Colt revolver collectors are weird.

[silicosys4]

I threw a $1200 bid down on this 5% finish Colt SAA that's loose with a rough bore. I thought that was a darn good bid for what amounts to a parts gun.
Nope. Hammered down at $1850.

Colt Model Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Revolver Caliber 44 Wcf Antique Mfg 1896 No Ffl Needed .44-40 Win.

THIS IS A COLT MODEL FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER IN CALIBER 44 WCF OR BETTER KNOWN AS 44-40 MADE IN 1896. THE BORE IS WORN WITH A MEDIUM FROST

www.gunauction.com

I also put a bid down on this 1924 Colt Officers Model 38 for $550, never expecting to win what was at the time Colts premium DA revolver.
Yup. I won the Officers Model.

Colt Officers Model 38 Double Action Revolver Caliber 38 Special C&R Ok .38 Caliber

THIS IS A COLT OFFICERS MODEL 38 DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER IN CALIBER 38 SPECIAL. THE BORE AND CYLINDER HOLES ARE BRIGHT AND SHINY VERY GOOD AND THE BLUING IS IN

www.gunauction.com

Same seller, auctions ending at roughly the same time on the same day.
I really don't get how a rough-as-a-cob, standard SAA can collect almost 4x the money that the OM did, especially considering the condition.
Works for me, but that kind of blows my mind.

 

[J-Bar]

You did fine. Enjoy that Officer's Model. It's a better revolver.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I threw a $1200 bid down on this 5% finish Colt SAA that's loose with a rough bore. I thought that was a darn good bid for what amounts to a parts gun.
Nope. Hammered down at $1850.

Colt Model Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Revolver Caliber 44 Wcf Antique Mfg 1896 No Ffl Needed .44-40 Win.

THIS IS A COLT MODEL FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER IN CALIBER 44 WCF OR BETTER KNOWN AS 44-40 MADE IN 1896. THE BORE IS WORN WITH A MEDIUM FROST

www.gunauction.com

I also put a bid down on this 1924 Colt Officers Model 38 for $550, never expecting to win what was at the time Colts premium DA revolver.
Yup. I won the Officers Model.

Colt Officers Model 38 Double Action Revolver Caliber 38 Special C&R Ok .38 Caliber

THIS IS A COLT OFFICERS MODEL 38 DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER IN CALIBER 38 SPECIAL. THE BORE AND CYLINDER HOLES ARE BRIGHT AND SHINY VERY GOOD AND THE BLUING IS IN

www.gunauction.com

Same seller, auctions ending at roughly the same time on the same day.
I really don't get how a rough-as-a-cob, standard SAA can collect almost 4x the money that the OM did, especially considering the condition.
Works for me, but that kind of blows my mind.

Don’t complain too much!!! i plopped down $599 for my Colt OM 7.5” and I like these prices just as they are!

that ratty old 44-40 is not a $1800 gun. They had better condition ones about 8 months ago for around the $1500 range

 

[CraigC]

They are weird and that is crazy. I'd rather have the Officer's Model than a ratty SAA. A few years ago I got a Police Positive Target .22LR from the 1920's in virtually new condition for $700.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Ya, we aint quite right.

Nice score on the OM. I think you dodged an $1800 bullet on the SAA.

 

[silicosys4]

Yea I don't get paying $2k for a revolver that needs $1k worth of barrel, lockwork, and grips to end up $3k into a gun that frankly, looks like hell and likely won't be original, not when there are other options like this one I was chasing a few months ago.

Colt Single Action Army Saa...1st Gen, .44 Spl, 4-3/4

COLT ~ SINGLE ACTION ARMY1ST GENERATION, .44 SPL, 4-3/4, NICKELGREAT BORE & WORKS PERFECTLYANTIQUE, MFD 1897, NO FFL REQ'D NO RESERVE! Here's a pretty neat ol

www.gunauction.com

I'd rather be into that for a non original shooter than $3k into the one I posted.

 

[Pat Riot]

I only have 1 Colt. My Detective Special .38.
Over the years I have seen much Colt “Weirdness”.
Also, S&W Weirdness, Ruger Weirdness, Revolver weirdness in general. Some people think we are all weird. They are wrong. We are just “unique”.

I think you got a good deal on your Officers Model. It’s a great looking revolver for being 100 years old. It’s a beauty.

 

[1KPerDay]

Think of the original SAA like original muscle cars. The demand and cache and mystique drive the prices up. Nice score on the OM

 

[Mark_Mark]

Yea I don't get paying $2k for a revolver that needs $1k worth of barrel, lockwork, and grips to end up $3k into a gun that frankly, looks like hell and likely won't be original, not when there are other options like this one I was chasing a few months ago.

Colt Single Action Army Saa...1st Gen, .44 Spl, 4-3/4

COLT ~ SINGLE ACTION ARMY1ST GENERATION, .44 SPL, 4-3/4, NICKELGREAT BORE & WORKS PERFECTLYANTIQUE, MFD 1897, NO FFL REQ'D NO RESERVE! Here's a pretty neat ol

www.gunauction.com

I'd rather be into that for a non original shooter than $3k into the one I posted.

I bet you a Prop House bought it!

 

[Mac Attack]

People who collect Colt SAAs have deep pockets and want as original as possible. Unlike normal collectors who put a premium on finish and originality. SAA collectors get excited over a well used handgun.

 

[reddog81]

Think of the original SAA like original muscle cars. The demand and cache and mystique drive the prices up. Nice score on the OM

I concur.

I'll probably never own an original SAA because for some reason they have this aurora surrounding them that drives the prices up like crazy. I have a newish Uberti El Patron that is great revolver and probably as good a shooter or better than any 120 year old Colt SAA and cost 1/3 what a Colt does. Conversely, you'd be hard pressed to find anything being made today that will match quality of that Colt OMM for $550.

 

[1KPerDay]

I concur.

I'll probably never own an original SAA because for some reason they have this aurora surrounding them that drives the prices up like crazy. I have a newish Uberti El Patron that is great revolver and probably as good a shooter or better than any 120 year old Colt SAA and cost 1/3 what a Colt does.

I waited for 4 years for a real Colt SAA (new) and it's beautiful and handles well and I love it even though it cost A LOT of money by my estimation. However the action is a little gritty and the trigger is creepy and I had to soften the firing pin nose to prevent it sticking in fired primers and causing jams. And the finish on the cylinder is getting blown off by gas/debris it appears. And now it's dropping the bolt just before the leades.

My Stoeger/Uberti handles wonderfully and looks the part and feels great to shoot and has a lovely light hammer and trigger and it's my favorite single action to actually shoot. I'm glad I got a "real one", just like the Harleys I've owned (and still own), but there are certainly objectively superior and less expensive options.

videos for any interested

Brand New Colt Single Action Army SAA .45 Unboxing and First Shoot jeff shoots stuff jeffshootsstuff

Youtube has de-funded most gun content. Please consider supporting me on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/jeffshootsstuffafter a 2 year wait and much gnashing...

youtu.be

Antique finished Colt SAA .45 Uberti Hombre first shots

0:00 Intro0:25 Uberti Hombre factory finish0:45 Aging the factory finish with vinegar and water1:30 Refinishing the Uberti Hombre grips2:29 shooting the Uber...

youtu.be

 

[mike1340]

That is one beat up old Colt . No doubts about it , they bring a lot of money . I own seven Colt SAA's two of which have never been fired and as long as I own them they never will be fired,
As for the other's, I do enjoy my time at the range with them . I also have A Uberti and even A E.A.A SAA that from about twenty feet most people couldn't tell was not A Colt.
I don't think of myself as weird, just passionate.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I waited for 4 years for a real Colt SAA (new) and it's beautiful and handles well and I love it even though it cost A LOT of money by my estimation. However the action is a little gritty and the trigger is creepy and I had to soften the firing pin nose to prevent it sticking in fired primers and causing jams. And the finish on the cylinder is getting blown off by gas/debris it appears. And now it's dropping the bolt just before the leades.

My Stoeger/Uberti handles wonderfully and looks the part and feels great to shoot and has a lovely light hammer and trigger and it's my favorite single action to actually shoot. I'm glad I got a "real one", just like the Harleys I've owned (and still own), but there are certainly objectively superior and less expensive options.

videos for any interested

Brand New Colt Single Action Army SAA .45 Unboxing and First Shoot jeff shoots stuff jeffshootsstuff

Youtube has de-funded most gun content. Please consider supporting me on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/jeffshootsstuffafter a 2 year wait and much gnashing...

youtu.be

Antique finished Colt SAA .45 Uberti Hombre first shots

0:00 Intro0:25 Uberti Hombre factory finish0:45 Aging the factory finish with vinegar and water1:30 Refinishing the Uberti Hombre grips2:29 shooting the Uber...

youtu.be

this is a 1964, probably unfired, and a small bit of the thick silver peeling off. I flizt & Rem it and it AMAZING. Comes in a hard case with 12 Silver plated bullets and a “Challenge Coin” Amazing action, probably been factory tuned in the 60’s

$1500, but Colt people turn their nose at it. Even tho it’s as real of a SAA as any other

$1200 for the Montana Colt

Yes, Colt Collectors are odd

 

[silicosys4]

I posted the same thing over on the Colt forum and got what you'd expect.
Lots of people insisting the SAA was a genuine antique, carries all the history and mystique, and is a bargain for the selling price, and it would be a CRIME to return it to shootable condition because those worn out old factory parts and pitted barrel will never be original again....
It's the opposite of every other gun where condition matters.
They are definitely a bit misty eyed and emotional over there about Colt SAA's

 

[Zerodefect]

Weird indeed.

Always wanted one. Still do. But they're 110% worthless. Can't justify the cost.

Get really nice Colts under $1000 and I'm there.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I posted the same thing over on the Colt forum and got what you'd expect.
Lots of people insisting the SAA was a genuine antique, carries all the history and mystique, and is a bargain for the selling price, and it would be a CRIME to return it to shootable condition because those worn out old factory parts and pitted barrel will never be original again....
It's the opposite of every other gun where condition matters.
They are definitely a bit misty eyed and emotional over there about Colt SAA's

If I find a cheap beat up 44-40 SAA. I’m definitely buying it to hold and resell later!

 

[eddiememphis]

Collectors of anything can be weird. Add auction fever to the mix and prices can go nuts.

Watch some of the car auctions on tv and the web for perfect examples of unexceptional items going for exceptional prices.

The problem with auctions is they artificially inflate prices when used as a pricing guide- everyone thinks Grampa's rusty old Bronco or Colt pistol are going to make them a fortune.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Collectors of anything can be weird. Add auction fever to the mix and prices can go nuts.

Watch some of the car auctions on tv and the web for perfect examples of unexceptional items going for exceptional prices.

The problem with auctions is they artificially inflate prices when used as a pricing guide- everyone thinks Grampa's rusty old Bronco or Colt pistol are going to make them a fortune.

Seen one shop raise their used Les Baer Prices by 20-30% over retail because of rumors for him passing on and company failing

 

[Pat Riot]

I posted the same thing over on the Colt forum and got what you'd expect.
Lots of people insisting the SAA was a genuine antique, carries all the history and mystique, and is a bargain for the selling price, and it would be a CRIME to return it to shootable condition because those worn out old factory parts and pitted barrel will never be original again....
It's the opposite of every other gun where condition matters.
They are definitely a bit misty eyed and emotional over there about Colt SAA's

Imagine going to a Cowboy Action match and uttering a derogatory remark about a beat up old Colt SAA and that you would refinish it. I did just that and you’d have thought that I had taken a drink of whiskey in a Women’s Temperance League meeting. Oh, the wailing and gnashing of teeth…

 

[cfullgraf]

Imagine going to a Cowboy Action match and uttering a derogatory remark about a beat up old Colt SAA and that you would refinish it. I did just that and you’d have thought that I had taken a drink of whiskey in a Women’s Temperance League meeting. Oh, the wailing and gnashing of teeth…

Folks like when an antique car is restored to it's show room condition but they do pitch a fit when an antique firearm is "brought back from the dead".

I have a restored Winchester 1873 (32-20), a Parker 28 ga VH side by side and IHC Garand and I'm pleased as punch to have them. They look good and shoot well.

Generally, I've not bought any Colt revolvers. They have been too expensive for what you get in my opinion.

I did buy a current production Python and Anaconda. Still a bit over priced but these models have some mystic and they were new when I bought them.

Single action revolvers and I do not get along so I'll probably never own an antique Colt SAA. And new Colt SAA's are rarer than S&W K-32's.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Folks like when an antique car is restored to it's show room condition but they do pitch a fit when an antique firearm is "brought back from the dead".

Generally, I've not bought any Colt revolvers. They have been too expensive for what you get in my opinion.

I did buy a current production Python and Anaconda. Still a bit over priced but these models have some mystic and they were new when I bought them.

Single action revolvers and I do not get along so I'll probably never own an antique Colt SAA. And new Colt SAA's are rarer than S&W K-32's.

I’ve never seen a New Production Colt SAA! very rare

 

[Pat Riot]

I’ve never seen a New Production Colt SAA! very rare

Now that you mention it, I haven’t seen one in 7 years. The last time I saw brand new Colt SAA’s was 2017. A gent had bought a matching pair for cowboy action shooting.
He brought those 2 guns out like he was Vanna White displaying vowels on Wheel of Fortune. There were lots of oohs and awes.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Now that you mention it, I haven’t seen one in 7 years. The last time I saw brand new Colt SAA’s was 2017. A gent had bought a matching pair for cowboy action shooting.
He brought those 2 guns out like he was Vanna White displaying vowels on Wheel of Fortune. There were lots of oohs and awes.

tadaaaaa…. Behold, A new Colt SAA.

did the clouds part and a ray of light from heaven shine down???

 

[James K2020]

IMO Colt OMs are the best bargain out there right now. To me they are just as nice as their S&W counterparts. Plenty of high condition ones on the market. Just picked up an excellent condition .22 OM Special for $550 and it shoots so nice in both single and DA. Sooner or later they will make true collector status....I hope, or maybe don't hope. Arguably the best Colt ever produced.