I finally got it!

[kennith]

I just got my first USFA in yesterday, and boy was it worth the money.  I ordered the 7.5 inch barrel, TruIvory slightly aged grips, fire blue appointments, and for some reason they even threw in a case hardened hammer.   I have a few points to make for those who just can't decide what they want.

First, those TruIvory grips are unbelievable.  I am a man who has worked with real ivory many times.  I regularly work with a collection of firearms that are equipped with the most ornate of carved ivory stocks, and my brother refinishes antique piano keys about once a week.  I can tell you without a doubt that this fake ivory is wonderful.  I need to call it fake to remind myself that it isn't real.  It is even possible, I suppose, that the TruIvory has managed to capture my image of great ivory better than the real thing does most of the time, without all the hassle.  So, if you were thinking about buying these instead of the real thing, just go ahead.  I can't imagine anyone would be disappointed.

Second, being one who has seen all manner of firearms over the past few years, I am always sketchy of case coloring.  I've seen it done so poorly many times that it looks like dull discolored brass.  This is without a doubt one of the shiniest, deepest, and most beautiful case hardening jobs I have ever seen, and I have seen some of the best.  I do not pretend to be an expert on the process, or even on firearms in general, but I have seen more fancy finishes than most people will, and let me tell you, this is absolutely spellbinding.

I am almost afraid to shoot the darned thing...  Almost.

That being said, I don't trust the gun shop around here.  I picked up some ammunition when I received the USFA, but I don't feel good about it.  I haven't shot it yet, and I wanted some opinions.  My SAA is chambered in .45 Colt, and I was handed a box of Ultramax 200gr Cowboy ammunition whenI picked it up, and bought it.  The problem is, I had the name mixed up, and when I got back, I realized I had never heard of Ultramax.  Anyone know about this stuff? I wouldn't want to void my warranty by shooting something that is remanufactured, but if it is a safe load, and clean enough, I don't see that it could do too much harm.

I had wanted to order some Black Hills ammunition for it, and in the past, I have enjoyed shooting Hornaday ammunition in various single actions, but I thought I would ask you guys to see what you recommend, to make sure I don't go too hot with this beauty.  How are those two for this firearm?

Anyway, I'll be posting some pictures when I take them.  So thank you all for having this forum available!

Cheers,

Kennith

[Major 2]

I use both Ultramax and Black Hills... I like both
never any issues with either

use it

[Major 2]

glad you liked it

[Deadeye Don]

Kennith,  Congrats on your great purchase.  I agree with you on the TruIvory grips.  They are the best and second only to real Ivory.  Ultramax is a well known manufacturer of "cowboy" loaded ammo so you can shoot it without any concerns.  There are also alot of other companies that make ammo specifically designed for the cowboy action shooting crowd.  Black Hills is excellent, but there are many other companies that sell ammo for alot less money that is equally good.   If you would like some suggestions of where to purchase ammo, just ask.

As for gun clean up and lubing.  Remoil is great.  That is one of the products I use.  I have heard that USFA cautions against using strong solvents due to the coating over the case coloring.  I have not had any problems with any that I have used.  My guns look as good as the day I got them.   Ballistol is good also.  I generally shoot some into the gun and even rub a bit over the exposed exterior before putting the gun to bed in the silicon sock. 

[Deadeye Don]

Here you go Kennith:  These are in no particular order.


http://www.ammodirect.com/

http://georgia-arms.com/cowboyloads-sass-1.aspx

http://www.tenxammo.com/

http://www.springhillmercantile.com/