Howdy
The man said he wanted a Colt, not a Ruger.
I currently have four Colt Single Action Army revolvers.
Let's get one thing straight from the beginning. The collector's term is First Generation, or 1st Gen, or 2nd Gen, or 3rd Gen. Nobody calls them 'genies'.
Now that we have that out of the way, here are my two 2nd Gen Colts. Both chambered for 45 Colt. The top one is a late 2nd Gen, it shipped January of 1973 (I lettered it when I bought it about ten years ago). It actually came with two cylinders, both 45 Colt, except one cylinder had 'long flutes' and the Black Powder bevel. Interestingly enough, it originally shipped with a 12" barrel, but it was returned to the factory in December of that year and had the current 7 1/2" barrel installed.
The one with the 4 3/4" barrel shipped in 1968. I bought it a couple of years before the 7 1/2" one. It was a 'parts gun' not all the parts are original to it. And some previous owner had completely removed all the blue and most of the colors of the case hardening. I was going to have it refinished, but it's appearance grew on me so I never did. This 1968 gun is actually a little bit better made than the 1973 gun. I can detect a couple of very minor differences. And despite its shorter barrel, I shoot more accurately with it.
If I recall correctly, I think I paid $1200 for the 7 1/2" gun. The 4 3/4" gun was a bargain since it had been messed with, but I honestly can't remember what I paid for it. Maybe around $800.
Don't forget, these prices are at least ten years old.
I also have two 1st Gen Colts. This 38-40 Bisley model was made in 1909. It is an old gun and shows plenty of wear, the only blue left on it is in a few protected places like the cylinder flutes, the sides of the grip frame, and the barrel near the ejector rod housing. But despite its age it times perfectly. There is some pitting in the barrel, but the cylinder chambers look like it just left the factory yesterday. I bought it at auction in 2014 for $1700, which I considered to be quite a bargain.
I have one other 1st Gen, another Bisley. This one left the factory in 1908. However it has a new cylinder and barrel, chambered for 44 Special of all things. The grips are new too.
Some folks like to just look at their Colts, but I shoot mine. The two 2nd Gens are my CAS Main Match pistols and I shoot them at almost every match, with cartridges loaded with Black Powder. I don't shoot the Bisleys as much, but I do shoot them, also with cartridges loaded with Black Powder.
Finding affordable Colts can be trying. You have to keep your eyes open and keep looking. I saw a nicer 2nd Gen 45 with 7 1/2" barrel go for $1500 at a gun show recently. I also attend auctions. Not online auctions, real brick and mortar auctions. Sometimes you hit it just right, like I did with that 38-40 Bisley. It was towards the end of the day, and there was not much interest in a Bisley, so I got it on my first bid.
I have no problem buying used Colts instead of new, but I am pretty familiar with them and know what to look for. I don't even look at the new ones.
I never turn my nose up at guns with honest wear on them, that brings the price down. Same with refinished guns, if it is a good job. 2nd Gens can easily bring $2000 these days, and 1st Gens bring more, but if you hunt you can find some pretty good deals.
Click on the photos in these links to enlarge the photos.
Here is a refinished 1st Gen that went for $2415:
http://www.amoskeagauction.com/110/81.php
Here is a refinished 1904 Bisley that went for under $1500:
http://www.amoskeagauction.com/110/286.php
Here is an interesting 1906 Bisley rechambered and rebarrelled for 357 Magnum that went for less than $1400:
http://www.amoskeagauction.com/110/333.php
http://www.amoskeagauction.com/110/334.php
http://www.amoskeagauction.com/110/339.php
http://www.amoskeagauction.com/110/367.php