Colt SAA question...

[rjm52]

Looking at new and used Colt SAAs, some come in a blue plastic case and others come in the Colt Custom Shop paper box...

Was just wondering what the difference between them was. Sometimes the CS guns have special grips or different color screws but some just look like ones in the plastic box..

Thanks..Bob

[lwfpdchief]

Different generations.

[bobwright]

You buying a box, or a gun?

Bob Wright

[rjm52]

Isn't different generations because I've seen guns made in the same year or just a year or two apart be in different boxes...

[marcruger]

Go on the websites and look up Colt SAA serial numbers. If you want a 3rd Gen then you want one 2004 or later. The quality between 1980 and 2003 could be very sketchy. There are some really fine 3rd Gen guns from that time span, but there are some so terrible you'd have to swear the workers were trying to sabotage the factory. It's a roll of the dice if you order one online, as you really need the individual gun in your hand to judge. Don't worry about the box, look up the serial number. In 2004 the removable cylinder returned as well. Sometimes the recent color case hardening can be odd (too gold, too dark, etc) so check that before buying. In general post 2004 revolvers are less likely to need an action job to make them shootable. I also understand that you want 2nd Gens SAAs made 1969 or before. If you plan to "collect" and not shoot, none of this may matter to you. Hope this helps save you from some misery. God Bless, Marc

[marcruger]

Oh yes, the different blue boxes are not reflecting different generations. Those blue boxes are all Third Gen.

[bushog]

With those 3rd gen guns, I’d only buy one with the removable cylinder bushing like the 1st and 2nd gen guns and the USFAs as well.