yournodaisy
New member
I see this term a lot..and since I'm new to SAA Colts and clones I wondered what this meant. Maybe a pic to show me the difference. Thanks.
What does pinched frame mean?
- Thread starter yournodaisy
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yournodaisy
New member
Thanks Tim
RogueLeader
Inactive
Here's a picture per your request.
Or...
IIRC <200 originals made very early on in the Colt SAA history. Army/contract rejected the "feature" in favor of an unobstucted channel design, basically what you see w/o the "pinch." Some Colt clone makers like US Firearms (USFA) I believe (and pic may be one of) have this as an option on some models--for historic novelty sakes. One-off or specific custom/special orders aside, a "real original" represents the rare-of-the-rare of SAAs as a genre.
IIRC <200 originals made very early on in the Colt SAA history. Army/contract rejected the "feature" in favor of an unobstucted channel design, basically what you see w/o the "pinch." Some Colt clone makers like US Firearms (USFA) I believe (and pic may be one of) have this as an option on some models--for historic novelty sakes. One-off or specific custom/special orders aside, a "real original" represents the rare-of-the-rare of SAAs as a genre.
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bedbugbilly
New member
gak - thanks for posting that photo - so what was the purpose of the "pinch"? Was this to give a "tighter" sight picture - i.e. as you aimed, it centered the front sight quicker/easier? I'm not wording this too well but I think you will understand what I'm trying to say?
I've shot SA for years - mostly BP Colt clones and Remingtons. Of course those Colt models (BP) utilize a sight notch in the hammer. I do have a New Vaquero and with the standard groove in the top of the frame, I don't have any problems - that's why I'm curious as to "why" the "pinched frame"?
Thanks again for the photo and any info and light you can shed on this.
I've shot SA for years - mostly BP Colt clones and Remingtons. Of course those Colt models (BP) utilize a sight notch in the hammer. I do have a New Vaquero and with the standard groove in the top of the frame, I don't have any problems - that's why I'm curious as to "why" the "pinched frame"?
Thanks again for the photo and any info and light you can shed on this.
Bedbugbilly said
"...so what was the purpose of the "pinch"? Was this to give a "tighter" sight picture - i.e. as you aimed, it centered the front sight quicker/easier."
Someone will weigh in with a more expert response, but your guess is likely as good as any explanation. I have heard similar: that the rationale was that it limited any chance of eye to rear sight to front sight alignment variation beyond "straight on" sighting, I.e., that it "had" to hit POA...what you saw is what you got (theoretically). In reality, it makes it very difficult to quickly focus and therefore wasn't--and isn't--considered a functional plus. Accordingly, it has not been repeated in any production numbers since. In fact, many shooters open up the "standard" non-pinched sight channel more especially on Colt clones.
"...so what was the purpose of the "pinch"? Was this to give a "tighter" sight picture - i.e. as you aimed, it centered the front sight quicker/easier."
Someone will weigh in with a more expert response, but your guess is likely as good as any explanation. I have heard similar: that the rationale was that it limited any chance of eye to rear sight to front sight alignment variation beyond "straight on" sighting, I.e., that it "had" to hit POA...what you saw is what you got (theoretically). In reality, it makes it very difficult to quickly focus and therefore wasn't--and isn't--considered a functional plus. Accordingly, it has not been repeated in any production numbers since. In fact, many shooters open up the "standard" non-pinched sight channel more especially on Colt clones.
bedbugbilly
New member
Thanks gak . . . appreciate the information. After reading the post and looking at the photos of the pinched frame, I got my New Vaquero out and took a look at it - since it is the closest thing I have to a SAA. I can understand the "theory" of it but I know that for myself, it would take longer for me to gain a sight picture and I would probably find it frustrating. I can see why the Army nixed it.
I've never had the opportunity to shoot an actual Colt SAA - the Ruger is the closest thing I have to one and once I got used to it and the sighting I needed, it hits right on. (a 357). I do have a Colt Army Special (made in 1910) that has the standard straight groove frame sight and it also is easy to get a sight picture on and it hits where you point it.
Thanks again for the info. I'm sure we all learned a few new things!
I've never had the opportunity to shoot an actual Colt SAA - the Ruger is the closest thing I have to one and once I got used to it and the sighting I needed, it hits right on. (a 357). I do have a Colt Army Special (made in 1910) that has the standard straight groove frame sight and it also is easy to get a sight picture on and it hits where you point it.
Thanks again for the info. I'm sure we all learned a few new things!
yournodaisy
New member
Thanks for the pic..it really explains what I was after....kudos to you.
For many years, it was believed that for accurate shooting the sights had to be as narrow and small as possible. It took a long time for the idea to sink in that a square notch rear sight with a wide flat-top front sight could deliver good accuracy and be a lot easier to see. Today, that type of sight (called a Patridge sight from the target shooter who designed it, E.E. Patridge) is almost universal on serious target pistols.
Jim
Jim