Premium SAA's or Omni-Potent?

[Blackpowder Burn]

I have decided to buy a pair of USFA's from Long Hunter, but can't decide which ones!  They will be either Premium SAA's or Omni-Potents in 44-40 with 5-1/2 inch barrels.  Does anyone have any experience with the Omni-Potents?  My concern is the grip size and configuration.  I shoot duelist in SAS matches and am a little concerned about having a secure grip.  My hands are somewhat larger than normal, but not huge.  My wife has a pair of Cimarron Thunderers and I find the grips a little too small to be really comfortable, and I'm wondering if the Omni-Potents are similar or a little larger.

I will never win a match, as I am slow.  I just want a gun that is fun to shoot and a little out of the ordinary.  Any input will be appreciated.

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Aggie,
I ran a similar question a while back and couldn't come up with anyone on the board who has actually handled an Omni-Potent.
I am almost certain that you will find the Omni-Potent grips to be larger than the Cimarron Thunderer - more along the size of the 1878 Colt DA.
CJF

[Blackpowder Burn]

I also queried USFA directly on this and got a reply today.

They have not yet put the Omni-Potent in production (Could be why we can't find anyone who's handled one!  ).  They said they have completed the CNC programming for the frame and backstrap and are nearing production, which is estimated for third quarter 2006.  Same for the Bisley, by the way.

I know you have to be optimistic when running a business, but I have in my hands a 2004 Catalog that shows the Omni-Potent.  That may be a tad excessively optimistic, don't you think?  Oh well, I was always told good things are worth the wait.

[Advertising]

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

I think what we are looking at here is the reintroduction of the Omn-Potent and the Bisleys.  I know for a fact that some USFA Bisley models have made it to market and have read shooting reviews of the Omni in some of the gun magazines - all of this a couple of years ago, prior to USFA switching over to CNC machining.  My guess is that they stopped production of these models when they moved into their new facilities and are just now starting to produce them again.

[Happy Trails]

Capt. John,
You are right, this is a reintroduction of the Omni.  I received this Omni from USFA in Janurary 2000. 
http://members.cox.net/happytrails4461/oddguns/Omni.JPG
It is an excellent shooter.  The only problem is the grip spur at the top of the grip does bite into the web of your hand if you are shooting heavy loads.  It is quite wide at the top.  If you are shooting Traditional there is no problem but Dulest with heavy loads is punishing.
Hope this helps.
Hap
 

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Happy,
That is one beautiful gun!  I really like that Bisley style hammer much more than the new 1878 style.  I guess they had to go to the new hammer in order to get it CASS approved.  Too bad, because when it comes to style points, your gun will win hands down.
CJF

[RRio]

Absolutely gorgeous!

You gotta be proud of that!

RRio