Is It USFA Pre-War or SA Army Model?

[Jughead]

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I have a NIB USFA 45C, 7.5", black powder frame, SN 21302 and am not sure which model it is-US Pre War or SA Army. It looks like both in original brochure it came with. How can I tell for sure? THANKS

[Jughead]

Here are pictures:,,,

[Abilene]

Howdy Jughead,
The frame on your gun (some call it the Black Powder frame)  equates to the Colt SAA up until the mid-1890's, when they changed to the frame style with the transverse pin cylinder latch.  I'm not sure how USFA refers to it, but many refer to the later model frame as Pre-War (indicating Pre-WW2).   This same Pre-War frame style is used on 2nd Gen Colts when they started making them again in the 1950's and the current 3rd Gen guns.  These Pre-War 1st Gen and the 2nd and 3rd Gen Colts are still called Single Action Armies.  But I would not call yours a Pre-War.  Not sure if that answered your question.  

BTW, beautiful gun!

[jphendren]

With USFA, both the SA and Pre-War models can be had in a black powder frame, which is what yours has.  The main difference is the finish.  It is hard to tell from your photo's.  The Pre-War model comes with a charcoal, carbonia, carbona, or as USFA calls it, Armory Blue finish.  The standard SA comes with a Dome Blue finish, which is just a hot salt blue, as used on most modern firearms.  If you have the box, look on the label on the end of the box, it should say if it is Armory Blue, or Dome Blue.  I believe on my Pre-War the label only says "AB," that is just an abbreviation for Armory Blue.

Jared

[Jughead]

Thanks. that defines it as Standard SAA as end of box says DB (dome blue).

[Doc Sunrise]

My guess it is a Pre-War.  The Black Powder frame is extra for the Premium, but a standard option for the Pre-War, as is the Color Case Hammer.  The Pre-War also is supposed to have factory markings like the original Colt, you might take a look.  So, my guess it is a Pre-War.