Evolution of USFA SAA Question | Single-Actions (2024)

I'm about to lay down some hard earned cash on a USFA SAA. The firearm being considered is beautifully blued combined with color case hardening. It is a new older model that's been shoved out of the way for the past couple years to get to the cheaper brands on the store's shelf (I've been stalking it that long). It may be a 3 or 4 years old, with a price tag to match, i.e. the old price.

I understand the USFA SAA has evolved and has had changes over the years to make minor improvements. What serial number indicates an improved USFA SAA as opposed to one that has some minor flaws? I want to make sure the one I'm getting has all the improvements, or at least is free from anything that needs improving. Thanks.

a long time ago they built using uberti parts, but 4 yrs ago they were totally USA made. i can't tell any quality difference between the UFSAs made 4 years ago verses now.

research here at USFA Forum might help you:

forum.usfirearms.com/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=1

[edit: if you decide not to pick that one up, you might let me know. i'm a big USFA fan. thnx]

damn, so i guess i won't get getting it.....

;-)

enjoy!

Thanks weagle99, that was close. You just saved me $800 and a lot of embarrassment. I didn't even bother to look at the model name or number. I just picked it up and played with it, and it sure looked, felt, and acted like a SAA. Thanks for the astute observation and "heads up." I guess I'll have to settle on a Gaucho after all. Darn! I got that close.

Technically correct, "Single Action Army" is the official, copyrighted name of a specific Colt model. Problem is that "USFA SA" is waaaay to ambiguous. That could be a cap `n ball model, the Omni Potent, Rodeo, Gunslinger, technically even the .45 automatics. They're all SA's.

However, by use of the term SAA, we know exactly what you mean and by use of the manufacturer's name, in this case USFA, we know that it is indeed a replica of the Colt SAA. Not an actual SAA in the technical sense. None of which is to imply that we, as student sixgunners, don't know and understand the difference.

Weeell, not really ambiguous as USFA itself uses the name "Single Action" to designate their copy:
www.usfirearms.com/cat/single-action-revolver.asp

Bile, just buy that dad-gummed sixgun or whatever you want to call it and go have some fun already!

I'm with Peacemaker on this one. And so I'll rush in where angels and smart fellas fear to tread...

My understanding (whether its technically true or not) of the Single Action Army is anything that is based on the Colt 1873 design. Any Single Action that has the following features should oughta get to call itself a Single Action Army:

Rugers are Single Actions but they're not Single Action Armies
The Italian "Colt Clones" are not really clones, because of their modern changes to the design.

It seems to me that USFA should certainly qualify as a Single Action Army because it remains true to all the Colt 1873 design features. IMHO. FWIW.

Thankyou, but I guess I wasn't clear. "Single Action Army" (aka "SAA") is a specific model name held and defended by Colt alone. Not USFA, not Puma . However, while it is good to educate others concerning correct nomenclature and terminology, I don't think it's worth arguing to the point that a thread gets derailed.