Colt SAA

[Drm50]

Normally don't stray from S&Ws but have been watching for a deal on a Colt SAA. Preferably 2nd Gen in 44sp or 45C with 4 1/2" barrel. I really didn't want a commemorative model but this 45 WVa with 5 1/2" barrel popped up. Gun is unfired but has blem in blue at muzzel on left side. I haven't had a Colt SAA since 70s.
Going to shoot this dude just for grins. I'm sure I'll run into a West Virginian with a 4 1/2" that will swap. Suppose to only be 600 made. Should be about as rare over there as a woman with all 32 of her teeth.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

From what I have seen over the years, the various commemoratives seldom command the value of a standard production SAA in very good-plus condition. There seems to be a modest demand from collectors specializing in the commemoratives, but far greater demand for the standard models.

There are probably exceptions, but that has been my observation.

 

[TheHobbyist]

Drm50, that's great to hear you got something you wanted for a while. Will be fun to plink with!

Now you just need to find a Cheyenne drop-belt holster.

Congrats again on a classic

 

[lestert357]

Those are beautiful guns. Every one I have seen has a 5 1/2" barrel with pearlite grips as pictured below…..

 

[Ruger 13]

Even rarer with a 4 1/2 inch barrel, I think you mean 4 3/4!

 

[bigmoose]

That's a beauty. Congrats.

 

[NRA-Life-Member]

Very nice!

 

[mauser9]

Awesome DRM. Am envious! Always wanted one along with a replica 1873 Winchester. looks like a beauty.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Colt aficionados consider these to be "contrived collectibles" and outside of a few commemoratives won't pay much for them and when they do they generally shoot them and let the gold gilt or whatever adorns them wear off. These guns are considered bargain Single Action Army revolvers.

Colt has produced so many commemoratives over the years they've tended to mean little. Commemoratives made for organizations tend to hold value only for those members of the organization. The same goes for those made for states.

Some do carry some considerable value but they're few and far between. I own two Colt John Wayne commemoratives as well as two Winchester John Wayne commemoratives...but I'm less concerned about value (which they have held...maybe some appreciation) than the connection to the Duke.

 

[444 Magnum]

I agree with Snidely and Lobo on collector value. But if you want a pretty gun for not as much money, the commemoratives can provide that. I have a friend who buys the Uberti remakes and loves having a modern manufactured replica.

As far as the Duke, I know the commemorative Winchester John Wayne ammo still continues to do well.

Congrats on a nice find!

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Now...engraved SAAs are something else altogether. While I'm not big on embellishments I've seen some SAAs and other guns that are simply stunning and really bring some value to them. The difference is usually whether they were engraved by the factory or aftermarket. If by the factory...value depends on whether the engraving was done by a journeyman or a known master engraver. If done aftermarket...value is still enhanced if done by a master.

A lot of folks look down on laser engraved guns...but there's some nice ones out there and for much less cost than old time engraving. I have one done that way...bought it for very short money NIB in an auction and haven't complained about it at all.

They can make for a fine barbecue gun.

 

[Xfuzz]

Nice Colt SAA.
1978 Colt engraved SAA....strapped with ivory.
Owned this one for near 30 years.
I pack it on opening week of Texas deer season.
Shown with El Paso Saddlery floral shoulder rig.

 

[Geronimo Jim]

I love Colt SAA's. Have first, second and third gen guns. I
shoot a pair of second gen's every weekend from March through
November. Enjoy your new Colt.

 

[Drm50]

When you can get a 2nd Gen SAA for same or less as a spaghetti gun it's a no brainer.

 

[LostintheOzone]

Many Colt SAA revolvers and Winchester rifles were made as commemoratives to appeal to boomers.

Who else is going to buy those? Collectors don't want them as they're all newer production.

Good opportunity to get a Colt or Winchester to shoot for a discount if you can stand the bling.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

I'd want the Colt/Winchester set where each has genuine ivory stocks. The set is stunning.

 

[Drm50]

Many Colt SAA revolvers and Winchester rifles were made as commemoratives to appeal to boomers.

Who else is going to buy those? Collectors don't want them as they're all newer production.

Good opportunity to get a Colt or Winchester to shoot for a discount if you can stand the bling.

I've been watching for a Colt SAA for several years. The bulk on the market are 3rd Gen 7" commemoratives. I never wanted any bling and not 7". Still these guns sell for in $2k range NIB. A standard SAA will be $2k plus. Around my area you don't see many Colt SAA standards at shows. There is no shortage of both Winchester 94 and Colt SAA Commemoratives. Most of the guys that buy them don't shoot. They go into shock when you mention
shooting.
I've traded a gun or two and everyone who shoots is not a gun collector. I live close to WVa and am over there often. I'm sure there is a Drug Store Cowboy over there that would love to have a WVa. Colt. As back up on anything out of the ordinary I buy is the ability to break even.