USFA 44 Special Questions

gregintenn · May 9, 2021

I purchased this 4-3/4" 44 Special today. It is a beautiful firearm. It is odd in the fact it's former owner's signature is engraved on the backstrap. I believe this was factory done because it's serial number is his initials with a 1 at the end.

I believe this gentleman was a business owner in Nashville. i don't think this would enhance the value of this revolver, but do you think it would hurt it?

Also, I don't believe the oak case it came in is factory original. Do you?

gregintenn · May 9, 2021

One more while I’m seeking wisdom...how do the grips come off?

bgrafsr · May 9, 2021

To remove the grips you have to remove the two screws at the top of the grip frame, and the screw on the bottom of the grip frame.
To learn about your gun, go to the Colt forum and contact a member named Cosmo. There is a section on the Forum for USFA revolvers.
Beautiful gun. I would love to own it.

colt_saa · May 9, 2021

Congratulations on a fine addition to the Family

The USFA revolvers are very nicely built

As to value, most all buyers will use that as a bargaining point for reduced value

Do some research on this fellow. If it turns out that he has a connection to the Shooting Industry, a photo and the story might enhance the value

gregintenn · May 9, 2021

He owned a construction equipment company and was a car and firearms collector. Nothing that would enhance value. I gave $1100 for it, and feel it’s worth that as a shooter.

bamabiker · May 9, 2021

I really like it and think you got a deal, especially these days.

ladder13 · May 9, 2021

Greg, I think those grips are Tru Ivory, they were offered by the factory. They were the best besides the real thing, imo. Too bad Tru Ivory went belly up.

Mine came in a cardboard box, either dark green or black, can’t remember it’s been years.

I was about to order another but USF folded.

I have an unfired 44 sp. Someday I will get a better picture.

This one was in the $825 range when I purchased it. I’d say about 10 years ago at least.

dsf · May 9, 2021

Nice SA revolver the OP has. I have a USFA Bisley and like it alot. Found it in a "tacticool" gun store and no one had paid attention to it. Owner said it was their "longest serving sale item" - got it for about the same as yours.

I'm 99% certain the box is aftermarket.

I would be looking for a way to get rid of the engraved backstrap. If yours is a US finished USFA it may be worthwhile seeing if a Uberti backstrap works. Although fitting one isn't just a swap out procedure in order for it to look up to par.

jag312 · May 9, 2021

My USFA .44 Special with Paul Persinger grips. I had a special serial number that matches my Colt Single Action that was made in 1895.

You got yours at a very good price. If it was mine, I would send it to Doug Turnbull to see if he can remove the engraving on the back strap.

6518John · May 10, 2021

colt_saa said:
As to value, most all buyers will use that as a bargaining point for reduced value

I know you are correct and I have always been surprised by that view on engraved firearms. When tastefully done, like on this magnificent gun, I think it adds to the history and background of the piece, even if the prior owner is simply a “Joe Blow.” I would think in interesting to show people admiring the gun, “hey here is the prior owner, he ran a construction company in Nashville.”

Muley Gil · May 10, 2021

ladder13 said:
Greg, I think those grips are Tru Ivory, they were offered by the factory. They were the best besides the real thing, imo. Too bad Tru Ivory went belly up.

Mine came in a cardboard box, either dark green or black, can’t remember it’s been years.

I was about to order another but USF folded.

I have an unfired 44 sp. Someday I will get a better picture.

This one was in the $825 range when I purchased it. I’d say about 10 years ago at least.

I have one just like yours. Mine was about $775 in 2006. I wouldn't sell it for twice that amount.

kaaskop49 · May 10, 2021

As to the name of the original owner on the backstrap, his initials also form the serial #: RSD1. Myself, I would leave it as is, if functioning were unimpeded. YMMV.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

CajunBass · May 10, 2021

I recently picked up a USFA, 4 3/4", in 45 Colt for $1300, and people seemed to think I stole it, so add me to the list of those who think you got a good price. I kinda wish mine had been in 44 Special since I have all the stuff to reload for that cartridge. I haven't shot mine yet. I was able to get a box of 45 Colt ammo for a little less than the gun cost, so I'm sort of hording it.

Mine came with the box/papers and such. I believe it to be unfired outside the factory.

Bad picture snapped while waiting for the background check to come through. I need to redo this one.

While I had heard of USFA and knew a bit about the background, this is the first one I've ever seen I think.

On the OP's gun, I wouldn't think of removing the name from the backstrap. It's part of the history of the gun. It's quite tastefully done, and matches up with the S/N.

bgrafsr · May 10, 2021

gregintenn said:
He owned a construction equipment company and was a car and firearms collector. Nothing that would enhance value. I gave $1100 for it, and feel it’s worth that as a shooter.

You stole that gun. Excellent price. Well under what it's worth.

bgrafsr · May 10, 2021

jag312 said:
My USFA .44 Special with Paul Persinger grips. I had a special serial number that matches my Colt Single Action that was made in 1895.

You got yours at a very good price. If it was mine, I would send it to Doug Turnbull to see if he can remove the engraving on the back strap.

I like your gun, but not the suggestion to have the engraving removed.

bgrafsr · May 10, 2021

USFA .45 Colt:

USFA .44-40 WCF with Giraffe Bone grips:

Jack Flash · May 10, 2021

Looks like a great gun (OP). I am baffled by the suggestions to remove the engraving. I wouldn't give it two seconds of thought.

ladder13 · May 10, 2021

bgrafsr said:
USFA .45 Colt:

USFA .44-40 WCF with Giraffe Bone grips:

Yep, that’s the box they came in ^^^^^^^^^

ladder13 · May 10, 2021

Honestly I have no idea why I ordered a 44 sp other than I thought it would be a rare gun someday and I already had a 45 Colt.

gregintenn · May 10, 2021

The signature engraved on the backstrap doesn't bother me and will stay as long as I own it.

You guys sure have some pretty revolvers.

I was surprised a gun company would do something like what was done to mine. I expect that costed quite a bit extra. It might have been a special gift from someone.

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