Curious about USFA's product history

[Scott Yancey]

Hi all, I'm still fairly new to CAS and USFA (less than a year) but I'm hooked on USFA's quality and attention to detail.  However, since I'm new I don't know much about what's out there that could be added to a collection.  I read this forum pretty religiously and am constantly hearing mention of guns or variations that I didn't know existed (like blackpowder models, buntline versions, etc) or products that I thought existed (the omni-potent for instance) that I've heard hasn't ever be released or products that I've seen that I can't get any info on (like my first purchase -see page 7 of the picture pages- that birdshead grip model that I found used through pure dumb luck, I called Gary to order a matching one and he said they don't make it anymore).

It sure would be nice if there was a resource where all the different products were documented. If anyone knows of one, please share, thanks. And if there isn't, well shucks, I'd be happy to accept a job from USFA as their in-house historian (hint, hint  ).

Also, I'd like to know if any one of you fine folks own the .30 cal carbine model or the snubnose model (I'd hate to hear that they haven't made or stopped making those - they look so tempting on the website) and what you think of them.

So, please share any info, links or pics on any of the above if you could, cuz sometimes it just seems like us newbies are totally in the dark about what's available (like those bisley hammers on the SAA's that were just shown). Thanks in advance, and Happy Holidays everyone!

[Willie Dixon]

personally, I'm new too, and I'm going to USFA for my revolvers for obvious reasons too.
I'm just picking up rodeos, but then I'm picking up a "buntline" as well.
what I mean by "buntline" is that I'm getting a full-custom SAA with an 8-12" barrel with gold trim and engraving on a case-hardened blued frame and barrel with pearl grips.  basically my baby.  I heard rumor that they will build almost anything for a cost, that's the custom line's purpose.  with no returns.
my 4 rodeos, 2 nickel and 2 blue are just that, my basic, happy revolvers.

so what I'm saying is, if you have a specific model you like, ask USFA too, never hurts... chances are maybe they can make it, or take it to a gunsmith to modify it.

[Doc Sunrise]

With USFA now being around for 15 years or better, there are some models that were introduced without enough of a reception to warrant continuing.  There are a few folks that really get upset when they find a particular model is not going to be available.  Remember, USFA builds high end quality firearms that are priced accordingly.  When marketing shows that a particular product's demand just isn't there at its final price range, its just not worth doing.  Personally I think it shows one major thing that ought to be very important to us, USFA is not willing to sacrifice its core mission of producing high quality American made products just to add another model to the catalog.  Why begin building something in great numbers if there really is no one out there that is going to buy it.  On the other hand, certain models with only a few examples in existence as prototypes or a limited run instantly achieve collector status.

In the end, a simple call or e-mail will tell you if your idea of the ultimate USFA gun is available.  And your creation, whatever it may turn out to be, will be a great high quality American made firearm if it is made by USFA.

[Willie Dixon]

Remember, USFA builds high end quality firearms that are priced accordingly...  Personally I think it shows one major thing that ought to be very important to us, USFA is not willing to sacrifice its core mission of producing high quality American made products just to add another model to the catalog. 

amen on why USFA all the way baby!  I went to my local store today when a friend was picking up his Remington 700 Sniper and his brother an M1A1... they were jealous of me just holding one of the USFA SAA's... and it was the Rodeo!  Sold me on the spot, can't believe the trigger action, they had two, consecutive numbered Rodeos... have lay-away, and I fell in love at first sight... hopefully for my birthday, I can get them.  It's six weeks away!  Hehe, I can use my X-mas gift money towards the cause!  That and have everyone chip in at b-day worst case!

[Scott Yancey]

Don't get me wrong, I love my USFA's, my collection quickly grew to 9 (shhhhh, don't tell my wife  I'm still hoping to get her involved once I can get her on the range), but I'd love to see a nice coffee table book with purdy pictures of all the guns they've made. It just seems there's not a lot of info out there on the history of the company.  I'm also hoping to get some stories and/or pics from folks on this thread. I'm just plain curious!

Here's a for instance that's bugged me, and I know one of you good people must know what happened: Where did the "Cowboy" model go and why? One day it was on the website, next gone, poof, with no notice or explanation. I have my theories of course, but don't know for sure.
I'd also like to know more about that "Birdshead" grip gun I found.

And as far as having something special built, my dream is a pair of 71/2" nickel Bisleys, fully engraved, with scrimshawed pearl grips.  I'm fully aware that USFA is probably the only company that can pull that off, once I'm able to afford placing that order. In the meantime, though, I've still got my eye on the .30 caliber carbine and the snubnose, and I will be calling Gary soon to see about availability, thanks.

Cheers everyone!

[Willie Dixon]

your 7 1/2" Bisleys sound alot like my Buntline Special, only USFA can make that beauty.  I'd love to pull off birdshead hilt and hammer on a set of Rodeo IIs with a shoulder and cross draw rig, ultimate gunslingers... Doc would be proud!

[Blackpowder Burn]

I had occasion to ask Banjoman about the Cowboy's myself when I was contemplating my first USFA purchase.  He said that with the new lower price on the Premium revolvers that there just wasn't enough price differential and folks wouldn't pay what the Cowboy cost when they could buy the Premium for only $100 more.

[Willie Dixon]

I actually picked them for their finish!  I like the matte blue and satin nickel.  The satin nickel I'm going to "rustic" out to make them look like original nickel plated peacemakers that have seen some fights... the blues, just leave them as is, except put the burlwood hilts from the IIs onto them.