Outstanding USFA Followup

[Blackpowder Burn]

I have been drooling (as many on these posts seem to do  ) over a pair of USFA Premium Single Actions for some time.  However, I was told by a well respected local gunsmith that they still used Uberti internal parts.  Now I'm quite willing to pay more for a 100% American product, but if it isn't 100% American, I might as well pay less and buy direct from the Italians.

I sent an email to USFA to clarify the question.  To my surprise this morning I received a call from Banjoman to reassure me that every single component is manufactured in the US.  He spent 15 to 20 minutes with me and was a wealth of helpful information on US Firearms, their production history and the products.

Needless to say, I was immensely impressed with this personal response.  It says volumes about the people that work for USFA.  I immediately placed an order with Longhunter for 2 SA's in 44-40.  I should have them in about 2 weeks and can then stop drooling.

[RRio]

Might be good to relay that info to your gunsmith as well.

[Blackpowder Burn]

I definitely will.  And everyone at the local club.  I'm sure that's the outcome that Banjoman desired, with good reason.  I'll do my part to help.

While I'm shooting my new SA's! 

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[Deadeye Don]

It is still amazing to me how much crap information there is still out there about USFA guns and parts.      I am glad Gary spent the time with you to give you the facts.

[Doc Sunrise]

I took a tour of thier plant last summer, and I can swear that all of USFA parts are American made.  Right down to the gun sock they are delivered in, and the box.  I believe the only thing they did not do in house was barrels, but they are made in America.  As an avid USFA and Colt collector and shooter, I was impressed to read recently that a very well known gunsmith was asked to refurbish an old 1st gen Colt back to its original configuration.  It seems over the years it got changed in caliber and barrel length.  The owner stated that the gunsmith used USFA parts to bring back the 1st gen Colt to original configuration and specs.

I love the idea that USFA is all American made, but I also do not think we should down play or ridicule the Italian gun makers.  Along with Imperatto and Forgett, the Italians were instrumental in being able to bring back a true American legend to the market, the Colt SAA.  I recently obtained an older US Patent FA SAA, and I was impressed.  I like to use this idea when asked about Italian parts.  There were many times in Sam Colt's career where his sales orders exceeded his production capabilities.  He always and quickly relied on sub-contractors from anywhere, as long as the parts were made to Colt's specs.  Those guns made with parts from somewhere else are still Colts.

With that said, I still have a fondness to the idea that USFA firearms are 100% American made, and I can honestly say they are! 

[Blackpowder Burn]

Doc,

According to Banjoman everything but the grips and springs are made inhouse by USFA.  You can bet I'll make the point well known at the club shoot next month - while the Turnbull CCH is dazzling everyone! 

[Doc Sunrise]

As far as the grips go, I do know the walnut grips are done there.  I had seen the room where the walnut grips were made.  The floor was full of wood shavings and dust.  The rest of the grips are outside. 

On the springs, I do recall Gary saying something due to the different steel used.

I found that the most interesting place in the shop is where the operator making all of the small stuff like screws & pins was.  It seemed that when other workers went on break, he kept working.

I was also impressed to see craftsmen using files to fine finish metal work.  It shows when looking at the inerts of a USFA firearm.

[Blackpowder Burn]

I've been offline for a few days due to Hurricane Ike, but things are returning to something resembling normal now.

I can't wait to get my hands on the SAA's after Longhunter does his work.  I'm already planning the purchase of a Lightning rifle next spring.  Gotta allow the old budget to recover somewhat.  I'm working very hard to realign my collection around completely US made products.  If that's not possible, I want to make sure that nothing Chinese is involved.

If only USFA made a shotgun........

[Doc Sunrise]

I am afraid the Lightning's days are numbered.  You better secure one earlier than later.

As far as action work is concerned, I have found USFA's action is smooth out of the box.  Usually a wolff main spring is all that is needed to just lighten things up a bit.

[Deadeye Don]

I had actually wanted a colt lightning from USFA but we were told they were out of production and may be back in production in December, 2008.   I would not hold my breath for that though considering what is apparently not going on with the Remingtons.
I think USFA might be having some problems.

[Doc Sunrise]

I know for some patience is wearing thin, but remember when anyone is involved in a deal with another company, decisions and productivity are slow since they are not in full control.  On top of that add the difficulty of the prevailing conditions in the market place, and careful navigation through difficult waters is going to take time.  In the last 12 months many businesses and banks have gone under.  The fact that USFA is still operating is a great sign that something is going right and Mr. Donnely is navigating the company well.  With the kind of experience that USFA collectors and shooters seem to have, they already have weathered many storms in their time and know patience always wins in the end run.

[Deadeye Don]

Time will tell Doc.

[Blackpowder Burn]

Doc,

What's the deal with another company you are referring to?

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Aggie,
I believe that the other company Doc is referring to is Remington.

[Doc Sunrise]

Aggie,

I was referring to Remington.

 Also, don't forget USFA is working on some other special projects, like the guns being sold through Lew Hortons, Davidsons, and now according to their Newsletter some other projects just being announced.  Of course all of these things require time.

[Blackpowder Burn]

Doc,

Yeah, I had a senior moment there.  I realized you must be referring to Remington after I posted the reply.  I think I'll hunt around and see if I can come up with a Lightning somewhere.

On a happy note, I just got a notification from Longhunter that my SA's came in with casehardened hammers, and they didn't charge extra for them. What a deal!  I should have them in a few days.  There is definitely some range time in store for next weekend.

[Doc Sunrise]

I definitely like the case hardened hammers.  I wish they were standard, period.

[Willie Dixon]

I have a funny story about the USFA misinformation from my local gun store.  They were trying to sell me on some flashy Taylor Smoke Wagons, which I understand are very nice, imported Italian guns with some nice mods and a great finish.  I told them I wanted the Rodeo because I liked the matte look and mainly because it was 100% American Made, and that even in other industries that seems hard to come by.

One of the salesmen went off on the inaccuracy of that "claim" and was immediately berrated by another salesman, the one who specialized in the SA's and blackpowder firearms.  He showed him certificates in front of me, and the rest of the store, bragged about the gun, and then brought out his own Rodeo II from the back that had gone through "5,000 rounds without a hitch!"  There does seem to still be some misinformation, but that's okay, it's our job to get the word out!

For me, it was a simple "love at first sight"