UPDATED WITH PICS:USFA Rodeo 44sp: How much would you offer?

[Jamey Worrell]

Have a line on a USFA Rodeo in 44 special (either 4 1/2 or 5" barrel, he couldn't remember) from an older gym buddy who is looking to thin the herd. Knowing the owner, would have been shot little if any, and would have box and associated paperwork.

He asked for me to make an offer...what would you guys suggest as a fair price between friends/acquaintances?

[bobwright]

As I recall the USFA Rodeo was less finely finished than the Army model, in a matte black finish. I think a fiar price would be about $550. I don't think the Rodeo is as desirable as the top of the line SA.

Bob Wright

Later: Looks like I sort of lowballed the figure. Looking at some recent sales, maybe around $1,000 ~ $1100.

[needsmostuff]

I can't remember if the Rodeo model was in the Uberti years or the USA years .
But that would play into it .

[potatojudge]

Completed auctions for Rodeos are a little dubious on gunbroker. Some aren't real sales. Others have upgrades. Many didn't sell. No 44 special guns.

Somewhere in the $1000 range seems fair if original, clean, fired, with box, in a good caliber, without having to pay GB fees, shipping, or FFL.

At that price, it's not a bad base gun for customization.

[Fowler]

Agreed on the +/- $1000 figure, they sold new for $550 and the day USFA folded they doubled in value and seemed to have held firm there. The 44sp might bring a trifle more because of being produced in smaller numbers, the few 44/40 and 38/40 Rodeos made seem to bring a premium.

I have one in 38sp that is a fun gun, rather have it in a bigger bore but I couldn't pass the deal I paid for it 10 years ago so...

[oddshooter]

Looking at lots of USFA gunsinternational.com, I see huge prices for most USFA. The Rodeo is not in that group.

I was surprised when I saw the finish, matte blue. It may be very tough, but it looks nothing like the USFA with case hardening colors.

I didn't see any 44 special so that may bring a few more dollars from fanatical fans.  I'm guessing it's still a great shooter without the fancy finish price.


Prescut

[mike454]

If It's really mint, I don't think you'd get hurt going to $1200 for it. I always liked the Rodeo's and wish I'd never sold mine.

The one I had was about the crispest looking gun I've ever seen. The finish was standard blue over a fine bead blast. No polishing, so every flat, corner and edge were true.

Reminded my of a gun Skeeter built up for Bart as recounted in "An old Colt for a Young Buck"

[Jamey Worrell]

Jan 19, 2023 11:25:12 GMT -5 needsmostuff said:

I can't remember if the Rodeo model was in the Uberti years or the USA years .
But that would play into it .

Did some looking on Colt forum...early ones were some Uberti parts, later were all USFA...Since I've got s/n now, should be able to sort that out pretty easily.

[470evans]

Any D Series or later is considered all US Parts. As for what I'd pay, depends how bad I wanted a 44 Special in a Rodeo, they aren't that common as most were 45 Colt and 38 Special.

Gun looks to be in nice shape with some slight wear.

I'd offer $1,200 and hope he takes it.

[taffin]

Jan 19, 2023 17:20:54 GMT -5 470evans said:

Any D Series or later is considered all US Parts. As for what I'd pay, depends how bad I wanted a 44 Special in a Rodeo, they aren't that common as most were 45 Colt and 38 Special.

Gun looks to be in nice shape with some slight wear.

I'd offer $1,200 and hope he takes it.

YES!

[kings6]

I agree with 470evans on taking it at that price. That is what I paid for my last Rodeo but someone had had it case colored and polished then blued. Alan turned it into a 41 Special with a bisley hammer spur and it now lives in OK.

[Jamey Worrell]

Thanks for all the input...i'll see him in about 30 minutes (old man coffee crew at gym after my 8a PT session) and we'll work up a deal...The Boss has helped him out a fair amount on some financial questions and he wants his stuff to go to good homes (refused to sell a Gallagher to guy because the potential buyer didn't know who John was and didn't appreciate JG's work).

The Boss rolled her eyes at me last night and said "Sure, just get it." I definitely outkicked my coverage when I married her

[tas6691]

Of all the USFA guns I own, my 44 special Rodeo is the most accurate. Dont know why but it is. I bought it to carry hunting and lking in the woods. Its one of my favorite guns. Not pretty, but its a great pistol. Get it, you wont regret it!

[CraigC]

I'd jump on all the late model USFA's I could for $1200. Paid $1300 for my Nettleton a little over a year ago and giggled all the way home.