EMF Hartford Colt 45

[TheGrumpyGuy]

Made a very quick stop at an LGS near my workplace today and saw this six-shooter in their case. Didn't have time to actually touch it or even talk to anyone behind the counter about it unfortunately. Looked to be in really good shape from what I could tell. From the info I've found so far online, they were a quality firearm, at least until about the last 2 or 3 years they were in business.

Curious if anyone here has any experience with one, and can maybe tell me if their asking price of $450 is a good deal or not.

TIA

 

[Leadeye]

Good SAA repros, I have a nickle plated 4 3/4 that is a close copy of a Gen 1 SAA that I also have, both in 45 Colt. I get these out when friends ask me about Colt vs repro value question. Gen 1 Colts have heavy springs, a requirement for the primers of the day. The repros have much lighter springs and are easier to shoot.

It's worth the $450 if it's in good condition. They sell for that and more on GB.

The EMF is the bottom gun.

 

[DadSmith]

Good SAA repros, I have a nickle plated 4 3/4 that is a close copy of a Gen 1 SAA that I also have, both in 45 Colt. I get these out when friends ask me about Colt vs repro value question. Gen 1 Colts have heavy springs, a requirement for the primers of the day. The repros have much lighter springs and are easier to shoot.

It's worth the $450 if it's in good condition. They sell for that and more on GB.

The EMF is the bottom gun.

View attachment 372213

Very nice.
Was 4.75" barrels the common length back in the 1800's for SAA revolvers or did they have longer barrels?
I see a lot of clones with the 4.75" and 5.5" which length was the most typical in the 1800's?

 

[Leadeye]

7.5 was the most common in the beginning as it was what the government purchased for the cavalry. Over time I think 4 3/4 became popular with 5 1/2 bringing up the rear. As I remember the government called the 5 1/2 the artillery version of the Colt.

 

[Slow Hand]

I have an EMF 4-3/4” .32/20 copy that I’ve had for years. It’s a fine sixgun. They were made by Uberti which has had their ups and downs but in general have been solid guns. Price seems pretty good assuming condition is nice.

 

[Slow Hand]

7.5 was the most common in the beginning as it was what the government purchased for the cavalry. Over time I think 4 3/4 became popular with 5 1/2 bringing up the rear. As I remember the government called the 5 1/2 the artillery version of the Colt.

From what I remember reading over the years, the government cutdown some early guns to 5-1/“ for artillery use. I believe those were the same guns that were reissued to the troops in the Phillipines when the double action .38 long colt proved unsatisfactory in its stopping power.

 

[TheGrumpyGuy]

Thanks for all the answers, and additional info. I'm still gonna want someone more knowledgeable than me (I know nothing about revolvers) to take a look at it, but this helps guide me a bit further along than I would be on my own.

 

[Slow Hand]

You want to make sure the sear is in good shape and that it has me been ‘slicked up’ by someone who didn’t know what they were doing. Cock it slowly and hold your thumb in the cylinder. When it comes to full cock see if the cylinder is locked in place, push it the direction it was turning to see if the bolt pops up into the cylinder notch. Once it’s on full cock, push forward on the hammer and make sure it won’t fall, that will show the sear has been polished (incorrectly) and the angle has been changed. Also with it at full cock, wiggle the cylinder back and forth, both radially and front to rear. Some movement is to be expected but you don’t want too much. That shows excessive wear and improper bolt fit.