Questions about my NEW Colt SAA

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dendang

New member
I was lucky enough to find a new, current generation Colt SAA revolver this weekend. It's case hardened/royal blue in .357 mag with a 7.5" barrel. It's literally my Eleanore, my unicorn (if you know what I mean). I purchased the piece to be a shooter (gasp) and I have a couple questions.

• Should I fill out the warranty card and send it in, or keep it in the box?
• The case hardening has some "clouding" in a couple places. I don't have a better way to explain it as it doesn't look like rust, but when rubbed, it comes off. Only to return once handled without oil. I don't know what to think of that. I haven't turned the cylinder or cocked it, so I could exchange it for something else, but I don't really want to.

Any thoughts? I'll post a couple pics this afternoon.
 
I'd think about taking it back. With use over time, CCH will eventually wear/fade on any gun so treated, but shouldn't "just wipe off" without coaxing with certain oils or solvents etc. Especially spanking new.

The recent years' Colts have been fine pieces (again) but occasionlly one slips past. Depending on what you paid for it, just exchange for another--or get a refund and look for another. They're out there.

You may know this alread, and single actions in general, but you're going to find that .357 in any length--but especially the long (7.5) barrel--is a hefty piece to cart around as well as hang off the end of your arm shooting...All those modest holes add up to a lot of metal, especially noticeable in the barrel and hence balance. Just for me, I wouldn't go longer than a 5.5" and, if your sighting eye can handle, would consider a 4.75" as optimal in that caliber. JMO. If you've already thought this part out, take it back 'n get another of the same.
 
I wish I could see what you're talking about. When I got my Colts they both had a film like coating over the frame, it peeled off during cleaning and didn't effect the CH. Others have reported the same film. I was told it's to protect the finish on guns bought and put in the safe.
• Should I fill out the warranty card and send it in, or keep it in the box?
Click to expand...

I sent mine in. If you want to keep'm ask Colt to sewnd another when you talk with'm about your finish.
 
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I'll go shoot some good pics this afternoon. Thanks for the input.

I'm not really worried about the case hardening wearing off as I expect that it will. I'm just concerned that maybe it's pre-mature corrosion or something to that effect.
 
A good scrubbing with some finger nail polish remover about 4 times and then a light coat of oil will have one looking pretty. You got to remember with the Colt your getting the real thing not a decal or a painted laquered finish like the clones. None of my Colts have the wild look to thier finish. I've never heard of anyone asking for the waranty card when purchasing a used Colt SAA. Heres some pictures of what you should expect from the newer Colts. While it is true a 357 SAA would not be the gunfighters choice of weapons it is still a fine shooting gun and one I plan to own someday.

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COLTSAA35.jpg


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Pics

Here she is. The third pic has an outline kind of showing what I'm talking about. But nonetheless, I think I have my questions answered.

Shoot it, Clean it, don't worry about it. I'm certainly no gunfighter and I don't shoot in Cowboy Action. It's just a range toy.

Peacemaker_1.jpg


Peacemaker_2.jpg


Peacemaker_3.jpg
 
Oh yeah I'd shoot it. From looking at it I dont think it's a structual problem. Spots like that just happen sometimes in the process. Somtimes it's the packing material and sometimes it's the steel. If it's got a good action and trigger keep it,shoot it, love it.
 
Just once you ought to try Cowboy Action. Bring your gun to a local match, bring a box of .38/.357 lead bullet ammo and a box of 12 ga shotgun shells, Dove loads. You'll have people lending you whatever else you need. BTW, I've shot CAS since 1997, it's a lot of fun and good practice.
I've also taken deer with'm and qualified with one as an off duty gun where I work.
If you're going to own a SAA then learn how to take it apart, it's easy. Also you ought to have a few spare parts, grip screws, the screw that holds the ejector housing on and a bolt spring at least.
Put a little history on your SAA and leave it to your Grandson.
 
Thanks everyone for the advice. I've decided to keep her and starting tomorrow I'm gonna shoot her. I'm embarrassed to say that it's spent hours in my hands over the last couple weeks...it's just so cool looking! My wife thinks I'm gonna shoot the TV someday. I keep having to show her it's not loaded. Disclaimer: don't worry I practice good trigger-finger control, and in 18 years of responsible gun ownership, I've never had a negligent discharge or any such episode.

Just once you ought to try Cowboy Action.
Click to expand...

I've attended a SASS event to watch, but haven't tried it. I have shot dozens of IPSC and IDPA practical pistol competitions and more than a few tactical rifle matches, but it does seem fun. I don't have a qualifying (period correct) rifle or shotgun for Cowboy Action, though. Maybe someday.

Thanks everyone for the advice.
 
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