Thinking about a USFA

[Highlander999]

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Ok, I've always wanted an engraved SAA.  I think I am going with the USFA Single Action 4 3/4" bbl.  But how much difference is there in the Armory Engraving and the Master Engraving? 

The gun I am looking at in "A" engraving will run about $2,000 with "A" Armory Engraving (on the USFA Site) and $2,400 with the Master Engraving...  Thoughts?

Lastly, is the MSRP at the USFA site, pretty much the price?  Or does it depend on the dealer etc???

Thanks,

[jphendren]

I can't comment on engraving, but when I ordered my USFA through a local dealer, he charged me less than MSRP.  I don't recall exactly what is was at the time, but it was something like $100-150 less than MSRP.  I imagine it depends on which dealer, and which model you order.  My guess is that cheaper models will likely be closer to MSRP.

Jared

[Marshal Deadwood]

Yep, they do have 'dealer price.' Like the gent said though,,I don't know how that applies to an engraved revolver.

Deadwood

[wileycoyote]

Turnbull produced a number of engraved USFA SA that might meet your needs.

check them out at Ten Ring http://www.tenring.com/FirearmsSingleActions.html

and CDNN ended up with a few to sell too: http://www.cdnninvestments.com/

here's a page of them from the recent CDNN catalog: http://www.who-sells-it.com/cy/cdnn-sports-4771/target-sports-2011-3-24199/page-22-fullsize.html

fyi - turnbull are the folks who do all of USFA's case-hardening. Turnbill's single action Cowboy Classic and Open Range series were both built on in-the-white USFAs and are as good as it gets. i have a non-engraved one that wonderful. it's as good or maybe even better than factory USFAs.

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Highlander,
I've seen and held examples of both, and both Armory and Master are very nice.  Master is more detailed, mostly with "background" stippling that gives the coverage a fuller look to it.  This shows up best on nickel plated guns, not so much on blue/CCH.
From the prices you quoted I would assume that you are going for the blue/CCH finish.  That being the case, I would give some serious consideration to going with Armory "B" coverage, which would be around $100 less than Master "A," or even Armory "C" (full coverage) which would run you $100+ more than Master "A."  

[Highlander999]

Thanks to all.  I am looking at a Turnbull here locally that is a .45 and engraved.  "A" Engraving, but it is done.  I called USFA and to order one, 18 months minimum.  I talked to the dealer and he talked about the engraving, and the differences.  And he too said the Master engraving had more "PASSION" to it, the depth thing.

I've looked at a few "Laser" engraved guns, and from a distance, they look nice, even maybe up to 3 feet.  But, I have always wanted an engraved Colt...  I think I really want a USFA, after reading all about them.  I own three Colts, one is my SASS Colt, one was made in 1911, and the other is a fairly recent one with Nutmeg Ivory grips on it.

I want to get the USFA and compare.  From what I've read, I'll be hooked  

[DakotaDocMartin]

I've looked at a few "Laser" engraved guns, and from a distance, they look nice, even maybe up to 3 feet.

Once you learn what to look for in good hand engraving... you wouldn't even think of anything lasered.  Eeeeeew! 

There are some good books on the subject and even a couple of new ones recently.  "American Engravers - The 21st Century" by Roger Bleile is excellent if you are looking for a good engraver.  Also, the Firearms Engravers Guild of America's website lists plenty of them.  Or, just hang around Sam Alfano's hand engraving website: http://www.engraverscafe.com

I've been learning to hand engrave for years now and am getting to the point that I'll be doing my own guns soon.  I won't ever be a Mike Dubber but I do OK.  He even fixed me up with some of his genuine Colt factory engraving patterns.