Why buy a USFA gunslinger?

Virginia Gentleman · January 17, 2006, 05:51:44 PM

Why in the world would someone spend the extra money on a gunslinger when they can buy a Rodeo at a much cheaper price and then "stress finish" it yourself?

Frank Dalton · January 18, 2006, 07:54:21 AM

I can think of a couple of reasons. It's still available in 44/40, has option of BP frame and 7 1/2" bbl. However, since the pricing of the gun is so close to the SAA, it seems like a much better deal to go ahead and purchase the SAA (Which is what I am currently doing.)

Virginia Gentleman · January 18, 2006, 10:06:24 AM

If the price were the same there is no doubt I would rather have a SAA with the bone case and blue over the gunslinger. 44-40 isn't my cup of tea and the black powder frame is not as practical to field service the gun IMHO, but if those features are what you want, it still seems to me that the SAA is the way to go. If the cross pin and .45 Colt/38 Special were in order, the Rodeo with kitchen top aging seems like a great way to save a few hundred dollars.

calaveras slim · January 23, 2006, 09:53:41 AM

Quote from: Virginia Gentleman on January 18, 2006, 10:06:24 AM
If the price were the same there is no doubt I would rather have a SAA with the bone case and blue over the gunslinger. 44-40 isn't my cup of tea and the black powder frame is not as practical to field service the gun IMHO, but if those features are what you want, it still seems to me that the SAA is the way to go. If the cross pin and .45 Colt/38 Special were in order, the Rodeo with kitchen top aging seems like a great way to save a few hundred dollars.

Virginia Gentleman: While you make some very valid points in this statement, you missed 1 or 2. I too, would love to have a Colt. I had a number of them in the '60's and miss them.

I can buy a Gunslinger from my dealer for $650, or a Rodeo for $500 while a Colt will run me over a thousand. Being retired military, money isn't as plentiful as it once was so price is a strong consideration.

I had my gunsmith do a tad of work on the hammer and springs, this 44 is a beautiful handling pistol. I can't afford a Colt so, this pistol is a delightful alternative. The feel and the reliablity is the same and in the last month I have put well over a thousand rounds through it and never a problem.

As far as kitchen top aging is considered, I have no idea how to go about it. I don't think my wife would like me messing around in the kitchen to try it either.

So, the bottom line is while I emotionally agree with your position, I think I may have made a couple of valid points for consideration.

Virginia Gentleman · January 23, 2006, 12:30:32 PM

Quote from: calaveras slim on January 23, 2006, 09:53:41 AM
Virginia Gentleman: While you make some very valid points in this statement, you missed 1 or 2. I too, would love to have a Colt. I had a number of them in the '60's and miss them.

I can buy a Gunslinger from my dealer for $650, or a Rodeo for $500 while a Colt will run me over a thousand. Being retired military, money isn't as plentiful as it once was so price is a strong consideration.

I had my gunsmith do a tad of work on the hammer and springs, this 44 is a beautiful handling pistol. I can't afford a Colt so, this pistol is a delightful alternative. The feel and the reliablity is the same and in the last month I have put well over a thousand rounds through it and never a problem.

As far as kitchen top aging is considered, I have no idea how to go about it. I don't think my wife would like me messing around in the kitchen to try it either.

So, the bottom line is while I emotionally agree with your position, I think I may have made a couple of valid points for consideration.

When I mean SAA, I mean USFA SAA, not the Colt 3rd gen or other Colt SAA. I have Colts but don't like them as much as other brands. USFA is far superior IMHO compared to what Colt is making, collector value aside. What I mean is, all things being equal, why not just get the full blown USFA SAA with the better finish?

Ed Clintwood · January 23, 2006, 09:14:48 PM

I think it may be a question of style. Mine is the SAA, but I sure looked at the gunslinger thinking it would go well with, well Ed Clintwood, serapi and all

. However, the SAA with aged Ivory grips was just too pretty to pass up - and remember to smile when you say pretty!

calaveras slim · January 24, 2006, 02:58:28 PM

Quote from: Virginia Gentleman on January 23, 2006, 12:30:32 PM
When I mean SAA, I mean USFA SAA, not the Colt 3rd gen or other Colt SAA. I have Colts but don't like them as much as other brands. USFA is far superior IMHO compared to what Colt is making, collector value aside. What I mean is, all things being equal, why not just get the full blown USFA SAA with the better finish?

Right. I stand corrected. However, like you I would still like the USFA SAA. Just can't afford one. Not agonna give up my Gunslinger and another to buy one. Maybe one of these days.

Bottom line, I think is, we can agree that the USFA is one fine single action and we both like ours.

Virginia Gentleman · January 24, 2006, 04:48:00 PM

Sure, I agree it is a matter of personal preference, but I still don't get why they charge more for a gun that should cost less to finish in the first place. All things being equal, it just seems a lot cheaper to buy a Rodeo and age it yourself at home. I mean how bad can you screw up aging a gun?

Capt. John Fitzgerald · January 24, 2006, 05:58:02 PM

Apparently it doesn't cost less to finish it. According to the USFA web site, "The Gunslinger™ antique finish is a process that involves the development of multiple patina layers, each building on the next, aging the surface without pitting the metal." Sounds a little more involved than the simple flat blue finish on the Rodeo. The only Gunslinger I have seen looked like an actual antique, not something that had its finish stripped off at the kitchen table.
That being said, I still think that USFA should leave the "Fake Antique" business to the Italians.

Virginia Gentleman · January 25, 2006, 10:19:58 AM

I guess they do a special process, but the "aged" Rodeos I have seen look just about as good and cost quite a bit less. The key is knowing how to do the aging or antiquing right. Personally, I would put the extra $400-500 in my pocket and learn how to make my own gunslinger. I agree that the imported guns are a better deal if you want a gun that looks old.