Author Topic: Colt 44 Special SAA (Read 895 times)

dan belisle · « **on:** June 22, 2004, 06:45:52 AM »

I've been thinking of trying out CAS, so I went digging through the cupboard. What I would really like to use is my 4 3/4" Colt in the sport. Is there any way to beef up an original Colt to withstand that kind of use, or should I just buy a replica? (I own Rugers, and like them, but for quick handling, maybe with the old grip frame they would be OK). - Dan

John Traveler · « **Reply #1 on:** June 22, 2004, 12:22:51 PM »

Dan,

a couple generations ago, I knew several young fellows that beat original Colt Single Action Armys to death practicing quick-draw competition firing blanks. Some had their guns specially modified for competition use: hardened cylinders, reshaped triggers and hammers, slicked up actions, etc. Constant reworking of broken lockwork, holster wear, and refinishing ruined the collector's values.

This was shortly before ANY Original Colt Single Actions became expensive collector's items. Remember when new SAA cost US$125 with a display case?

Please keep your Colt SAA .44 in good conodition. Get current production guns for the action sports!

Thanks!

John

dan belisle · « **Reply #2 on:** June 22, 2004, 02:40:13 PM »

Thanks for the reply John. I guess I'll start looking for a couple of replicas. I guess the same advice holds true for my 92 Winchester and 97 Trench gun, hmm? - Dan

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 22, 2004, 03:43:36 PM »

Contact this man http://www.bob-munden.com/custom.htm. This is the man the experts use. He can tell you what can and cannot be done. He has worked on Colts for 40 years.

44 Man · « **Reply #4 on:** June 23, 2004, 01:02:35 AM »

Colt's and USAF's are generally accepted to be of better or at least as good of steel as ANY of the imports. Any Colt's I have handled are usually timed better than the imports also. If you stick to standard loads (CAS loads are usually reduced), that Colt will last as long as you do! Those old timers went though those guns from "slap cocking" or "fanning" those guns in fast draw competition. Such abuse will soon ruin even a Ruger! Guns used in "fast draw" competition are specially modified for it and still have to be frequently rebuilt. Go and shoot that Colt and enjoy it! That's what you bought it for. I've shot imports and Colts, and both have shot well. But after owning a Colt, you will always feel a little "less well heeled" with an import. 44 Man

KSR · « **Reply #5 on:** June 23, 2004, 02:58:11 AM »

You don't need to beef it up but I would take it to a Good SAA smith
to have it checked out. I would not send it of and have it converted
like Munden does. Nothing against the man or his work he is very
good but I just would not have the internals changed over that way.
I shoot a quite a few original guns all the time in cowboy matches
and have even more fun because they "were there".

What 44 man said is true.

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 23, 2004, 04:32:47 AM »

Mr. Munden does a very special job of tuning and timing the action that brings out the best in it, yet is very definitely not a "fast draw" action. The two are light years apart. After checking his website or contacting him the difference will become apparent. Again as 44man said, they were made to shoot. All four of mine have to work earn their keep.

Sundown Holly · « **Reply #7 on:** July 11, 2004, 05:18:14 PM »

44 Man hit the nail right on the head. There is this idea today that the Colts or clones will fall apart in your hands right out of the box. NOT TRUE! Most folks will have them worked on to give them a smoother action and replace the original inner springs with springs that will basically hold up for a life time. The same is true of the Rugers. There are many gun smiths who specialize in tuning up the Vaquero for competition, and there are many replacement parts available for this fine made gun also, all aimed at giving it a better (and lighter) action than what the factory does.
Bob Mundan is known to do some of the best work available today, but he does alter the inner workings of the gun, something many folks do not want to do. There are many gun smiths out there who can still do the work and not alter the gun. First and foremost is Eddie Janis at Peacemaker Specialists. Their work is second to none. Kings Gun Works have been tuning peacemakers since around World War II and are known for their good work. Bob James, out of Phoenix Arizona, is an awesome gun smith who also competes. He has worked on one of my single actions and I doubt seriously that any one could improve on the work he did. These are just a few of the many gunsmiths who are out there who are qualified to tune up your single action to a degree that the factorys (because of cost, and other considerations) do not do.
Those old guns, and old style guns were meant to be shot. They are tough and reliable and will get the job done. Shoot 'em and enjoy 'em!
_____________________________
Gun control is being able to hit what you aim at.