Whay are Colt Single Action Army so hard to find?

Clutch Three

Inactive
I've been looking for a brand new Colt Single Action Army with 5.5" barrel in .45 Colt caliber and I haven't had any luck.
I thought they were still in production, why are they so hard to find?
Do any of you guys know where I may find one?
 
Last edited:
If I'm not mistaken, there are so few new Colt SAAs around because they generally only make them to order. You can definitely special order one through any dealer that can work with colt directly. I don't know exact prices, but I'd figure around $1200-$1400 depending on what options you choose and the dealer's markup.
 
I didn't realize the vendors don't keep them in stock. I suppose they're not very high in demand. I will try to place an order though local vendors, thanks you!
 
Colt generally only makes firearms in certain runs. If you wait for a bit it should turn up. Generaly from memory, the few Colt firearms that are instock are generally Colt SAA. I just checked 2 wholesalers for you and both are out of stock right now.

Why? The Colt 1911's tend to sell as soon as they come in and the SAA's tend to hang around a bit more.
 
All the high end SAA's are scarce right now. A year ago, it was not too much trouble to find in stock Colt's and USFA's. Colt is trying to get the new New Frontier to market and USFA has halted Rodeo and Rodeo II production to get caught up on their premium SAA backlog, currently at 9-12months. Have you checked Gunbroker?
 
There are plenty of 2nd and 3rd gen artillery models. I would look for one of those rather than wait for a new one. Its not like the new one would be any better in anyway.
 
Actually the new Colt's are better than they've been since the 'good' 2nd generation models. No more overpolishing so rampant (pun intended) in 3rd generation production. If I was buying a Colt (prefer USFA) I would buy a new one (two years old or less) or nothing.
 
+1 newfrontier45. I've got a "4th" (late 3rd) Gen ca 2008/9 that's a stellar piece. They're out there. A few of the LGS's here in Phoenix regularly stock at least a few new SAAs. Online, you shouldn't be paying a lot more than.$1200. Also a +1 about Phil Rezak--great guy--true gentleman to talk to and deal with.
EDIT: Failing the above, Trail Creek Trade Co. and First Stop Gun also good outfits--both sell Colts. Trail Creek also a consistent/reliable source on USFAs.
 
Last edited:
I see quite a few of them around ....and at least a dozen or more at most gunshows...not all new / but quite a few of them around ( not as many as the Ruger SAA ) ...but still quite a few. I saw one a few weeks ago, a Colt, unfired in a box - 4 3/4", blued, in .357 mag ...for about $ 1,650 ...in a local shop - and it sold in a week.

Just go to a local dealer and order one ...depends on what you want ---but around $ 1,500 - $2000 will probably get you a decent gun.

At least look at US Firearms and Freedom Arms as well ...before you decide on the colt ...and how the others fit your hands vs the Colt / personally, in the grip area, I find the Colts a little short ..and I prefer the Freedom Arms large frame - but they also make a medium sized frame.
 
It would be silly to pay $1500-$2000 for a run of the mill 3rd generation Colt SAA in a standard configuration. Last I looked, when I was wanting a new .38-40 about a year ago, they could be had brand new for under $1100. Paying $1500-$2000 for an older 3rd generation gun will yield a lot less gun for a lot more money.
 
Not only what newfrontier45 just said, but for several years now folks (online/LGS and private parties) have been selling--or trying--older 3rds for the same or oftentimes more than a new "4th" (late 3rd) Gen. Other than perhaps the odd one-off or limited production special, this hasn't made any sense at all. More power to those sellers that have been able to pull it off--and shame on those buyers who have bit:).

I think it was Spring of 2003 (or so) that brought back the removable cylinder bushing--missing since the 2nd Gen--and with it an apparent renewed commitment to better quality all around.
 
Last edited:
I don't know all the latest rumors, but in the March 1 SGN, Hoplite (502) 955-5014 has them advertised new at $1199 and up. When I have ordered from them in the past, they have always had what I wanted in stock.

Jim
 
Back
Top