USFA Spare Cylinders-How do they shoot?

Virginia Gentleman · January 03, 2008, 03:11:02 PM

I have a spare .45 ACP cylinder for my USFA SAA that shoots .45 ACP a bit better than the .45 Colt cylinder and has basically stayed on my gun since I load a lot of .45 ACP ammo. What has your experience been with spare cylinders in your guns?

North Bender · January 03, 2008, 04:48:45 PM

Good topic, I hope there are replies. I still haven't shot my .45 acp cylinder.

Deadeye Don · January 03, 2008, 05:02:53 PM

When I ordered my SAA Premium Sheriffs model, I went ahead and got the extra ACP cylinder. My original idea was to use it occasionally as a carry gun. Gary Granger told me the cylinders are hand fit to the specific gun you order so the ACP cyinder should work as flawlessly as the 45 colt cylinder on that particular gun it was fit for. In fact, it does. I have only used the ACP cylinder at the indoor range, but I have no complaints. Regards. Deadeye.

Virginia Gentleman · January 03, 2008, 05:31:10 PM

These things are mighty handy especially if you need to buy ammo at one of the big box stores like Wal-Mart for hunting or self defense. My gun functions flawlessly with factory ammo and shoots .45 ACP JHP Remington Golden Sabres into a quarter sized hole at 15 yards. Even with .45 ACP Winchester white box ball it is a 2 1/2 inch grouper most times, but my handloads seem to shoot best with my 230 grain JHP Star flying ash cans with Universal Clays powder in military match brass that I have named "Al Qaeda Specials."

Lash Batson · January 03, 2008, 06:12:41 PM

Great question, let me add a new one.

I did not opt for a .45 ACP cylinder for either my Rodeos or my USFA SAA. What is involved with getting a cylinder now? I'm going to guess that I need to send the sixguns back to be fitted. Any idea how long that might take?

— Lash Batson

Deadeye Don · January 04, 2008, 06:52:48 AM

Quote from: Lash Batson on January 03, 2008, 06:12:41 PM
Great question, let me add a new one.

I did not opt for a .45 ACP cylinder for either my Rodeos or my USFA SAA. What is involved with getting a cylinder now? I'm going to guess that I need to send the sixguns back to be fitted. Any idea how long that might take?

— Lash Batson

Gary Granger would be happy to answer that question for you. I am thinking you might have to go to the end of the line, but not sure. That type of fitting would be done by the custom shop. I agree you will likely need to send them back for proper fitting.

Virginia Gentleman · January 04, 2008, 07:28:08 AM

I seem to remember it taking only a couple of weeks and Gary at USFA made everything run smoothly. It is a great option for me when I just want to punch paper at the range while shooting my 1911s and Thompson 1927A1, as it makes it easy to take one type of ammo with me.

Banjoman · January 04, 2008, 09:19:37 AM

Lash & All,
Regarding fitting a spare cylinder, the timing should not be an isssue. Also, at lock up, the cylinder will be proper aligned with the barrel. The barrel/cylinder gap may have to be adjusted as well as the head space. Any SA gunsmith should be able to do the work if you'd rather not send your gun back to us. No, I'm not prepared to talk about Eagle grips.
Gary

RRio · January 04, 2008, 10:03:07 AM

Quote from: Banjoman on January 04, 2008, 09:19:37 AM
No, I'm not prepared to talk about Eagle grips.
Gary

Aww, c'mon, Gary.

Virginia Gentleman · January 04, 2008, 06:49:31 PM

How about a coupon for Eagle Grips with every spare cylinder fitted?