Best made Single Action Army clone???

[PALADIN85020]

Some years ago, I acquired a Single Action Army clone made by U.S. Firearms, new in the box, made in 2006. On inspection, I found its fit and finish was even better than an unfired Colt that I possess. Further research showed that the case hardened frame and hammer was processed by Doug Turnbull, and that the gun was made with special care and hand-fitting with all-American parts under the old Colt blue dome in Hartford, Connecticut.

What intrigued me was that it was a near-perfect duplicate of a Colt my maternal grandfather once owned, but is no longer in the family. I don't know what my grandmother did with it after he passed in 1944. At any rate, this "pre-war" configuration gun is as close as I can get to his gun, even made at the same place.

USFA has been out of business for a number of years now, but the reputation of their single actions is stellar. Just checking on the prices of existing USFA guns will verify their high standing among the clones, with many experts saying they easily outclass the original Colts as well.

Did USFA make some of the best SAA clones extant? Your opinions, please!

John

 

[gregintenn]

I’m not aware of a higher quality SAA copy.

 

[Farmer17]

They are definitely good looking and seem to be the most authentic. Ruger's are great guns but that non authentic trigger kills it for me, I liked the Cimarron revolver I used to have and was pleased with its quality but I'm still surprised the USAF guns didn't make it. I guess people just want an authentic Colt after a certain price point.

 

[Fishinfool]

John, I would have to agree with you. I own two real Colt SA's, one a second gen., and one a third. I also own a USFA SAA clone in .44 spl. / 44-40 convertible (extra factory cylinder).

The "clone" is better fit and finished than the originals, no oversized throat issues, and is much more accurate. Don't get me wrong, the Colts are nice guns. The USFA is just better. My "clone" is pictured below.

Larry

 

[Gene L]

I believe The American Rifleman did an article on them either this issue or the one before.

 

[Texas Star]

Of other repros, is the Cimarron the best? It seems to be a tweaked Uberti.

 

[classic bob]

One of the rarest!

They only made 68, but I own one. STI Texican was also finished by Turnbull and was available in 45 colt with a 4 5/8 inch bbl. I'll put it up against most any clone I've run across. I also own a Les Baer 1911 SRP with their 1 1/2" fifty yard quaranty. From a ranson rest it lives up to their guaranty but isn't any more accurate than my Texican. (It also shoots dead on poi out of the box which few will do) I'm very happy you've found your USFA and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do my Texican!

 

[JayFramer]

The big fat .45 Long is a tremendous manstopper. Fire fine guns for sure. They even brought the SAA back into service because the new .38 double actions were absolutely not cutting it, enemies were absorbing numerous rounds and still fighting. Once the Singles and their massive .45LC was brought back, that problem ended RIGHT NOW.

 

[The Norseman]

Guns Out

The only "Best" Colt Replicas is the United States Fire Arms Co.
and currently the Standard Manufacturing Co. Revolvers.

Each one I have ever inspected are a piece of Art, unto themselves.
The manufacturing is like the Steel and Grips have
grown together.

My 44 Specials below (USFA).
The Flat Top is in the Range Bag Rotation.
The Bisley is unfired.

 

[The Norseman]

USFA

Oh, yea. I have a Friend that always says "Yea, but it's not a Colt!".
My reply; "Your DAMN right their not a Colt, Colt could never
make anything like this plus their made in America".

 

[jonh1373]

I have a Cimarron made by Uberti and am very impressed with the fit, finish and overall quality.

 

[ruger 22]

Is the Ruger Vaquero not considered a SAA clone? That is a superior single action revolver. Around here it is the top choice for cowboy action games.

 

[Wyo]

I have a pair of the USFA Rodeo II’s (brushed nickel finish). I also have a number of Colt SAA’s, 2nd and 3rd generation. The actions on the USFA’s are considerably better than the Colts, both lighter and smoother, and the fit and finish on the USFA’s are at least as good as the 2nd gen. Colts and better than my 3rds. I was very sorry when I heard they had gone out of business.

 

[6string]

USFA: None Better!!

I first saw and heard of USFA at the 1999 NRA Convention in Charlotte, NC. My focus was on bullseye shooting and 1911s, so the Rock River, Les Baer, and Jim Clark booths got my attention.

But, I stumbled on the USFA booth.... I'd handled lots of Colt SAAs, and shot a few, plus some knock-offs. The USFA was simply stunning: unbelievable smoothness of operation, perfect fitting, and gorgeous finishes. I fell in love with them.

They later operated a great website and forum. I lurked and drooled. Then, they had a Christmas special, the year before they shut down. My wife ordered me a USFA Premium in 45 Colt with ACP cylinder. That is, she picked up the phone and called them, telling them just what she wanted for me: 5 1/2" Barrel, case hardened finish, etc. There were many other options: Black Powder frame, Calvary models, Bisleys, Flat Top targets, plus finish, grip and engraving options.
The Premium was generally not a stocking dealer item like the Rodeo was. They had to be ordered individually. When you placed an order, a serial number is assigned to you and the gun. Completion times were running about 3 months.
I remember having a couple conversations with them over the phone. They were very friendly.
If your idea of single action perfection is in William Mason's original patent from July 2nd, 1872, then arguably, the USFA Premium is the finest realization of that design. Every part was fabricated in house, machined from tool steel or forgings using CNC machinery, but with the final degree left to the handwork of artisans.
If you're a serious reloader and revolver shooter, you know how important bore and throat dimensions are to accurate shooting. A USFA will not disappoint! Every one I have seen or heard about in this regard is spot on specification.
Initially, I was favoring the 44 Special with auxiliary 44/40 cylinder. But, that can be problematic. USFA stuck to .429" bores and, I believe, .430" throats. (I prefer the .431-.432" bores/throats common to early S&Ws, with molds to match).
For a USFA in 45 Colt/ACP .452" is your key to cast bullet nirvana.
While they are obviously beautiful, take them to the range and you'll really appreciate them.

Just my opinion, but Colt never made a SAA to the tolerances of a USFA, and that's not even talking about the comparitive quality of raw materials.

Jim

 

[Walter Rego]

I have three of the USFA Single Actions. A 7.5" in .45 Colt with an extra .45 ACP cylinder, and a pair of .44-40's, one in 4.75" and the other in 7.5" which also has the optional one piece walnut stocks. All are beautifully fit and finished. The .45 gun has cylinder throats that measure .451 with both cylinders and gaps that measure .002" & .003", and the .44-40 guns both have .427" cylinder throats and gaps of .003" & .007".
I wish the company were still in business, I would have added a few more variations to my collection. One of the most striking USFA's I saw was for sale at an LGS a couple of years ago. It was a Sheriff's Model with a 3" barrel and no ejector rod in .45 Colt and fitted with a Bisley hammer. They wanted $2500 for it which was out of the question. If it had been $1500 I would have bought it on the spot.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Is the Ruger Vaquero not considered a SAA clone? That is a superior single action revolver. Around here it is the top choice for cowboy action games.

Technically, the Ruger Vaqueros are not clones. While externally they are similar, the actions are quite different, and they are loaded/unloaded differently. Just opening the loading gate allows cylinder spinning. Unfortunately, the chambers do not line up with "rotate a click and reverse slightly." This really slows case ejection particularly.

I have two Vaqueros and have modified them with a Ron Power kit that allows them to be loaded and unloaded from half-cock and the original alignment feature. That satisfies the main beef I have with them.

John

 

[krsmith58]

SAA Copies

i have a Taurus Gaucho . not in the same category as the ones posted but i really like it . took it in a trade and seldom make a trip to the range for revolver shooting that it doesn't come along . a lot of fun to shoot and looks great too . 357 but I've only shot 38 specials through it . Kenny , Mauriceville texas ,USA

 

[glenwolde]

My favorite was the Hammerli-made Interarms Virginian, not the later Virginian Dragoon that was made in the U.S.. How Interarms talked Hammerli into building a single action revolver is beyond me.

You can spot them by their bright nickel grip frame.

 

[crsides]

I have a 1926 Colt SAA 5 1/2" and a Uberti Cimarron 5 1/2" P model. I can't tell much difference, except the colt has stag grips and the Cimarron one piece wood. Never handle the USFA version, but I am pleased with the Cimarron, both quality and price, which was $400 brand spanking new.

 

[Xfuzz]

Colt SAA is my favorite revolver.
I had a USFA in the Storekeepers configuration.
4" with no ejector rod. Hands down best Clone.
Better than many of the 1980's era Colt SAA.

Wish I had kept it.

I stumbled up on this in Cabela's of all places.
Box and Glass case with both cylinders.
When asked what the stocks were made of they said
did not know.
Paid the tariff and took a chance....they are ivory.