Buying a Colt SAA

[rWt]

Can anyone give me guidance in looking for a SAA?

I am looking for a 4 3/4" or 5 1/2" barreled gun in 45 Colt. This gun will be a shooter-so a used one is preferable. 1st generation will probably be too expensive.

Any thoughts on choosing between a 2d or 3d generation or a current production gun?

Any good sources?

Thanks for your help!

 

[io333]

http://www.usfirearms.com/

 

[madhatta]

The colt saa is one of the guns that I REALLY want to add to my collection.
I have been doing some research and looking for awhile now.
1st generation- definitely too expensive- read: WAY EXPENSIVE.
2nd generation- still a bit too pricey for a shooter

3rd gen: I have mainly been looking at these- specifically early 3rd generation. There are some 'deals' to be had, but in my experience, prices are still going to be around 1K.
I have seen some nice ones sitting on gunbroker.com and auctionarms.com.
I don't know if you feel comfortable buying from an online auction. I have used both of these with good results. However, if I was buying a colt saa, the seller would have to have perfect feedback, would have to have sold similar items to happy buyers in the past etc. And I would want to talk to the dealer on the phone before bidding/buying.

'4th' generation (current production) : a lot of mixed opinions on these. I have personally handled a couple that were lacking some QC, that even a causual observer would notice. I also know a very serious collector/dealer that has said if you get a good one of the current production ones, you are getting one of the best ever made. Again, you would have to check one out carefully...

hope this helps- and try posting this question on :

http://forums.sixgunner.com/

and good luck finding that great colt saa that was meant just for you. I like all kinds of guns, semiautos and revolvers, but nothing quite stirs ya like a real colt saa... the one with the pony on it, not a copy

 

[Gordon]

Just a hint: some of the slightly used 2nd generation Guns can be had for $800 or so. The New Frontiers are lower priced generally that the SAA. Some of the commenrative 2nd gens when they get used ae cheaper!

 

[Wildalaska]

How many ya want?

WildhasastackofemAlaska

 

[Jim K]

I always recommend having any new Colt-type SAA tuned by someone who knows what he is doing. It will cost money, but the result is a much better gun.

Jim

 

[targetshootr]

I took my 45 Rodeo to the range today and it's a dandy gun. Even looks good now that it has no finish. I put lighter springs in it which made a world of difference.

Hard gun to beat for $425 but they're probably a little more than that now. Someday I may have it nickled or polished blue or better yet, antique-ified. I wish the heck they made em in 44 spl. Or did they?

 

[Dr.Rob]

The SAA is a good investment, the 4th Generation model is/was a custom shop only item... that means each one is hand assembled... or were for a short time at any rate. I'd imagine the QC is pretty darn good.

I'd give any Colt SAA a good look over in person before shucking out cash.

The USFA guns are supposed to be excellent repros... and a nice choice if you can't afford a pretty pony.

 

[targetshootr]

This is posted over on the Bowen website:


January 2004
COLT BULLETIN

Traditional sources for Colt single-action revolver parts and hammer/trigger rebuilding vendors are increasingly unreliable and unable to provide us with timely, dependable service. In turn, we can no longer offer predictable delivery and the quality we require in our own work. Accordingly, we can no longer undertake repairs and restoration projects on Colt revolvers, particularly vintage guns. Further, getting parts, especially hammers and triggers, for late-model guns is increasingly difficult, if not impossible. In the short term, we will continue to offer our basic tuning package but only for UNALTERED 2nd and 3rd generation guns. Where guns arrived with modified or damaged parts, we will advise their owners of the problem and request that the owner procure new replacement parts. If that is not possible or satisfactory, the gun will be returned at the owner's expense. We are also dropping from our upcoming catalog the Flat-Top Target conversions and will not offer these even on a special-order basis because too many of the specimens submitted have proven to be so poorly fitted and finished that we cannot offer our best workmanship.

We regret the inconvenience but ask that our clients understand that we are in the custom pistolsmithing business and are not gunsmiths or blacksmiths. That said, we'll do our best to recommend specialists who can attend to restorations and repairs. While we admire the pre-war Colt revolvers, for our purposes, the late-model United States Firearms guns are far superior. In terms of fit and finish, they have no equal and are the best vehicle for fine custom single-actions. In view of developments at USFA, it is entirely possible that, in the near future, we will no longer offer services and modifications for Colt revolvers of any stripe.


http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/gunnotes.html#BARREL_REBORING_SITUATION