USFA Cowboy

[buttebob]

I can't find out much on USFA's Cowboy model. When I do a search on the internet all I get is information on the Rodeo. I bought one at the Bozeman gun show in 2009 for $400 with the box and papers.
Does anyone know how many were made, production years, value?
That same year I came across a Target Model at a Butte gunshop for $750 with box and papers. I like to just stare at that one it looks so cool. Thanks for any information.

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

ButteBob,
Welcome to the forum!  Sounds like you did pretty well on both guns.
Don't know what the production numbers were on either but Gary Granger, late of USFA, signs on here from time to time and maybe he can be of some help.
Again, Welcome
CJF

[buttebob]

Thanks.

[wileycoyote]

i'm no expert at all, but i don't remember a USFA havng a Cowboy model.

on the other hand, around that time Doug Turnbull Restoration produced a series of 1000 called the Classic Cowboywhich was built using USFA parts. the barrels were all marked with standard USFA stampings, but the series number had "DT" in the series.

he bought the guns in the white, and finished them with casehardened frames and hammers with the balance in carbona blue. they came in 4.75", 5.5" 7.5" in 32 wcf, 41 colt, 38S&W special, 44 russian, 44wcf, 44 sp and 45colt. grips were hard rubber with other materials optional.

once doug completed this series, he started the Open Range series, also using USFA firearms but with his one-piece wood grips.

[GaryG]

The USFA Cowboy was basically a single action in full Dome Blue without the colorcase.  It had the same level of polish as the Color Case & Blue single action.  It first showed up in the Jan, 2007 price list at about $180 less than the standard single action.  By the Feb 2009 price list it was gone though customers could still order the single action in full Dome Blue.  Like the Rodeo, it was only offered in 45 and 38 Sp though I'm sure there's some out there in other calibers.   The Cowboy had it's own serial numbers starting with CB.  Don't get the Cowboy confused with some of the early Uberti guns that were shipped in full Dome Blue. 

The antique gun was the Gunslinger

[jdpress]

Most USFA Cowboy models I have seen were polished and finished in all Dome Blue without any color case hardened components.

The serial numbers I have observed were prefaced with CB and were all three digits or less.  The Cowboy Sheriff models have a different serial number prefix, with SMC and SKC prefixes.  Based on the three serial numbers that I have seen I would estimate the total Cowboy model production was at approximately 1,000 revolvers.

J.D. Press

[GaryG]

There were 50 Cowboy Sheriff models (no ejectors) and 50 Cowboy storekeepers made for Lew Horton (distributor in MA) that carried special serial numbers.  Both had 3 1/2" barrels.  Serial numbers had a special prefix mentioned by jdpress and numbers were 001 thru 050.  The standard Cowboy serial numbers had CB prefix.  I think the they stated with CB 500 but I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday either.   That was the initial order.  It's possible additional product was made for Lew Horton.  There were also guns made after the initial order for other dealers.

Relative to Lew Horton, there also 50 each (sheriff & storekeeper) made in the Rodeo, Rodeo II, and CC/DB finish. 

[buttebob]

Thanks for all the information. So, the serial numbers started at CB500 and no one has seen a number above a 3 digit. In that case total production was less than two years and less than 500. My number is just under 700.
I checked my records and I bought mine in July 2009 used, but barely, for $465 not $400 like I had thought.  I'm getting old too.
Thanks guys. For some reason this brings me happy, joyful feelings. Bob