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SAA Newbie Questions

1988z01
Hey Folks:

I'm getting into old Single Actions. I have been reloading for years, and have been getting excited about loading for the 45 Long. I want a Colt, but the price says wait a little longer. Just wanted a SAA expert to give me an idea of whether I should order (not sure how long that takes or how much), buy one online and wait for a decent price, or just go ahead for a Colt Clone. If I did that, I don't know what the closest and best would be. I also wanted to know if Colt made a relatively recent blackpowder frame SAA with the screw.
Thanks guys
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Comments

12 comments

Date Votes
  • MBK
    You might wish to look at the Beretta Stampede.

    Quite nice and pretty good reviews, one in a recent gun magazine, and a bit back in Gun Tests.

    Email me and I can send a PDF of that. I have one, but I am keeping it unfired for now.
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  • perry shooter
    I strongly suggest a COLT from the day of purchase Clone will go down in value Colt will go up even if shot but not abused. Yes they did make a recent Black powder type frame . Study /read as much as you can Values vary 10X between first generation Military marked and 3th generation lack of knowledge on how to tell whats whats will cost you $$$
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  • Boomerang
    The currently manufactured Gen 3 Colt SAA are now like the older Gen 2 Colt SAAs with the full length removable cylinder base pin bushing. These are great guns. Remember you want the later Gen 3 SAA not the early Gen 3 SAA. Colt had some quality problems in the 1980s. I don't remember the serial number where the early Gen 3 SAA serial numbers stop and the later Gen 3 SAA begin. Maybe 'Old Colts' will chime with alot more informatin than I have on these guns. He is the resident expert for these types of quesitons.

    Update - Found the information. Any Colt SAA made after March 2003 with serial number S3439xA, or there after, I would highly recommend.
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  • machine gun moran
    I hear the later-made Colt 3rd generations are better than the earlier-made 3rd generation guns. I bought five of the 'early 3rds', and the quality was very spotty: A .44 Sp would not time properly, a nickle .45 blew the plating off the cylinder with the first box of ammo, and a .44-40 threw its front sight, also with the first box of ammo. The Ubertis I bought were more precisely fitted, and they all stayed together. I would buy another Colt only if it were a later-made gun, depending on the word that they have improved. I should add that two of the Colts were pretty perfect guns, and one, which was about 17,000 numbers into the third generation, went over 10,000 rounds and was still mechanically perfect. When they are right, they are really right. The Ubertis that I own are the Cimarron variety, and are mechanically the equal of the best Colts, with an even tighter lock-up.

    The Colts have nostalgia and history, but at a real steep markup. They do seem to be more available right now than the Cimarron's are - providing that the people who are advertising them actually have them in stock. As you are going to handload, you could also consider a .44-40 or .38-40, both are also well-storied calibers from 'The Day'.
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  • 1988z01
    I have been looking at those. Is there a safety transfer bar on them?
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  • Spider7115
    quote:Originally posted by 1988z01
    I have been looking at those. Is there a safety transfer bar on them?


    Colts do not have a transfer safety bar. If that's what you want, get a Ruger "New Vaquero", very similar to the Colt SAA and considerably less money.
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  • 1988z01
    If I have to wait, and my wallet says I do for a bit, I would like to get something as CLOSE to the Colt as possible. I am WAY open to suggestions. I want the 4 clicks, similar mechanics, and the pain of only loading 5 of six chambers. I want to get as close as I can. Something I can shoot a lot.
    Thanks guys!
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  • Hawk Carse
    Cimarron Model P as made for them by Uberti ain't bad.
    USFA made in USA (but not in old Colt building any more) is very nice. Their Rodeo is not much higher priced than Uberti if you don't mind the non-period matte finish.

    Good shooters but much lower resale value without the "horsie."
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  • tsr1965
    As some has stated, the Colts will only go up in value. Right now, it is a buyer's market, and I would urge you to look for a late 1st generation or early 2nd generation Colt for investment purposes...after all, who would have thought that a gun that sold for less than $100.00 in its day would be selling for several thousand today?

    However, as you have asked, yes, Colt did make some recently with the blackpowder frame, even though I prefer the smokless frame.

    If you can not afford the earlier ones, then the new ones are the way to go. If you want the next best thing, then the Ruger Vaquero is the way to go...inexpensive, and plentiful, but no collector value...you can shoot the snot out of it, and try to wear it out, and if you do...buy another one or two or three for what you could a Colt.

    Best
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  • spasmcreek
    i have many clones & enjoy them...reload is way to go for example in 44 load from 44 russian, 44 special, 44 magnum...same in 38/357...from plinking to power....several econo brands are great dependable shooters & serve as beaters to go anywhere without worrying about ruining value
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  • USN_Airdale
    buy the Colt SAA.., i did, and paid $140.00, now look at the price of them, just add another ZERO to end of what mine cost, then a few years ago (maybe 4 or5) i picked up a helluva deal from a person selling a Colt SAA 4 3/4" barrel for $600.00 this one was as near NIB as one can be, it's only flaw was some rust on the trigger guard, some 500fine steel wool removed the rust, looking at it today you would swear it was never fired.., which could be the case.
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  • dandak1
    Here on GB I bought a used Colt SAA in 45LC with a 5 1/2" barrel that was mfg in 2000 (before the removable bushing change). It shoots GREAT! Fit, function, timing, are superb. Before I bought it I was informed it was used for cowboy action (read: lots of round fired thru it) but I am shooting the heck out of it and have had no problems. Bluing is worn at the extreme front end of the cylinder as happens with all revolvers shot and holstered a lot, but it was honest wear, not abuse. Paid just over 800 for it last year. Cylinder end shake is still tight, lock-up is tight as a bank vault despite all the shooting. I have owned Rugers (and love them) but there is nothing like a Colt. Owned a 1978 model at one time but it was unfired in box, etc., so i never shot it. Sold it for a profit, took the money and bought this 45 SAA, and still was able to pocket over 400$ after all was said and done. I have ocassionally seen here on GB new unfired 3rd Gen 357's going for the $800 mark. The 45's bring more, but right now it is a buyers market for most guns (I know this...I took big hit on the trapdoors and 1873 Winchesters I sold) and so there may not be a better time to actually pick one up. Just my 2 cents.
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