Best NON-Colt SAA?

S

StrikeEagle

New member
Hello, Friends :)

I was looking for a Colt SAA in .38 Spl, or .357 though .38's will be fired in it exclusively. Alas, the prices are so high that I just wouldn't feel right shooting such an expensive piece as much as I planned to. So I'm thinking of going down a different road:

What is the BEST of the non-Colt SAA type guns? I have an Uberti in 44-40 and it certainly isn't anything to write home about. :(

I've been looking at the Cimmeron, the 'Evil Roy' Model P. Looks good. But is it 'the best'? If not, what is?

many thanks,
StrikeEagle
 
If you're on a budget, the USFA Rodeo is a an awesome SA with a simple matte blue finish. Base pistol itself is superior to what Colt is producing.

http://www.usfirearms.com/

If you want an authentic SAA finish, pocket between $1000 and $1300 and either order one of USFA's finished pistols or order one of Turnbulls Classic Cowboy Single Action Revolvers. These are USFA's finished in a carbona blue and bone color case hardening like the originals.

http://turnbullrestoration.com/cowboyclassics.htm

If Colt made pistols this nice at these price, they'd still own a lions share of the SA market instead of the Italians.
 
Thank you for the responses and suggestions! :)

Ruger's great, of course... but I'm looking for the feeling and old-time style of a Colt. And from the looks of this, USFA has that.

These look to be Generation 1 pattern revolvers. Embarrassingly, I have no firsthand experience with these. How do they differ from Second and Third Gen?

I know that the base pin is not held by the spring-loaded release button... but rather by a set screw. Is that correct? Can such a thing loosen up and drop out into the grass? I've also heard that the First Gen 'black powder frames' are 'weaker'. And from the lighter calibers listed, I guess that must be true. But what exactly are the differences that make them 'weaker'? I plan to shoot midrange cast .38 Special loads only, so I'm sure this isn't a functional issue for me... but I'd still like to know.

best,
StrikeEagle
 
Keep in mind that the metallurgy of the modern versions is quite a bit better than 19th century steel. The same design is likely to be stronger.
 
While the USAA SAA clones currently have the best reputation, the AWA guns are also good, as well as the better Italian clones. The Beretta clone has a rep for mixed quality at the momtent.
If you intend to get into cowboy competition, any gun you choose will benefit from a little hand work in the form of an action job.
I compete in the cowboy competition, and use the Rugers. They are basically bullet proof. They usually benefit from replacement of springs and internal smoothing. They last forever.
 
For the money the Ruger Vaquero is a best buy in my book. Change the grips to something Coltish and you'll be very satisfied with it. The Blackhawk models aren't really SAA look alikes.
 
While the USAA SAA clones currently have the best reputation, the AWA guns are also good, as well as the better Italian clones.

Which are the "better Italian clones"?

Is Cimmeron the very best? Say, the "Evil Roy" version?
http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/EvilRoy.htm

What do you think... would I be happier with the USFA top model? I don't even know of a store that has these in stock, so I can't actually go look at them and handle them. If I buy, it'll be special ordered through a dealer, 'sight unseen'... so I appreciate all the help, advice and guidance I'm getting here. :)

best,
StrikeEagle
 
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