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Post by jdpress on Sept 4, 2010 13:02:58 GMT -5
I am trying to decide on a .44 Special single action revolver with 7-1/2 inch barrel. For about the same price I can get either a USFA Single Action Model or a NIB Colt New Frontier 3rd Generation. Both are excellent revolvers and I am having a difficult time deciding on which one to select. This revolver will be shot frequently, at least monthly, and will not be a safe queen. Functionality is also more important than resale value. Any pro and con suggestions will be appreciated.
J.D. Press
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Post by taffin on Sept 4, 2010 14:18:52 GMT -5
The answer is quite simple. Do you want adjustable sights or fixed sights. The NF is much more versatile but probably has over-sized chamber throats. This could be a problem if you don't cast your own bullets.
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Post by jdpress on Sept 4, 2010 22:10:28 GMT -5
John:
Thank you for your response and for a factor that I was not even aware of for consideration.
J.D. Press
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Post by tas6691 on Sept 4, 2010 23:37:55 GMT -5
I have one of each of the revolvers your asking about, OK I have 2 44 special NF's and 1 USFA 44spl single action. Both of my NF's are as accurate as I am and shoot commercially cast .430 Keith style bullets well. The USFA shoots very well also. It is as accurate, but more difficult to shoot accurately consistently. It can be done but requires much practice for me to shoot it as well. I also tried several different handloads before I found one it prefered. The NF's needed some action tuning, but the adjustable sights makes it easier to switch loads and zero distances.
Get both....sorry, I dont decide well. LOL
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Post by Boge Quinn on Sept 5, 2010 0:00:23 GMT -5
Well, the Colt is a COLT. If that matters. I love my New Frontiers, but I also love my USFAs. As Taffin said, it's all in what you want.
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Post by CraigC on Sept 5, 2010 9:34:46 GMT -5
Yep and if USFA decides to build a New Frontier replica (still not sure about that Shooting Master) then God help us all and our mortgage holders!!!  |
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Post by CraigC on Sept 5, 2010 10:28:14 GMT -5
Thought I'd stoke the fires with a picture of my .45 with Sambar stags and case colored hammer:  |
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Post by Boge Quinn on Sept 5, 2010 12:29:39 GMT -5
I'll play! Here are my favorite NFs: 44 Special 5-1/2" with Nutmeg Sports one-piece ivories:   45 Colt 4-3/4" with Sambar Stags:   I need to get my NF hammers case-hardened. Finally, to further confuse things - how about a USFA Flattop Target?   Yeah, I know! |
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Post by CraigC on Sept 5, 2010 15:31:01 GMT -5
I hope nobody ever expects us to actually talk them OUT of something.  |
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Post by joeg0812 on Sept 5, 2010 19:31:11 GMT -5
I'd like to tag onto this post. Hope the OP won't mind. I read once that John had a 44-40 NF with a .44 special cylinder. Couldn't find anything on the barrel diameter (groove) to see if they were the same or very close. Like the short barrels and was thinking about getting the same combo put together.
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Post by taffin on Sept 5, 2010 20:42:53 GMT -5
I'd like to tag onto this post. Hope the OP won't mind. I read once that John had a 44-40 NF with a .44 special cylinder. Couldn't find anything on the barrel diameter (groove) to see if they were the same or very close. Like the short barrels and was thinking about getting the same combo put together. Colt uses the same barrels for both. Barrel diameter is not the main concern. Bullets shoud be sized to fit the chamber throats as this is the size they will be when they leave the cylinder I have seen Colt .44 Special cylinderss running from .428" to .433". and .44-40s from .426" to .430". one very old .44-40 Colt I have is .424" |
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Post by jdpress on Sept 5, 2010 21:36:31 GMT -5
Wow, it must be the Southern Geography! - Both of you Tennessee members have some beautiful Colt New Frontiers........and the the USFA Flat Top Target is more than acceptable too!!
In addition, the ivory, stag and walnut grips are the frosting on the cake and sure make the two piece black hard rubber grips pale in comparison!!
Thank you for sharing the photographs of these gorgeous single-actions!!
J.D. Press
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Post by CraigC on Sept 5, 2010 22:29:51 GMT -5
What can I say, we have good taste! ;D
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Post by joeg0812 on Sept 6, 2010 8:24:00 GMT -5
Thanks John
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Post by Boge Quinn on Sept 6, 2010 8:56:07 GMT -5
I don't know why, but Colt used the ugliest wood they had on the New Frontier stocks.
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