Gunslinger vs. Premium cost reversal

[J.D. Yellowhammer]

I was just window shopping the USFA website and noticed a curious item.  The base price of a Gunslinger is $1145, while the Premium SAA is only $950.

I bought my first USFA, a Gunslinger, less than two years ago.  I went to a gun show in Phoenix for the express purpose of tracking down a USFA.  The only one I could find that was within my price range was a Gunslinger.  I wasn't a real fan of the faux antiquing, just a personal preference--if I shoot an old looking gun I prefer it to have acquired its age naturally.  And I believe that despite the pains USFA goes to to produce a long-lasting finish, it will wear off due to usage and cleaning, leaving a gray gun.  The cost was $800 and I later discovered that I could have bought it from Gary Granger for $750.  As I recall the Premium was about $1050 or so.

Later I bought a couple of Rodeos, and recently I bought a Premium SAA from Gary which is the model I always wanted to begin with.  The price was only $950.  The casehardening and blueing are true works of art.  I can sit and stare at this pistol for hours.

Although I'm still not a big fan of the looks of my Gunslinger, and I've even thought of selling it to help finance a Premium, I've hung onto it because it is the smoothest, sweetest shooting pistol I own.  Even smoother than the Premium.  Light years beyond the Rodeos.  I've been toying with the idea of buying another Gunslinger so that I could use it in CAS matches without worrying about wear and tear, and save my Premium for less brutal usage.

I don't see many (any, actually) other Gunslingers around.  I don't see many posts about it, either.  I have the feeling, based on nothing but these factors, that it's not one of the more popular pistols from USFA.  I know the antique patina is a long process.  But I'm surprised that the Gunslinger cost has jumped so high.  Now, the Gunslinger and Premium have reversed positions!  As I said at the beginning, this is a curious state of affairs....

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Curious indeed!  I have to agree with you, I'm not a big fan of those fake antique finishes either.  About the only good thing I can say is that of all the companies that are doing it, USFA seems to offer the most authentic looking finish.

[J.D. Yellowhammer]

Sure is.  At a cas match a couple of weeks ago my gunslinger fooled two experienced shooters, one of whom is a gunsmith (they didn't take a close look, just commented at the unloading table).  I wish the gunslingers weren't so expensive, now. I'd buy another one just to use in cas, and leave my premium at home.

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[The Chaplain from Hell!]

Gentlemen:

I have one each of a Gunslinger (.45 4-3/4) and a Pre-War (.45 7-1/2), both are absolutely the finest SAA's I've used in the last 50+ years of shooting.  I would have to give a slight edge to the Gunslinger in action,  but they are both top notch.

The Chaplain from Hell

[J.D. Yellowhammer]

Yessir, Gunslingers are smooth.  Unfortunately, though, I'm finally selling mine to fund the 44-40 Rodeos I have on order.  I made a decision to switch calibers and I just don't have the funds to keep all my guns. 

Chaplain, if you want a mate for your Gunslinger, let me know.

JD