Is it USFA or Uberti?

[Fox Creek Kid]

A local gunshop has a USFA .45 Colt for sale with box in great shape. The serial # is 202XX and the papers in the box are dated '96 & '97. What I want to know is if this is an Uberti framed model or a forging made here in the U.S(?). 

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

It's difficult to say as the transition from Italian to US parts was gradual.  That's a pretty early gun and frames were among the last things that were made here.  I would guess, and it just a guess, that the frame is from Uberti.

[Blackpowder Burn]

I spoke to Gary Granger at USFA about that a couple of years ago.  He told me that USFA began the transition to US manufactured parts in 2001, and it took a couple of years to complete.  Assuming that to be true, what you have would be Uberti parts assembled in finished in the US.

[Fox Creek Kid]

Thanks, people. 

[mtone]

That's a Uberti.  With the complete serial number, you can also call USFA and they'll tell you when it actually left the factory.   With just the first 3 numbers, they could probably narrow it down within a month or two.  How much are they asking?

[Fox Creek Kid]

...How much are they asking?

$800, which is a little high IMO for an Uberti USFA.

[Pettifogger]

$800, which is a little high IMO for an Uberti USFA.

I'll say!  I've seen new blue/case models for that price.

[Neches]

You should be able to tell the difference if it is a Uberti parts gun or USFA built parts guns.  The contours and the weight are just different in a Uberti and a USFA.  I can tell a colt, USFA, Armi San Marco or Uberti very easily myself without even picking the gun up.