New guy, changing allegience?

[Recon]

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Howdy folks.  I just had a very disheartening experience with Colt.  I'm giving them one more chance to make things right, but if things don't work out, I'm thinking about USFA.

I have never shot or handled one.  They (USFA) does have a great marketing campaign, but I'm tired of buying image.  I want substance.

I love the feel of a Colt SAA and an 1851.  How close does a USFA gun come to that feeling?  If one were to try putting USFA grips on a Colt SAA, or the other way around, what would be the differences (size shape, protruding here, under there, etc.)?

[Marshal Deadwood]

Not sure about the percise fit of grips, sometimes revolvers of the same make are not super identical
,,but sell the Colt for what you can get and get a USFA. Best SAA built. If you dont get a USFA,,,get a Cimmaron or Taylors Uberti SAA,,you will still be better off than anguishing over the Colt.

The Good Lord let me finally wise up enough to sell my pony and now my soul is free !

MD

[Blackpowder Burn]

Recon,

The USFA's are built to original Colt blueprints and specs, so parts are indentical and interchangeable.  They are a great company to deal with.  I've spoken to the sales manager on a couple of occasions - he actually called me twice in response to questions I posed on their website - how's that for service!?  I have 4 revolvers (2 premiums and 2 rodeo's) that I purchased through Longhunter (see his ad this website) and a Lightning rifle.  Every one has been flawless.  I absolutely love them and have sold all my Italian clones.

For just a few bucks more than the price of the gun bought at your local gunshop, you can purchase from Longhunter with all the action work done, not to mentioned widened rear sight and 11 degree forcing cone.  Can't beat the deal and Jim is a really nice guy to work with.

As you can tell I've become a real USFA fan.  I can't wait until I can afford to buy more!

[Doc Sunrise]

Be careful when comparing USFA to Colt in specs, I believe USFA SAA is made more closely in size to the 1st and 2nd generation Colts.  Many gunsmiths buy USFA parts to rebuild Colt 1st and 2nd gen. Colts, but have more fitting problems when doing 3rd gen Colts.  I say USFA is close because in some areas, like cylinders, USFA is just a touch larger, but in other areas they are identical.

[Skinny Preacher 66418]

Colt who? Get the USFA 

[Blackpowder Burn]

AMEN!

Skinny Preacher +1

[August]

I was unaware they had any marketing campaign.  They don't really need one since their guns sell as fast as they make 'em and by word of mouth.  There is no comparison between the quality of a USFA gun and the rest of them.  Perfect is the word that seems best to describe the USFA guns I have.  (And, yes, I do have plenty of experience with the others).

[Recon]

I was unaware they had any marketing campaign.  They don't really need one since their guns sell as fast as they make 'em and by word of mouth.  There is no comparison between the quality of a USFA gun and the rest of them.  Perfect is the word that seems best to describe the USFA guns I have.  (And, yes, I do have plenty of experience with the others).

Oh, they've go an excellent marketing campaign.  The web site dwarfs Colt's web site in quality.  The SHOT show display is great.  The brochure/catalogue is first class.  If I recall correctly, they even had a "swap" program of some kind a few years ago.  I don't know how it worked, and it is no longer in effect, but it was out there.  Not to mention all the magazine articles that don't appear without a little marketing.

"IF" I get my money back from Colt, then I'm going USFA, but it better be damn near perfect.  I'm not talking about a "head-of-state" presentation gun.  I'm just talking over-the-counter, standard gun with a fit and finish that SHOULD be expected from a $1,300.00 American icon of integrity and craftsmanship.  No gaps, no dings, no splotchy crap, no pits.  Smooth action, good lock up and respectably accuracy.  Hell, I've seen that in Uberti. 

I used to be one of those folks who would say: "Yeah, but it's not a Colt."  Well, not anymore.  My bubble has been popped.  Now I am looking for quality no matter who does it.  I will never say a man made a mistake by having non-factory work done on his Colt.  It may destroy *some* collector's value if it won't letter Colt work, but it may actually be better work so who the hell cares?

[Doc Sunrise]

I can assure you that you will be pleased, very pleased with whatever you get from USFA. 

As far as the whole Colt thing, what can one say?  Colt has dropped the ball so many times that the entire world has passed them by.  I do see they are finally addressing some sorely needed capital expenditures in their commercial line, but what improvements may follow, if any, only time will tell.  So many folks have discovered that the rest of the world is having fun and enjoying fine firearms from many makers that having a "pony" just doesn't seem to matter that much.  And, if you feel compelled to by American Quality that certainly equals and exceeds what has been engraved in our minds, USFA firearms are for you.

People say that certain oders or smells bring back strong memory responses.  I say that is totally true.  When I smell the oil that USFA uses for their firearms, American Quality, fit & finish second to none, that magnificant feel of a firearm melting into your hand and printing groups anyone would be proud of, instantly comes to mind.

[Blackpowder Burn]

+1 what Doc said.

Since I got my first USFA, I've gotten rid of every other revolver I had.  I now own 2 pairs (Premiums in 44-40 and Rodeos in 45LC).  Can't wait until I can scratch up the money for more.  Best guns I've ever put in my hand.  And Long Hunter sells them with a superb action job for essentially the same as the factory list price.  And you certainly don't have to pay $1,300 for one!  Try $900 for a premium, with the action job, from Long Hunter - worth every penny.

[Fairshake]

+1 on the post by Aggie!! You should buy your guns from Long Hunter. He sells for the same as the factory but gives you guns that are improved on. That is hard to do with a USFA as they are the best guns being made today. Buy the Premiums

[Virginia Gentleman]

US Fire Arms are the best SAA pattern guns on the market...period.  Authenticity, fit and finish and customer service literally blows Colt away!

[Marshal Deadwood]

I don't think Uberti would even subcontract to sell third generation Colts. My model P's are better quality than third gen Colts.
But if you can go USFA do so. They are the best. Period.

*disclaimer  -  I am not sour on the 'COLT' name,,,for instance...If you can buy second gen Colts or first gen ,,THEY are Colts of legend.

MD

[Virginia Gentleman]

MD: True, the Colts of yesteryear are great and a whole 'nother ball game compared to the 3rd gens being made in West Hartford.  USFA, Uberti and Pietta all make better SAAs than the company they call Colt today.

[Recon]

You guys make me feel like shit, but I can't rightly say as your wrong.  $1,300.00 and five months later, she's going back for a second time and a second chance.  I can see it being another 60 days anyway.  After that, I'm either made happy (hard to do, considering) or I'm getting my money and flipping over to USFA.  Of course, I've heard USFA has their own issues, so maybe I'll just buy a passel of Ubertis for the price of one of these U.S. weapons.  Or maybe I'll just forget it and go SCUBA diving in the Caribbean with the wife and son.  It's not like I don't already have a mess of guns laying around anyway.

I was wanting a piece of American history but since I wasn't there, I decided not to buy a 1st generation.  I figured I'd buy new, make my own history, hand it down to my son, and start with an American icon.  But, well, that hasn't been working out so well.  Reminds me of those Olin Winchesters. 

There ought to be a law:  "Whosoever rises to the level of "American legend" shall thereafter grant and irrevocable interest in the legend to the public domain and must thereafter refrain from driving said status into the mud.  Further, any member of the public aggrieved by a failure of the legend shall be entitled to administer sixty lashes, in a public square, to the person(s) responsible, after the former legend suffers the shame and humiliation of replacing the failed legend with an alternative provided by competition."  But alas, this is America, after all, and outfits like Winchester and Colt are free to ruin themselves if they choose to do so.  I don't think they are alone.  I think everything is going to shit.  Hence my interest in buying memories with my family, instead of widgets from some corporation that could give a rat's ass about me and their own history. 

End rant.   

[drjon]

Colt today is just a trade name whose use right is no longer associated with the original product.

USFAs produce a better product than any recent Colt named revolver, because the company had to create a market niche with high quality and still remain cost competitive. That takes a lot of quality control and good customer support, as well as having excellent craftsmen to put together product. And, all of that accomplished without a recognizable "brand".

I first found a Custer for sale and was amazed that the timing was so good that no drag mark was forming. I also noticed smooth metal to metal contact with no seams or misalignment. There was no step in between wood and metal. It also shot very well. The Pre-War I ordered came in last week and was just as well made, but prettier.

Buy a Colt if you want to pay for a name.............Buy a USFA if you desire quality.

[Virginia Gentleman]

You guys make me feel like shit, but I can't rightly say as your wrong.  $1,300.00 and five months later, she's going back for a second time and a second chance.  I can see it being another 60 days anyway.  After that, I'm either made happy (hard to do, considering) or I'm getting my money and flipping over to USFA.  Of course, I've heard USFA has their own issues, so maybe I'll just buy a passel of Ubertis for the price of one of these U.S. weapons.  Or maybe I'll just forget it and go SCUBA diving in the Caribbean with the wife and son.  It's not like I don't already have a mess of guns laying around anyway.

I was wanting a piece of American history but since I wasn't there, I decided not to buy a 1st generation.  I figured I'd buy new, make my own history, hand it down to my son, and start with an American icon.  But, well, that hasn't been working out so well.  Reminds me of those Olin Winchesters. 

There ought to be a law:  "Whosoever rises to the level of "American legend" shall thereafter grant and irrevocable interest in the legend to the public domain and must thereafter refrain from driving said status into the mud.  Further, any member of the public aggrieved by a failure of the legend shall be entitled to administer sixty lashes, in a public square, to the person(s) responsible, after the former legend suffers the shame and humiliation of replacing the failed legend with an alternative provided by competition."  But alas, this is America, after all, and outfits like Winchester and Colt are free to ruin themselves if they choose to do so.  I don't think they are alone.  I think everything is going to shit.  Hence my interest in buying memories with my family, instead of widgets from some corporation that could give a rat's ass about me and their own history. 

End rant.   

Recon:  Hey man, sorry if we made you feel bad about your purchase as that was never our intent, but as you say "can't say we are wrong."  Nevertheless, it would not be a bad thing in the long run to sell the Colt and buy USFA. And any issues I have ever had or heard about have been taken care of by USFA fast and to far beyond the customer's satisfaction.  USFA stands behind their product better than any other company I have dealt with in the firearms industry.  As you are discovering, Colt is not cut from the same cloth in this respect.  I agree too that the World seems to be going to Hell in a handbasket.

[Marshal Deadwood]

I think in SAA revolvers the future collectibles will be in priority
1st gen colts saa's
2nd gen colts saa's
 USFA saa's
*
*
*
*
way down here,,,3gen colts. (your reference to colt goiong like the Olin Winchesterse is exactly on the money.)

I just don't have the money to buy inferior quality simply 'cause it has a pony hard stamped into a sub quality revolver.

MD

[Blackpowder Burn]

Recon,

I have 5 USFA's so far (planning on many more).  I love them all, and can't find a single bad thing to say about any of them.  I have 4 SAA's (2 premiums and 2 Rodeos) and 1 Lightning Rifle.  All are beautiful and function flawlessly.

I've never heard of a problem with one of their guns that hasn't been promptly resolved.  According to Long Hunter, one of my premiums had a "slight blemish" in the bluing on one barrel.  He noticed it, returned it to USFA where it was reblued, and I still had it in my hands in 2 weeks from date of order.  What more can you ask for?

Don't get down - USFA proves there are still US companies out there that beat the pants off the competition for very reasonable prices.  I think they are the best value on the market for the dollar spent - and that's including the Eyetalians.

[J.D. Yellowhammer]

There's another well-known forum (cough-wire-cough cough) that has a decided Colt bias. They sneer at USFA's and the one thing they keep saying to rationalize their Colt worship is "resale value, resale value resale val...".    They say USFA's ain't got any, but Colts have it in spades.  Well, when I think about it, don't these folks like their guns?  Don't they want to keep them? Who gives a rat's buttocks if their Colts have resale value?  I bought my USFA's because they have Heirloom quality!  They'll be around a long time.

Don't get me wrong--if I was a rich man I'd have a brace of Colts, just because of the label and its historical significance.  But I ain't rich, so I have pistols that are made like Swiss watches and can take any beating I deliver.  USFA's.  (Qualifier: my premium USFA SAA was so purty, I couldn't bring myself to keep using it for CAS.  So I bought a couple of Rodeo's that I can kick the tar out of without cringing.)

I've had 6 USFA's so far, loved each one, had to sell 3 so I only own 3 at present, but you can bet that the next time I get any discretionary funds, I'll be purchasing another Premium.

[Blackpowder Burn]

One thing just ocurred to me - you know how the most obvious things often go unnoticed?  There are no Colt forums on this site.  We have Rugers, Remingtons, Open Tops, Schofields, and USFA's.................but no Colts!  Does that mean there aren't enough Colt shooters to have their own forum?  Are the few Colt shooters out there just so jealous they feel compelled to denigrate the competition??  Enquiring minds want to know................

I'm sure I'll get a lot of venom from this.

[Marshal Deadwood]

There IS a Colt forum on CAS ,,,

Gunsmithing !

(the devil made me say that !)

MD

[drjon]

My last Colt was a late 90s "special order' from the custom shop. It looked nice, but the trigger pull was over ten lbs. I didn't have a way to measure it, but it required so much effort to fire the gun that it made my trigger finger sore and the concept of shot group was to just be able to hit somewhere , anywhere, on the paper.

I sent the revolver back to Colt and when it got back to me I took it to a gunsmith who measured the pull at a bit over five lbs. So, back to Colt and when it came back the trigger pull had been reduced to four lbs. and came with a note that this was the lowest safest trigger pull allowed.

It also had a tendency to rust. In leather contact areas deep single scattered pits would form. Perhaps it was the Louisiana climate, but 13 other pistols and revolvers had no issues in the same storage area. It was as if there were inconsistent metal content  issues as the surrounding areas had no rusting, but where the rust existed, the pits were quite deep ... edge of loading gate, front sight, left side of trigger guard.

In comparison to either of my USFAs the Colt is loose and sloppy in fit. When I run my fingers across metal transition areas or wood to metal transition areas of my USFAs there is no sensation of height difference or of irregularity. The Colt is very different and filled with edges, bumps and irregularities. Forget having a slightly high primer revolve in the USFA, but it will in my Colt. Oh yeah, screws do come loose much more easily in my Colt, whereas the only screw tightening in my USFAs has been minimal.

So what will be my next SAA? I'll choose the USFA any day over the inferior "Brand".

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Recon
I have 5 usfa's 2 premium grades , 1 gunslinger ,2 rodeo's . I have been shooting these regularly , the 2 rodeo's have had the blunt of the shooting . They are in 45 colt and have shoot black and smokeless . Both powders shoot equally good , but I really enjoy shooting black the most . So far I haven't experienced a single problem . I also have 2 in 44-40 or 44 wcf they are tack drivers also .

[Doc Sunrise]

A couple of weeks ago in comparing a USFA SAA to a 3rd gen SAA, I found 20 areas where the USFA was superior in fit & finish.  My experience had already told me that USFA was better, but I was still amazed!