Need a Reason to go USFA

[Wandering Man]

We've got two Vaqueros in the family, and a Blackhawk (all .38/.357).  We've built up the collection one at a time.  At shoots the wife and I are now only having to hand off one pistol between us.

I'm dreaming about our next purchase, and need some help.  We went with the Vaqueros because of the combination of price and reputation for hardiness.

I've been drooling over the USFA's.  But, I've been told they aren't as rugged as the Rugers.  I don't want to buy a gun for competition (we aint that great of shooters, and don't practice but once a month between shoots) that can't handle the use.

Now surely, I've been mis-informed.  Surely there are people out there who actually use USFA guns for competition.

I'm mostly interested in them because I like the look and the period - correctness of the guns.

I need to justify the extra expense to the wife, though, so help me out.

1) Why is USFA considered a "better" gun if it isn't as durable?

2) Is it suitable for competition?

3) What is the difference between the Rodeo, Rodeo II, and Single Action Army (other than price)?

This has probably all been posted elsewhere, but my brief attempts at searching for it didn't locate the threads. 

Thanks guys.

WM

[Deadeye Don]

1.   The USFA is a colt reproduction.  The quality is excellent.  They are shooters.  Rugers are modern designed guns that are NOT colt reproductions.  This is the basic reason they are considered more "rugged" than any of the colt reproductions or even modern made Colts.   However, both are SASS and NCOWS  legal.  If you are looking for a colt reproduction of a very high quality then USFA is one choice you have.  If you want a rugged gun that is not a colt reproduction but "kinda" looks like one then go with  a Ruger.

2.  Yes,  many pards use USFAs for competition including myself.

3.  All differences are "cosmetic".   The internals and production quality is the same.   I happen to believe that half the fun of shooting USFAs is the look of the case color hardened ones.  If you dont mind the non-historical finish on the Rodeos, then fine.

Regards.  Deadeye.

[Doc Sunrise]

Deadeye is dead on!  Ruger looked at the Old Colt SAA design, which there were some 355000 out there, and wanted to improve upon it in two specific areas.  The flat style Main Spring and the flat style bolt/trigger spring, which was prone to breakage due to fatigue after alot of shooting.  Ruger went with coil springs to cure that problem. 

Today, with new metallurgy and special springs from outfits like Wolff Springs, this problem has been greatly reduced for the Old Colt design.  But if you really want to see and feel a difference, compare a USFA SAA with Turnbull's Case Colored Frame and the weight, size and configuration of the original Colt SAA design to a Ruger.  If you don't have flashbacks to the old west, you may need to have someone check your pulse.  I have described the difference in the past like this, a USFA SAA is like a thoroubred where Ruger is like a draft horse.  Both are great guns.

[Wandering Man]

Thanks.

   

WM

[Whiskey Hayes]

WM

1.  USFA's are durable because of excellent machining, fitting of parts and good metal.  Are they as durable as a Ruger?Probably not due to flat spring life versus coil spring life.  Will the flat springs last for years?  Yes, they will, plus cheap and easy to replace.

2.  USFA's old up to competition very well.  I've been shooting a set of Rodeo's in competiton for 5 years, original bolt springs and hand springs are still in the guns.  I replaced main spring when brand new to lighter spring.  5 years of shooting for me is more than 20,000+ rounds per gun.

3.  Exterior finish is only differance.  I've had a set of premium SAA BP frame guns for 4 years.  Rodeo internals are equal in fit and finish.  I have never used the SAA's in competition.  They are just to pretty.

WH

[Wandering Man]

WM

1.  USFA's are durable because of excellent machining, fitting of parts and good metal.  Are they as durable as a Ruger?Probably not due to flat spring life versus coil spring life.  Will the flat springs last for years?  Yes, they will, plus cheap and easy to replace.

2.  USFA's old up to competition very well.  I've been shooting a set of Rodeo's in competiton for 5 years, original bolt springs and hand springs are still in the guns.  I replaced main spring when brand new to lighter spring.  5 years of shooting for me is more than 20,000+ rounds per gun.

3.  Exterior finish is only differance.  I've had a set of premium SAA BP frame guns for 4 years.  Rodeo internals are equal in fit and finish.  I have never used the SAA's in competition.  They are just to pretty.

WH

Thanks, this is exactly the kind of information I've been looking for.

I always here about Rugers' reliability, and hear about what great guns USFA are, but haven't heard of people taking their USFA's to shoots.  I was wanting a reason besides "looks good" to get a pair.

As you say, springs can be replaced, and it sounds like they are not so delicate that I'll have to replace them after every meet.

WM