Which to buy for some shooting and collector value in 45 colt

For the best investment, a second generation Colt is the way to go. A first is also a great investment, but they are a bit pricey in any condition that you would want to shoot.

I prefer 7 1/2 inch barrels, but the 4 3/4 inch is probably the most desirable, with the 5 1/2 inch the least desirable.

Why would the 3rd Generation not be a good investment?

Take longer to appreciate is all.

First Gens will bring from $10,000 & up depending on caliber & barrel length.

2nd Gen will bring from $900.00 & up depending on caliber & barrel length.

3rd Gen seem to top out about $1,800.00 unless engraved but with time will eventually be a good investment.

One of my Cowboy Action Shooting buds picked up a 2nd Gen. SAA in .38 Spec. for his wife. He got it right several years ago. Needless to say, he did good...

1st Gen guns are already quite expensive, although still appreciating. With any used gun, condition is everything.

3rd Gen SAA's are very nice, especially later ones with the cylinder bushing. I like those better than the early 3rd Gen. guns.

If one is just wanting to collect guns that are appreciating, I think 50's large frame S&W's are interesting, especially 5 screw pre-27's and such. They can often be found for reasonable prices, as they aren't as hot as Colts, except for the Registured Magnums.

DF

I have to respectfully disagree with my friend Shrapnel. I would go with a 1st generation all the way. This is leaning heavily on the "investment" side. If you are more into the shooting side, go with a 3rd.

If you go with a 1st, get one of the latter ones in the highest condition you can afford, assuming a decent price. Condition simply cannot be replaced. You can refinish, but the collector's value is generally ruined, even with a Turnbull or real Colt refinish. The latter 1st gens will have good, strong steel in them for limited shooting with smokeless loads. To keep it in top condition, I would shoot only conventional or cowboy level loads in it or the same level of good quality reloads. No black.

I just can't warm up to the 2nd's. They are great guns, but people want a lot more than a 3rd and many times, even more than 1st gens.

If you're primarily interested in shooting it, just get a 3rd. If you buy it right, it should hold its own money-wise, even if not appreciating that much.

Don't get a real old SAA and expect to shoot it a lot and maintain its condition.

The trouble with the 3rd's is some that were fairly low-quality giving the rest a bad name. Current SAA's are considered 3rd's and from all I've seen and heard, are fine weapons. Plus they have been made in pretty large quantities.

Agree with Cole. Some at one time referred to the late 3rd Gen. guns with cylinder bushings as 4th Gen. The early 3rd Gen guns, IMHO, weren't as good as the "4th Gen" or current 3rd Gen guns.

For a shooter, current production should satisfy most anyone. They aren't cheap, but should hold their value fairly well, better than most guns bought new.

DF

If you're going to shoot it, buy a used 3rd generation. That first shot out of a new one is going to cost someone $300-500. Might as well let someone else take on that first trigger pull.

What is considered "early" 3rd generation years? What or when did the better 3rd generations start being produced?