I love Colts & USFAs, but I have a question?

Doc Sunrise · October 29, 2006, 07:40:44 PM

I do absolutely love Colt's and USFA's SAA Sixguns. But I just can't help wonder that the reason Colt extremists get so mad and ridicule USFA SAA Sixguns is because they realize that USFA SAA Sixguns are just that good. If anything, Colt people should be honored that an American company, USFA, is working very hard to create SAA's that are built to the closest specs possible of the venerable Colt SAA. In fact, a few companies which are imported by a plethera of companies and dealers are trying to copy the Colt SAA. This should be a compliment, shouldn't it?

RRio · October 30, 2006, 12:14:18 AM

I think it is a matter of their justification of paying so much for the Colts and having to re-assure themselves that their "investments" are absolutely the best.
As far as them saying USFAs will not hold their values like a Colt will, they are fooling no one except themselves. All one has to do is go to one of the auction sites to blow holes in that statement.

Capt. John Fitzgerald · October 30, 2006, 11:01:34 PM

Howdy, Doc!
I don't think you will ever convert a dyed in the wool Colt fan. People get hung up on that Colt "heritage" thing when it comes to the SAA and, in a way, I guess I can't blame them too much. It is going to take many, many more years in production before USFA gains that status. Funny thing is, it only seems to apply to the Colt single-action. You don't hear a lot of serious 1911 shooters claiming that Colt makes the ultimate 1911. Nobody calls a Springfield Armory or a Kimber a "clone." Wonder why that is? Probably because just about anyone who shoots competition with a 1911 knows that Colt is no longer the premier manufacturer of that model. A lot of us feel that the same holds true for the SAA - now that USFA has come along.
I own several Colt SAA's and several USFA's. Been shooting for well over 40 years now. Worst SAA I have ever owned is a Colt. Best "out of the box" SAA is a USFA. If you were to drop me off in the wilderness with my choice of either an untested Colt or an untested USFA, I would pick the USFA. Does that mean I won't buy any more Colts? Absolutely not! I like them! I just trust USFA more.
As for "investments," I do feel that Colt still has the edge, just because of the name. Let's face it, if you were going to spend $3000+ to have a gun engraved as an investment, which would you choose to engrave, your Colt or your USFA?

Thought I would give this marquee thing a try, just for the heck of it

Virginia Gentleman · November 16, 2006, 11:37:42 AM

The real irony is Colt isn't even making the guns in Hartford anymore, they are made in an ugly steel building in West Hartford and the company is nothing like it was years ago. Quality-wise, no comparision, USFA is superior and if Colt was smart they would have USFA make their SAA for them. "Coltaholics" will always believe Colt is better no matter what when it comes to the SAA. Many of the Italian clones are better than Colt too.

Beans · November 16, 2006, 12:12:12 PM

I purchased my one (1) Colt SAA because of the History Connection. every cowboy should have one.

I puchased my (3) Three Colt 1911's because of workmanship & History Connection

I puchased my six (6) rodeos because of quality and workmanship

USFA in the way to go.

RRio · November 16, 2006, 02:33:38 PM

Quote from: Capt. John Fitzgerald on October 30, 2006, 11:01:34 PM

Thought I would give this marquee thing a try, just for the heck of it

Kinda Cool, huh?

Capt. John Fitzgerald · November 16, 2006, 11:11:01 PM

You,ve got style, Rawhide!

Doc Sunrise · November 17, 2006, 03:37:51 AM

Aside from the cool billboard thing, Colt owners, which I am one, should be flattered at the great stride USFA has undertaken to really produce a very exacting and true replica of the Colt SAA that obviously everyone loves. I don't see Colt 1911 people saying Kimber sucks. I think jealousy is the problem here. USFA SAA's are made here in the US, made by the best and modern techniques still using old school traditions, and are a perfect blend of modern machine and just plain great hand craftsmanship. On top of that, USFA SAA's are available, and even in a catalog, which could always be bigger. P.S. My catalog is wore out from me going through it.

There's an idea!! Actually a couple!! Please send us a new USFA catalog as soon as it exists. And please start making replica Winchesters.
There it is, USFA is on the move, Colt is stuck. If only Sam Colt and Doug Donnely could have a meeting!

Beans · November 17, 2006, 08:51:34 PM

QuoteI don't see Colt 1911 people saying Kimber sucks.

You ought to check out the 1911forum.com

Virginia Gentleman · November 29, 2006, 02:57:52 PM

I am a frequent lurker and poster on the 1911 board and I will say that the Colt people are almost as bad with 1911s too. I own plenty of Colts of all kinds, but when it comes to quality and reliability the modern Colts take a back seat to many other manufacturers especially in the 1911 and SAA field. Colt DA revolvers, unless an early make are not as good as S&Ws of the same class. A classic example is the Colt 1917 vs. the S&W 1917, the S&W beats it in almost every respect except weight, as the Colt is 1/4lb heavier and the cylinder walls are a bit thicker. You need Superman and the Justice League to pull the Colt's trigger in double action and the S&W is almost butter smooth at 11 llbs DA, the Colt measured 17lbs!