colt or usfa

[Charlie Bison]

I've heard scuttlebutt that Colt's quality has improved considerably just within the current year. Can anyone confirm, deny, or at least elaborate on that? I too am someone who might be in the market for a Colt 1873-style SA at some point and will probably either get a Colt or an USFA. I have been very impressed from what I've seen and read regarding UFSA's offerings but I want to keep my options open and don't want to count Colt out, if they really have improved in a significant way.

Wolfsburg,

The current thirds are magnificent.  I have 3 SAA's made in 2010 and they are right up their with my USFA's, if not better. Get the Colt and you will never look back.

[Wolfsburg]

Thanks for the input, Bison. That is great to hear!

[Old Doc]

I've heard scuttlebutt that Colt's quality has improved considerably just within the current year. Can anyone confirm, deny, or at least elaborate on that? I too am someone who might be in the market for a Colt 1873-style SA at some point and will probably either get a Colt or an USFA. I have been very impressed from what I've seen and read regarding UFSA's offerings but I want to keep my options open and don't want to count Colt out, if they really have improved in a significant way.

I think it goes back further than just the current year but how far back is hard to tell.

[Duke York]

I currently own just 3 Colt Peacemakers, 2 2nd Gen and 1 3rd Gen Colt.
There is no comparison. The 3rd Generation is a different sixgun that looks like a Peacemaker but has the 1/4 cock or safety notch too far back (unlike 1st and 2nd) and a base pin bushing that has been sweated in. The change to the design of the hammer means that if you take a high grip (which I do) you may find the hammer coming back into the web of your hand and may need to shorten the spur a little (which I did) There are several annoying changes caused by Colts' scrapping the 2nd gen machinery.
Now, my early 2nd Gens shoot to point of aim and are beautiful, accurate sixguns that I will never part with. The 3rd gen had a cockeyed front sight that required filing to make it shoot straight.
I have owed a few 1st Gen over the years, and love my Colt Peacemakers.

If Colt still made the originals or even the 2nd Gen to the same quality as they did in the 1960's, I would not be shooting a pair of nickel .357  USFA's today. The USFA is a 1st Generation model as good as the best 1st Gen Colt's which were made in the 1920's and 1930's.

By the way, here in Australia a new Colt in B&C currently retails for over $3,000 with nickel costing $300 more. Our dollar is worth 90c on the US dollar.

Duke York
SASS 15978

[COLT_45_SAA]

Everyone knows only a Colt is a Colt-For me the 2nd Gen SAA is all she wrote.
Have a custom USFA that I love to shoot as well ,but I'll always have my Colt.

[Hangtown Frye]

I am the proud owner of four Colt SAA's: Two are 1st Gen BP fame .45's, one is a "Pre-War" (pre-WWI in fact) .45, and between them all they encompass the three standard barrel lengths. I adore them, shoot them, and they are smooth as silk to use.  I also own one 3rd Gen. Colt, a Sheriff's Model which was made in the mid-1980's, and is my every-day concealed-carry gun.  It's a tad rough by comparison I must admit, but I love them all, and plan on never parting with any of them.

That being said, if I was starting from scratch, I'd probably get a pair of USFA's.  The one's I've handled have been absolutely superb, and I kick myself for letting one go (complete with spare cylinder!) that I could have possibly afforded had I hocked something, but I was being financially prudent at the time, unfortunately. Ah, the one's that get away! I still occasionally kick myself for that one.

Hearing what some of the latest posters have said about the new Colts is encouraging however, so who knows. But as a Colt fanatic, I wouldn't sell the USFA guns short. For a shooter that is just a flat gorgeous, smooth SAA, I do admire the USFA's. 

Bottom line is, handle both of makes, and find one that you like and fits your budget. To hell with resale, since you're going to be hurting the resale value of a Colt by shooting and carrying it anyway.  Buy what feels best in your hand, shoot the bejeezuz out of it, and enjoy it!

Cheers!

Gordon

[Sam Diego]

The USFA looks like a great firearm...I'd shoot the hell outta of it if I were shooting for competition...It wouldn't bother me much because it's not my Colt...that one gets shot too...but I treat it like a lady...oh I get rough with it...but I do it gently! 

[Virginia Gentleman]

Aside from the Coltaholic's affection and lemming like love of the little Pony, USFA quality, authenticity and shootingwise is far better than the Colt 3rd generation.  If you want to think the Colt 3rd gens are magic and eventhough they are not the same as a 1st or second generation gun are somehow better, then by all means dump the extra greenbacks into the Colt, but if you want a better gun all around and want to save a few shillings, get the USFA.