Bile
.30 Stingray
Posts: 244
|
Post by Bile on Nov 12, 2010 13:30:22 GMT -5
I'm about to lay down some hard earned cash on a USFA SAA. The firearm being considered is beautifully blued combined with color case hardening. It is a new older model that's been shoved out of the way for the past couple years to get to the cheaper brands on the store's shelf (I've been stalking it that long). It may be a 3 or 4 years old, with a price tag to match, i.e. the old price.
I understand the USFA SAA has evolved and has had changes over the years to make minor improvements. What serial number indicates an improved USFA SAA as opposed to one that has some minor flaws? I want to make sure the one I'm getting has all the improvements, or at least is free from anything that needs improving. Thanks.
|
|
coyote
.30 Stingray
posting from a remote solar-powered cabin in the mountains of eastern oregon
Posts: 300
|
Post by coyote on Nov 12, 2010 14:29:58 GMT -5
a long time ago they built using uberti parts, but 4 yrs ago they were totally USA made. i can't tell any quality difference between the UFSAs made 4 years ago verses now. research here at USFA Forum might help you: forum.usfirearms.com/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=1[edit: if you decide not to pick that one up, you might let me know. i'm a big USFA fan. thnx] |
|
|
|
Post by jimmarch on Nov 13, 2010 1:44:37 GMT -5
From everything I've read, Coyote is right. There may be minor finish variations but nothing significant in terms of accuracy, metallurgy or the like. It's been a LONG time since USFA used Uberti parts - over 10 years I think? If you like that gun at the price offered, by all means jump on it.
|
|
|
|
Post by CraigC on Nov 13, 2010 10:35:34 GMT -5
If it has Uberti parts, it will have Uberti stamps on it. Most obviously on the underside of the barrel.
|
|
derekr
.30 Stingray
Posts: 353
|
Post by derekr on Nov 15, 2010 11:05:53 GMT -5
Mine from 1993 is all USA.
|
|
Bile
.30 Stingray
Posts: 244
|
Post by Bile on Nov 15, 2010 11:34:09 GMT -5
Thanks guys. It is all USFA and I do like it. In fact it outshines everything sitting next to it in the shelf, including a couple Colts with prices nearly twice as high. And, at 4.5" it will be perfect for stalking all sorts of rocks and cactus. Thanks.
|
|
coyote
.30 Stingray
posting from a remote solar-powered cabin in the mountains of eastern oregon
Posts: 300
|
Post by coyote on Nov 15, 2010 14:06:36 GMT -5
damn, so i guess i won't get getting it.....
;-)
enjoy!
|
|
|
|
Post by weagle99 on Nov 15, 2010 21:25:49 GMT -5
There is no such thing as a USFA SAA.
|
|
|
|
Post by Gary @ R&G on Nov 15, 2010 23:23:46 GMT -5
True but USFA SA just doesnt have the same ring to it.
|
|
Bile
.30 Stingray
Posts: 244
|
Post by Bile on Nov 16, 2010 1:05:56 GMT -5
There is no such thing as a USFA SAA. Thanks weagle99, that was close. You just saved me $800 and a lot of embarrassment. I didn't even bother to look at the model name or number. I just picked it up and played with it, and it sure looked, felt, and acted like a SAA. Thanks for the astute observation and "heads up." I guess I'll have to settle on a Gaucho after all. Darn! I got that close. |
|
|
|
Post by CraigC on Nov 16, 2010 9:56:37 GMT -5
Technically correct, "Single Action Army" is the official, copyrighted name of a specific Colt model. Problem is that "USFA SA" is waaaay to ambiguous. That could be a cap `n ball model, the Omni Potent, Rodeo, Gunslinger, technically even the .45 automatics. They're all SA's.  However, by use of the term SAA, we know exactly what you mean and by use of the manufacturer's name, in this case USFA, we know that it is indeed a replica of the Colt SAA. Not an actual SAA in the technical sense. None of which is to imply that we, as student sixgunners, don't know and understand the difference. |
|
|
|
Post by peacemaker on Nov 16, 2010 16:25:12 GMT -5
Technically correct, "Single Action Army" is the official, copyrighted name of a specific Colt model. Problem is that "USFA SA" is waaaay to ambiguous. That could be a cap `n ball model, the Omni Potent, Rodeo, Gunslinger, technically even the .45 automatics. They're all SA's. Weeell, not really ambiguous as USFA itself uses the name "Single Action" to designate their copy: www.usfirearms.com/cat/single-action-revolver.aspBile, just buy that dad-gummed sixgun or whatever you want to call it and go have some fun already! |
|
|
|
Post by jamesjames on Nov 16, 2010 18:17:57 GMT -5
I'm with Peacemaker on this one. And so I'll rush in where angels and smart fellas fear to tread... My understanding (whether its technically true or not) of the Single Action Army is anything that is based on the Colt 1873 design. Any Single Action that has the following features should oughta get to call itself a Single Action Army: Rugers are Single Actions but they're not Single Action Armies The Italian "Colt Clones" are not really clones, because of their modern changes to the design. It seems to me that USFA should certainly qualify as a Single Action Army because it remains true to all the Colt 1873 design features. IMHO. FWIW. |
|
|
|
Post by rep1954 on Nov 16, 2010 19:34:18 GMT -5
If I am talking guns with someone and they start talking about SAA's I expect them to mean Colt SAA's. I believe it's o'kay to say and mean USFA SAA as long as the USFA is tacked on to the SAA name. To me the markings, grips and grip locator pin, and paint put the USFA SA in the clone catagory.
|
|
|
|
Post by peacemaker on Nov 16, 2010 19:39:27 GMT -5
I'm with Peacemaker on this one. Thankyou, but I guess I wasn't clear. "Single Action Army" (aka "SAA") is a specific model name held and defended by Colt alone. Not USFA, not Puma . However, while it is good to educate others concerning correct nomenclature and terminology, I don't think it's worth arguing to the point that a thread gets derailed. |
|
