Well this got more weird today when I called Colt a second time. Asked if I could buy a 45ACP cylinder for a 3rd Gen SAA and the CS rep told me that they do not sell cylinders direct to the retail customers. She told me that they only sell these to companies that resell them to the public. She then suggested Cylinder & Slide, Peacemaker specialties, and ColtParts.com. Checking their websites only Peacemaker Specialties list 45ACP cylinders for $335. I did email C&S and CP to see if they have or can get the cylinders.
When I pressed her a bit on selling me one, she said they only have them available to "repair" 3rd gen SAA. So if I could not locate one from the retailers I could send in my Colt and have a cylinder fitted at Colt.......but only if it was a 3rd Gen SAA.
Update:
called C&S and was told that have none. I asked if they could order one, yes BUT told me they if ordered from Colt they may or may not ever get one. Payment would be required up front but he did not have a price.
called Peacemaker specialties, nice lady said that they might have one but their gunsmith will have to call me back to verify.
called ColtParts.com twice, no answer.
I went ahead and ordered a backorder cylinder from Midway but they don't expect any for 7-8 months.
I will keep looking. If anyone sees one or has one they might want to sell, please let me know.
Thanks,
jim