USFA to make pre-war N frame?

[ladder13]

Anyone hear the rumor that USFA was going to produce these revolvers? In case some are unaware, USFA makes fine Colt replica's,some say better than Colt originals.

Mike
SWCA 1975

 

[ladder13]

Anyone hear the rumor that USFA was going to produce these revolvers? In case some are unaware, USFA makes fine Colt replica's,some say better than Colt originals.

Mike
SWCA 1975

 

[10-12]

Mike,

You certainly have my attention. If the Liberal Democrats get their "assault" weapons ban back into place, it would certainly be a good time to introduce new revolvers. Pre-war N frames would have a ready audience.

Bill

 

[Grayfox]

I've also heard this rumor, but have been unable to verify it. If its true I wonder which models and what the price will be?

 

[Stophel]

While it would be absolutely fantastic to see a brand new .44 Special Triplelock, I seriously don't think you're EVER going to see that happen. Not only just for the pragmatic reason that they simply would not sell well (and even though every one on this board might want one, we don't exactly constitute a large market), but they may or may not have copyright problems with S&W.

I think the Remington replicas that they are doing now are in the region of $1500-$2000. I could imagine that a DA S&W replica would be rather more...

 

[Onomea]

I, too, question whether there is a market for it. I think most of us would prefer to just buy a prewar N-frame rather than a good copy.

Heck, if you want it to look new, you could buy an original with a worn finish and refinish it for less than a new reproduction of any quality would cost.

 

[sjmjax]

The Shot Show is now only a few weeks away.

Maybe we'll get a first hand report on USFA's intentions. Perhaps some pictures of early production samples???

 

[Hondo44]

Originally posted by Onomea:
I, too, question whether there is a market for it. I think most of us would prefer to just buy a prewar N-frame rather than a good copy.

Heck, if you want it to look new, you could buy an original with a worn finish and refinish it for less than a new reproduction of any quality would cost.

Onomea,
I agree with you about the probable lack of market. However, since S&W will not refinish prewar guns any longer, it could be tough to get that quality refinish and if one could, at what cost? Not to mention the wait and hassle of shipping. Also, the modern metalurgy would be the greatest benefit in my view.
As an owner of USFA guns, I can vouch for their superior quality, fit and finish.

 

[ladder13]

Originally posted by Hondo44:
As an owner of USFA guns, I can vouch for their superior quality, fit and finish.

USFA takes a backseat to no one in regards to the quality of their firearms.Ask anyone who owns one of their SAA or 1911's.Some say their guns are better than,or on par with, even the 1st Gen Colts. If they were to make a Triple Lock, I'd be first in line, or a 38-44 for that matter.

Mike
SWCA 1975

 

[twomoons]

mike,
a 38-44 for me also

 

[moosedog]

Make mine a Triple Lock Target in 5 inch with a Gold Bead front sight.

 

[swca1000]

I'll take a "registered" .44 special with 5" barrel, and McGivern gold bead front sight, and humpback hammer.

 

[Hussygun]

Would indeed be cool gun i am sure ,but i agree with others above. will many want to pay say in the 2K or plus range for a clone?
USFA co does make nice SAA copies. i had a couple of them in the past pass through my hands. fit and finish were great. one thing i did notice when holding one next to a first gen colt. the USFA guns seemed larger. not much grant you , but i could tell something was not quite the same. i took a dial caliper and did some checking. sure enough, the cylinder, frame opening, frame itself were all larger. cyl was + .025 as was frame opening. this bugged me some so i tried another 1st gen gun and check that. the two colts were much closer to each other. within .005. may be with USFA`s newer production, this is not the case anymore ? the closest SSA clone for size to 1st gen colts i have found to be is Pietta mfg.

 

[wilshire1412]

I don't see how any company could do an accurate reproduction of the pre war revolver and keep it under $2K if they want to be profitable. There was much more individual effort put into these in the old days than anything built now, basically like every one was a custom piece with the attention that was given. It takes a skilled individual to do the type of work that would be required to really make one the right way, and of course this equals time and time equals money. I think the real draw to this if USFA were to produce an N frame revolver would be the ability to get what you want built for you, I like the idea of having a 4 inch .44 with fixed sights and a gold bead front, and the humpback hammer along with a really good set of repro pre war magna grips and a replica grip adapter. I might consider paying the price for this as an original in brand new condition would be worth a small fortune and NEVER get fired. I hope they do it!

 

[Wyatt Burp]

Look at the prices of thier 1911's! I'm sure they are fantastic, but jeez! They don't say Colt on them. I just bought a 1911 parts gun here in Ca. for $500. I got it because it had an original Colt pre-1918 slide.It's super tight and not as nice as the USAF guns but at least it says Colt on it. And I could actually afford it. Same logic with S&W replicas.

 

[TN RAT]

As I understand it USFA has never followed through with the catalog offering of the, IIRC the name, Shootist model in various barrel lengths with fixed and adjustable sights, and also with lanyard rings.

I would buy up two or three of those in 44 Special, but they have never been manufactured to my knowledge due to the popularity of the SAA.

I love their SAA in 44 special, but they missed the mark for a beautiful trail gun in 38 Special with all that extra metal. Unfortunately, every single SAA made today is geared towards the cowboy action competitions, and not towards what people actually like to carry.

 

[ladder13]

I have a couple Colts myself, and THEY are overpriced. Bought the Colts because everyone said "you have to have the original"

My 3rd Gen SAA(at $1200) was sent back to the factory twice, once for a bad finish, and then for damage caused at the factory(resulting in it being replaced).My Series 80 Gov't Model had about a 90lb trigger pull until a facory authorized gunsmith smoothed it out. I am not impressed with Colt.
Non other than Doug Turnbull himself uses USFA, that's enough endorsement for me. ymmv.

Mike
SWCA 1975

 

[Frank from jersey]

You can't beat USFA for special orders on SAA's
these are two that I ordered through Gary Granger in their Custom Order Department. Like the good old days at Colt they'll almost do anything.

 

[MBaneACP]

Last time I was at the factory they were talking about a Colt New Service Target Model in .45 Colt. i said I'd put the money down on the spot for a .44 Special version. Would be seriously pricey...

Michael B