colt or usfa

[Virginia Gentleman]

Which model of USFA is most popular? And what Bbl. lengh is most used? I'm new and undecided on what to get. Thanks

I am not sure, but for CAS the USFA Rodeo is very popular probably in 4 3/4" barrel size.  The most beautiful and historically accurate are the USFA Pre-Wars are literally like picking a 1st generation Colt off the line 136 to 67 years ago sans the little pony where used.  The guns at this level are amazing and make a 3rd gen Colt look like a paperweight by comparision IMHO. 

[Dutch]

I'll say this about colt.  When you are finished with it it's still a colt.  I bought mine some years ago.  I've shot the hell out of it, carried the hell out of it.  I wouldn't part with it.  It's the kind of gun you can pass on and not have to explain it.  Great western made some pretty good copies.  Just how many new/non shooters have heard of them?  Anyone here remember the virginian?  Some of the colt clones made in switzerland.  Fantastic quality, almost no resale value, good luck on parts.  Ya'll are welcome to your usfa's.  I hear they're good.  Me? I'm passing my colt onto my son.  With any kind of luck he'll pass it on to his. 

[Marshal Deadwood]

Colt 2nd gens and 1st gens ARE Colts,,,third gens never was, and wouldnt hold their vaule at all were the famous pony judged according to quality instesad of nostalgia.

But, third gen Colts serve a purpose....they make me appreciate my Cimarrons.

MD

[Marshal Deadwood]

USFA.

(some idiot scored the cylinder on the bottom revolver, probably a habit of returning the hammer down off half cock without bringing to full cock first. outta be a capitol crime!  geeesh)

MD

[Dutch]

Colt 2nd gens and 1st gens ARE Colts,,,third gens never was, and wouldnt hold their vaule at all were the famous pony judged according to quality instesad of nostalgia.

But, third gen Colts serve a purpose....they make me appreciate my Cimarrons.

MD

I hate to disagree....but I will.     My third gen colt is a....colt.  Made by americans, for me, another american.  Your cimmaron, while a fine pistol I'm sure, is a pistol made by snotty europeans who wouldn't cross the street to spit on you if you were on fire......for americans who don't seem to understand this. 

[Marshal Deadwood]

The USFA however, IS the best SAA available and it IS American made. Not much to argue with there. They just have better quality than Colt. Maybe the Italians wouldnt spit on me if I was on fire,,but they have yet to charge me 1300 dollars for a SAA that I still would have to have gunsmith tuned.  That is something I suppose.

I'll try and be careful to not set myself on fire...

MD

[Blackpowder Burn]

OK Kids!   We're all on the same side here - us against the big nanny government types that want to take away all our guns, no matter where they are made.  We all have our opinions about what we like the best, and I'm glad we have them all to choose from.  Let's keep pulling together so we can keep the ability to have these "friendly" arguments.   

[Marshal Deadwood]

Amen,,good hearted jest is all I meant.

Guns guys,one and all,,are a band of brothers to a degree.

MD

[Dutch]

The USFA however, IS the best SAA available and it IS American made. Not much to argue with there. They just have better quality than Colt. Maybe the Italians wouldnt spit on me if I was on fire,,but they have yet to charge me 1300 dollars for a SAA that I still would have to have gunsmith tuned.  That is something I suppose.

I'll try and be careful to not set myself on fire...

MD

I highly recommend you do not.  Concerning usfa's and colts.  I highly recommend the colt. 

[Longshadow]

In value for money nothing in the world can gets even close to the USFA Rodeos. In the higher priced guns, perhaps it depends on whether you buy to collect/resell or buy to shoot with maximum reliability and satisfaction. Every review and test by anyone who knows anything proves USFA to be the better guns. But Colt has the brand name synonymous with history and collectibility. Even this is questionable as Colt has changed hands a number of times and there is absolutely no line from Samuel Colt to today's setup. Just the name. All the patents have lapsed and every clone from the USA, Italy or anywhere else is based on the same design.

If you can afford (or find) a pair of decent First Generations, buy them and put them in your bank box. If you want to buy and shoot the best sixguns available, buy USFA.

[Arcey]

The very life of the thread depends on folks staying civil. Have a good discussion, boys....

[Fairshake]

I own a Colt and have on order a pair of USFA Premiums to shoot in CAS. WE don't own the guns we have as we are only the keepers until it comes time to hand them down. Colt is a investment gun bar none. But if you are 62 and shooting at least 3 times a month then USFA is the answer. They are hands down the best American made gun in production. I don't have the years left for valut guns so my choice are shooting guns!!

[Deadeye Don]

Another interesting thread on the SASS website regarding Colts and USFAs for those interested.

http://sassnet.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=130573

[Virginia Gentleman]

A lot of those people are what I call "Colt-aholics" that inspite of the OBVIOUS superiority of the USFA in quality, fit, authenticity to the original design and accuracy...they still want to believe Colt just "feels better", has the Pony and is a "good investment" so it is better no matter what!  No serious Colt collector really goes for the 3rd gen stuff and only the early 2nd gen SAAs and of course the 1st generation SAAs.  There are lots of USFA collectors too and they do not loose so much value as to be worthless like these folks claim, in fact I know of several USFAs, especially the early ones, can go for more than what was paid for them.  You almost couldn't give me a 3rd gen Colt and I would never trade a USFA for a 3rd gen SAA....ever!

[Shotgun Franklin]

I bought Colt's. I could afford any gun but bought Colt's. I've done a little work on'm and am very happy with'm. Mine are as good a gun as any you'll find on the shooting line. I've carried them at work, hunted with'm and shot a lot of CAS with'm, they've never let me down. Were they perfect of of the box, nope but right now they're perfect for me. I'll also tell you that when you're standing at a shoot and someone comes up and asks if those are real Colt's it makes me proud to be carrying the same type gun that really helped win the West. Yep, I paid more but with a little more age and history on'm my Son will be glad I bought real Colt's. I didn't start CAS to save money.

[Marshal Deadwood]

The 3 gen colts almost arent close nuff to be call 'real' colts.

USFA's are.

MD

[Shotgun Franklin]

I'm to guess thats why mine actually have 'Colt' on the side of'm.
IMO, there ain't a gun made that out of the box is perfect for every shooter that might pick it up.
I've carried guns for a living for over 32 years. I haven't carried a stock gun in over 30 years.
I even changed the shape of the grip of my Glock.
If you wanna carry a usfa go ahead that's your choice.
I made mine and am more than happy with it.

[Harley Starr]

COLT or USFA   

Why not both? 


I'll save up and buy a Colt one day, then later when I feel like it, I'll buy a USFA.
But not until Doug Donnally releases certain reproductions of certain guns that we should have had last year!
I understand that alot you have grievances with Colt and you've got every right to complain, it is after all alot of hard-earned money that we're talkin' about.
If someone's going to stop liking the rampant Colt, it's going to be on their terms and theirs only.
Doug Donnally maybe turning out a fine sixgun, but his integrity has been called into question here recently, questions that have been raised even by staunch USFA loyalists! 

Until I've had a chance to own a Third Generation Colt, I can't truthfully appreciate where many of you are coming from.

[Sinister Colt Cloot]

I own a 1st gen Colt (1891 man.) and a 3rd gen Colt. Love them both but....Honestly folks we might as well be arguing what brand of truck is better to drive to the shoot, Ford or Chevy. It's an age old debate that takes on different faces. What does it come down to... personal preference. Nothing more. But most people insist that what ever they bought is the best. Personaly I collect Colts but I would love to shoot a USFA because I like guns and there is room in my gun collection for more than one manufacturer.

[Virginia Gentleman]

The 3 gen colts almost arent close nuff to be call 'real' colts.

USFA's are.

MD

Seldom are truer words spoken!