Usfa saa

[Steve S.]

Question: My neighbor is selling his three USAF SAAs for what I think is a very expensive price. They are sequential serial numbered .45 LC as two with 4.75 inch barrel and the third being 7.5 inch. The 4.75 inch guns are brand new; the 7.5 inch has been shot however, I would grade the gun as brand new. When I do a look-up for info on these guns, I found that the maker no longer manufactures these revolvers so I do not know if that increases/ decreases their value. They appear to be extremely well made and I would like to have them - I simply am not comfortable with the asking price - $4,200.00 for the set. I trust this guy very much but, I am just not knowledgable enough with this gun brand to be sure that the price is appropriate. Anyone have an opinion.

 

[Jim K]

USFA SAA's are of good quality. IMHO, they are closer to the original Colts than modern Colts are. They made several grades from the very basic Rodeo model to some pretty high end guns, but IMHO, none that would bring $1400 second hand. Let's see what others say.

Jim

 

[rcmodel]

IMO: That's about a grand too high unless they have special finishes, engraving, etc.

The two NIB are that, and were about
The one that has been fired is a used gun.

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/12539...ed-states-manufacturing-co.-.45-colt-revolver

rc

 

[Jim K]

Oddly, I have a USFA that does not seem to be listed in any of the books, an 1851 Navy percussion. There were only 40 made, and I have no idea what it would bring, but I suspect not really very much.

Jim

 

[CraigC]

...but IMHO, none that would bring $1400 second hand.

You guys need to keep up. USFA's have skyrocketed since they started making Zippers and are only going to go up. Rare variations like the Bisley Flat-top Target are going for over $3000.

...but I suspect not really very much.

The early percussion guns are some of the most valuable but if you don't think it's worth very much, I'll give you "not very much" for it.


USFA's are of phenomenal quality. Probably the best made single action extant this side of Freedom Arms. Depending on what specific model, variation and options, $4200 for three guns could be high and it could be a steal. We need more details.

For example, when USFA's were on closeout, these Turnbull guns with the engraved cylinders were going for $1600. I got mine for $1200 secondhand summer of 2012. A year and a half later, it's worth at least $2000, if not more. It was delivered to Nutmeg Sports this week for one-piece ivory. I wish I had been able to buy several more of them in other chamberings.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

CraigC is correct. The value of USFA revolvers is skyrocketing. They were very high quality when they were being made, much better than anything Uberti makes, just as good if not better than a Colt. And the prices were right up there with Colts. They are not being made any more, and like anything that is no longer produced, when the quality is there, the value goes up. Depending on the actual configuration, $4200 could be high or it could be a steal.

Here is a link to an auction I attended a month or so ago. There was only one USFA at the auction, a nickel plated model with some wear on it. It went for $1600.

http://www.amoskeagauction.com/99/352.html

 

[Steve S.]

Thanks fellows. The only info that I can add is from the order/ spec sheet - fire-blued screws, Bisley charcoal/ bone finished hammers, sequential serial numbers, .45 Long Colt, hard rubber grips, slide pin frame, half-moon extractor, one at 7.5 " barrel and two at 4.75 " barrel - boxes, ppwk, etc all pristine. He said that if I really wanted the set, he would take $4,000 even. His original purchase slip was still in the box - $3,553.83 inclusive of tax - $1,100 per gun. Thanks for more advice (really nice, well made handguns).f

 

[What Would You Say]

It's a deal. Other collectors will quickly back me up on that. I'm understanding the configurations to be at least two guns with Bisley style hammers. You can no longer obtain USFA Bisley hammers at all and those hammers will bring a slight premium IMO. Dealers that carried Bisley hammers for upgrades had depleted supply before SA production ended as I was told by those that would know. If they were Actual Bisley guns.. You'd be talking anywhere from $2k to close to $3k each at auction such as Gunbroker. Regardless, fire blue screws and Bisley hammers in NIB condition puts each more at $1500 minimum starting bid. Probably would bring hundreds more at online auction. Photos would be helpful to give a more accurate number. The rare guns can bring much more than original price and really go much higher when two collectors go after it. Your 1851 is at least double in value of what you probably think it's worth, or what you originally paid... $2k-2400 IMO if NIB condition. I have examples of all guns you speak of, I know what I paid and know the possibilities of what they could bring at auction.

 

[What Would You Say]

Also, Craig C is very much correct IMO... A similar Turnbull example to his just sold on gunbroker for over $2200. His caliber could bring $2400 when the right buyer has to have it. I can't predict what the future holds, but if production never resumes on USFA SA's at some later date ...( Which means another facility and equipment in a different state if it were to happen) then I don't think the prices are going to slide back down any time soon. They may eventually settle out, but right now prices are unpredictable but much much ...much in the favor of the seller currently for any rare and/or unfired or mint condition USFA. Just my opinion with gunbroker completed auctions as my basis.

 

[savit260]

The early percussion guns are some of the most valuable but if you don't think it's worth very much, I'll give you "not very much" for it.

I'll give ya "not very much" plus another $20 on top of that!

 

[Steve S.]

Thank you all again. I have taken your expertise and some more research that I have done (with one more long look-see at this set) and told my neighbor that I would purchase them. The one thing that I noticed is that sensation one gets when you hold a super quality firearm in your hands - they just "feel" better (like my Wilson Combat stuff). Anyway, the price seems fair to me for a set of guns that I really want. Thanks for all the help!

 

[bannockburn]

Steve S.

Congrats on getting 3 great single action revolvers at a fairly decent price. You also have a pretty good neighbor there too. Enjoy your new found treasures.

 

[MCMXI]

I sold a pair of lightly used Rodeos with sequential serial numbers a few months ago for consideraly more than i paid for them. They are superb revolvers but I had no use for them.

 

[What Would You Say]

Yeah, if anyone desires to rid themselves of a burden of a USFA taking up gunsafe space and laborious cleaning the darn thing.. You will make a quick sell and possibility a small to substantial profit over original purchase price. I'm hanging on to my consecutive Rodeos. They haven't been all that much trouble just yet.. Not saying they won't.. But not yet.