Rodeo v. USFA Single Action

aalmcc4 · December 13, 2008, 03:04:15 PM

I know the difference between the two is the exterior finish, but other than that, is there any difference in the two? Like cylinder gap, quality of operation, accuracy, timing etc. In other words are the differences ONLY in cosmetics? Are there ANY differences in quality of FUNCTION between the two?

I want a SAA to carry in a holster adn be used when camping, hunting, hiking etc. It will see hard use. So I can't see the logic in paying almost twice for a gun when keeping the finish nice will be last on my lists of priorities.

How do the Rodeos compare in quality to the Italian clones like the Uberti Cattleman for instance?

Capt. John Fitzgerald · December 13, 2008, 06:01:28 PM

aalmcc4,
Welcome to the forum!
You are correct, there is no difference in quality between the USFA premium revolvers and the rodeos, other than finish and there is no comparison between USFA and Uberti. USFA wins hands down.
I agree with you, I think that the Rodeo would make an ideal "working gun." Actually, I think that the Rodeo II would be perfect were it not for the fire blued screws. That matte nickel finish would be perfect here in the Northwest where we are wet, and in near proximity to salt water, most of the time.
CJF

aalmcc4 · December 16, 2008, 11:33:50 PM

Thanks for responding Capt. John. Well, I "pulled the trigger" so to speak and picked up a 5 1/2" Rodeo in 45 Colt today. All I can say is HOLY MOLY!! This guns reeks quality. It is super tight. Fit and finish is unbelievable for a revolver I paid $550 OTD!! Every part is fitted perfectly. Perfect timing. I know I haven't shot it yet, but I am thrilled.

To think, I was contemplating a Ruger or Uberti! In fact, I came close to a getting a New Vaquero on a number of occasions and am glad I looked into the USFA Rodeo. (Not that Ruger's don't have ther place, I have several Blackhawks and love them. They're just a different gun)

All I can say is WOW. I can't wait to shoot the Rodeo. I have to say that I don't know where a better value exists. So many gunmakers take short cuts, and skimp on quality. The $550 I paid for thsi gun was a bargain.

My only problem is that tommorrow I have to start saving lunch money for my next USFA SAA. I think I'm hooked.

Doc Sunrise · December 17, 2008, 03:37:53 AM

Ain't it cool! The feel that is undescribable backed up by quality just does something to a person. And you hit the nail on the head with your feelings about Rugers. Rugers are great guns. They just don't fit in the same category as USFA sixguns, and vice versa.

If you really want to melt into a USFA sixgun, hook up with one Blued and Case Colored as well. When you are holding one and look up, you will find yourself somewhere out in the American West around the late 1800's. A whole American history becomes alive inside of you. Unfortunately you will also become addicted with the USFA problem, you need more USFAs to satisfy your hunger for great sixguns.

Enjoy your Rodeo. If you are happy now, wait until you get a chance to shoot her. USFA sixguns are out of this world!

Capt. John Fitzgerald · December 17, 2008, 12:36:04 PM

aalmcc4,
Glad to have been of help. Let us know how it goes at the range.
CJF

August · December 18, 2008, 02:06:04 AM

I have always thought my roogers were really nice gunz, until I got a pair of USFA SAs. Now the roogers feel "clunky" by comparison. As a matter of fact, I handled some Great Western clones, a pair of Colt's, and my USFAs at the same time at a recent match. There is no comparison. I was surprised at how heavy and stiff the Colt's were in comparison to the USFA gunz.

This has got to be the best bargain and best kept secret in the world of gunz.

Willie Dixon · December 18, 2008, 02:32:30 AM

The USFA Rodeos are that good?
I'm trying to get ahold of which USA made revolver is out there for the buck, I refuse to buy something imported that originated here 100+ years ago. I'm going to my local shop this weekend, Walker '47 to check some out. Nice to see they have some moderately priced. Still able to smith them though and get them happy or are they that great out of the box?
I love USFA because they are USFA and so accurate in detail to the original, I'm just hoping they are up to my hopes whereas Colt has sadly fallen off.

Doc Sunrise · December 18, 2008, 03:33:25 AM

They are that good out of the box. The only thing you might want is to lighten the trigger pull a bit for what ever your special needs are, but certainly not neccessary as the standard trigger pull is usually 3 1/2 - 4lbs.

Willie Dixon · December 18, 2008, 10:09:56 AM

that's great! I have a pretty strong grip as I enjoy working on cars, so I can handle some trigger pull, it's just that the less there is, the less chance of jerking the shot! I will have to learn not to anticipate the shots though all over again, little different than Para-Ordnance 1911s!

shieldsmt · December 18, 2008, 10:37:58 AM

Willie,
Go and order any of the USFA's that you want and can afford. They are that good, completely made in the USA and great right out of the box. It is basically a First Generation Colt. I've got several, in 45 Colt and they are superior in every way. I've got two third gen. Colts and the difference is astounding. Fit, finish, throat - forcing cone - barrel dimensions, are all not just better in the USFA, they are all right on. Almost every 3rd gen Colt needs this done, at great expense. BUY THE USFA.
shieldsmt

Willie Dixon · December 20, 2008, 08:12:47 AM

UPDATE!!!
I went with my friends who were picking up their Remington 700 Sniper and an M1A1, both in .308 at my local gun store... I immediately went over to the special "Wild West" section, drooled over the 1874 Sharps and Marlin, but there in the case, were a consecutive pair of Rodeos... now I'm a broke college student, but I recieved some x-mas money... hehe, they have lay-away!! I couldn't believe the feel and finish. I fell in love at first sight, the nice "business" look of the matte blue, combine that with a no-nonsense John Wayne style holster/belt... yeah, my slice of Cowboy heaven. Got them on reserve lay-away... should have them by my birthday, that's the goal.

Oh, and my friends, nice rifles, but they were drooling over "my" SAA USFA Rodeos, hehe, for the price of their rifle, I get my Rodeos and some money left over for the rig to carry them. Thanks again for all the help in helping me find beautiful, American made, Peacemakers... they're 5 1/2" .45's too, I went in to drool only. Found them on accident, numbers matching, and my girlfriend described it as love at first sight... she fronted the deposit and said "merry Christmas boyfriend"... yep, drooling over pics of them on the USFA website as we speak.

Blackpowder Burn · December 22, 2008, 09:49:51 PM

Willie,

You are truly the most fortunate of mortals- finding USFA while still of college age and having a girl friend who understands. I only wish USFA had been around 30+ years ago (when I was your age). As it is, if my wife forced the issue, I'd have to keep the USFA's and let her go! And no, I'm not joking!

Willie Dixon · December 23, 2008, 12:47:50 AM

I don't blame you... no woman is ever worth your passion, or guy for that matter. I've dumped girls because they didn't understand my 1969 El Camino and everything associated with her. Well... that car is as much a part of me as my geneology, and either they accepted and liked the car, or they didn't like me.

Yeah... not only does this girl understand the USFA's and even think the old cap and ball style guns are "cool!" but she also thinks a 1969 Plymoth Roadrunner is "cute!"

can't wait for my USFAs and other gear. Too bad USFA hasn't started making lever-action rifles, big fan of those, can't get a pump like the lightning.