Colt or USFA

R

redrick

New member
Which would you rather have a new Gen 3 Colt SAA msrp $1315.

Or a USFA SAA with walnut grips, blackpowder frame and factory action job, used but unfired $1095.

If you choose the USFA, would you be concerned about them closing their doors and not being able to get parts if needed.
 
I have both..as well as a few Uberti's. The USFA quality is excellent as well as the colts. If it were me...I would see when the Colt was made. If it's recent then I would say Colt. They have improved in recent years. Plus the Colt will have better resale value. If you want to save some money..get the USFA as it's quality is just as good. I don't see them having parts issues anytime soon. Hope this helps.
 
The Colt SAA as it is now made is a fine gun. It's also a strong tie to history. While I also own replicas, it was a Colt at the OK Corral, it was a Cot Buffalo Bill carried, it was a Colt that Pat killed Billy with............well, you get the idea.
 
I have a USFA Rodeo which is the less externally finished, and less expensive SAA. They run about half of the more expensive guns, but are the same pistol except for the finish. It is a great shooting gun, and very high quality/value.

However, if you are going to spend the $1K plus, I think I'd go with the Colt.
 
Not my pic but I can't believe anybody would still choose a Colt over a USFA, at all, ever. This was posted on SingleActions.com by member "bushog".

Bisleys.jpg
 
I faced the same decision. I went with USFA based solely on quality and have never regretted it. Parts are available everywhere and shouldn't even be a factor in your decision. Current 3rd Generation Colts are fine guns but I give the edge to USFA. Their value will hold up just fine.

IMG_5098.jpg
 
After having handled many (dozens) of mostly 2nd Gens--some 1st's--over the years and in a sense had "half" ownership with a friend in some, I got my one and only Colt in 2008--a rare, new production but uncatalogued "4th" (late 3rd) Gen .44 Sp. The combo of caliber, and fact of it being a recent production was my main motivation. No regrets and it's a stellar piece. Otherwise, I'd "normally" go USFA, equal or better quality as mentioned, for less (apples-to-apples) so many more model choices, options and, historically much more prompt/responsive customer service and "customized-to-you" production. For the same street price as the Colt you can get the premium USFA Pre War with its brilliant blueing and case-hardened hammer, etc. Otherwise, the closer apples-to-apples comparison to the normal (99.9%) Colt SAA offering is USFA's. "Single Action" which can be had, street price for $100-300 less than the Colt, sometimes lucking out in having the normal add-on CCH hammer included. I should add the USFA-actually in all trims--adds the "black powder" cylinder bevel as standard. Not so the Colt--shame on them!

Take either the Colt SAA or USFA SA price and, by percentage, the depreciation should be about the same. Assuming resale in excellent 90%+ condition, the late model Colt, assuuming $1200 new, even in today's economy will not likely dip below $1,000 resale unless an emergency sale. The USFA SA, assuming $1,000 new (and can be found less with some looking), will not likely dip below $850. Same same % except less initial outlay for, arguably the same--or better gun, functionally.

I admit I was ultimately drawn by the "Pony" and reports of increased Colt quality on its newer guns--as a (likely) one-time (unless odd 2nd or 1st Gen collector gun later on) purchase, and as I say, I don't regret. Hopefully I'll be able to heirloom mine along and will be proud to do so.

So, If you've got the jingle, sure, why not? If OTOH looking for an SAA-or-better "experience" (visual and functional) for less $, I wouldn't be shy at all in getting the USFA. .

I also picked up a NOS .44 Sp Rodeo a few years ago and, as also mentioned, it's a stellar piece just as their more premium (cosmetic) models are. Not particularly enamored with the finish, I got the Rodeo specifically as a "perfect platform" for antiquing. Now I want one of their Double Eagles. It never ends!

USFAs are great guns. Don't kid yourself in the comparison. The depreciation factor's not *enough* of a difference favoring a (standard) Colt--if any--to factor in IMO.
 
If you were to order that USFA SAA it would cost over $1800 with the options it has. So it's not cheaper than a Colt.

I missed out on it anyway, it is sold. So unless I run across another one for that price I will wait on a Colt and see what they are selling for.

I'm not going to shoot it alot. I just have a urge to get a SAA and I know that if get a Colt I will be paying some for the name even though it is a good revolver, I could get a Ubertis for half the money.
 
A standard USFA SAA, which is comparable to a Colt SAA, runs around $950 street price.

A blued and color case hardened Colt SAA will run $1150.

For the same money you can get a USFA Pre-War model which is head and shoulders above anything Colt has produced since before WWII. Rather than the typical hot blue finish, it has the very labor intensive and very beautiful charcoal or carbona blue finish along with the case colored hammer.

USFA's don't need an action job. A spring swap is all that is needed for a silky smooth action and crisp 2-3lb trigger.

Prices on the USFA site, like any other manufacturer, are MSRP. The guns never sell for that.
 
I've shot all kinds of Single Actions. I'm a pretty good SASS Shooter. My Colts are excellent guns and are as good as any other on the market. If you are willing to settle for a good copy then get a usfa. If you want a fine shooting gun and the real thing then get the Colt.
 
Pilot is right on. Only the rodeo makes any sense.
Also USFA quality is equally spotty occassionally.

Colt custom shop quality SAA is as good as it ever was or will be now.
 
If you are willing to settle for a good copy then get a usfa.
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There is no "settling" with a USFA. Unless you think buying a better sixgun for less money is "settling". Or buying a far closer replica of the original SAA for the same money is seen as "settling". I'd say buying an inferior Colt because you're enamoured with the name is "settling". The "real thing" is a 1st generation Colt. The modern Colt SAA is no more or less the "real thing" than any other replica.


Also USFA quality is equally spotty occassionally.
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I've never heard or seen that.
 
So nobody said anything. Does this mean USFA isn't having any business or production problems? Maybe I dreamed it!

Gregg
 
USFA has halted production of the Rodeo and Rodeo II to catch up on production of premium revolvers. Right now they're working on a 9-12month backlog.
 
They have self imposed production problems.
Once I called to ask about a model and they said the price was high so they wouldn't have to make very many!
 
A company can become so successful that it cannot keep up with demand. That is usually a nice "fix" to be in, but in the long run, not so good. If USFA is that far behind, they are going to have to find the capital to increase capacity or become like some of the British gun companies who brag that they make only one gun a month, but it is perfect. OK if you can charge a million bucks for one gun, but in a competitive market, that won't fly.

Jim
 
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