Shooting A First generation Colt SAA In .45 Long

[UtopiaTexasColt45]

I fully realize that a lot of Wikipedia is written by "volunteers" and sometimes has mis-information that goes uncorrected for a long time so I thought I'd write in and ask the experts. In a Wiki article about the different generations of Colt SSA pistols it stated that "many do not shoot these guns at all and those that do use black powder with lower pressures than smokeless powders". So my question is.....do many on this forum with well maintained first generation SSA's in good shape shoot them very often and if they do do they use black powder loads or lower CB loads for safety? In other words is a first generation Colt SSA in good shape automatically a shelf sitter or are they still used occassionally? Thanks....

[Old-Colts]

All of my pre 1900 Single Actions, regardless of condition, are retired and will remain retired until they go to a new owner, then that will be their decision. I do shoot 1900 and later Single Actions, but only ones that are in perfect mechanical condition and show wear such that use will not lower their value.

My preference for shooting is a 5 1/2 inch barrel 38-40 that was shipped in 1901 and I don't use black powder in it. I use my hand loads as well as factory 38-40 ammunition. I would never use hot loads in it!!!!!!!!!

That's just my preference and opinion. Here's my shooter.

[Kid Sopris]

+1 what Old-Colts Said.

[Rick]

Ditto!

[charles isaac]

I can't believe you all retired those new-fangled cartridge guns

I suppose you'd all back of the firing line when I whipped this mother out-circa 1855 Col. Colt's Navy!

[Old-Colts]

I can't believe you all retired those new-fangled cartridge guns

I suppose you'd all back of the firing line when I whipped this mother out-circa 1855 Col. Colt's Navy

Nope, not me; I'd just put on my flak jacket, hard hat, and heavy eye and ear protection!

By the way, very nice old Colt!!!!!!

[reconciler]

This one gets shot. 1907 45. Colt

[UtopiaTexasColt45]

I was looking through the currrent MidWay catalog at the different bullet manufacturers and noticed that the .45 Colt long bullets were made in both black powder and the more modern options. Why would someone choose the black powder option? Thanks...

[charles isaac]

You need a bullet with more or bigger grease grooves to handle enough of the right grease for shooting black powder, it being so dirty and all. If you use bullets lubed for smokeless with black powder, the gun will foul up really fast.

[what would you say]

Howdy Charles, I grew up ( I use that term "grew up" loosely) on the edge of the Dismal in Pinetown, NC . probably has a little something to do with my attraction to firearms.. when you can shoot 'em in the back yard. Wish I was back there most days.
I like all the Colt pictures. Very Nice.