Colt SAA?

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Stan O

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I know this is a Smith Forum but please excuse my question.
I have the opportunity to purchase a NIB, Colt SAA, .44spl. 5&1/2".
This firearm was purchased by the original owner in 1982 for $479.00
The action has never been turned. As said, New in the original Colt box with all paperwork and so on. Having always wanted a real Colt single action, the owner is willing to sell for $900 shipped. My problems are two-fold.
I would have to put my original, 1959 Ruger 3 screw .44 mag on the block to afford the new Colt. I also understand that the early 80's were hit or miss QC.
Any opinions or suggestions would be welcomed and very much appreciated.
 
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I think it's a fair price for the SAA, and you should be able to get more than that for your Ruger.
 
Take a good look at the frame to trigger guard fit,backstrap to frame fit,the roll marks and the screw holes and check if the trigger guard is centered.Thats a very good price for a nib SAA.
excuse the oily rag
upy8ymyv.jpg
 
The price is right. Are you willing to keep it as an unfired gun? The Ruger may be a better shooter in a better caliber depending on what you do with it. It would be nice if you could buy he Colt and keep the Ruger but sometimes that is not an option.
 
I agree with Geno44. If you want a shooter, the Ruger is a stronger gun. Of course, if you want a Colt, that's a good price. If you want a collectible, you'll have to keep it unfired, and even unturned.

The thing about collectible guns is, they aren't all that good an investment. Aside from the pride of ownership, you'd be better off putting the money in the market or saving it, in terms of return. Unless a gun is truly rare or unique, it won't appreciate in value nearly as much as will money invested.

Of course, money invested isn't as sexy and a pleasure to own as is a wood and steel classic gun. :)
 
Colt .44

Thanks for all the reply's. I've had the Ruger since 1984 and although a great gun is downright hurtful to shoot .44 mag out of it. Mainly .44 spl. which is at least comfortable. The Colt would be a shooter and not a collectable. I'm an older guy who always dreamed of having a genuine SSA Army with a pony on it. Not to mention, I have .44 dies and a lot of brass, powder and primers. If I ever want a magnum, a used Super Blackhawk is easy to find. Think I may go for it. If so, I'll post some pics if I get it. Again thanks to all the forum members for the reply's.
 
GKC said:
I agree with Geno44. If you want a shooter, the Ruger is a stronger gun. Of course, if you want a Colt, that's a good price. If you want a collectible, you'll have to keep it unfired, and even unturned.

The thing about collectible guns is, they aren't all that good an investment. Aside from the pride of ownership, you'd be better off putting the money in the market or saving it, in terms of return. Unless a gun is truly rare or unique, it won't appreciate in value nearly as much as will money invested.

Of course, money invested isn't as sexy and a pleasure to own as is a wood and steel classic gun. :)
Click to expand...

How many investments can you name that have provided a better rate of return than Colt revolvers?

Colt SAAs and Snake gun revolvers have blown through the roof lately in price.
 
Stan O said:
The action has never been turned. As said, New in the original Colt box with all paperwork and so on. Having always wanted a real Colt single action, the owner is willing to sell for $900 shipped.
Click to expand...

If it is truly NIB, he could put it up on Gunbroker and get $1400 very easily. If you tried to order a new one from Colt, it would cost more than $1400 and probably take 18-24 to get it. BUY IT!!!:)
 
If the Colt SAA is genuine NIB unturned w/the papers, ect,,,and is one of the clean & crisply polished and assembled ones from that time (yes some were less than stellar),,,I'd buy it at that price ($900) to resell for a profit.
Use the money to buy a shooter grade, used Colt SAA. Pocket the difference. No harm in making a few dollars.
The moment you shoot it,,that very profit, about $300/$400 dollars I'd guess in a fairly quick turnaround,,you might just as well toss the 3 bills out of the car window on the way to the range.

The Ruger 44 from 1959 I'd guess is an original Flat Top.
Should say just '44 Magnum Blackhawk' on the right side of the frame.
If any sort of condition should be in the $700 to $900 range. If it has the 7 1/2 or the 10" bbl on it from the factory,,you can trade it for a belt full of Colt 3rd generations.
I'd keep the Flat Top regardless of what I did with the Colt SAA.

Just my way of looking at it.
 
Colt .44

Received the gun yesterday. NIB. Final price $850 shipped. I was a bit worried about the 3rd gen fit and finish but the ears to frame are perfect. Can't feel a difference with my finger. The trigger guard to frame is also a perfect mate. Also, no end-play. Here's some pics.
 

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Very nice looking SAA.Good price also.The thing that I have with some of the 3rd gens was the height of the hammer spur.Some of them intruded into the sight plane and they are very difficult to shoot.Unless it's just the angle of the photo yours looks like it has that condition.If it does call Colt and they might fix it for you for the cost of shipping.If you decide not to shoot it I would leave it as is.JMO D*
 
My experience with Colt's is "You pay the money and take the chances". Colt's are excellent investments if left un-fired. Firing one not only decreases it's value but opens one to other problems. I had a 1992 44/40 that had an over-tightened barrel and shot 8 1/2" to the right with all loads fired. Colt cylinders are famous for being oversize, that 44/40 I had, the cylinder was .435 dia! a true 44/40 is .427. Colt will repair it for 75.00 an hr. if it has problems. I would keep the Ruger if shooting is the plan. Collecting and never shooting the Colt well I only buy shooting guns anymore. Good Luck with your decision.
 
Shoot it and enjoy it! If you don't, eventually someone else will. Besides, though a very nice gun, nothing other than the fact it's a Colt really makes it collectible from what I see. More value if unfired probably, but how much? Let's say it's a 1400 dollar gun, if you use it for a few years, caring for it but shooting it, won't it still be a thousand dollar gun? Would you get 400 bucks worth of enjoyment shooting it? My guess is yes.....
 
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