Colt 125th Anniversary Commemorative

[wdbarbe]

I have a chance to pick up one of the 125th commemorative SAA's made in 1961 I believe.  It is in great shape but has been fired.  I was thinking of using it for Cowboy Action Shooting and wondered if there is any reason not to?
I know they are all blue but I assume the frame is hardened just like the regular models.  Are there any mechanical reasons for not doing this?  It would give me a 2nd gen gun at a good price.
Any info would be great

[St. George]

Someplace, I seem to remember some sort of restriction on 'commemorative' guns - but I really don't remember, and moreover - don't care.

If the price is right - buy it and shoot it, since it's built for shooting.

If the commemorative lettering's on the barrel, and it bothers you - new 2d Generation barrels can be found.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Pettifogger]

Buy it, shoot it, have fun.  In many cases unfired Colt Commemoratives are worth no more than a standard model in good condition.  A fired commemorative is simply a shooter and generally brings less than a regular production gun.  As you note, a good way to get a second gen at a good price.

[Sagebrush Burns]

These shoot and handle just the same as any other SAA.  I picked up a consecutive numbered pair a few years ago and never had any issues using them in matches.  With the Blue frame and gold trigger guard, backstrap, etc. they are (in my opinion) uglier than they need to be and are prime candidates for refinishing.  My wife made me send mine to Jim Alaimo (Nutmeg Sports) for one piece ivories and Doug Turnbull for first generation style refinishing.  I cleaned the first match I shot with 'em and they're my main match pistols ever since.

[Danny Bear Claw]

Commemoratives rarely gain any collector value anyway.  By all means, buy it, shoot it and enjoy it.