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?
Need help on a SAA clone
- Thread starter dsk
- Start date
Radicalcleric
New member
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.
I have a nickle finish Uberti Regulator converitble 45 Colt/45 ACP imported through American Arms. They don't make this model anymore; 45 Colt only. I paid $375 for it back in 1995 and recently saw a new one in 45 Colt only on Auction Arms starting at $250 (http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?ItemNum=2960365).
lonegunman
New member
Uberti's replicas are very good. They are imported under a variety of names, I believe.
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.
sundance43.5
New member
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
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
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!
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!
Jim Watson
New member
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 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.
lonegunman
New member
I thought Uberti manufactured the guns for Cimmaron.
sundance43.5
New member
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
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