The SAA bug bit me. I tried a friends Colt SAA 45 and loved it. Now I want one. I'm finding out the price of a Colt 45 is pretty steep tho. Also found that Uberti has the Cattleman that appears comparable in appearance, and the price goes about 25% that of the Colt. Now I'm in sort of a dilemma. Do I go for the lower cost Uberti. Being fairly priced, I can feel comfortable shooting it. If it get some dings along the way, which I'm sure it will, I won't feel too bad because of not much money tied up in it. Now if I go for the Colt, I have the Colt name, something american made, and much more money tied up in it. And the Colt does feel nice in my hand. I don't think I'd feel all that comfortable shooting it because I'd be afraid of damaging the finish. Feeling that way wouldn't allow me to really "enjoy" shooting it. Has anyone faced the same decision making their first SAA purchase.? What did you do.?
Deciding between SAA Colt and Uberti
- Thread starter FrankD
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Lobotomy Boy
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I wouldn't select either, because neither gun has a transfer bar safety. They have fixed firing pins and need to be carried with the hammer on an empty chamber. For hunting, I find that a serious pain in the rectal region.
I'd go with a Ruger. I have a Ruger Blackhawk for hunting, and if I wanted a cowboy-action style gun, I'd get a Vaquero. That way you have an American-made gun that has a transfer-bar safety.
I'd go with a Ruger. I have a Ruger Blackhawk for hunting, and if I wanted a cowboy-action style gun, I'd get a Vaquero. That way you have an American-made gun that has a transfer-bar safety.
I have a real Colt and several Italian made clones. The Colt is better. No question about it. Is it three times better, reflecting the cost difference. I don't know. I do know a Colt will hold its value much better than will a clone so your initial investment may yield some profit down the road should you sell.
I say buy the clone. If you really get into single action shooting you may want to get a Colt later on. If you're happy with the clone then fine.
Personally, I don't think the Ruger is a substitue for the SAA. Yes, they are strong and all, yada, yada, yada. But they are not traditional single actions. That funky loading system sucked when it came out, sucks today, and will suck forever as far as I'm concerned. I don't need the safety system as loading only five is no big deal for these guns since they are toys, anyway. If a hunter is using a single action and needs more than five shots perhaps he ought to reconsider what he's doing out there. Would one more shot really help?
The Rugers are also, to my eye, ugly. Not just a little ugly, but way ugly. Matte bluing on aluminum parts doesn't compare to polished blue and case hardened steel in my book. Even the clones are much richer looking than the Rugers. And having a novel stamped on the barrel turns me off beyond belief.
You may disagree and fall in love with the Ruger, But if what you want is the feel of the traditional Single Action Army the Ruger is not it.
Just my opinion.
I say buy the clone. If you really get into single action shooting you may want to get a Colt later on. If you're happy with the clone then fine.
Personally, I don't think the Ruger is a substitue for the SAA. Yes, they are strong and all, yada, yada, yada. But they are not traditional single actions. That funky loading system sucked when it came out, sucks today, and will suck forever as far as I'm concerned. I don't need the safety system as loading only five is no big deal for these guns since they are toys, anyway. If a hunter is using a single action and needs more than five shots perhaps he ought to reconsider what he's doing out there. Would one more shot really help?
The Rugers are also, to my eye, ugly. Not just a little ugly, but way ugly. Matte bluing on aluminum parts doesn't compare to polished blue and case hardened steel in my book. Even the clones are much richer looking than the Rugers. And having a novel stamped on the barrel turns me off beyond belief.
You may disagree and fall in love with the Ruger, But if what you want is the feel of the traditional Single Action Army the Ruger is not it.
Just my opinion.
ZBill
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Concur with Thatguy...
I purchased a Uberti Cattleman a few months ago, my first SAA-type. I really like it, so much in fact that I later purchased a Colt SAA for its stable mate. I am using the Uberti exclusively for shooting right now until I learn the ins and outs of SAA actions, handling, loading and unloading. Once I get all that down, I'll work up the courage to fire my Colt. I'm very glad that I got the Uberti first. Bill
I purchased a Uberti Cattleman a few months ago, my first SAA-type. I really like it, so much in fact that I later purchased a Colt SAA for its stable mate. I am using the Uberti exclusively for shooting right now until I learn the ins and outs of SAA actions, handling, loading and unloading. Once I get all that down, I'll work up the courage to fire my Colt. I'm very glad that I got the Uberti first. Bill
I am more than happy with my Uberti.I am even using it for fast-draw.(with action job of course)It is holding up very well.If You want the Colt feel,but the advantage of a tranfer-bar;check into the Beretta Stampede.I am torn betwwen one of those or a USFA Rodeo for my other F-D gun.Both are Very nice.
I have to say having had a beautiful Colt SAA 7.5 inch in .45 colt,that I never shot it .I couldnt bring myself to do it,but that is just me.I did however shoot the heck out of a very nice Uberti SAA clone with a 4 3/4 inch barrel that was great fun.It also had a 45 acp cylinder with I mostly used.My answer is get a Colt to admire and keep...get a clone to have fun with....but remember...thats just me.
Jim Watson
Member
The best way to admire a Colt is by shooting it. If the finish gets a little honest wear, so be it. My 3rd Gen .44 Special with .44 WCF cylinder is my SASS main match gun. I cheaped out and bought a Cimarron when the stages started requiring two sixguns, but had to put some of the money back in for work on sight picture and zero, trigger job, and grips to make it look, feel, and shoot as much like the Colt as possible.
The Ruger New Vaquero is only slightly larger than a real SAA, has a detent to line up the chamber with the loading gate, and is still stronger than a Uberti and cheaper than a Colt, if you want a Harrington and Richardson transfer bar. But it is not for monster magnumized Big Vaquero/Blackhawk .45s.
If I were starting over it would be with either Ubertis or USFAs for Cowboy because they suit my hand size and strength but for less money than a real Colt. I have no other use for a single action revolver.
The Ruger New Vaquero is only slightly larger than a real SAA, has a detent to line up the chamber with the loading gate, and is still stronger than a Uberti and cheaper than a Colt, if you want a Harrington and Richardson transfer bar. But it is not for monster magnumized Big Vaquero/Blackhawk .45s.
If I were starting over it would be with either Ubertis or USFAs for Cowboy because they suit my hand size and strength but for less money than a real Colt. I have no other use for a single action revolver.
EghtySx
Member
I'm a Colt guy. Nothing like em for me. I own 5 Cot pistols and love em all. Just gave my Dad my Kimber for CCW and got another Colt. Ths is sheer opinion and I have nothing against any other gun as I want them ALL!! 
Have you considered a USFA Rodeo or their SAA? American made, high quality, no transfer bar which I see as a positive on an SAA. For just hunting, nothing wrong with the Ruger Blackhawk either, but if you want a true SAA the Rodeo is better. BTW, I have both and shoot the Rodeo more.
Vern Humphrey
Member
I'm also a Colt guy. I don't have a SAA in .45 Colt (but I do in .357 Mag.) The Colt is a superior product.
IF I wanted a single action in .45 Colt in the traditional format, I'd go with a genuine Colt. I'd save my lunch money for a few months to make up the differece between the Colt and the better clones.
IF I wanted a single action in .45 Colt in the traditional format, I'd go with a genuine Colt. I'd save my lunch money for a few months to make up the differece between the Colt and the better clones.
DHart
Member
For cowboy action shooting I started with Cimarrons (Ubertis) and they were very nice. But then of course I wanted to have the real McCoy, so I sold them and bought Colts.... no regrets at all. Nothing like a genuine Colt SAA. I take very good care of them, but I do shoot them as well.
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Chuck R.
Member
I bought my first Colt SAA, early 3rd generation, 45 Colt 5 ½†barrel, at a gun show in TX. A few years later, when I became interested in CAS, I picked up a second 4 ¾†barrel. The pair are probably my favorite revolvers (although my Python gives them competition). They both now have blueing wear and scratches from being used in CAS matches, but that just gave them character.
Yes Colts, are expensive, and yes, there are better “values†available. But the substitutes or clones aren’t Colt SAAs. They may even perform as well, or better, but it’s just not the same.
Chuck
Yes Colts, are expensive, and yes, there are better “values†available. But the substitutes or clones aren’t Colt SAAs. They may even perform as well, or better, but it’s just not the same.
Chuck
Brad Johnson
Member
I am a devout fan of the Vaquero, especially with it's new smaller frame, and would not hesitate to recommend it. However, if you are a die-hard SAA fan I think you should seriously consider the USFA SAA. It's made here in the States, and the action is good enough that Doug Turnbull uses the guns with no action work for his beautiful SAA reproductions. Not as cheap as the Uberti, but lightyears better in materials and workmanship. They have several lines available, from the bare-bones Rodeo to high-end custom work.
Click here to check out their web site. If you like the patina'd look of 'real' old Colts, be sure to check out their "Gunslinger" series under the Cowboy Action section of the product page.
Brad
Click here to check out their web site. If you like the patina'd look of 'real' old Colts, be sure to check out their "Gunslinger" series under the Cowboy Action section of the product page.
Brad
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
If I ever buy a single action, it'll be from http://www.usfirearms.com
wanderinwalker
Member
If one can afford it, I'd definitely go Colt and shoot the snot out of it! (I can hear people at the range already: "That's a REAL Colt? Why are you shooting it?!" Just smile and say, "Because I bought it to use it!")
I learned SA revolvers on old Rugers and an all-too-brief outting with one of my uncle's Colt SAAs. Absolute joys to hold and shoot. Had a New Model Super Blackhawk for a while. Do you have any idea how long it takes to unlearn the half-cock and spin routine? Plus, I still only loaded it 5 around, force of habit ya know. And the big-frame Ruger is no Old Model Flattop or SAA in the hand; it is a cannon and you know it hauling it around.
Go Colt. Or maybe get a pair of Uberti's or similar. That would be nice too.
I learned SA revolvers on old Rugers and an all-too-brief outting with one of my uncle's Colt SAAs. Absolute joys to hold and shoot. Had a New Model Super Blackhawk for a while. Do you have any idea how long it takes to unlearn the half-cock and spin routine? Plus, I still only loaded it 5 around, force of habit ya know. And the big-frame Ruger is no Old Model Flattop or SAA in the hand; it is a cannon and you know it hauling it around.
Go Colt. Or maybe get a pair of Uberti's or similar. That would be nice too.
Just think how cool it would be if Colt contracted out their SAA line to USFA. You would have the best built and nicest finished traditional SA revolver in the world stamped with that legendary horsey! I'd buy two of them.
They wouldn't be able to build them fast enough.
Randy
They wouldn't be able to build them fast enough.
Randy
How do dimensions and weight compare between the Colt and Uberti.?
The Uberti Millennium seemed diferent in my hand when looking it over at the shop. Cross town at another shop is were I held the Colt. Wasn't able to have them side by side, but something felt different betwen the two. Must be the weight and/or dimensions. Thats why I'm wondering if anyone has done a close physical comparison.
The Uberti Millennium seemed diferent in my hand when looking it over at the shop. Cross town at another shop is were I held the Colt. Wasn't able to have them side by side, but something felt different betwen the two. Must be the weight and/or dimensions. Thats why I'm wondering if anyone has done a close physical comparison.
Jim Watson
Member
The weight is likely very close.
But they keep messing with the grip. A recent magazine article said the USDFA grip was "slimmer but longer". And indeed a Rodeo I looked at felt substantially skinnier than my Colt.
But WHY?
Why change a good thing?
The one piece European walnut stocks on many Ubertis are noticeably slimmer than recent Colt plastic. Which is why I put Colts on my Cimarron, so they would set the same in my hand. Took some fitting, even Colt grip straps vary enough to need it.
But they keep messing with the grip. A recent magazine article said the USDFA grip was "slimmer but longer". And indeed a Rodeo I looked at felt substantially skinnier than my Colt.
But WHY?
Why change a good thing?
The one piece European walnut stocks on many Ubertis are noticeably slimmer than recent Colt plastic. Which is why I put Colts on my Cimarron, so they would set the same in my hand. Took some fitting, even Colt grip straps vary enough to need it.
P. Plainsman
Member
This thread has surprised me a little bit. I take it the original poster is contemplating a new 3d gen Colt SAA. I have read many shooters here and on other forums decrying the poor quality, and especially the value for money, of current production Colt SAAs, so I expected a stampede (pardon the indirect pun) of posts saying "U.S. Firearms all the way!" That seems to be the clear consensus over at sixgunner.com, for example. I must say, based on what I've read, I would be extremely reluctant to purchase a current production Colt SAA. A USFA Pre-War .44 Special is the current object of my SAA desire.
But I don't speak from personal experience. There seem to be a fair number of enthusiasts of 3d gen SAAs here. As I said, an interesting surprise.
But I don't speak from personal experience. There seem to be a fair number of enthusiasts of 3d gen SAAs here. As I said, an interesting surprise.
Have you considered a USFA Rodeo or their SAA? American made, high quality, no transfer bar which I see as a positive on an SAA. For just hunting, nothing wrong with the Ruger Blackhawk either, but if you want a true SAA the Rodeo is better. BTW, I have both and shoot the Rodeo more
Have noticed this opinion among most USFA owners. I'm strongly considering selling my blackhawk to finance a Rodeo purchase.
-David
Have noticed this opinion among most USFA owners. I'm strongly considering selling my blackhawk to finance a Rodeo purchase.
-David
single actions
I've never owned a Rodeo, but have handled and fired a friend's and must admit it feels and shoots just like my SAA 3rd. Several years ago I had a small shop. Sold mostly collector's Wins. and Colts, and mostly through th Gun List. I did some local business and I can honestly say there were three primary categories of "tradeables" I hated to see come through the door: 1) Any of the Colt SAA clones(not including Rugers). Used, you own them forever. 2) Any Llama-worse than worthless. 3) Grandpa's old single barrel shotgun. I used to give guys 5 bucks just to put any of these back in the car. -Asa
I've never owned a Rodeo, but have handled and fired a friend's and must admit it feels and shoots just like my SAA 3rd. Several years ago I had a small shop. Sold mostly collector's Wins. and Colts, and mostly through th Gun List. I did some local business and I can honestly say there were three primary categories of "tradeables" I hated to see come through the door: 1) Any of the Colt SAA clones(not including Rugers). Used, you own them forever. 2) Any Llama-worse than worthless. 3) Grandpa's old single barrel shotgun. I used to give guys 5 bucks just to put any of these back in the car. -Asa
P. Plainsman
Member
Lovely revolver, thatguy. That's in essence the gun I want, down to the grips.
Looks fine after 25 years of use. Again for what it's worth, the scuttlebutt I have read is only consistently down on SAAs made in the last few years.
Looks fine after 25 years of use. Again for what it's worth, the scuttlebutt I have read is only consistently down on SAAs made in the last few years.
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