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SAA colt action job

fvpd201fvpd201 Member Posts: 44 ✭✭
edited December 2008 in Black Powder and Cowboy Action Shooting
Hello,

I have two 1st generation Colts that I would like to have tuned up.

Looking for anyone who has experience with "Peacemaker Specialists" and "Bob James".

There is such a wide difference in the two companys pricing, I really am unsure if one is over priced and the others quality in comparision to lesser fee.

your suggestions or insight would be gratly appreaciated.

Regads,

Mark J
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Comments

  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a 1903 SAA that was remanufactured by Colt, engraved for presentation and converted to 38 Spl (from 38-40). This was done by Colt for the gun's former owner. All screws, springs and small parts were replaced by Colt with NEW 1st Generation parts.
    I sent it to Kopec at Peacemaker Specialties for conversion to 44 Spl. I told Kopec to return any replaced parts.
    The gun went back and forth several times because he didn't know how to center a chamber in the loading port and sent me a non fitting, nonColt ejector housing attached via a stripped barrel bushing to the first barrel.
    The front sight was installed off center with a twist to the blade in an attempt to obscure the fact, the barrel was unthroated and many of my pristine parts,including the hammer,screws,springs etc. were exchanged for used parts.
    I was thoroughly familiar with the internals as I had the gun apart at least a few times.
    The revolver which was to A prized shooter has been in the drawer
    ignored for years. The thought of it makes me sick to this day.
    Kopec or his helpers worked on it in the '70s. I dealt with Kopec.
    It may be a different story there today but be advised that early parts in good condition are in big demand and like diamonds in the jewelry business, are liable to be swapped for inferior used parts.
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  • chaosrobchaosrob Member Posts: 1,871 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by v35
    I have a 1903 SAA that was remanufactured by Colt, engraved for presentation and converted to 38 Spl (from 38-40). This was done by Colt for the gun's former owner. All screws, springs and small parts were replaced by Colt with NEW 1st Generation parts.
    I sent it to Kopec at Peacemaker Specialties for conversion to 44 Spl. I told Kopec to return any replaced parts.
    The gun went back and forth several times because he didn't know how to center a chamber in the loading port and sent me a non fitting, nonColt ejector housing attached via a stripped barrel bushing to the first barrel.
    The front sight was installed off center with a twist to the blade in an attempt to obscure the fact, the barrel was unthroated and many of my pristine parts,including the hammer,screws,springs etc. were exchanged for used parts.
    I was thoroughly familiar with the internals as I had the gun apart at least a few times.
    The revolver which was to A prized shooter has been in the drawer
    ignored for years. The thought of it makes me sick to this day.
    Kopec or his helpers worked on it in the '70s. I dealt with Kopec.
    It may be a different story there today but be advised that early parts in good condition are in big demand and like diamonds in the jewelry business, are liable to be swapped for inferior used parts.


    ouch, that has to burn man. Sorry and thanks for the heads up
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  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    He really wanted to keep my ejector housing because it (according to his book) was very rare having assembly numbers inside.
    I had to fight for it and was glad to get my gun back.
    Right now I'm thinking of sending him the stripped frame for a proper barrel or reconvert it back to 38 Spl as I originally got it.
    Burned is an understatement. It's been over 16 years and I've not cooled off.
    As far as tuneup is concerned, if you replace the heavy trigger and hammer springs the guns will work a whole lot better. Wolf and others make these springs.
    Look up the sass (single action shooting society) for recommended leads .
    Make sure you get your original parts back. Don't accept a trade in discount for your used parts.
    Good luck
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  • fvpd201fvpd201 Member Posts: 44 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thank you for your comments.

    I did not consider the possibility that the parts would be switched out.

    Can anyone suggest a reputable firm to do the action job and tune up?

    Regards,

    Mark J
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  • CapnMidnightCapnMidnight Member Posts: 8,038 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Bob Munden, he's on tv every wensday on outdoor chanel, called wensday night at the range, he's a trick shot. I've seen and shot his work, and I trust him.
    W.D.
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  • kspairkspair Member Posts: 11 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    All I've heard about James is good & so is Oglesby&Oglesby. You might post your query over at www.sassnet.com/forums for probably more input than you can stand.

    You didn't mention when your guns were made, but they are original, matching numbers, in nice shape then you are holding quite a bit of money. If you don't have factory letters then get them. And don't let anyone swap out parts for any reason provided you have original parts to begin with. The only exception, for example, would be if you had one with a say type III hammer on a gun that is supposed to have a Type I or II. This is simply restoring the pistol to its original configuration.

    If you post on the SASSWIRE I wouldn't mention names just state the facts.
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