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Post by Alaskan454 on Dec 17, 2016 17:57:31 GMT -5
I'm looking to buy a USFA when the right deal comes along and eventually I'd like it to become a Bowen style lightweight. I've never actually seen a USFA in person so I was wondering if there's any reason not to use a Rodeo if the gun will get refinished anyway. As always, pics are welcome too!
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Post by kings6 on Dec 17, 2016 18:02:54 GMT -5
No reason not to use the Rodeo at all. Just make sure it has a 5 1/2" barrel if you want Hamilton to do his lightweight job with the drift front sight.
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Post by mike454 on Dec 17, 2016 20:07:55 GMT -5
Also, if you want to end up with something other than a matte finish as on the rodeo, you will have to pay someone to polish it. Or if your name is Fermin, do it yourself
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Post by jayhawker on Dec 17, 2016 20:09:17 GMT -5
Just realize that the cost will be more as the refinish will take extensive prep.
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Post by bushog on Dec 17, 2016 20:36:27 GMT -5
I don't think Mr. Bowen will do that work on the rodeos......
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Post by Alaskan454 on Dec 17, 2016 21:21:22 GMT -5
This would be my first engraved gun, so it may be best to start with a standard model. Thanks for the input guys.
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Fowler
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 3,566
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Post by Fowler on Dec 17, 2016 21:25:43 GMT -5
I know Harton advised against using a Rodeo for a base gun because of all the finish work required. Said it would be far cheaper to start with a standard gun than "fix" a Rodeo.
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Post by CraigC on Dec 17, 2016 23:29:16 GMT -5
I know of several guys that have been using Rodeos for project guns. I seem to remember the refinish at Nutmeg being a real bargain for one of them. The other is a 1911 mechanic who didn't seem to complain about the polishing either. Feasibility would probably depend on how cheap you can get one.
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Post by jamesjames on Dec 18, 2016 13:11:10 GMT -5
I played with taking off the Rodeo finish and antiquing a couple for myself. First, The Rodeos were impeccably built guns, so much so that I found they needed to be de-horned anyway because of all the sharp edges. Surfaces may also need to be polished up. Yes, there's a lot of hand work involved, but the base gun was a better shooter than the Colts were 10 years ago and only cost $750 back when I was playing that game. Geesh, we thought that was a lot to pay back then. If we only knew that USFA would stop production and that Rodeo prices would go up like they have...
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petep
.30 Stingray
Central Alabama
Posts: 453
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Post by petep on Dec 18, 2016 13:28:56 GMT -5
AW shucks!! I thought you were going to donate a USFA to a worthy cause:I figured I was a worthy cause :-)
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Post by Alaskan454 on Dec 21, 2016 8:31:34 GMT -5
I heard back from BCA this morning, unless I can find one for an insane bargain his best advice was to use the polished USFAs so I will probably go that route. It's pretty crazy what some of these Rodeos are going for.
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Post by bradshaw on Dec 21, 2016 9:03:34 GMT -5
I'm looking to buy a USFA when the right deal comes along and eventually I'd like it to become a Bowen style lightweight. I've never actually seen a USFA in person so I was wondering if there's any reason not to use a Rodeo if the gun will get refinished anyway. As always, pics are welcome too! *** A mistake for USFA to vulgarize the Peacemaker in a modern day ninja suit----bead-blasted black. Laid next to a traditional finished USFA, the Rodeo comes from another planet. The Rodeo looks like a toy. If USFA had just blued it----like an old Single-Six or Blackhawk----it might have sold.... and you would have a base for your project. However, consideration should be given to the FACT that the Colt Peacemaker is the most complete aesthetic statement in the history of firearms manufacturing. Nothing you may do to it surpasses the original art. David Bradshaw
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Post by CraigC on Dec 21, 2016 12:06:37 GMT -5
The Rodeo and Rodeo II were USFA's way to offer an entry level gun that was as well made as their other models but with some cost-saving finish options. I paid about $600 for my Rodeo II at a time when bright nickel would've been about double that. The standard matte blued Rodeo would've been about $500. They were a real bargain and USFA made no money on them. Here's an example of custom guns that started as Rodeo models. Here's another.
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Post by DiamondD on Dec 21, 2016 12:13:16 GMT -5
CraigC,
Those engraved Rodeos are beautiful guns. I am still kicking myself for not getting into the USFA game when they were so plentiful and cheap!
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Post by Alaskan454 on Dec 21, 2016 15:15:56 GMT -5
Those are beautiful guns Craig. I should clarify that Mr. Bowen didn't have anything negative to say about the Rodeo guns other than additional cost for finishing. A big factor in my project as to cost is an extra ACP cylinder and I have seen some dual cylinder polished models, but not any Rodeos.
Also, your matte nickel gun is something I've had my eye on for a while, I'd love to get one myself in .45 Colt.
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