Author Topic: SAA clones in .45 Colt...so many choices (Read 3029 times)

azmark · « **on:** June 06, 2009, 05:44:22 PM »

What kind of insight can y'all give me into how different brands of SAA clones in .45 Colt compare? There's Beretta, Uberti, Taylor's, Cimarron, Ruger Vaquero, Taurus....I'd like to hear about general quality, accuracy, etc.

I think standard pressure loads will do anything I want to do, so the ability to handle hotter loads is not really an issue.

torpedoman · « **Reply #1 on:** June 06, 2009, 06:29:37 PM »

hawes, german made and a quality pistol that will shoot any cowboy or modern load you want to put through it.

azmark · « **Reply #2 on:** June 06, 2009, 07:03:11 PM »

I did a search, but couldn't find any place that sells them. I have never heard of Hawes.

teamnelson · « **Reply #3 on:** June 06, 2009, 07:16:41 PM »

You might look at EMF; their 1873 Hartford comes in a lot of varieties.

azmark · « **Reply #4 on:** June 06, 2009, 07:38:04 PM »

Their website's down. Bummer. I have to say that the Beretta Stampede in blue really is good-looking.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #5 on:** June 07, 2009, 01:01:41 AM »

usfa makes the best. The uberti taylor cimmiron and i believe emf are all made by uberti and are all fine guns.

xd45nut · « **Reply #6 on:** June 07, 2009, 04:53:23 AM »

check this out:
http://www.gunblast.com/WBell_HeritageBigBore.htm

xd45nut · « **Reply #7 on:** June 07, 2009, 04:59:51 AM »

Quote from: Lloyd Smale on June 07, 2009, 01:01:41 AM

usfa makes the best.

+1 for USFA and Freedom Arms makes a great product too:

http://www.freedomarms.com/

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #8 on:** June 07, 2009, 05:14:44 AM »

I don't know what your price range is, or what kind of stickler you are for authenticity.

Check out a colt cowboy. It has a transfer bar system so it is a little different than a traditional saa but it's a colt and you can get them for a lot less.

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #9 on:** June 07, 2009, 05:21:43 AM »

I just checked gunsamerica and the prices on them have gone up a bit. Still 400 bucks less than a saa. Here's mine.

azmark · « **Reply #10 on:** June 07, 2009, 07:16:36 AM »

I've been reading reviews this morning. I read the Heritage Big Bore review at gunblast, plus one on the Ruger New Vaquero and the Beretta Stampede. I've actually handled the Heritage at a local gunshop, and it was much nicer than the price would lead you to believe. I also checked out a Stampede in Tucson last year, and it was gorgeous.

If I can pull off getting one of these things, it'll be fun working on loads for it.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #11 on:** June 07, 2009, 07:28:10 AM »

Quote from: Lloyd Smale on June 07, 2009, 01:01:41 AM

usfa makes the best. The uberti taylor cimmiron and i believe emf are all made by uberti and are all fine guns.

+1 on what Lloyd said! I've got 2 Uberti's and they are fine, but if I was to ever get another SAA it would be a USFA, no question.

jimster · « **Reply #12 on:** June 07, 2009, 07:42:50 AM »

+ 3 on USFA and then Uberti. With a USFA you will probably get a nice tight smooth well timed single action that is exactly like a Colt and probably shoots to point of aim with standard loads. Uberti's I have owned are good guns in general and may be more hit and miss on some things, but are very servicable and they have been in the business for a long time. You would not be sorry with a USFA if your looking for a clone.

azmark · « **Reply #13 on:** June 07, 2009, 07:57:39 AM »

I've been going through the archives at gunblast. The did a review of the USFA Rodeo, and it was a very favorable review. Looks like current prices are less than $500 new. I've also been on another forum where a guy was telling me that the quality of Uberti has gotten better since being bought by Beretta. I also noticed their prices have gone up, too. Don't know if costs went up or if it's the 'Obama effect' due to increased demand.

teamnelson · « **Reply #14 on:** June 07, 2009, 08:06:51 AM »

Ruger, FA, and BFR aren't exactly clones though, while uberti/emf/Taurus/berretta/cimmarron are. Do you plan on shooting CAS or SASS? That could limit the field. EMF has been very good for me, case hardened frames look right in my eyes and normal loads work great. I'm only letting go of my sherriff's model because I need something else. EMF levers are awesome too.

azmark · « **Reply #15 on:** June 07, 2009, 08:27:10 AM »

No, no cowboy action for me. I'm much more likely to try and shoot one of them there jackalopes like in your avatar

Mostly paper punching and the occasional rattlesnake murder, actually.

For those reloaders here, who makes good Keith-style bullets for the .45?

jimster · « **Reply #16 on:** June 07, 2009, 08:50:30 AM »

Beartooth makes a good Keith style in 265 grain, but lots of others do to. I like Beartooth because they can make the diameter you need too. Not real cheap but they are good bullets.

There is a USFA Rodeo in .45 that has been sitting down at the local gunshop for a long time now, used, matt finish, just one little scratch on the cylinder did not look like it had been shot much and real tight action. I think they had $460 on it and it has the CCH hammer which is not standard anymore. If it sits there much longer I might have to buy it and antique it by scrubing off some of the finish. I read on here where it looks pretty neat to steel wool off the finish and leave the low spots dark. Then I could have one with CCH frame and one that looks really used. Cheaper than buying one antiqued too.

xd45nut · « **Reply #17 on:** June 07, 2009, 11:21:14 AM »

Quote from: azmark on June 07, 2009, 08:27:10 AM

No, no cowboy action for me. I'm much more likely to try and shoot one of them there jackalopes like in your avatar

Mostly paper punching and the occasional rattlesnake murder, actually.

For those reloaders here, who makes good Keith-style bullets for the .45?

This one is a bit pricey but it may be the best for hunting:
http://www.magnumresearch.com/Expand.asp?ProductCode=BFR45LC-410

azmark · « **Reply #18 on:** June 07, 2009, 11:44:58 AM »

Pricey is right!! That reminds me that my wife wants a Taurus Judge; same concept only not so nicely done.

teamnelson · « **Reply #19 on:** June 07, 2009, 02:12:51 PM »

If no CAS, then I'd go Ruger, BFR, FA in order of price. Check the GBO classifieds too.

I prefer the Ruger Bisley but have owned and shot versions from all 3. Strong, reliable actions all around.

Autorim · « **Reply #20 on:** June 07, 2009, 04:11:14 PM »

For your stated purposes, I vote for the Ruger Bisley. The Bisley grip handles recoil better, gives you better control and you get adjustable sights. If you want to upgrade, send it to Alan Harton for trigger job and patridge front sight. There is no disputing that USFA makes a great revolver that appears to be historically accurate in detail. A Ruger in stainless steel is hard to beat in the field.

Look for one of the 5.5 inch Acusport models. IMHO the 5.5 is the best for field work. Mine are all very accurate - and the Harton trigger with stop is superb.

m-g Willy · « **Reply #21 on:** June 08, 2009, 08:29:54 AM »

Uberti Hartford model.
Or the USAF if you want to spend at least 2x as much.

Bart Solo · « **Reply #22 on:** June 08, 2009, 11:46:03 AM »

I would go with Ruger, but remember the New Vaquero is not as big or strong as the old Vaquero. It is in a class with the SAA or it's clones. I was at a SASS event yesterday and somebody commented that it must have been Ruger day because they were out in force.

The big reason to buy Ruger is the transfer bar that would allow you to carry 6 rounds safely. The SAA clones are generally unsafe with 6 pills in the cylinder, especially if you are tromping in the woods.

Bart Solo · « **Reply #23 on:** June 08, 2009, 12:04:23 PM »

By the way I am looking at the current EMF catalog. They are currently selling F.LLI Pietta's guns. They call their SAA clone an 1873 Great Western II. The less expensive pistols are called the "Californian" and their higher end models are calld the "Alchimsta." They are still selling Model 1892 rifles under the name Hartford.

For those of you who are history buffs Great Western was the name of an early SAA clone. Matt Dillon's famous six gun was actually a Great Western.

Autorim · « **Reply #24 on:** June 08, 2009, 03:06:06 PM »

If you want an authentically styled repro, there are lots of options. If you want a sturdy, safe field gun with adjustable sights - you probably want a Ruger.

azmark · « **Reply #25 on:** June 08, 2009, 03:47:16 PM »

I really love the SAA, but I have to admit: there's just something about a Blackhawk.

azmark · « **Reply #26 on:** June 08, 2009, 04:48:05 PM »

Since so many of you shoot these guns, I'd like to ask how difficult it is in general to find a load that shoots to point of aim. Are they designed to shoot to POA with the 'standard' .45 Colt load? I guess that would be a 255 gr lead bullet at a MV of about 850-900 fps, right?

Autorim · « **Reply #27 on:** June 08, 2009, 05:29:28 PM »

azmark,

You are pretty much right on. But, in one of my .45 Ruger Bisleys I can shoot 200 grain bullets and a lighter load of Trail Boss and shoot to nearly the same POA as my heavier hunting load - close enough for practice at closer ranges.

For general purpose, IMHO you need adjustable sights. Also, the rounded sights of clones or reproductions as you might call them, do not lend themselves to really accurate shooting like a partridge front sight. You need to decide if you are want a revolver that looks more historically accurate or one that shoots like you want with a variety of loads.

Personally, I opt for shooters. I have no safe queens and don't care if the gun looks authentic or not as long as it shoots well. You will note on the Ruger Bisley that the hammer spur is lower which makes it easier to reach and the grip is longer and higher for a better grip. I have a bunch of Smiths, but I really like to shoot single actions.

A severed tendon in the thumb of my shooting hand and scar tissue from surgery doesn't help with shooting, but the Bisley grip sure helps. IMHO, you simply cannot go wrong with a Ruger and a Bisley grip - try one. Of course, handguns are very personal items and what works for me may not work for you. Like lots of things in life, you pay your money and take your chances.

NickSS · « **Reply #28 on:** June 09, 2009, 12:35:21 AM »

I have several 45 Colt clones and they were imported by Mitchel, Cimeron, and Uberti but all were made by Uberti and all are very similar in fit and finish. They are used for cowboy shooting as well as general use when hiking. They have accounted for several grouse, rabbits, raccoons and one coyote. My oldest clone is the one from Mitchels and it has seen a lot of use but still keeps on ticking. As for accuracy it shoots to 2.5inches above point of aim at 25 yards and right on point of aim at 50 yards. I also have no problem hitting a foot square gong at 100 yards with it. I also have a Ruger new model Blackhawk in 45 colt. This gun is much heavier and does not point as well. I would never pick it for cowboy shooting but it is excellent for a hunting handgun and for casual plinking.

jimster · « **Reply #29 on:** June 09, 2009, 03:26:57 PM »

"Since so many of you shoot these guns, I'd like to ask how difficult it is in general to find a load that shoots to point of aim. Are they designed to shoot to POA with the 'standard' .45 Colt load? I guess that would be a 255 gr lead bullet at a MV of about 850-900 fps, right?"

Well when this thread started out you asked about "SAA Colt clones" and listed a bunch. I guess if your talking fixed sights clones my opinion is your lucky if you get one that shoots POA with your favorite load, better luck with the more expensive ones and maybe less luck with the cheaper ones. Then again some people can find a load that helps POA too. Some manufactures will make it shoot POA with your favorite load if you send it back with your ammo, Ruger has been known to do this and the more expensive USFA's for example would adjust if they needed it, but then again USFA regulates theirs close with standard loads anyway to get you close. A lot of single action clone fans are not afraid to adjust their own by turning a barrel or filing a front sight, they are the single action army fans and are dedicated to this kind of thing.

If your going away from SA clones....I'm going to agree with adjustable sights like the Ruger Blackhawk. You have to figure out what you want more.
Adjustable sights and being able to carry six rounds instead of five is a big plus if you want to move away from a saa clone.

Jim