"colt is back"

[303 hunter]

This was on the cover of a popular shooting magazine. The Colt New Frontier 44 spl was featured. The author claimed the $1455.00 msrp a deal, and that he would have one in his safe! I have owned two Colt revolvers in my life. A Python, and a Trooper mk3, both in 357 magnum. Both shot out of time within a few years of moderate use with factory ammo. I also have much experience with the Ruger Blackhawk. My latest is a flat top in 44 spl. I have shot many stout loads(15gr. H4227 200gr. hard cast) through it. I do not understand the draw of a weak design, over priced gun that is oiled,polished,then sits in a safe. I paid $450 for my Ruger(one of 5). How many of you think the $1455 msrp of the the Colt New Frontier is a deal.

 

[CSA 357]

I wanted a 45 colt saa for years, i finaly bought one new and i liked it shoot ok but i latter sold it and bought a ss black hawk in 45lc and its what i wanted all the time i just didnt know it!

 

[walker944]

At that price, there will NEVER be one in my safe!!

 

[skidder]

I would rather have 4 Blackhawks.

 

[peacebutready]

Python in the future?

This was on the cover of a popular shooting magazine. The Colt New Frontier 44 spl was featured. The author claimed the $1455.00 msrp a deal, and that he would have one in his safe!

Maybe they'll bring back the Python. Anyone think they will? I guess they would be very expensive if the Frontier lists at $1455.

 

[788Ham]

I don't believe they'll ever bring back the Python! Too expensive, and there aren't the quality of needed gun smiths today, no one wants to take the time to do things right. If the new Colt New Frontier is going to sell for $1455, dang, my 6" Python ought to be worth a hell of a bunch now!

 

[hogshead]

Overrated and overpriced but that pony on the side sure does help sell them when you want rid of them. I will stick to my Ruger's thanks.

 

[peacebutready]

Not enough gunsmiths?

I don't believe they'll ever bring back the Python! Too expensive, and there aren't the quality of needed gun smiths today, no one wants to take the time to do things right.

Are there less good gunsmiths today compared to a few decades ago or is there many more guns floating around? Maybe more flawed guns floating around.

I'd love a new Python. I don't want to pay through the nose for a used one.

S&W reissued a .357. I think it is called the Highway Patrolman.

 

[tlmkr38]

dang when I read the title I thought maybe Colt had decided to get back in the civilian handgun market again with something besides the 1911. As I remember when they quit they were building a really good gun and the prices were comparable with Smith and now Ruger.

I'm talking about the King Cobra, Anaconda, Det. Special and such. I have these and didn't feel I paid too much for any of them.

Someone told me the other day they had read where the military and orders a huge amount of M-4 rifles from Remington. Last time Colt didn't get a major contract they started building more civilian handguns, when they got it back they quit.

Oh well, maybe they will bring them back.

As for the Python, it is a really nice gun, I have one, saying that.... I'd rather shoot my King Cobra....

 

[788Ham]

peacebutready,

I'd have to say "less good gunsmiths today". How many "good" smiths do you personally know, that know "anything" about the timing on a Python? They might know what timing is, but can they adjust it like the old timers at Colt did, or could? Thats the difference I'm talking about, kind of like mechanics, there are mechanics, and then there are the shade tree variety. Smith's are a good make of revolver, no argument, but some of us like Colts better, YMMV.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I know a "good" smith that knows plenty about timing a Python. Trouble is he is the only one I personally know and could retire or expire any day....Of course Colt still works on 'em everyday, though.

As far as the Python coming back. It will never happen. Even if it did the gun would likely have to cost over 2 grand due to the way they were manufactured. Today, there are still NIB Pythons that can be had for under 2 grand.

I have high hopes that Colt will bring back a DA revolver. If they do, I suspect it will be a MKV/King Cobra action with a vent rib "Python- like" barrel screwed on it. If it had that action, it would be one tough cookie. If it had a Python quality barrel, it would likely be a tack driver to boot. If it did come back, I'd guess it would have a snake name, something like "Python II". I'd also guess that gun would cost north of $1k. If they bring it back, I'll be one of the first to try one out....Yeah, yeah, I know that is a lot of if's and probably will never happen.

 

[bannockburn]

I would love for Colt to bring back a version of the Mk.V Trooper, but then again I would love for Ruger to bring back the Security Six some day too. Don't think it's ever going to happen but I can dream, can't I?

 

[flhtcuibyhd]

I'm with skidder. I'll take the four Blackhawk/Vaquero's.

 

[CraigC]

I do not understand...

Obviously. I don't understand where the animosity comes from, the SAA has carried a $1200 street price for as long as I can remember and doesn't have adjustable sights! Everything is relative. The New Frontier is a wonderful sixgun and until now, all we've had available to us are overpolished, under finished 3rd generation guns, which usually sell around $1000-$1200 or 'good' 2nd generation guns that sell for much more. Bottom line is that Colt is producing a very, very good SAA (and New Frontier) at a price comparable to an inferior 3rd generation sixgun. They are at least as good as the earlier 2nd generation guns, if not better and cost much less.

There is nothing "weak" about the Colt design. IMHO, much of common perception is based on Ruger's marketing. In this case, the mid-frame Ruger Blackhawk and the Colt New Frontier are of comparable strength. The only 'real' advantage the Ruger has is the bolt design and the coil hand spring. I don't know about you gents but I've been shooting traditional leaf spring single actions for 25yrs and have only had one spring break. That was on a very, very well-used Frontier Scout belonging to a friend. Which cost all of about $3 to fix.

You may choose three or four Rugers if you wish but the Colt is a much better fit and finished sixgun. Although with a street price of $1200, you're really talking about two Rugers. If what you want is a traditional single action in the mid-frame and chambered in .44Spl or .45Colt, the New Frontier is a wonderful option and I'm tickled that they brought it back. You'll spend more than that having a Ruger converted and refinished.

This 3rd generation .45Colt is a great sixgun but the new guns are better and cost about the same. This ain't no safe queen. Seriously, who spends that much on a gun and never uses it???



This Old Model Ruger converted to .44Spl cost more than a new Colt.

 

[Hammerdown77]

I have lots of Rugers, and they are probably the best value out there for the price, rugged, accurate, attractive....

...but they'll never feel like a Colt.

Ruger's New Vaquero is close, but it's still not the same.

The Colt SAA is made out of their custom shop, and the recent guns are very, very nice. Probably nicer than they've ever been. Whether they are worth $1200 or not is up to you.

USFA also makes a nice SAA. Until recently, they would have been my preference over a Colt, as they seemed better finished, fitted, and were actually less expensive. But now they are very hard to get, and the Colt has caught back up in the quality department. If they're close in price, and the quality is the same....it's a no brainer to buy the Colt.

The New Frontier is a gorgeous gun. Could use a grip upgrade, but most people change their grips anyway.

Again, whether it's "worth it" is a relative term. If you ever get a chance to handle a new Colt SAA of recent production, you might feel differently. To me it's one of those guns to aspire to have. Everyone who's a hard core single action fan needs one real Colt SAA, used or new.

 

[scramasax]

If its not a Colt it's a copy. Saying that I own several good copies. In many ways they are mechanically better than a Colt. But you cannot replace an icon just copy it. I like my Ruger SA I'll never get rid of my Colt. And no Virginia they will probably never make the Python again. It requires too much hand fitting and the craftsmen were not trained to replace the old. All of Colts revolver designs were in an era of hands on craftmanship. Personal fitting required. The industrial march goes on faster, cheaper, more product out the door less cost. Not whining, just stating fact. I like craftsmanship. This is why I don't own plastic guns. Don't have a problem with them, they are good tools. Just don't care for them.

Also who pays MSRP today. Only someone that has to have the newest. At least if you did pay MSRP for a pistol it won't be superceeded by a new model like electronics in a month. Nor will it be loaded with glitches so you can beat the competition to the market.
OOPS! That might not be true for some of the trendy guns manufacturers.

Normally I only get this long winded before I take my meds. DOn't mean to hyjack or offend just exercizing my two last brain cells.

btw CraigC nice stag grips.

Cheers,

ts

 

[22-rimfire]

I think the Ruger is cetainly the "best value", but I don't believe the Ruger is a better SA revolver than the Colt. As far as the OP remarks on timing on Colt DA revolvers, I have shot them for years and have had no such issues. To each his own....

Colts have ALWAYS cost more than Rugers in general. That is a fact.

I think the best you can hope for with the Python is that Colt continues to be able to repair them. They won't be manufacturing them in the future in my opinion. If a DA revolver is made, it will likely be of a Mark III or Mark V design.

 

[4v50 Gary]

They're back, but at Python prices

 

[PapaG]

I've been a little upset with Colt for quite a few years. Seems like they ignored the American gun-buying public after getting the big M16 contracts in the sixties. They methodically dropped some very fine guns like the Woodsman, both sport and match target, the small framed revolvers like the Diamondback, Agent, Cobra, Dick Special, the good target revolvers in .22, .38, and the Python, Anaconda, SAA and others. About all that was kept going was the 1911 and it has been pretty well beaten up by Kimber and Baer.
I see ads for "new" Colts in various forms but not many have found their way to our shop. I'd really like to see Colt win back the public with some reintroductions, kind of like Smith did with their Classic series. Doubt it will happen but would be nice.

 

[contender]

colt. a desirable product that is an antiquated design/manufacture techniques requiring much hand labor to produce in a highly skilled but very unionized facility resulting in higher costs.

i guess they could go to castings and mim parts to reduce costs and take the facility to a southern State......the detective special needs to be reborn.

but would it be the same?

this colt is out of my league price-wise. but one can always wish....

 

[rcmodel]

I own a few Colts of different models.
9 or 10 in all, and 3 SAA's to be exact.
I no longer own any Rugers.

If I tried to explain why some people like Colts, you probably wouldn't understand it anyway.
We just do.

rc

 

[rswartsell]

+1 rc

 

[Jim K]

Cost is relative and depends on what you want. One gunzine has a cover article on the Ruger LC9 given the full Robar treatment. Gun: $440. After market work: #1136, or about THREE times the cost of the gun. I doubt it adds anything to the accuracy or reliability of the pistol, but I have no doubt folks will want one.

Jim

 

[303 hunter]

I do "understand"value for my dollar. I'll keep my Rugers.

 

[rcmodel]

I understand I paid $850 for a .45 Colt SAA in 1999.
And I understand I have enjoyed it for 11 years, and I can sell it for $1,000+ tomorrow.

Try that with a Ruger.

rc