Old topic: If you could have just the one SAA ...

Bill in Oregon · Post by **Bill in Oregon** » Mon Jan 24, 2022 6:52 pm

Scott's Bulldog threads have me all lathered up to get a single action back in the stable, but I am on a Miller Lite budget so it will prolly be a Cimarron clone of one stripe or another. That New Sheriff with the 3 1/2-inch barrel looks tempting; it is made by Pietta. Stepping up to a 4 3/4, the Cimarron Model P is made by Uberti. Joe Perkins likes them both as currently manufactured. Brian Pearce likes the Uberti for its extra measure of strength over the Colt.
Caliber will likely be .45 Colt, as this cartridge is 150 years old this year of our Lord 2022, although I will admit a great fondness for that latecomer, the .44 Special.
If you were looking for that "forever" Colt or its clone, what make, barrel length and caliber would you choose?

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:08 pm

I own a 4.75" AWA (American Western Arms) SAA clone in .45 Colt. I admired them before I got it, and liked that they were very authentic clones that accepted original parts. But after buying mine and handling it awhile it didn't take long to fall in love with it. The action is glassy smooth, and a very nice trigger, with a light pull weight. It's also more accurate than any of the real Colt SAA revolvers I owned. Has some really nice stag grips I love the look and fell of, and beautiful color case frame, and nice bluing also.
It's my one and only SAA I'd never let go of, so guess it falls into the category my forever gun for a SAA.

Scott Tschirhart · Post by **Scott Tschirhart** » Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:12 pm

I've got them in hand and I have two more candidates! It isn't an easy decision.

I have a TALO 3.5 inch Vaquero chambered in .45 ACP on the way.

Now that deer season is over, I will resume testing.

OldWin · Post by **OldWin** » Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:16 pm

I've had a first generation Colt SAA 45 for many years. I've had a 2nd generation in .357 for several, also.
In spite of this, I always pined for a 4.75. Both the above Colts are 5.5. While I could have sold one, my sons prefer 5.5, so I wanted to keep them.
This past summer, I decided it was time......
It took some searching, but I found a NIB 4.75" Colt for a sane price. I had kind of decided I wanted a 44, but that is now a custom shop chambering, so I passed on the 3400 bucks and 2 year wait.
45 Colt it is!

Oldncrusty · Post by **Oldncrusty** » Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:27 pm

I hope to come with my first SAA this year. Also on a tight budget, but I do need to sell some stock. I've been window shopping and this one is about what I will probably end up with.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns- ... =101827453

gamekeeper · Post by **gamekeeper** » Tue Jan 25, 2022 4:18 am

Oldncrusty wrote: ↑Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:27 pm I hope to come with my first SAA this year. Also on a tight budget, but I do need to sell some stock. I've been window shopping and this one is about what I will probably end up with.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns- ... =101827453

Very nice I hope you get it.....

Pitchy · Post by **Pitchy** » Tue Jan 25, 2022 8:18 am

I wanted a original Colt since i was a kid, found this new third gen. in 44 SPL in the early 80`s for 750 bucks and love it.

But if i could only have one hand gun i would keep my Ruger Vaquero old model 44 mag, can load all six and is accurate for fixed sights and i just feel good carrying it.

OldWin · Post by **OldWin** » Tue Jan 25, 2022 8:24 am

Pitchy wrote: ↑Tue Jan 25, 2022 8:18 am I wanted a original Colt since i was a kid, found this new third gen. in 44 SPL in the early 80`s for 750 bucks and love it.

But if i could only have one hand gun i would keep my Ruger Vaquero old model 44 mag, can load all six and is accurate for fixed sights and i just feel good carrying it.

I knew when i saw this thread I'd see a picture of that Colt 44.

Scott Tschirhart · Post by **Scott Tschirhart** » Tue Jan 25, 2022 9:50 am

If I could only own one, I would be sorely tempted to pick my USFA Shootist Anniversary gun in .44 Special.

The ivory grips feel so good in the hand and it shoots to the sights.

A close second would be a 7 1/2 inch Third Gen SAA in .44 Special that also shoots to the sights (but it needs better stocks).

Post by **AmBraCol** » Tue Jan 25, 2022 10:04 am

I've been jonesing for a SAA in 38 Spl or 44 Spl for some time - 5.5" barrel. In the clones they only make the 357 mag, but I REALLY want the 38 SPl "just because". So far any I've stumbled on have been way over any realistic budget I can imagine. The 44 Spl seems more accessible, but the last time I looked even the clones are few and far between in that caliber and barrel length.

Bill in Oregon · Post by **Bill in Oregon** » Tue Jan 25, 2022 10:10 am

Paul, those are reasonable SAA calibers to jones for.
If I could have two, one would be in .44 Russian. Had open tops in this caliber and they were simply a joy to shoot, not to mention accurate.

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Tue Jan 25, 2022 11:07 am

I wanted a SAA in .32-20 for years, and a friend had an Uberti he wanted to get rid of. We did a trade for an Uberti I had with Bisley grip since I've never card for the way a Bisley grip points for me. Always seem to point low, and not natural like a regular SAA grip does. Did the trade, although the Uberti had a much lesser trigger and hammer feel than my AWA has. I figured I could work it over a little and make it better. I did, but it wont ever be as nice as the AWA. It shoots pretty good, but also not as good as the AWA. So I have my .32-20 SAA, but would still like one with a nicer trigger and hammer feel.

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Tue Jan 25, 2022 1:13 pm

You guys probably know my answer to this question, but the Bowen SBH will be the last one I will part with.

If we are limited to a fixed sight single action, then a large frame Vaquero will be my choice. So far my favorite is this
.44 Magnum, but I'm really digging the new 3 3/4" barreled .45 Colt I just got.

By the way, I ain't giving up any of them.

jb

Oldncrusty · Post by **Oldncrusty** » Tue Jan 25, 2022 1:26 pm

gamekeeper wrote: ↑Tue Jan 25, 2022 4:18 am
Oldncrusty wrote: ↑Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:27 pm I hope to come with my first SAA this year. Also on a tight budget, but I do need to sell some stock. I've been window shopping and this one is about what I will probably end up with.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns- ... =101827453
Very nice I hope you get it.....

Thanks. Gonna work at it.

I was thinking strictly Colt or clones above, but I'm not parting with these.

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Tue Jan 25, 2022 5:38 pm

Oldncrusty wrote: ↑Tue Jan 25, 2022 1:26 pm
gamekeeper wrote: ↑Tue Jan 25, 2022 4:18 am
Oldncrusty wrote: ↑Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:27 pm I hope to come with my first SAA this year. Also on a tight budget, but I do need to sell some stock. I've been window shopping and this one is about what I will probably end up with.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns- ... =101827453
Very nice I hope you get it.....
Thanks. Gonna work at it.

I was thinking strictly Colt or clones above, but I'm not parting with these.

That gun is listed as sale pending? So hope it's either you, or you found another?

Oldncrusty · Post by **Oldncrusty** » Tue Jan 25, 2022 6:57 pm

marlinman93 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 25, 2022 5:38 pm
Oldncrusty wrote: ↑Tue Jan 25, 2022 1:26 pm
gamekeeper wrote: ↑Tue Jan 25, 2022 4:18 am
Oldncrusty wrote: ↑Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:27 pm I hope to come with my first SAA this year. Also on a tight budget, but I do need to sell some stock. I've been window shopping and this one is about what I will probably end up with.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns- ... =101827453
Very nice I hope you get it.....
Thanks. Gonna work at it.

I was thinking strictly Colt or clones above, but I'm not parting with these.
That gun is listed as sale pending? So hope it's either you, or you found another?

No it's not me. It'll be a while before I can shop seriously. This is just window shopping. This is just an example of what I'm after. A 38-40 with a patina to match my '73. I think I want a Bisley but not a requirement.

Pat C · Post by **Pat C** » Wed Jan 26, 2022 7:39 am

I would also like a nice 1st gen 38 WCF ,had several 3rd gens and ordered a 45 from Colt custom shop in 1994.
It was beautiful ,too nice and felt guilty to shoot so I traded it. Now they are double what I paid then. $950
Workmanship on the custom shop SAA was very nice.

Shrapnel · Post by **Shrapnel** » Wed Jan 26, 2022 2:10 pm

If I could only have one, I would have them in 45 Colt, 44-40 and of course, my favorite 38-40. It's always best if they are a first generation also...

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Wed Jan 26, 2022 2:27 pm

I simply can't do with only one revolver... So I'll just stick with these two Colt 3rd Gens in 45 Colt.

IMG_0105.JPG

It's been so long since I shot these on paper, I haven't the faintest recollection if they're "accurate" or not... but I do know that if you're a 6" piece of steel, you shouldn't stand inside 50 yards, cause you're gonna get dinged!!!

Post by **Old Savage** » Wed Jan 26, 2022 4:50 pm

I think you could have two of the same.

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Wed Jan 26, 2022 9:50 pm

My Dad's third-generation Colt SAA with an "artillery" length (I know, not an official Colt designation) barrel (5.5"). It came from the factory as a .357 Magnum. I patiently waited for years until I found a new barrel and cylinder at the right price, and several years ago back had it "converted" to a .45 Colt.

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Wed Jan 26, 2022 11:36 pm

My favorite for all around shooting is my New Frontier in 38-40....first one. I like adjustable sights.

These are all 38-40's

[url=https://postimg

My holy grail is the 44 Russian that was originally sold to john W. Hession, the famous Marine Corps target shooter. 1 of 153 ..made in 1907.

[url=https://

[url=https://postimg.cc-8473.jpg[/img][/url]

New Frontiers in 44 Spl and 44-40...each with extra cylinders in 44-40 & 44 Spl

[url=https://postimg.cc/
It's not a Colt but I couldn't do

Or the Colt "slip Gun" put together by Harold Croft for Elmer Keith to test out /i.postimg.cc/d19dXgGT/IMG-6011.jpg[/img][/url]

38-40 and a 45 that factory made for me with my

[url=https://postimg.cc/JGbtXBqB][img

Post by **Old Savage** » Thu Jan 27, 2022 12:00 am

Probably take the first, a 3rd Gen 44 Spl.

Post by **AmBraCol** » Thu Jan 27, 2022 9:44 am

So that's the slipgun Keith used to hit the target at 700 yards (IIRC)? Hit it on the 11th shot, as I recall. So much for "short barrels won't let you reach out there"! That is a nifty bit of history right there!

3leggedturtle · Post by **3leggedturtle** » Thu Jan 27, 2022 12:05 pm

Bill since i have alot of 22lr ammo and even more 22 mag, I'd probably keep the 3-screw 5 1/2" Single Six with both cylinders. Otherwise It'd be a Blackhawk in 357.

Bill in Oregon · Post by **Bill in Oregon** » Thu Jan 27, 2022 12:26 pm

Todd, is that three-screw Single Six of yours accurate? I have been disappointed with Single Sixes in the past, but probably didn't try enough ammo to find their sweet spots.

3leggedturtle · Post by **3leggedturtle** » Thu Jan 27, 2022 12:54 pm

Bill in Oregon wrote: ↑Thu Jan 27, 2022 12:26 pm Todd, is that three-screw Single Six of yours accurate? I have been disappointed with Single Sixes in the past, but probably didn't try enough ammo to find their sweet spots.

Bill, with mag cylinder and the cheap W-W 22 mag dyna-points, pop cans and squirrels at 50 yards or so are in trouble. With 22lr its about about a 20-25 yard squirrel getter.

Post by **AmBraCol** » Thu Jan 27, 2022 2:30 pm

Bill in Oregon wrote: ↑Thu Jan 27, 2022 12:26 pm Todd, is that three-screw Single Six of yours accurate? I have been disappointed with Single Sixes in the past, but probably didn't try enough ammo to find their sweet spots.

I ain't Todd, nor do I play him on TV. But I'll explain the accuracy of my Old Model Single Six this way. A couple years ago I was on a friend's ranch up in Colorado. He "guided" me to one of their ground squirrel hot spots and I proceeded to use the 10/22 to good effect. He saw how much fun I was having and asked if he could try. So I handed him the rifle and pulled the OMSS out. I'd figure out which squirrel he was lining up on with the rifle and I'd put it down with the pistol. Got several before he could. We were shooting around 50-75 yards or so. Can't recall what ammo I was shooting out of it, but it does its part if I do mine. AK Church gave me that sixgun a few years ago and it's usually my most shot sidearm while up in the US.

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Thu Jan 27, 2022 4:10 pm

AmBraCol wrote: ↑Thu Jan 27, 2022 9:44 am So that's the slipgun Keith used to hit the target at 700 yards (IIRC)? Hit it on the 11th shot, as I recall. So much for "short barrels won't let you reach out there"! That is a nifty bit of history right there!

Paul,
It's not documented but highly likely...the gun came from an estate right off Sedgley Ave in Philly where Croft worked. It's definitely a Croft gun as its all very professionally done. Taking off the grip frame shows special stampings that Colt didn't use.....and, it's accurate if you can hold still and the short sight radius.....I was routinely knocking over the 200 meter rams at the McKean Cty Gun Club with 9 grains of Unique and a 260 Keith...

Elmer was writing where he used black....the bore is perfect...

John Taffin wrote an article about it and he thinks it is...

https://gunsmagazine.com/guns/handguns/ ... -slip-gun/

I took the pictures and sent them to John.

Post by **AmBraCol** » Thu Jan 27, 2022 9:25 pm

Thanks for that link, Jack. I remember reading that, now that I think about it. And apparently my memory's not too bad as I recalled a 4 foot square target at 700 yards and hitting it with the 11th shot. I'd forgotten that bit about the black powder loads. Interesting that the trigger was still active. I'd assumed that Keith was slipshooting that pistol when he made those shots.

Rockrat · Post by **Rockrat** » Thu Jan 27, 2022 10:22 pm

Have had a NF 44spcl that went down the road. traded it on an 1892 in 38-40, kind of rough outside, but bore was near mint. Had a new nickled 44-40 5.5" that I never shot and it went down the road. Only one I have left is a 1st. gen. in 38 spcl that I had "redone" by a fellow named schultz. Was my great-grandfathers. Keep it locked up with Dads aircrew gun he used during Korea and the cold war, a nickle plated 45 auto.
Would like to find a 38-40 5.5" to go with my '92, but until then, I have a 38-40 ruger Blackhawk.

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Thu Jan 27, 2022 10:26 pm

No Paul...it would be near impossible to,hit anything by slip shooting...most back yard slip guns either had their trigger taped back or removed altogether....anyone with brains (Harold Croft) would have kept the trigger and had the option of taping it back.

Quite sure Elmer deliberately used the trigger.---006

hfcable · Post by **hfcable** » Fri Jan 28, 2022 2:01 pm

i have a bunch of colt New Frontiers but only one standard SAA. this is a 2nd generation 45 colt that had the full treatment by Bob Munden. terrifically smooth and very accurate.

can only find this one picture right now. it is maybe the best looking revolver that i own. poor picture, will have to take some more.

Post by **AmBraCol** » Fri Jan 28, 2022 3:17 pm

Sixgun wrote: ↑Thu Jan 27, 2022 10:26 pm No Paul...it would be near impossible to,hit anything by slip shooting...most back yard slip guns either had their trigger taped back or removed altogether....anyone with brains (Harold Croft) would have kept the trigger and had the option of taping it back.

Quite sure Elmer deliberately used the trigger.---006

Now I've seen the gun, I agree with you. His original writing doesn't mention a functional trigger, just a "2 1/2" slip gun" and taking 11 shots to hit his target. But now we see it's got a functional trigger, it makes sense he'd use it.

Keith also wrote about dedicating himself to shooting just a slip gun for a while, but found the two systems incompatible and went back to a standard trigger and never looked back. He was a very interesting experimenter.

Scott Tschirhart · Post by **Scott Tschirhart** » Mon Nov 04, 2024 6:30 pm

marlinman93 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:08 pm I own a 4.75" AWA (American Western Arms) SAA clone in .45 Colt. I admired them before I got it, and liked that they were very authentic clones that accepted original parts. But after buying mine and handling it awhile it didn't take long to fall in love with it. The action is glassy smooth, and a very nice trigger, with a light pull weight. It's also more accurate than any of the real Colt SAA revolvers I owned. Has some really nice stag grips I love the look and fell of, and beautiful color case frame, and nice bluing also.
It's my one and only SAA I'd never let go of, so guess it falls into the category my forever gun for a SAA.

I found one of these the other day and it appears to be hand fitted. It is the tightest Colt 1873 pattern gun I have ever handled!

JimT · Post by **JimT** » Mon Nov 04, 2024 6:40 pm

I still like the 1st Generation Colt SAA .45 ... 1887 made ...

IMG_0030.JPG

IMG_0031.JPG

and the Shootists Anniversary USFA .44 Special ..

IMG_4038.JPG

USFA44spl.JPG

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Mon Nov 04, 2024 7:04 pm

Bill,
I bought this Tayor's "Hickok" about a year ago. Great trigger and I was surprised by its accuracy. Loaded with
.45 Cowboy Specials, it's an absolute Hoot! Probably the lease expensive single action I own.

jb

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Mon Nov 04, 2024 8:16 pm

2ndovc wrote: ↑Mon Nov 04, 2024 7:04 pm Bill,
I bought this Tayor's "Hickok" about a year ago. Great trigger and I was surprised by its accuracy. Loaded with
.45 Cowboy Specials, it's an absolute Hoot! Probably the lease expensive single action I own.

jb

Jason, do you reload the .45 Cowboy Special cartridge? What is your favorite load?

LeverGunner · Post by **LeverGunner** » Mon Nov 04, 2024 8:18 pm

New Model Blackhkawk in 44 Special for me. Ruger's Blackhawk was a continuation of the SAA and the NM an improvement on that. I think it's improved at least, no matter what all you 4-clickers think! Caliber is because it's the one I have and mates with my Winchester 92.

I'd be happy enough with a 41 Mag, 45 Colt, or even, 357 Magnum. I prefer the big bore of 357 though for it's heavy hitting power.

flightsimmer · Post by **flightsimmer** » Tue Nov 05, 2024 6:21 am

It would be the one I have.

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Tue Nov 05, 2024 8:02 am

Ysabel Kid wrote: ↑Mon Nov 04, 2024 8:16 pm
2ndovc wrote: ↑Mon Nov 04, 2024 7:04 pm Bill,
I bought this Tayor's "Hickok" about a year ago. Great trigger and I was surprised by its accuracy. Loaded with
.45 Cowboy Specials, it's an absolute Hoot! Probably the lease expensive single action I own.

jb
Jason, do you reload the .45 Cowboy Special cartridge? What is your favorite load?

Jay,
I load the .45 CS like like I do for the .45ACP, though with a heavier bullet usually. I have used a 230 LSWC, but I've found in this revolver the 255s shoot better. For plinking around the yard, I have a 3.5 gr. Bullseye load, then up to 4.8 if I want a little more range and thump.
Since this revolver doesn't have an ejector rod, if I go too hot with a heavy .45 Colt, the cases stick and I have to push them out with a cleaning rod. Not the end of the world, but kind of a pain and no good for walking the trails. I usually pack it with a light .45 colt load as a backup for my '73.

jb

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Tue Nov 05, 2024 10:05 am

Ysabel Kid wrote: ↑Mon Nov 04, 2024 8:16 pmJason, do you reload the .45 Cowboy Special cartridge? What is your favorite load?

Since I mostly shoot cowboy action, I use 3.4 grains of Titegroup behind a 160 grain powder coated bullet. I have some that have 4 grains behind a 200 grain RFN. They're pretty snappy. In a Colt SAA I don't like to use 45Auto loads as they're a bit hotter than the Colt round. Not to say I haven't, but with jacketed rounds, I feel they're too hot for continuous use.

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Tue Nov 05, 2024 11:48 am

Scott Tschirhart wrote: ↑Mon Nov 04, 2024 6:30 pm
marlinman93 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:08 pm I own a 4.75" AWA (American Western Arms) SAA clone in .45 Colt. I admired them before I got it, and liked that they were very authentic clones that accepted original parts. But after buying mine and handling it awhile it didn't take long to fall in love with it. The action is glassy smooth, and a very nice trigger, with a light pull weight. It's also more accurate than any of the real Colt SAA revolvers I owned. Has some really nice stag grips I love the look and fell of, and beautiful color case frame, and nice bluing also.
It's my one and only SAA I'd never let go of, so guess it falls into the category my forever gun for a SAA.
I found one of these the other day and it appears to be hand fitted. It is the tightest Colt 1873 pattern gun I have ever handled!

So did you buy it Scott? I sure hope so as they're wonderful clones, and the finest SAA I've ever owned; regardless of maker.

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Tue Nov 05, 2024 7:22 pm

Jason, Griff - thanks!