Third generation

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Where are you getting your information or are you just trolling to get a rise out of people? If you're going to make such accusations give a source where it came from.

[ColtSAA3G]

What other gun, of any type, is still made by the same manufacturer, in essentially the same form, after nearly 150 years? None that I am aware of. That, in and of itself, creates value in the currently made Colt SAA. Over that period of time there will be some variation in quality from time to time, but the Colt SAA has stood the test of time like no other firearm, ever. Uberti, Ruger and others build what are essentially copies of the Colt and they shoot just fine. None has Colts history.

[BigMuddy]

I am putting "history" into my 3rd Gen 45 nearly every day. I bought it new in 1994 and every scratch, rub, and ding were put there by me. It is the history that I hope my grandkids and their grandkids will be proud (and allowed) to own.

I recently traded my last 1st Gen for a like new 2nd. It was mine for years and now it sits with a collector that is glad to own it, and the gun I got shoots sooooo much better. I'm obviously one who likes to shoot.

Yes a Smith or even an adjustable sighted Ruger may be easier to shoot well and I enjoy several of them. I don't buy that they shoot better. I like the challenge with the SAA.

Dan

[dandak]

One thing left out is the pride of ownership thing. Colt vs the others. And I LOVE Ruger Blackhawks. But it isnt there like with a Colt. And, I have said this before here, it applies to most everybody. You can buy the cheapest car made to get you from point A to point B. No need for Camaros or 'vettes (or Impalas or Mustangs), etc. But pride of ownership comes in....we buy a car that meets our needs and also gives us pleasure in owning. No Italian clone will do it to me like a Colt will. No Ruger does it to me, except Dads flattop Ruger 44 he bought in 1958 when he had to choose between the house payment or the gun! And a 3rd gen does it for me just like my 1st gens do. THAT is why I buy 3rd gens.

[SnidelyWhiplash]

In Bill Wilson's book from back in the '80s, before he was selling guns under the Wilson Combat name...was discussing brands. He mentioned how some would put down the Colt in favor of another brand then asked that if he put down a new Colt and a Brand X .45 Auto and said you can pick one for free...which would you pick? He said the answer was obvious...you would pick the Colt.

The Colt name means something or we wouldn't be here. I'm not saying Colt hasn't fallen down sometimes when it comes to their product line or quality control at times...but the name still carries a lot of history and reputation.

[Sebastian21]

I agree with all responses to my question on why people buy 3d generations. All the reasons are good and personal. My personal preference is I would rather have a good pre-1900 1st then a third but you all have put forth good reasons for buying the modern version and that what makes Colts collector item.

[bighipiron]

I wonder why some forum members say to buy a 3d generation over a 1st generation. I contend that a 3d is just a clone , the same as a Uberti or Pietta. A 3d is assembled of outsourced parts. They have no historic value. The workmanship is of varying quality. They say they are shooters but you can get the same effect by shootings a Ruger Blackhawk. First and second SAA are made by Colt. The 1st have historic value. As a shooter they are a clumsy inaccurate pistol. A modern S&W is more accurate and a lot easier to load and eject. Holding The 1st generation you can wonder who had it in the 1870's and how it was used. 3d generations have no history. Third generations are over priced and of not much value historic or as a shooter.

You can always believe what you want to believe. This is America and you entitled to your own opinion, but not your own facts. While you may believe that 3rd gen Colts are clones, the fact that they have "Colt" marked on the them makes them not a clone. How about 2nd gens? Are they clones? Or just 3rds, because the 2nds were outsourcing frames as well. Other parts most likely too.

[Colt75]

I have noticed over the last 35 or so years that people who run down Colt don't have any experience with Colts. Gun store employees are the worst. but it seems lots of regular shooters are just as bad. To each there own. My first handgun was a Colt and it is too late in the game to change now. Enjoy your Colts because life is short and you are dead along time.

[rm2092]

I have two Gen3’s and no regrets, 4.75” and a 5.5”

[stinkyrat]

Dunno but this way of thinking about the Colt SAA gens reminds me of the entire line of AR-15’s from the beginning in the 1960’s to today.... every single one of them from Colt is an AR-15. Did parts come from varied vendors over the years? Did the design change over time but still the same basic rifle at the end of the day? I would say yes, to me they all are a part of the history of Colt and what we like about the company that makes it great.

I’d think the SAA is no different, the same cow poke that plunked down his coin on the table of a store in the 1800’s for his 1st gen is no more a part of the history of that weapon than me plunking down on My 3rd gen in 2014. Parts came from different places over the years, designs have been changed a little over time but I still have my SAA. And it will have its place in the history of Colt, in 2014 they made a sexy beast of a revolver and its awesome!

Stinkyrat