The Cowboy is definitely not a SAA, it just looks like one and has "Colt" on the side. It was meant to be a cost-competitor to the Vaquero. Cast frame from Pine Tree (Ruger), totally different lockwork, transfer bar safety/frame mounted firing pin and so on. At the time it was $1000 less than a comparable SAA. They only made them for 4-5 years starting in 1998.
They're actually good guns but if something breaks you've got a paperweight. They're probably more robust than a SAA and you can carry a full cylinder safely. Since they were such an abysmal failure, you're kind of in a weird spot with one.
- If you want a collectible, get a SAA
- If you want a shooter, get a Vaquero