New Colt is a bit disappointing.

[Buckaroo Lou]

I recently purchased a new Colt SAA in .45 Colt with a 7 1/2" barrel since I haven't had one in several years and just wanted to add one to my modest single action collection. Honestly, I am a bit disappointed. Although the fit appears to be very good the finish lacks a lot to be desired. It doesn't have true color case hardening, is way over sprung, and has a very heavy trigger pull. Personally, I believe at least half of the price if not more is paying for the Colt name. My USFA's and Standard Manufacturing revolvers are much better made revolvers, and I have Uberti revolvers that will equal or surpass the quality. I am not trying to bash Colt's as I have always liked them and have owned a few of them in the past, the best being a first year second generation. I regrettably traded it for an 1875 C. Sharps rifle years ago. Sorry, I just don't think the new Colt SAA's are worth the price.

[St. George]

Given their low production and the dearth of them on the open market, you won't have any trouble selling yours.

Colt doesn't clear-coat their CCH like Turnbull does - that stuff enhances color - as does 'Renaissence Wax'.

Their triggers aren't tuned - and their mainsprings 'are' heavy - easily fixed.

If you think you're paying for the name - you are - if that name doesn't make you happy, remember that Standard and USFA have/had their own problems, though.

Sell it - it'll go fast.

Scouts Out!

[Galloway]

Are they currently making the SAA again? Did you order it or find online or in person?

[Buckaroo Lou]

Are they currently making the SAA again? Did you order it or find online or in person?

 I purchased it at my local gun shop. They had two of them. They had had it for several months.

[Coffinmaker]

  Hi There Lou 

I well understand your disappointment.  You should get more for your money but don't.  I normally annoy the Coltistas because I find Colt made SAs after the Second Generation to be "wanting."  By the same token, I also think USFA and Standard are also well beyond "reasonable."

Prior to my retirement, I had never met a Colt that didn't require a gob of attention to make truly user friendly.  At the over the counter price, that should not be necessary.

[Major 2]

You can thank, the 4-year UAW strike, wage and benefits demand of the eighties.
   

 

[Buckaroo Lou]

Hi There Lou 

I well understand your disappointment.  You should get more for your money but don't.  I normally annoy the Coltistas because I find Colt made SAs after the Second Generation to be "wanting."  By the same token, I also think USFA and Standard are also well beyond "reasonable."

Prior to my retirement, I had never met a Colt that didn't require a gob of attention to make truly user friendly.  At the over the counter price, that should not be necessary.

I agree with most of what you have said but have a different opinion concerning USFA and Standard. USFA's are high because they are no longer made and whether you agree or not are both desirable and collectable. Back when they were still in production my first USFA was a Doug Trunbull premium finished revolver that cost me $850, and the quality is very noticeably better than Colts.  Standard's although not by much are a little less expensive than Colts and have a much better fit and finish. I like Colts but it is my opinion for the price you pay for them you get less quality and are buying a name. I knew when I bought the Colt that the quality wasn't the best, but I wanted one for my collection and to shoot. I looked at it for 2 months before deciding to pull the proverbial trigger and purchase it. It is just my personal observation that much of the money you spend for the Colt is for the name.

[Coffinmaker]

  Hey There Lou

I cannot and do not disagree with you when it comes to the quality of USFA offerings.  I always felt USFA was building a better gun than Colt (Third Gen) and still feel that way.  When still being produced, USFA were a "little" overpriced.  Once production ceased, collectors have driven the prices through the roof.  Standard is building a really nice gun but Standard pricing is "painful."

I personally, have long refused to drop folding money on the "High End) single actions, as I have always felt, at the price point, the buyer shouldn't need "me" to make them user friendly.  I still very much feel that way.  Not that I minded separating customers from their money (itza business), the guns should have been/be better.