USFA Target value

[buttebob]

I'm thinking I may sell or trade my Flat Top Target, and need to get a sense of the value. I know there's one on GB with two cylinders that's over $2800. Mine is in 45 Colt with papers, box, outer sleeve, and sock. It's a 98%+ gun. Would it be worth $2500? $2000? Thanks for any help.

[mtone]

Why not $2500 if it's a later model FT (all US).  Afterall someone just paid $3200 for a standard single action with a 44 Colt roll mark on the barrel.   

[Coffinmaker]

There may well be one on Gunbroker for "stupid" money, but there is a large difference between what people are asking and what they are getting.
The gun is worth however much you can get someone to pay for it.  Who knows, you may get lucky.

Coffinmaker

[Coffinmaker]

Forgot,  As one who worked on these guns for the past 18+ years, and sees a USFA as nothing more than a really high end Uberti, your target might be worth a realistic 8 to 1200 dollars.  Realistic is the key word.

Coffinmaker

[jd45]

Coffinmaker, I wonder if you could enlighten me as to how much of a gap, if I can put it that way, there is between the USFA, which as you say is a really high end Uberti, and a genuine Colt SAA, which I'm assuming you're comparing it to, and please correct me if I'm wrong. I have to admit up front that I like a lot the 2 USFAs I've got & it's been 30-some years since I've owned a Colt, so can you tell me what characteristics make the Colt a breed apart from others who try to emulate it, but fall short? Thanx, I appreciate you taking the time, jd45

[Frank V]

Coffinmaker, I wonder if you could enlighten me as to how much of a gap, if I can put it that way, there is between the USFA, which as you say is a really high end Uberti, and a genuine Colt SAA, which I'm assuming you're comparing it to, and please correct me if I'm wrong. I have to admit up front that I like a lot the 2 USFAs I've got & it's been 30-some years since I've owned a Colt, so can you tell me what characteristics make the Colt a breed apart from others who try to emulate it, but fall short? Thanx, I appreciate you taking the time, jd45

I'm not coffinmaker, but if I can give my thoughts?
I think the real draw or plus or charisma, or whatever you want to call it is that the Colt is REALLY a Colt. Yea I'm going to get pasted saying that, there are some who think the 3 gen. Colts aren't good guns & aren't real Colts. I beg to differ, I've handled, carried, & shot them, they are good guns.
One of the things that might inspire some is that the Colt SAA goes back to 1873. Some when they hold one, recognise that they are holding a six-gun that had ancestors in the Custer fight at the Little Big Horn aka Greasy Grass. I admit I'm one of those.
   I'm NOT running down the USFA, they are great guns, some say better than the Colt. Are they??? Some say so. I'm a fan of both & I really wish USFA were still manufacturing them, they are a great gun. The Colt is also a great gun
  Hope this helps some.

[Rodeo Romeo]

Post 1941, everythings a clone!

[Pangaea]

Kind of sad to see the remarks made by Coffinmaker.  I've seen this kind of, shall I say, crap, on the other sites for Black rifles, precision rifles, etc.  It's too bad that those of us who are willing to spend what others call "stupid" money should suffer such subtle insults.  But it is after all, the internet.

[buttebob]

Thanks Ben, the serial number is 224XX. The box is hinged with what looks like a navy blue 13P marked bag. The label inside the box is dated 2002.








The last picture shows a blemish in the finish on the barrel, the reason the original owner wanted to sale it. It's not the best picture, but the blemish is where the CT is in the address.
The papers are sealed in the envelope. I've shot about 5 or 10 rounds in it. 

[buttebob]

Thanks for the information Ben. Last year I was offered $1400 by a custom pistolsmith. If he had gotten closer to $2K I would have traded for a custom revolver. I'll mull over you're words of wisdom.

[yahoody]

My 2 cents and worth what you paid for it.  Ben is spot on for pricing...$2600. and up.  If it were mine I wouldn't sell at $2600.

Down side for me is 45 Colt and 7.5"  Others may pay you a premium for the same.

But if you are in the market for a custom 1911 as trade ..send me an email

[buttebob]

Thanks yahoody. I'm not looking for a custom 1911. At the time I was thinking about a custom Ruger Bisley  5 shot 45. I am now rethinking that as I have a Bisley in 45 and a Blackhawk 45 convertible that has been converted to a Bisley grip with ivories. I can load them pretty warm.
I like to look at the Flattop. It's just neat looking. I'll more than likely just keep it. As my wife said, I'd just buy another gun if I sold it.

Thanks to everyone for the help and information. It was enlightening.
Bob