USFA/Colt Parts Interchange?

Niederlander · May 09, 2011, 05:16:49 PM

Hello!
I'm considering a USFA Cavalry Colt as a shooter, and I was wondering if the parts interchange with Colt parts in case I need spares. Thanks!

Pettifogger · May 09, 2011, 08:05:34 PM

Is this a trick question? "A USFA Cavalry Colt?" What are you getting a Colt made by USFA or a USFA made by Colt? Assuming it's a USFA why would you worry about Colt parts, you can go to the USFA web page and order all the spare parts you want. Most of the Colt copies have parts that will interchange with a Colt. They are copies. I put some Pietta hammers in some Colts, worked fine. On the other hand, a lot of original Colt's had hand fitted parts because even Colt parts don't always drop into a Colt.

Fox Creek Kid · May 10, 2011, 03:03:47 AM

Quote from: Pettifogger on May 09, 2011, 08:05:34 PM...I put some Pietta hammers in some Colts, worked fine...

I would make my mother & sisters work double shifts in a Tijuana bordello before admitting that.

Niederlander · May 10, 2011, 08:16:38 PM

Quote from: Pettifogger on May 09, 2011, 08:05:34 PM
Is this a trick question? "A USFA Cavalry Colt?" What are you getting a Colt made by USFA or a USFA made by Colt? Assuming it's a USFA why would you worry about Colt parts, you can go to the USFA web page and order all the spare parts you want. Most of the Colt copies have parts that will interchange with a Colt. They are copies. I put some Pietta hammers in some Colts, worked fine. On the other hand, a lot of original Colt's had hand fitted parts because even Colt parts don't always drop into a Colt.

I hope it doesn't happen, but I've seen companies go out of business. I just want to insure there's more than one source for parts, such as hands, bolts, springs, etc.

Niederlander · May 10, 2011, 08:17:47 PM

Are the USFA parts interchangable (minus hand fitting) with the First Generation Colts? Thanks!

Old Doc · May 11, 2011, 01:31:10 PM

Quote from: Niederlander on May 10, 2011, 08:17:47 PM
Are the USFA parts interchangable (minus hand fitting) with the First Generation Colts? Thanks!

I believe it's true that the cylinders are slightly different dimensions, which, to me, means the frames may be slightly different, beyond that, anything you replaced would require fitting and I would think a competent gunsmith should have no problems using Colt or USFA parts.

Niederlander · May 11, 2011, 05:08:06 PM

Thanks!

mtone · May 12, 2011, 10:28:45 PM

I was told the trigger screw and bolt screw have different threads and the hammer screw (as well as all the others) will fit a 1st/2nd gen.

Pettifogger · May 12, 2011, 10:38:35 PM

Quote from: mtone on May 12, 2011, 10:28:45 PM
I was told the trigger screw and bolt screw have different threads and the hammer screw (as well as all the others) will fit a 1st/2nd gen.

What is this supposed to mean? That the trigger and bolt screws themselves have different threads or that Colt and USFA use different threads?

Capt. John Fitzgerald · May 13, 2011, 09:54:34 AM

USFA screw threads are different from those used by Colt and will not interchange.

wileycoyote · May 14, 2011, 09:40:56 AM

currently Brownells stocks USFA parts. a full list is at the back of their catalog under "USFA".

that said, Old Doc is right: a competent gunsmith wouldn't have any problem.