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I saw the thread here on the Rock Island auction and randomly check GunBroker but, prices are all over the place and reliable sales pricing is scarce and often without regard to the condition.

My normal sources for Italian Percussion/Black Powder 1873 options are all chronically back ordered so, I have also been looking at centerfire options.  Occasionally I stumble across old Gen 1 pistols which generally have frosted and pitted bores but, I'm really thinking of a Gen 2 "shooter grade" pistol.  I'm not looking to run 45LC +P loads so, any Colt 1873 should work well for me.  I am less enamored with a 44-40 or 38-40 but, if the right pistol showed up I could go that direction too.

Where should I be looking and what should I be looking to pay for a ~Gen 2 45LC pistol these days?  Would $1500 get me something not new but, also not abused or rust pitted?

TIA,
Sid

Quote from: sidpost on January 25, 2022, 07:43:15 AM

Is there any reason to have a preference for a Pietti over an Uberti?  I also want a classic action so, I would prefer to avoid the transfer bars and modified hammer solutions.  I'm really thinking "classic" not, modified classic.

I think it's just personal preference Sid. The Uberti guns have a higher fit and finish if that helps. I believe they have more models available too. I am like you, I don't care for the moderen transfer bar on a SAA.

Thanks!   

Quote from: sidpost on January 25, 2022, 06:45:41 AM

I have a preference for a classic 45 Colt but, would be happy with a 44 Spl.  I want a large heavy bullet at reasonable velocity (~800FPS or more) from a case that is easy to source and common.  I don't think the 38 Spcl and similar options would provide the impact thump I want (not a fan of 38 Spl centerfire on anything but paper).

Hmm. Sounds like I was on track after all.
From your description, .45 sounds like the ticket. I highly recommend a 250gr lead bullet. If you are planning on buying ammo, Black Hills .45LC would be in your wheelhouse. If loading your own, the world's your oyster. I've had good luck loading 35gr 3F powder behind a 250gr pill.

Yep, NAILED IT!

I can reload but, for the quantity I will shoot it, initially at first at least, I expect to buy a case of quality loads like you suggest if for no other reason than to give me cases to work with.

I have reloading gear for other calibers so, that is definitely an option.

sidpost, what specific caliber are you looking for? .45LC, .44-40, 38spl ??

I have a preference for a classic 45 Colt but, would be happy with a 44 Spl.  I want a large heavy bullet at reasonable velocity (~800FPS or more) from a case that is easy to source and common.  I don't think the 38 Spcl and similar options would provide the impact thump I want (not a fan of 38 Spl centerfire on anything but paper).

Relatively new guy here, to this forum at least!

I keep looking for an 1873 Colt SAA black powder option but, even pre-COVID I had bad luck finding the model I wanted and then COVID struck and I was totally out of luck.

Someday, I hope 1873 SAA's return to production and availability!  I guess I could always opt for a centerfire >$2K option but, that's not really where I am at today.