]

Congrats on the German gun if that turns your crank. Myself I would rather have a good Colt or Colt Copy. Which is why I bought my Uberti I could have went and bought a 1911 or 1911 copy which are nice but I really wanted a SAA Colt Clone. Yea what you bought will increase in value but I was looking for a shooter and a fun gun.

[Ed K]

One thought on the USFA rodeo - for cowboy action or just a shooter meaning a gun that is going to see a good deal of use, it seems that a gun that is mechanically just as good as a Colt (or maybe better) for a price near a Ruger or Uberti is a great choice. I bought mine 99% unfired for $395 a couple years ago. With no shopping around I see my local shop has one at $550 in 97% right now and one could maybe do better. In comparison the used Rugers and Ubertis in similar condition are running $400. Sure the USFA is a touch more than these but still close enough to be considered in the same price class - not that of the Colt. I wouldn't be too worried about a $400-500 USFA holding it's value.

I see you've purchased something else but still got the Colt/copy on your mind.

[Daddyfixit]

Daddyfixit,
You are a confirmed gun nut, DWM PO8.........
If and when you ever do get a COLT, you can call them and then place your order with 1/2 down, it might take about a year to get. Balance due when it's done........

Bill, After seeing pictures of your prized Colt that option is definately on my mind! For cowboy action shooting I'd need two!:bigsmyl2:

[Daddyfixit]

Congrats on the German gun if that turns your crank. Myself I would rather have a good Colt or Colt Copy. Which is why I bought my Uberti I could have went and bought a 1911 or 1911 copy which are nice but I really wanted a SAA Colt Clone. Yea what you bought will increase in value but I was looking for a shooter and a fun gun.

That's exactly what I bought it for!!:Fire: Shooting & a fun gun!! A already have 2 1911A1's they're fun too!! I know I'm getting a SAA of some make, it's just going to take longer! Dad brought back a luger after the war and it was hands down the best (and funnest) gun he let me shoot. But he gave it to my older brother:evil:!!Dang-it!! :violin:.....So there was no way I could pass on this one! P-08 = Hard to find under $2500; SAA = not so hard to find!
This post is a lot of good fun too!:drinks:

[Marvin S]

So there was no way I could pass on this one! P-08 = Hard to find under $2500; SAA = not so hard to find!
This post is a lot of good fun too!:drinks:[/QUOTE]

That,s the way I would look at it.

[jh45gun]

Ya its probably worth a lot more and I have seen them at the gun shops too but between a 1911 or a German Pistol either the luger or a PO8 I would prefer a 1873 0r a 1911. Of course others may feel different.

[Sagebrush Burns]

I love colts but would subject a 1200 dollar gun to cowboy action shooting.

Why not? They are made to shoot. They handle beautifully. If you had a fine rifle or shotgun, wouldn't you hunt with It? If you had a BMW, wouldn't you drive it?