Interesting question Rawhide. I own several USFA guns, from the 4 & 3/4" to a 16" Buntline. I have nickel plated guns, I have blue/CCH guns. I also own one of the very few (less than 35 I am told) 1851 Navy, .38 cal., Richards Mason conversions.
I don't look upon these guns as investments yet, as far as appreciation goes. Maybe someday. I do believe that it is very safe to say that you are not going to lose any money on a USFA gun.
If nothing else, USFA has gained a reputation for superior quality in the past few years. If they keep it up, that reputation will carry them a long way. Who knows? Years from now collectors may be bidding against each other for prime examples of those first "Made in the USA" USFA guns. Look what has happened with the old Great Western Arms guns - they were only around for 5 or 6 years back in the late 50's/early 60's. I recently saw one of their derringer models sell at auction for almost as much as an authentic Remington derringer.
I also have several Colt SAA's as well. If I had to trust my life to an untried, "out of the box" gun, I would go with USFA.