Colt SAA arrived

[JohnRippert]

The SAA that I won on Gunbroker arrived Monday at my FFL. Between my work schedule Monday and his on Tuesday it was lasat night before I could pick it up. Worth the wait though. All I can say is "Oh, My!"

It has been fired and there are a couple very small light scratches on the cylinder, likely it was set down on a surface that had some kind of particles on it. As you will see in the pics, they do not show up except when very close.

I have never held a SAA before and the only things I had to compare it to are my BP Pietta 1860 Army clone(Hah), and the Ruger Blackhawk .357 I used to own in the '90s. It is amazing how easy it cocks, smooooth as buttah. The trigger is crisp, clean and surprises you with the break. I have not weighed it yet but it feels closer to 4lb than 5. The fit and finish are superb. The color case hardening is excellent. There is one slight gap in the grip frame to frame fit on the left side by the grips. Other than that it is perfect. I love the solid click as you rotate the cylinder to load.

A previous owner must have filled in the Colt trademark with crayon or paint of some kind. It has been partially removed but I would like to get it cleaned out. If anyone knows a good way to do so that is easy on the gun I would appreciate it.

I had one interesting moment that turned out pretty funny. I loaded some .38 Special snap caps to test the trigger. As I was filling the chambers one of the caps needed a push to seat. All the rest just fell right in. When I was unloading it I turned it up and 5 of the caps just fell right out. The last had to be ejected. When it came out there was a surprise.

It was obviously stored where a little 8 legged friend could get to it. All six chambers work fine now.

I am really looking forward to getting my El Paso Saddlery Rio Grande rig in to hold this fine six gun. I have no problem saying that I am VERY satisfied with it and I am glad I went for Colt instead of a clone.

I have bigger pics and if anyone would like them just PM me a email address.

 

[DocB]

That's a nice one. I nearly sprung for one about 8 years ago for $1500, but held back. Will get one someday. Everybody needs at least one of those in 45 Long Colt.

 

[Watchdog]

The SAA that I won on Gunbroker arrived Monday at my FFL. Between my work schedule Monday and his on Tuesday it was lasat night before I could pick it up. Worth the wait though. All I can say is "Oh, My!"

It's a beauty for sure. I believe you can count on one hand the handguns that have the lore and mystique of a Colt Single Action revolver.

Even when just holding one, you feel as though you should be on the frontier somewhere.

 

[walkinghorse]

OH MY!!!!!!!!!!

 

[JohnRippert]

That's a nice one. I nearly sprung for one about 8 years ago for $1500, but held back. Will get one someday. Everybody needs at least one of those in 45 Long Colt.

I just could not make myself add another caliber to the stable, and with all my Model 19's I do plenty of .357

This one was $1290 shipped and transferred. The 3rd generation Colts do not seem to be as high at this time.


There is just something about a color case hardened frame with blued barrel and cylinder.

 

[vonn]

Nice,very nice!

 

[Wyatt Burp]

Congradulations! It's a true classic and my all time favorite gun. You got a good one. If you ever need to replace any of the three springs I have a great source for you.

 

[JohnRippert]

I pulled out the RCBS gauge and the trigger is lighter than I thought. It breaks right at 3lb.

 

[chief38]

The best way to remove all traces of paint in the engraving is with a soft toothbrush and Hoppes. Zippo lighter fluid also works.

I've owned a set since the 80's and used them for 20 years to shoot S.A.S.S. matches. They are quite accurate, easily serviced and very easy to tune. Enjoy them - they are quite addicting and I also have a set in Nickel.

 

[824tsv]

Another option for removing the previous owner applied colouring is to use some nail polish remover (acetone). Nice SAA!

 

[chief38]

Nail polish remover (Acetone) could also possibly remove the clear lacquer coating that SOME of the SAA's have. Just so you are aware. Earlier Colts did not have a Factory clear coat protecting the case colors and so that would not be a concern. I do not know about the OP personal gun.

 

[apollo99]

Nice ,very nice. I had two consecutive serial # in 45 Colt. Sold them to put windows in my old Farmhouse. I regretted it ever since. Enjoy that Colt, you are holding a "legend".

 

[mojave30cal]

I use Mineral Oil to remove that white crayon stuff used to
fill in the lettering. It won't hurt the finish, but you may have
to soak the area especially if the crayon material has been
there a while.

 

[29aholic]

Nail polish remover (Acetone) could also possibly remove the clear lacquer coating that SOME of the SAA's have. Just so you are aware. Earlier Colts did not have a Factory clear coat protecting the case colors and so that would not be a concern. I do not know about the OP personal gun.

That was applied with a Bonanza Gold Fill kit. Part of the process is cleaning the area with acetone before and after the fill, so acetone has already been there.

 

[29aholic]

Just in case you don't know the SAA loading routine.
Load the first round, skip the next chamber, then load the rest. When you load the last round, close the gate and bring the hammer to full cock. It is now on the empty chamber when you let the hammer back down.