Colt SAA - Keep looking for 1st choice 3rd gen or get 2nd choice 2nd gen

[wyzardd]

I'm looking for a 5.5" Colt SAA .357, in my investigation of the regular stores I found a 2nd generation 4.75" for a pretty decent price. It's not new, obviously, but I'd totally given up ever affording a 2nd gen.
As a collector, I've been led to believe that the 2nd gen is more desirable, but as a shooter I prefer the longer barrel. On the other hand, as a shooter I prefer the indestructible Ruger Vaquero.
I'm not looking for a safe queen - I intend to shoot the Colt, but not nearly as much as I do my 1911's or the previously mentioned Ruger.

What would you do?


As an aside, if anyone knows a store in town that carries a decent selection of Colts I'd like to hear about it. Most of the places I frequent have more auto's and DA type revolvers and a few Uberti's

[Sixgun]

I have them all 1st, 3rd and New Ruger Vaquero. I love my Colts, there nothing in your hand like a COLT SAA. . My NRV shoots like a dream and would prolly go to Alaska and the Colts would stay in the stable. 2nds run almost double then a 1st in price. They are very rare, I think there is even a 4th. They went back to the colar in the cylinder like the 1st gen.( I think)
Lookie at my serial no on the NRV.[Poke]and those in my avatar are Sixgun 1 and Sixgun 2
510 is the model no. then 00287 on the Ruger and I shoot it crap out of it.
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/P1060608.JPG
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/P1060610.JPG

I don't shoot these, so their really not any fun.[Tooth]
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/100_0440.jpg

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/100_04371.jpg



The Gun Room off Colfax and Carr has a bunch of colts, but his is alittle high.

[wyzardd]

Nice guys, thanks. I'd never been down there before today. They didn't have exactly what I was looking for (why would someone put fake ivory grips with a longhorn steer carved in them and fake ruby eyes? Hideous)

Prices didn't seem terribly high. Maybe a little bit, but with all the talk about internet, big-box stores, and idiot commandos or just assholes behind the counter, a few bucks for a friendly, helpful, local shop with a decent selection isn't going to turn me off.


The Gun Room off Colfax and Carr has a bunch of colts, but his is a little high.


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