What to buy???

E

Elmer Keith

Inactive
Hello, I'm from Germany and new to this forum.

Being restricted by law not to own more than two handguns (there are some exceptions but theses are not suitable for my) I have a S&W M 28 and now want to buy a Colt SAA.

I've two to choose between.

One is a 2nd Gen. blued/color case hardened 7.5" 357 # 641xxSA.

The other one a 3rd. Gen. blued/color case hardened 5.5" 357 #SA213xx

Now - which one would be my choice?

Are the 2nd Gen. better in average then the 3rd. Gen. Colt SAA?

When were the guns made exactly?

Are there some advantages or disadvantages with the Colt SAA in 357 Magnum?

Or should I better wait for an occasion to buy a 45 Colt?
 
I have 4 Single Actions all with 5 1/2" barrels.
If you like the .357 and ammo is available it's a good round.
I like the .45 Colt better because it was the Colt round in the Old West.

If the guns are each in equal condition, I'd get the 2nd Generation.
 
I really feel for you! Only two handguns?!?! I don't know what I'd do!!!! :(

Either one is going to be a good choice. I personally have a fondness for the longer barrels. Some have a much better case color pattern than others- so that may have some bearing on which one you might like. Check out the actions- each one can have it's own little differences- especially on used ones that may have had some gunsmithing done to them.

The good thing is, I'm certain that .38 special and .357 magnum will be much easier and cheaper to get, and much easier to start reloading for if you decide to- if you aren't reloading already.
 
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Since you already have the S&W Mod 28 in .357mag, I would stay with the 357 cal. That is what I have done in my cowboy guns. I have always had the reloading set up for that caliber and didn't want to have another set of dies, brass, bullets and primers for a different caliber (45LC). If you are only going to shoot factory ammo then two different calibers may not be a significant factor to consider.
 
Here is how dumb I am.....

....At the CAS shoots are shooters permitted to use smokeless powder and factory ammunition?

If so, what does .45 LC cost?
 
You can use smokeless in most classes Doc and factory ammo is ok as long as the bullets are lead, no jackets.
 
I think a factory new box of .45 Colt is going to go for between $30-50 each, depending on brand (Winchester, Fiocchi, Ten-x, Ultramax, Black Hills, etc.) and where you buy it.

.45 Schofields can sometimes be found for less that .45 Colt ammo- if they've been sitting on the shelf long enough.
 
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Welcome to the forum Elmer Keith. :)

The threads below recommend the 2nd Generation SAA's, but I can't imagine going wrong with either one. And some even prefer the current production Colts. The gun's condition and the choice of barrel length are yours to consider.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17259&highlight=2nd+gen+saa

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=286621&highlight=2nd+gen+saa

Many of the Colt Serial numbers can be looked up here:

http://proofhouse.com/index.htm

Serial # 641XXSA is listed as being made in 1972.
 
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