RonJ, I neglected to answer your question of whether the Colt Cowoby is becoming collectible; the answer is no, and it would be a very poor investment. You could very well even lose money on it. For some reason (probably because the word "Colt" is stamped on them and molded into the cheap plastic grips) they are priced way more than they are worth, but word is out that they are clunkers and most folks are passing on them.
The best SAA (and closest to original) is built by USFA, and is a near clone of the original in every way. The cost, of course, reflects that very high standard of quality. They are made in the old Colt factory in Connecticut, if that matters.
The Uberti imported and sold by Cimarron (manufactured by Uberti to Cimarron's specs) is a cost effective alternative to the USFA. Their standard model has a slightly better fit and finish than other Italian or Spanish makers and importers, even other Uberti manufactured guns imported by others. With the Cimarron (and some models of other importers' guns) you get the "four clicks" when cocking the gun, like the original, since the design is the same.
The Beretta Stampede bears little resemblance to the original Colt, other than appearance, even though Beretta owns Uberti.
