Real quick question is 1980 an okay year for Colt SAA 3rd gens? I have heard you want to avoid 1983 through 1986 as these were the pre-strike and strike years however 1980 I have heard is OK by some but wanted to check here as I trust your opinions here over other Internet opinions.

I have heard that before...however, I have experience with a SAA from that era. Never an issue of any kinds. Beautifully finished, mechanically sound and accurate to POA with 255 grain lead...

rick

Good to know. I wish I could examine it as it is online. I have heard that cylinder shake is common and flattened hammer spurs among other things are common.

Also is it really desirebale to get a gen with the removable cylinder bushing pin? This one has a fixed apparently and people tend to frown on those. Not sure why.

LincolnSixEcho,
I don't know if you ever visit the Hickok45 website. He has done several videos on the Colt SAA, and he owns all three generations. He discusses these very subjects.

https://www.youtube.com/user/h...earch?query=Colt+SAA

^^^^^yeag I have seen nearly all of his vids. Can’t remember if he said anything about the cylinder bushing pin or not. Will have to look back.

This might help..

Myself, I would look for 1999 on with the removable bushing..

---------------------------------------

3rd Generation Colt Dates of Manufacturing Updated to 2012

Serial number at the beginning of the year.

1976 80000SA
1977 82000SA
1978 90500SA - 99999SA - SA01001
1979 SA13000
1980 SA30250
1981 SA46900
1982 SA58628
1983 SA65256
1984 SA66496
1985 SA70500
1986 Not Available - Factory Strike
1987 SA70813
1988 SA71464 - SA72269 SA90136 - SA94433
1989 SA94434
1990 Not Available Most from existing frames.
1991 SA94673 9mm and Birdshead grip frame introduced. New Blue Box with White Shell introduced.
1992 SA96588 Long Flute Cylinders introduced.
1993 SA99879 - SA99999 "SA changed to "SxxxxxA".
S02001A - S07005A .38-40 introduced.
1994 S07006A Screwless frame introduced.
1995 S10123A
1996 S12560A
1997 S15886A
1998 S21569A
1999 S26457A Cylinders with removable bushing re-introduced.
FT00001 Colt Cowboy introduced.
2000 S29100A
2001 S31500A
2002 S33400A
2003 S34000A .38 special reintroduced (S34600A). 2nd Gen. removable bushing re-introduced.
2004 S34500A Late December Shipments of re-intrtoduced .32/20
2005 S38000A
2006 S41300A
2007 S42900A & S53000A (out of sequence due to two different vendors for frames)
2008 S48100A & S57300A (out of sequence continues)Etched Panel re-introduced on .44-40.
2009 S48300A & S57300A
2010 S49000A & S64000A (out of sequence continues)Nickel Plated .44-40 etched panel introduced)
2011 S48000A and S65000A (out of sequence con't.) 175th Anniversary SAA produced in 3 barrel lengths)

---------------------------------------

I've owned about 15 3rd Gen SAAs in various configurations, and the consistency of workmanship is horrible. You may have one that is excellent, while one that is close to the same serial number range will have poor fit of the trigger guard and backstrap to the frame and wallowed-out polishing of the frame around screw holes. Some have rounded edges that should be sharp and sharp edges that should be rounded, again due to poor metal finishing. There's a reason that polishers were the most senior and skilled workmen in the old days.

I've also had a couple that had horrible barrel throats that needed to be recut. These problems exist from the circa 1976 reintroduction through the 1990s. The one "4th Gen" I've owned (the type with the removable cylinder base pin bushing) was superb. It was a 4.75-inch .32-20, and compared favorably to a friend's circa 1920 Abercrombie & Fitch gun in the same configuration.

If you know what right looks like, I'd be hesitant to buy a 3rd Gen without handling it unless you have really good photos and a money-back guarantee. The removable bushing is nice from a historical authenticity standpoint but adds nothing to shooting. You ARE more likely to get a gun with better finishing if you go for a later / removable bushing gun.

I'd rather buy 3 Rugers for the same price.

quote:

Originally posted by Rolan_Kraps:
I'd rather buy 3 Rugers for the same price.

Although not "authentic" Colt, one's money might be better spent on a used USFA SAA or new Standard Manufacturing SAA.

Yeah perhaps I’ll stick with my original plan to find a nice second gen or just order a new one and wait the year plus.

quote:

Originally posted by Rolan_Kraps:
I'd rather buy 3 Rugers for the same price.

WHY do the Ruger Fanboys ALWAYS have to comment on a NON RUGER thread? The title is COLT SAA's. The discussion IS Colt SAA's.

Next thing this guy will tell us is he has the Ruger logo in a Tattoo someplace! Sheesh.

quote:

Originally posted by GaryBF:
Although not "authentic" Colt, one's money might be better spent on a used USFA SAA or new Standard Manufacturing SAA.

the Uberti's sold by Taylors are very nice,
sold a couple in the past year,

still, a Colt is a Colt, everyone should have one

I own a few Colt SAAs and, personally, I would go for the Second Generation or the Forth Generation Colt SAA. there are good Third Gen Colts out there, but there are some real "stinkers" out there also.....and they are the same price!!

quote:

Originally posted by lyman:
a Colt is a Colt, everyone should have one

Well said!

quote:

Originally posted by FN in MT:

WHY do the Ruger Fanboys ALWAYS have to comment on a NON RUGER thread? The title is COLT SAA's. The discussion IS Colt SAA's.

Just lucky that you have friends looking out for your best interests!

Oh and...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Rolan_Kraps,

quote:

Originally posted by Rolan_Kraps:

quote:

Originally posted by FN in MT:

WHY do the Ruger Fanboys ALWAYS have to comment on a NON RUGER thread? The title is COLT SAA's. The discussion IS Colt SAA's.

Just lucky that you have friends looking out for your best interests!

Oh and...

Merry Christmas back at Ya.

I wanted you to post your Tat. I get a kick out of it.