Deciding between SAA Colt and Uberti
- Thread starter FrankD
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Boy have I been looking and comparing to no end trying to decide. Soon as I think I've narrowed it down, something comes along to change my mind. This forum has sure helped me tremendously. Right about now I'm leaning pretty strong towards the USFA Rodeo. Even thinking about the optional color case hammer (looks cool). There may be some out there that might think I'm making a mistake, but I think I'm moving in the right direction. Damn, now I'm starting to get excited.!
get a colt cowboy. They were made by colt but discountied a little while ago. I picked mine up for $470. I bought a pair of 2nd generation SSA grips and they fit the cowboy almost perfectly. The cowboy has a transfer bar and the trigger is offest to the side slightly. keep in mind to save cost on these guns colt used a cheaper manufacturing process. By the way i like my cowboy way better than my beretta stampede.
http://hunting.about.com/od/guns/l/aastcoltcowboya.htm
http://hunting.about.com/od/guns/l/aastcoltcowboya.htm
Colt...The Real Deal...Like It or Not.
I've been following this thread closely because I've been wanting an authentic SAA. No matter how good the USFA guns are, and they are, an authentic SAA is a Colt. I've done a lot of reading on the internet as well as talking to knowledeable people locally and I've been hearing a lot of good things about the most recent Colts, the so called "4th" generation guns because Colt has gone back to using the 2nd generation style removable base pin bushing. I've recently handled one of these with the 5.5" barrel in .45 Colt and was quite impressed with the fit and finish. I could have had it for $1100 which isn't too bad. Too bad with the Colt a color cased hammer is an option as well as a beveled cylinder.
Randy
I've been following this thread closely because I've been wanting an authentic SAA. No matter how good the USFA guns are, and they are, an authentic SAA is a Colt. I've done a lot of reading on the internet as well as talking to knowledeable people locally and I've been hearing a lot of good things about the most recent Colts, the so called "4th" generation guns because Colt has gone back to using the 2nd generation style removable base pin bushing. I've recently handled one of these with the 5.5" barrel in .45 Colt and was quite impressed with the fit and finish. I could have had it for $1100 which isn't too bad. Too bad with the Colt a color cased hammer is an option as well as a beveled cylinder.
Randy
DHart
Member
I took a good long look at the USFA's when I sold my Cimarrons and ultimately bought Colts. The USFA's are very, very nice guns indeed. Even the lower priced Rodeo is a great gun. And of course, my Cimarron Ubertis were fine guns as well. I would have enjoyed shooting any of them.
It isn't about what's a better gun as they're all very nice and they'll all do the job, look good, hurl the lead, and be enjoyable to shoot. In the end what it's really all about is whether you want the genuine article, the Colt, or you don't care about the brand, the history, the charisma, etc.
When it comes to resale, if you ever have to sell your guns, you'll want to have Colts to sell. Of course, you won't really want to give up Colts either. It would be hard to give them up, but easier to give up a clone.
Some folks are just as happy saving some money and buying Ubertis or USFA's. For these folks, those are excellent choices. Other folks see something special in a Colt being a Colt and will make that choice. All the prospective buyer has to try to understand is which "camp" he or she falls in. It isn't something you analyse or compare engineering specs on, it's really more of a gut decision made from the heart, not the mind. Just my thinking, use it as you wish.
It isn't about what's a better gun as they're all very nice and they'll all do the job, look good, hurl the lead, and be enjoyable to shoot. In the end what it's really all about is whether you want the genuine article, the Colt, or you don't care about the brand, the history, the charisma, etc.
When it comes to resale, if you ever have to sell your guns, you'll want to have Colts to sell. Of course, you won't really want to give up Colts either. It would be hard to give them up, but easier to give up a clone.
Some folks are just as happy saving some money and buying Ubertis or USFA's. For these folks, those are excellent choices. Other folks see something special in a Colt being a Colt and will make that choice. All the prospective buyer has to try to understand is which "camp" he or she falls in. It isn't something you analyse or compare engineering specs on, it's really more of a gut decision made from the heart, not the mind. Just my thinking, use it as you wish.
I may be biased as stated earlier in this thread, I own a USFA Rodeo. I did my homework, and this one came up as the best value. I don't think the USFA "clones" can be put in the same category as other clones. They are that good, and some think better than the Colts. I think they will hold their value and prove to be a great alternative to the hit and miss quality Colts, plus I hear their customer service is top notch. I'd love to have a Colt if I new I was getting a good one.
Nothing like a Colt
I haven't got a dog in this fight, but any pistol originated by Colt has charisma. The clones do not, despite some of them having great workmanship, etc.
That comparison is akin to a Gibson Les Paul Custom compared to something "just like" it. The only trouble with that thinking is to me there is nothing just like it except another Gibson Les Paul Custom. YMMV
I haven't got a dog in this fight, but any pistol originated by Colt has charisma. The clones do not, despite some of them having great workmanship, etc.
That comparison is akin to a Gibson Les Paul Custom compared to something "just like" it. The only trouble with that thinking is to me there is nothing just like it except another Gibson Les Paul Custom. YMMV
DHart
Member
BigG... I agree. Just like there's nothing like a "real Stratocaster", no matter how much the copies look like it or feel like it.
With trying to stay true to history, charisma and authenticity, the Colts today have nickel plating and bores of 38/357 cal which some people prefer and suggest as a preference. Back in those old days, did they have nickel and 38cal.? So if I decided on a Colt in that finish and caliber, wouldn't that then place it OUT of the catagory of History and Authenticity.? Meaning close but no cigar and no better than a clone.! Whew,, this can really be brain rattling.
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DHart
Member
Frank... you may be thinking too hard about this and over-analysing it. What's important to you? If you want to shoot .38 spl. then buy one in .38. Actually, .357 mag is an even smarter choice because you can shoot both .38 spl. and .357. If you want to shoot .45 Colt then buy that caliber.
On the other hand, if absolute historical accuracy is more important to you than which caliber you would prefer, then your work and thought is just beginning.
If you don't need to, don't turn this into an exercise in frustration. If you want a fine SAA to enjoy having and shooting, go with your gut and don't worry too much about every tiny last historical detail...
On the other hand, if absolute historical accuracy is more important to you than which caliber you would prefer, then your work and thought is just beginning.
If you don't need to, don't turn this into an exercise in frustration. If you want a fine SAA to enjoy having and shooting, go with your gut and don't worry too much about every tiny last historical detail...
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Well, you were right about thinking too hard and over analyzing. Went out today and bought a new USFA Rodeo with the color cased hammer in 45 LC. Looks great. I'm pleased. All I have to do now is wait til sunday to shoot it.
DHart
Member
Frank... you made a great choice. If I were to buy an SAA other than a Colt, it would be the Rodeo for sure! If you're going to pay what a high end USFA costs, you might as well buy the Colt, but if you want to save some money, then the Rodeo is a high quality gun at a very modest price. Good going! I'm sure you'll enjoy it. And bravo on the caliber too, I love .45 Colt!
Frank, to answer your question, yes, Colt SAAs were made in .38 caliber. The SAA was chambered in something like 26 calibers over the years. I believe the 45 Colt was most popular/common followed by the 44/40, the 38/40, and then the rest including the 32/20, 357 mag, 38 Spl., 455 Eley and even the 30 Carbine and 22 Long Rifle.
I agree with you about the big bore feeling right. all of my single actions are 44s or 45s. But I must confess that the notion of a 7.5" nickeled SAA in 32/20 appeals to me for some reason.
I agree with you about the big bore feeling right. all of my single actions are 44s or 45s. But I must confess that the notion of a 7.5" nickeled SAA in 32/20 appeals to me for some reason.
Vern Humphrey
Member
My SAA (2nd Generation) is in .357. My wife gave it to me our first Christmas together, and I still marvel over her wisdom. The SAA in .357 is a highly versatile gun. I often carry .38 Special wadcutter loads (very mild) when riding or hiking. During deer season, when I'm not actually hunting, just out and about the place, a heavy, flatnosed bullet is the choice.
This thread got me really wanting an SAA even more. As luck would have it I walked into a local shop and setting there on the top shelf was this 2nd generation Colt with a 4.75" barrel in .357 magnum. It was made in 1972 and is in very nice shape....but not too nice as to be worried about shooting it. It does show some honest wear but still loks up rock solid and the timing is perfect. The price seemed right at $900 + tax. I'm thrilled. Here's a couple of pics.
These guns are very cool and I can understand why they have such a cult following. Now that I have my Colt I think I'm going to pick up a Rodeo in .45 Colt with a 5.5" barrel. For some reason the matte finish on the Rodeo really appeals to me.
Randy
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These guns are very cool and I can understand why they have such a cult following. Now that I have my Colt I think I'm going to pick up a Rodeo in .45 Colt with a 5.5" barrel. For some reason the matte finish on the Rodeo really appeals to me.
Randy
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Vern Humphrey
Member
You got a Colt SAA for $900!
You got a deal!
You got a deal!
DHart
Member
Great choice, great gun, awesome price!
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