Need help on a SAA clone

dsk

New member
I am thinking of getting a Colt SAA clone for under $1000. I'm looking for the one that comes the closest to an original 1st generation old-style frame in authenticity and quality. I've heard of the AWA, Cimarron, EMF, and tons of other imported clones. I am also aware of the US Firearms models, but they seem to cost as much as a Colt (I'm not too keen on their satin-finished Rodeo model). Is there much of a difference with the other brands?
 
I have a pair of EMF Hartford Models and they are very nice. They now make one that is even more deluxe for about $100 more than what I paid for my guns, but I have no experience with it.
 
Yeah, but are they all the same? That's what I am trying to find out. I don't want to decide on Brand X, only to find out later I wish I had bought Brand Y because it was more authentic in appearance. I'm not a SAA expert, so I am not good at identifying subtle differences in the markings or parts.
 
You aren't looking at the right U.S. Firearms model. Look for the RODEO!!! It's the same gun as their SAA, just w/o the fancy blueing.

FYI, the U.S. Firearms Rodeo and SAA are as close to a SAA as you can get without buying a Colt.

Do yourself a favor and buy a Rodeo from U.S. Firearms. Heck, quite a few people are convinced they're better than original Colts.

Chris
 
Cherry's has this 44-40 New Frontier in stock for $995.00.

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I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SAY THIS

BUT FOR THE MONEY YOU ARE WANTING TO SPEND BUY A COLT. THEY ARE OUT THERE IN YOUR PRICE RANGE(SEE THE ONE AT CHERRIES ABOVE AS AN EXAMPLE) AND THE QUALITY FAR SURPASES ANY OF THE CLONES BY A LARGE MARGIN.
For the money through its hard to beat a nice Uberti in the low $400's. abelas even has a neat unatarian model (brass grip frame bead blast finish 4 3/4" barrel 45 long colt caliber that getting real high marks un quality and useability for $219.00!
 
1. Colt does not offer a blackpowder frame, at least not in my price range.

2. In my original post I stated that I don't like the US Firearms Rodeo. A satin-finished "tactical" SAA looks odd to me.
 
I think Cimarron has the most SAA variants and the most emphasis on authenticity. Their charcoal blue is beautiful but will show wear from a hard look. They also have standard blue/ch, nickel, and the "run hard, put up wet" Original finish where they wear a perfectly good new gun down to about the 10% level. My Cimarron is an older ASM gun, they are now selling Ubertis.

The EMF Hartford Premier has the best looking blue/ch finish of any clone I have seen. Hartfords are available with basepin screw (blackpowder) frame. They are Ubertis, too.

I don't know much about Navy Arms or Uberti USA and can't say if all Ubertis are equal, or whether Taylor or Traditions are handling a full line of SAAs. Uberti is now owned by Beretta, but I have never heard whether they made any changes in plant, people, or operations.

Shop around and you can probably get a pair of one or the other for $1000.

COWS bought out Armi San Marco to bring out the AWA line of SAA clones and quit selling guns to other importers. They have sold a lot of guns to SASS members who either love or hate them.
 
The constant switch and continual QC upgrades are what's confusing me. Just today I looked at a used EMF, and while it looked nice it was a rattle trap. The cylinder gap was also huge. Problem is, since it was a used gun I had no idea how old it was.
 
Uberti does make Cimarron's guns. I think Cimarron polishes them up a little when they get here though. It seems their guns are just a shade better than Uberti's own.

If you don't like the Rodeo, then get a USAF SAA! It doesn't have the "tactical finish" you talk of (although I don't think it's bad and you are being WAY to picky for the kind of money you're talking of spending).

Chris
 
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