USFA .45 ACP cylinder

[The Virginian]

I am thinking about buying a USFA SAA with a spare .45 ACP cylinder. This appeals to me because I load much more .45 ACP than .45 Colt and it would be nice to take both my 1911 and a SAA to the range with one ammo source. Does anyone have any experience utilizing one of these cylinders and is it really worth the extra money?

[hjk]

If I may add another question to this thread for anyone with personal experience with USFA's Rodeo model, what do you think about them?

[El Rocoso]

I have owned and shot a .45 Colt 4 3/4" Rodeo since last July and wouldn't be without one. A compadre of mine is a higher level cowboy action shooter and has bought 3 or 4 pairs, in .45 and .38 in the last couple of years. He has a number of 1st and 2nd generation Colts and has completely rebuilt many from absolute wrecks--he knows them inside out. He has shot and examined most of the clones and his opinion is that the USFAs are the best going.

[The Virginian]

I was looking at the Rodeo, but they don't have the option of the .45 ACP spare cylinder in the Rodeo, just the regular USFAs guns. I wonder if they would fit one if I asked?

[El Rocoso]

That, I don't know. They do have a custom shop. I'm sure that you could get it done by one of the single action smiths but I don't have any idea what it would cost. You might try calling or e-mailing USFA and then some of the guys like Hamilton Bowen or Gary Reeder. I have a Ruger Blackhawk with interchangeable .45 Colt/.45 ACP cylinders. One chamber in the ACP cylinder needs a touch of reaming. The round won't seat all the way. So far as accuracy is concerned, my shooting is pretty much at the plinking level so it's never been a problem for me. Another amigo of mine often carries his Blackhawk with the ACP cylinder in a Mernickle holster for CCW.