Dilemma renewed-Colt or USFA

[guzzijohn]

As some of you may recall I posted awhile back concerning which to buy in .45 SA. I was really leaning toward the USFA due to hearing about inconsistencies with the Colts. In the current issue of GUNS Taffin tried out three new Colts, 44/40, 38/40, and 32/20. He said that Colt has replaced worn machine equipment. He was impressed in every way with the three and he said that he is going to buy two of the three that he tested. Said fit and finish, lock up, etc. was excellent on all three and all shot 1 1/4-1 3/4 inch groups at 20 yards. Now I feel like I am back to square one on my decision. If I wasn't so damn cheap I would buy both.
GuzziJohn

[Ken ONeill]

If you ride a Moto Guzzi, you probably want the Colt.

[guzzijohn]

Quote from Ken O'Neill:

If you ride a Moto Guzzi, you probably want the Colt.

Ah!, young grasshopper you seem familiar with Guzzi culture. Unusual on this site, well for that matter most sites. Mine is a 76 T-3.

[Bigeasy]

My 2 cents-

I have a 2nd and a 3rd generation Colt S/A's.  Both are nice, but not as well made or accurate as my USFA .44spl. SAA.  I have heard the same good reviews of new Colt S/A's, though I can not see them being any better then the USFA guns.  The Turnbull case colors on the USFA's is beautiful, as is the fit and blueing.  All else being equal, the USFA guns are a lot less expensive, about $925 compered to about $1300 or so.  The difference in price would go a long way towards buying some nice leather and other necessities.  So it really comes down to what the Colt name is worth to you.  If I were you, I would go to a gun shop that carries both, and look for your self before deciding on which.  There really is no bad choice between the two.

By the way, that's a nice bike.  Back in the late 80's I looked at a yellow Guzzi sports model.  Almost bought it, but my HD bias just runs too deep, I guess..lol

My two favorite woods carry guns shown below-

Larry

[guzzijohn]

Bigeasy,
Nice revolvers! Is your USFA a Jim Finch model? How does it shoot POA? In Taffin's article one of the Colts was shooting two inches to the left. However, with pistols it is hard to guess when someone else is shooting how much is the gun and how much is the shooter. Thanks for the comments on the Guzzi. They sure are a conversation piece as you cannot hardly ever stop for gas, etc. without someone coming up and looking and asking about it. You should have bought the sport!
GuzziJohn

[oregoncoyote]

buy colt for the name.

buy USFA for the quality.

i find that either brand often have to be returned for regulating sights. such is life.

or buy your USFA from Jim Finch at LHSS. then ask that he check the regulation and fix it if necessary. when buying a USFA, jim is the man to order from.

if interested, you might also enjoy checking out the threads over at USFA Forum: http://forum.usfirearms.com/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=1

.

[guzzijohn]

Organcoyote,
Thanks for the USFA link, I was not aware of it. If I buy the USFA I plan to get it through Jim.
GuzziJohn

[Frank V]

One SA Colt, two SAs, Colt 1st USFA 2nd.  The new Colts are good guns.
Frank

[gcrank1]

I ran Guzzi's for 30+ yrs: used to be in MGNOC and did Manhatten serveral times: probably met you.
'71 Ambassador
'72 Eldo
'73 Eldo
'75 T
'76 T-3 (wifes)
'78 Le Mans (130+mph stock out of the box back then!!!)
Just sold the last of them, '73 Eldorado, 2yrs ago (To much pain in me and flaky responses)
Sorry for the 'jack' guys, forgive me........
To get back on track, I'd go with the USAF unless a Colt's came along like 44 Man's did. Like the Guzzi, a lot of a good thing for a better price than the 'competition'.