New Colt SAA Revolver or Italian Import

[jaw70]

I mainly collect American made rifles and shotguns , so my handgun experience is limited at a Ruger GP 100 and a Ruger Vaquero. I have always dreamed of owning a Colt P1870 blued with case color and a  7.5 inch barrel . I am turning to the knowledgeable members of Singleactions.com asking your advice before I make a purchase.

Are the Colt SAA's being made now a quality product,and worth the money ?. (I read somewhere the quality went down hill) 

Or are the Umberti's imported by  Taylors & co and Cimmaron a quality product and better bang for My buck ?

[JM]

An original Colt can be looked upon as an investment.

The clones are more like a purchase.

[4597]

In no way do I claim to be an expert. I own and shoot a Colt brand .44 Special, 44-40, and a .45 Colt. and the only problem I've found with them is I run out of Loaded ammo before I want to stop shooting them. I will say that I sent 2 of them to member Jim Martin for smoothing out the triggers. The other one came with a trigger I liked. I have a Freedom Arms to compare them with and will say they are not built to those standards so do not expect that. I own N.M. and O.M. Rugers and feel they are a pay grade or 2 above that. Don't get me wrong I love me Rugers also. So if you find one that you like "Go for it". Hope that helps.

[CraigC]

The Uberti and Pietta sixguns are very good guns for the money. IMHO, a better value than a Colt. The Colt SAA's of the last decade or so have been the best they've been in a long time. Much of 3rd generation production is tainted with over-polished and poorly fitted guns. With USFA shutting down production of revolvers and Colt's financial woes, demand is at an all time high and prices have jumped to an average of $2000 or more. They are better guns but you're paying four times as much for a name, authentic case colors and little else.




I really don't think Colt can claim to have better case colors any more.

[mk70ss]

For my money, if I wanted a revolver that was going to be shot and carried, it would be an Uberti. (I have three now and they are all excellent) If I were making an investment in a safe queen, it would be the Colt.

[jayhawker]

If you have always dreamed of having a Colt, only a Colt will fill that void.

[eskimo36]

I have a Uberti Model P Jr in 38 special that is a great gun. If you have been hankering for a single six sized 38 this a great way to get there for 20-25% of a custom.

[JM]

Aug 1, 2017 19:56:55 GMT -5 eskimo36 said:

I have a Uberti Model P Jr in 38 special that is a great gun. If you have been hankering for a single six sized 38 this a great way to get there for 20-25% of a custom.

Those are great little shooters!

[Encore64]

I don't care to start a conflict. I have a couple really nice Colt New Frontiers. A fine Colt or two belongs in every collection.

But, my vote goes to the Uberti. I have five in total. Three of the P Jr guns like mentioned above. They have no piers in the same price zip code.

Also, the Flattop Target like Craig posted above. His is 44-40 (I think) and mine is 45 Colt. Quality is stunning.

The last is a Callahan Target 44 Mag. Its the last 44 Mag I'd give up.

To take out and enjoy, Uberti. For investment, Colt.

[CraigC]

There is also the adjustable sighted Uberti Stallion Target in .38Spl.

I like the Callahan too! Doesn't quite have the cylinder length for super heavies but it's slightly smaller and lighter than a Ruger and very comfortable to shoot.



I have a hard time swallowing the going rate for 3rd generation Colt's. If I could go back in time 5yrs and buy several $1200 SAA's, they'd all be USFA's and it wouldn't be for resale either.

[Encore64]

My 38 Special P Jr is the Flattop Target. No finer small gun to be had.

The 22 LR/Mag is the same model.

The last one is a 32-20. Fixed sights, but puts everything to the same POI.

[JM]

Firearms by Colt seem to be much like real estate right now. It is a seller's market.

I believe the popularity of Cowboy Action Shooting has raised the bar in the quality of the SAA clones. Buy whatever SAA clone strikes your fancy. Understand that it may benefit from a good SAA clone gunsmith tune-up & then enjoy it. Meanwhile keep an eye out for a Colt & be ready to jump on it if one becomes available at a price that you are comfortable with.

[sagebrushburns]

If all you want it for is to shoot, the Italian copies are just fine. BUT! They are not a Colt and there is a difference. Over the years I have owned and shot several Italians, six or so Rugers, and more than a dozen Colts. I have kept two Rugers, the Italians are all gone, but I still have and shoot the Colts. Nuff said...

[jaw70]

Thanks for all the advice. If I don't get a colt, Taylors & co one of the Umberti Importers is 3 1/2 hours away from me....I guess that's a plus if I ever have a problem. Their standard Cattleman with the 7.5 barrel has the look I have always liked. With that said they have a Gunfighter or short stroke Gunfighter with a 5.5 barrel and the larger army checkered grip. I like the idea of the larger grip...just wish it was available on the 7.5 barrel.

[eagle1899]

In the spirit of the Italian imports.... has anyone bought a pre-tuned revolver from Long Hunter Shooting Supply?

If so, how do you like it?