QUESTION - Colt .45 (New Dakota)

6/28/08 | bear_slayer

[Bear_Slayer]

I inherited a "New Dakota" Colt .45 today.

I am trying to find out if this is a true colt or a knock-off, and what this gun might be worth.

"Colt" is stamped on it, but it appears to have been manufactured in Italy. I am aware that there are some Italian knock-offs of the colt. Would this be one of them? How would I know?

[BenLurkin]

Possibly used in a “spaghetti western”?

[robomatik]

if it looks like this:

your purchase might leave a bad taste in your mouth.
:^)

[robomatik]

if it looks like this:

your purchase might leave a bad taste in your mouth.
:^)

[Mr Rogers]

Do a web search. Looks like it is an Italian made copy of a Colt.

[Squantos]

http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/index.php?topic=12568.0;wap2

[oldenuff2no]

It's a clone. The caliber is 45 LC or long colt and must be stamped on the barrel. This is just like a Remington made 30-06 used to be stamped 30-06 Springfield. The caliber was designed by Springfield and that is what used to be stamped on every gun made in that caliber no matter who manufactured it.
I'm a gun smith and a collector and your revolver isn't worth that much, maybe the $250 range depending on it's condition.
You need to find someone local to set you right on your weapon and exactly what ammo to shoot in it. Do not shoot any of the 45LC +P ammo in that revolver. The +P stuff is fine in the Ruger revolvers or rifles but is not safe to shoot in colts or colt clones.

[JennysCool]

[coincheck]

AHHA, can I ask you about my .45LC? It is a Virginian Dragoon, made by Interarms. It is grooved for a scope on the top strap and has target sights. It has walnut grips too. I bought it back in “82”.

I am thinking about hunting with it and putting a scope on it so I can reach out a little further with it.(also so I can see the target better, I think it has something to do with me needing reading glasses now.) ;)

[Swordmaker]

It’s a knock off. Only Colt made true Single Action Colts. Some of the Italian Colt look alike guns are very nice though.

[SouthDixie]

The original colt SSA in .45lc came out of the colt factory in Connecticut. But many many copies including the New Dakota clone have been made in countries from Mexico to Italy. Some excellent, some garbage.
Shoot safe

[TLEIBY308]

If it was made by Uberti it is a fine Italian made gun.

[Bear_Slayer]

Thanks for the ammo information. It was loaded when I got it and I have not looked at what the ammo is, other than confirmed it was 45 LC. I do not remember that it was +P

I will definitely follow up on that.

[Shooter 2.5]

The proper name for the cartidge is .45 Colt according to SAAMI which is the manufacturer’s regulating organization. That may have led to the confusion in thinking the revolver was made by Colt.

[Bear_Slayer]

I thought that .45 long colt (or LC) was to distinguish it from .45 ACP

Is this not correct?

[Shooter 2.5]

The correct name for what you and others call a .45 LC is actually .45 Colt. Likewise .45 ACP is really .45 Auto. You will notice it more when you buy a box of American made cartridges.