Steve
.30 Stingray
Posts: 211
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Post by Steve on Feb 21, 2011 15:29:53 GMT -5
I am considering purchase of a set of consecutive serial number 3rd Generation Colt SA in 45 Colt. The are a set of the Eldorado commemoratives and are circa 2005, if I am not mistaken. Can anyone help me with some details about the quality of Colt SA 3rd Generations from the 2005 time frame and especially this series of commemoratives?
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Post by weagle99 on Feb 21, 2011 21:13:55 GMT -5
I once had a standard SAA from that timeframe and it was honestly a piece of junk. Frame was overbuffed (recoil shield was flattened!), bluing was splotchy with some areas showing machine marks, crown was damaged, etc. It gave every appearance of being slopped together by someone who didn't care.
Some people say that Colt's is making single actions today that are as good as 1st or 2nd gen guns. My experience with the aforementioned specimen (and others!) do NOT bear this out...
I am not familiar with that particular commemorative, however for ANY 3rd Gen Colt I would recommend a personal inspection before purchase (or, at least secure a return privilege if buying online).
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Steve
.30 Stingray
Posts: 211
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Post by Steve on Feb 22, 2011 13:23:44 GMT -5
So I guess the answer is "no" to the purchase of a 2005 3rd Generation. So what would you guys suggest if I want Colts
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Post by weagle99 on Feb 22, 2011 19:34:40 GMT -5
I wouldn't necessarily say no, I would just say that my experience would cause me to examine a 3rd Gen gun in person before making a purchase.
I started with 3rd Gens, after awhile they didn't 'do' it for me. I have since moved to early 2nd Gens (black box era). They are admittedly more costly, however prices have softened somewhat recently and they are easier to get into than before. There are features of the early 2nd Gens that I like that can't be found on other eras.
You decision depends completely on what you want...
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Post by CraigC on Feb 22, 2011 22:45:29 GMT -5
Except those made in the last two or three years, I wouldn't buy any 3rd generation Colt unless it was either a hell of a deal or a very, very good example. If you want a Colt but don't want to pay 2nd generation prices, a new production model is the only way to go. They are vastly improved over their predecessors. I'd still rather have a USFA than either. A better gun for less money or a vastly better gun for the same money.
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shadow
.30 Stingray
Posts: 135
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Post by shadow on Feb 22, 2011 23:50:53 GMT -5
So I guess the answer is "no" to the purchase of a 2005 3rd Generation. So what would you guys suggest if I want Colts If you want Colts, buy a Colt. If you want quality .... buy a USFA!!! Shadow
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Post by taffin on Feb 23, 2011 8:37:26 GMT -5
If you want Colts, buy a Colt. If you want quality .... buy a USFA!!!
Shadow[/quote]
YOU ARE PAINTING WITH A PRETTY WIDE BRUSH. HOW MANY COLT AND USFA SAs HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED/PURCHASED/SHOT EXTENSIVELY IN THE PAST TWO YEARS???
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Post by AxeHandle on Feb 23, 2011 9:13:17 GMT -5
Didn't figure it would take long for JT to chime in.. He has been pointing us to the much improved Colt for quite a while now. Personally I'm sitting back waiting for the Colt New Frontier that Boge let the cat out of the bag about.....
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Post by Boge Quinn on Feb 23, 2011 10:44:42 GMT -5
ME TOO!
All the Colts we've seen over the past couple of years have been excellent in every way. Looks like they may finally have their act together - I hope so, as my perfect world would have Colt as a major and respected sixgun maker.
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Post by taffin on Feb 23, 2011 11:46:48 GMT -5
AND YOU CAN THANK A WOMAN--JOYCE RUBINO!!
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Post by Boge Quinn on Feb 23, 2011 11:58:16 GMT -5
I can thank a woman for many things. And blame them for many things. It all evens out. I guess. Almost.
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shadow
.30 Stingray
Posts: 135
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Post by shadow on Feb 23, 2011 12:48:56 GMT -5
If you want Colts, buy a Colt. If you want quality .... buy a USFA!!! Shadow YOU ARE PAINTING WITH A PRETTY WIDE BRUSH. HOW MANY COLT AND USFA SAs HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED/PURCHASED/SHOT EXTENSIVELY IN THE PAST TWO YEARS??? [/quote] The OP is considering circa 2005 Colt SA's, not SA's made over the past 2 years. I agree, Colts quality has improved as of late with new CNC machines and an obvious concern for improved manufacturing procedures, including closer tolerances and much better fit & finish. I purchased a new Colt .45 ACP Gov't Model XSE last year, and it's truly an outstanding piece overall. Regardless, I still feel USFA's wheel gun quality is superior out of the box. Shadow
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Post by Frank V on Feb 24, 2011 20:32:15 GMT -5
I agree with John, the new Colt SAs are very nice guns. I've only handled USFAs never owned one, but maybe one day? I think the new 3rd gen Colts are very nice. Frank
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Post by Boge Quinn on Feb 24, 2011 22:23:57 GMT -5
Not to take anything away from USFA - I own several, and they are truly wonderful sixguns - I'm just glad to see that Colt finally seems to have their act together.
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Post by CraigC on Feb 24, 2011 22:55:57 GMT -5
Agreed and I'm elated to see the New Frontier back in production....and in a 4¾" .44Spl no less!!!
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