Uberti Cattleman Single Action–New Old Gun Review

Authors Historical Guns Revolvers Sam Trisler Uncategorized

[one_half padding=”0 0 0 0px”]

Uberti Cattleman Revolvers

[/one_half]

[one_half_last padding=”0 0 0 0px”]

Buy Now on GunsAmerica

[/one_half_last]

I have a deep-seated love for single action revolvers in all shapes and sizes. Not that I don’t have affection for other guns, but the single action was my first love. The one that still lingers. Other guns come and go, but I always have a good single action.

Gate open and ready to load.

Gate open and ready to load.

So you want to experience a gun that the pistoleros of old carried?   The wheel guns of lawmen and outlaws alike was the Colt 1873. Original Colts are getting more and more expensive and then there is the risk of shooting a 100 plus year old revolver. But there are options to get the next best thing. Thanks to some of our Italian brothers, we can shoot reproductions of the classic old west guns without fear for safety, damaging a collectable, and with out breaking the bank.

That brings us to one of the most well known and trusted names in the world of reproduction 19th century arms, A. Uberti. Uberti has been in business since 1959. They have been the primary supplier of parts for the likes of Taylor’s, Cimarron and Taurus for years. But in the last few years, I have seen more and more Ubertis for sale under their own name. This is one of those.

Note the base/cylinder pin and screw.  The screw in the originals are a lot smaller than this one.

Note the base/cylinder pin and screw. The screw in the originals are a lot smaller than this one.

The Cattleman

The Cattleman line of revolvers is Uberti’s take on the Colt Peacemaker. They offer the Cattleman in a number of different configurations and finishes, not that much different from how Colt did it 100 years ago. Be sure to check out their online catalog to see all the styles available. They add some from time to time as well.

Two styles of 6 guns

So the review gun is one of the Cattleman. There are two main types of the original Colt 1873. I don’t have room here to get into all of the different generations, but we need to make mention of the two that were made during the 19th Century. There are the pre-1896 ones and those after 1896. The early ones are sometimes referred to as the black powder model. The two main differences are how the cylinder pin is held in place and the ejector. On the early, black powder, style revolvers, the cylinder pin is held in place with a screw. On the newer ones, a spring-loaded latch that holds it in place. Almost all modern single actions use the latch; Ruger Blackhawks for example use this style.

Note the bull's-eye shape of the extractor.

Note the bull’s-eye shape of the extractor.

The extractors changed too. Not really the function, but the shape. The early style is bigger, sometimes called the bull’s eye style. Where the post 1896 ones are smaller and more of a crescent shape.

The review gun is Uberti’s take on the older, black powder, style. They make both styles, new and old. Is one better than the other? Not really. The extractor’s shape is more of a personal preference thing. The cylinder pin retainer… there is a good reason they changed the design. It is possible for the recoil to loosen the screw and it can even fall out. You can still make it go bang without the screw, but it would be far from reliable. This is not really a big deal for a range-only type gun. But if it would ever be used in a home or self-defensive roll, I would opt for the newer style. One less thing that could go wrong at the worst possible time.

Pin and screw. Note the two groves.

Pin and screw. Note the two groves.

The same as the real thing?

There are a few differences from the original Colts. The good is that they are made from stronger materials than the originals. But there are a few design changes that mostly involve safeties that the originals didn’t have.

The cylinder pin has an extra notch that can be used as a kind of lock safety. If the pin is pushed in all the way, to the second notch, it extends out of the frame far enough to keep the hammer from falling all the way.

The other safety is on the hammer itself. This is sometimes called a “Swiss Safety”. This is a small bar on the hammer that blocks it from falling when on half cock. Although more reliable than the tiny and fragile safety notch on the originals, I would still only carry this one with the hammer over an empty chamber. The transfer bar system is the only one I trust to load six. Of course, safe and responsible handling is the most important “safety” and can’t be replaced with a mechanical one.

The review gun

Ok. Enough about how this stacks up to an Original. On its own this is a very nice, and good-looking single action revolver. Here are the specs.

You can see the "Swiss safety".

You can see the “Swiss safety”.

  • Cattleman Charcoal Blue Old Model
  • Charcoal blue finish on barrel, cylinder and grip frame
  • Color case hardened frame
  • 1 piece walnut grips
  • .45 Colt (or Long Colt is you prefer to call it that)
  • 5.5” barrel
  • weight of 2.3 lbs.
  • 6-shot fluted cylinder

Fit and Finish

In my opinion, Uberti does the best finishing of the Italian reproduction gun makers. That is not to say this is of the quality you would expect from a Turnbull finished gun. But for the price, it is very nicely done. The grip frame fits to the frame square, the handles fit well and the charcoal blue has the bright colors it is suppose to. The case harden finish is great, with plenty of color. Some of the Italian made guns can lack on the colors in the case hardened parts, but not this one.

The Uberti looks great, even from up close. And if nostalgia is as strong with you as it is with me, you'll find this a rewarding gun.

The Uberti Cattleman Charcoal Blue Old Model looks great, even from up close. And if nostalgia is as strong with you as it is with me, you’ll find this a rewarding gun.

Function

Everything on this example is nice and tight. The lock work is strong and it is timed correctly. The trigger breaks between 4.5 and 5 lbs. It is not the best trigger in the world and could stand a little work. It is a bit gritty with a touch of creep. I prefer a single action trigger around the 3 lbs mark that is smooth. I could live with the weight on this one if the grit and creep was gone. But these are super easy to work on. I wrote a DYI Ruger single action trigger job article awhile back. If there is enough feedback I will do one for the Colt and clones.

Single action revolvers are one if the most reliable handgun designs there are. Yes, things can go wrong but that just doesn’t happen all that often. They are also super easy to fix. I didn’t have to fix anything on this revolver. We ran a number of different loads though it with out an issue.

15 yards.

15 yards.

Shooting

It shoots like a fixed sight single action revolver. The rear notch is on the top of the grip frame and the front sight is a wide blade soldered to the barrel. Adjusting the sights usually involves a file. This example didn’t need an adjustment. With the top of the blade flush with the top of the rear sight notch, it would shoot where you aimed. Our groups were not super tight, but not bad at all with the slightly heavy and gritty trigger. We shot Winchester white box, Hornady Cowboy and some Remington SWC.  All of the rounds grouped around 1.5″ at 15 yards and around 2.5″ from 25.

 Conclusions

If you are looking for a fun and slick looking single action revolver, you could so a heck of a lot worse than this Uberti Cattleman. With a little bit of trigger work it trigger work it would be even better. If you are looking to get into Cowboy Action Shooting, get one with a shorter barrel to clear your holster faster. Other than that, this would be a good choice. If you are looking for a single action to carry, get a Ruger and load 6 safely. But a Ruger is not a true clone or copy of the old Colt Peace Maker. That is why you buy a Cattleman. For a fun range gun you could do a lot worse.

The Cattlemen line starts around $470 MSRP.   The charcoal blued review gun is $659 MSRP. The base model Hombres can be found for as little as $250 from time to time.

[one_half]

Another day at the range.

Another day at the range.

[/one_half]

[one_half_last]

recoil.

Recoil. It exists. The older .45 has a kick.

[/one_half_last]

[one_half]

Squeezing one off.

Squeezing one off.

[/one_half]

[one_half_last]

She loads slow.

She loads slow. Shoots slow, too, compared to some of the fancy plastic guns we shoot.

[/one_half_last]

[one_half]

Time to load!

Time to load!

[/one_half]

[one_half_last]

On half cock so the cylinder will spin to load.

On half cock so the cylinder will spin to load.

[/one_half_last]

[one_half]

Cylinder after about 100 rounds.  Smokeless powder. It would not look that clean after 100 black powder rounds.

Cylinder after about 100 rounds. Smokeless powder. It would not look that clean after 100 black powder rounds.

[/one_half]

[one_half_last]

The charcoal blue on the cylinder.

The charcoal blue on the cylinder.

[/one_half_last]

[one_half]

The finish on the grip frame is nice.

The finish on the grip frame is nice.

[/one_half]

[one_half_last]

bang time.

Bang time.

[/one_half_last]

[one_half]

The business end.

The business end with its shark-fin front sight.

[/one_half]

[one_half_last]

From the back.

From the back.

[/one_half_last]

[one_half]

A classic hammer profile.

A classic hammer profile.

[/one_half]

[one_half_last]

Our "tactical" guy slows down and goes old school.

Our “tactical” guy slows down and goes old school.

[/one_half_last]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Jack May 26, 2022, 6:30 pm

    Great review and would like to read your DIY trigger job. I have 3 Uberti 1873 pistols and 1 1873 rifle. Awesome Reprductions. The folks at Cimarron are a wealth of good info if you have questions or need help.

  • Torrey July 8, 2020, 11:47 am

    Great revolver. Shot 200 plus rounds down range last time. Had about 15 misfires. Lubed it up and had less of an issue but still about 1 out of 10 the firing pin wasn’t hitting the round. Shoots true. Very fun

  • William Ray October 22, 2018, 7:15 pm

    I have a uberti 1873 cattleman hombre. I purchased this gun new. The first and only time I attempted to fire it misfired 3 out of six rounds. I tried different ammo with same results. I contacted Benelli . I sent gun in for warranty repair. I was told gun would not be repaired under warranty because firing pi was damaged due to gun being “dry fired” and there would be $80 charge for repair. I purchased gun new in the box. It was NEVER “dry fired . I did eventually get Benelli to repair under warranty but was told if gun was ever returned for repair there would be a charge. I guess that means their 10 year warranty is Pretty much worthless I’ve never had a problem with other manufacturers honoring warranty. S&W even repaired my .40 free of charge after warranty expired. I’m disappointed with there customer service. I’m done with them.

  • Jake davin August 21, 2017, 3:32 am

    I recently got an uberti revolver trying to find info on it . The barrel is stamped with S.A.CAL.45 the cylinder is stamped CAL.45.L.C. BELOW THE cylinder is stamped CAT.6204 IT’S A three screw the cylinder pin is held with a small screw and pin has one notch in it all ser.# match in front of the trigger guard there is two stars stamped with two rifles crossing and letters PSF SER.# start with 878 would appreciate any info thanks

  • John Morrison August 13, 2017, 4:38 pm

    I just bought an Uberti Cattleman “Old Model”. A beautiful gun but I was somewhat disappointed to find the hammer had a cutout under the spur with a separate firing pin assembly. Does anyone sell a solid hammer with a fixed firing pin. I really like authenticity in a replica gun.

  • Ron Brown May 5, 2017, 4:53 pm

    I have a Taylor 1873 in .357, with the gunfighter grips & backstrap will the larger backstrap fit other 1873s such as the uberti 1873 cattleman? The smaller grips on the cattleman are a little uncomfortable. Anyone with knowledge of this would sure be helpful!

  • Jim Kubitza January 16, 2017, 7:03 pm

    I have a Uberti Cattleman with brass trigger guard and back strap in 45 Colt, 4.75″ barrel. I sent it to a very good gunsmith and had all Wolff springs installed, full timing job and trigger job, 11 degree forcing cone, deepen the rear sight notch. Then I had a set of custom quilted maple grips made for it. The gun runs like a jeweled watch. Trigger pull about 2lbs, clean break, zero creep. And it is very accurate and shoots to point of aim.
    In contrast, my two old-model Ruger Vaqueros in 44 mag shoot 44 special loads more like a freaking shotgun. I wouldn’t even say they shoot groups, more like patterns. Hard to keep 6 rounds within a two-foot square @ 20 yards. In other words they are pieces of JUNK. And if I stuff a 44 mag cartridge in them and fire either one of them, I come up bloody … they rotate in my hand and the hammer takes a chunk of meat out of the inside of my thumb. I spent hundreds of dollars on gunsmiths trying to get the damned things to shoot half decently to no avail. Finally gave up and got the above-mentioned Uberti. Have never looked back.
    Just finished ordering a Taylor’s Ranch Hand Deluxe (already slicked up and tuned by Taylor’s). Can’t wait to get it, expect it to be every bit as good as the Uberti above.

    • John Barta February 16, 2017, 11:34 am

      Sounds like you don’t care for your Rugers much. If you want to sell one or both cheap let me know.

  • Ed K. December 22, 2016, 1:02 pm

    Keyboard malfunction should be 1871 44 Colt open top.

  • Ed K. December 22, 2016, 12:59 pm

    I have a open top 181 Uberti in 44 Colt.
    The trigger is smooth as silk almost my favorite pistol to carry around here in Texas open or concealed.
    I use it with both Goex triple F and My favorite 6.0 grains of Unique both powders behind a Desperado 200 grain cast bullet. Great company to buy from.
    Yeah emptying the cylinder on a open top is a bit sticky at times ,
    I just ordered a 38-40 P and will get the 44-40 next month.
    I have owned several Uberti firearms, including a 45-90 high wall.
    Great gun maker.

  • Michael Edwards December 6, 2016, 9:53 pm

    I just bought the engraved model 1873. I’m disappointed the grip is so small. I have a “Colt”, Peacemaker .177 pistol by Umarex that has a much larger, better fit. Maybe this is true of all Colts?

    • rob clayton December 18, 2016, 9:27 pm

      The Umarex .177 pistol needs a larger grip than the standard 1873 SAA to contain the CO2 cartridge. To do that they made the revolver with a grip that is a replica of the Colt 1860 Army grip.

    • robert clayton December 20, 2016, 11:08 am

      In my last reply I neglected to mention that Uberti does make a real SAA with the 1860 Army grip. It is their Gunfighter model.

  • Carlton January 5, 2016, 2:46 pm

    Just stumbled on this URL. I recently picked up a Cattleman as well and would love a slicking up tutorial! Already got some Wolff springs on order. I’m not too keen on the skinny, rounded trigger on the Cattleman having been used to shooting my Vaquero for 3yrs now. Other than that, these are pretty sweet six shooters. Thanks for the review.

  • Mark Tercsak December 8, 2015, 9:10 am

    Who in the world does not like The 1873 Peacemaker, but in the real world on the 19th Century not every Lawman or Bad guy carried one, Lets take colt manufacturing for a second they made a lot of different Hand Guns, the 1851 and 1860 Cartridge conversions, were liked than the 1873 came to be , Than the 1877 Double Action in either 38 Colt or 41 Colt, than a year Latter the 1878 Double action that stayed in production into the earlt 20th Century , The 1878 came in the exact same calibers as the 1873 and I own one in 38 WCF , aka 38-40, the sales numbers for this model almost rival the 1873 Single Action. It was very popular with LAW-Enforcement and Bad Guys alike, The Smith & Wesson American and the Russian were also Popular and from my under standing the Merwin&hulbert was considred the finest revolver of its time ! If I remember correctly Colt and Smith & Wesson started selling swing out Cylinder Double Action Revolvers in or around 1889. The 1873 sold well because they were good pistols and they were cheaper to produce !

  • DC December 7, 2015, 7:14 pm

    My Uberti 44-40 is beautiful, but I am not happy with the operational performance. I find it warms and the cylinder tends to bind after about 12 shots. This occurs without aggressive firing. I believe the primer end of the cartridges are rubbing the gun. I have not had any troubles with my Colt SAA revolvers.

  • JR December 7, 2015, 6:59 am

    I picked up a stainless Uberti 1873 Cattleman El Patron Competition model this fall in .357. I am as pleased as punch with tip his revolver. Extremely accurate, fitted with Wolff gun springs from the factory and does not need a trigger job. I haven’t measured the pull weight but it probably breaks at 2lb, or less.
    Very pleased with the craftsmanship, fit, function and finish. If a pistol could be perfect right out of the box the El Patron certainly qualifies.

  • Frank Sever October 11, 2015, 4:32 pm

    I bought the Uberti 45 CA 1873 Cattleman’s from Taylor. When I fired it the brass was rubbing against the back of the frame. I sent it in and the gunsmith at Taylor Firearms said the rounds I was shooting were 60 thousands of an inch, that’s why it was rubbing, against the back of the frame. He said most ammo was 50 thousandths at the base of cartridge. He grinded the backside of the frame for me to shoot the 60 thousands brass. When I received my pistol the cylinder rotates in all hammer positions. Fully cocked the cylinder spins coumter clockwise. When the hammer is all the wlay down against frame the cylinder spins. I am getting ready to call tomorrow and explain to him what is going on. Anybody have advice on safety to fire this pistol? The gunsmith at Taylor said he test fired it before he sent it back.

  • Robert Helm April 22, 2015, 9:20 am

    I recently purchased a pair of Cattleman in 357 mag. One worked fine. The other one had hammer/cylinder rotation prob’s that got worse after several rounds were fired. By the time I figured out that gun was faulty and should go back, the warranty time had run out. My gunsmith said the barrel was set to far back in the frame and that someone had tried to file it down. So, if it wasn’t me then someone at the factory did it. Since it was imported through Cimeron Arms, someone there could be the culprit.
    In any case, when checking the action of your new purchase, if the action is rough or drags in the least do not accept the gun.

  • David Shultz March 23, 2015, 9:08 am

    I guess the new age of gun owners and writers in particular are going to win out by using improper nomenclature on the 45 Colt. It’s not the “LONG COLT” that is used everywhere in todays world. I’ve had this argument with many others and it seems to be a losing fight.
    I asked one person to show me a box of ammo with that on it meaning from that time period and he found some from a Army depot that had been reboxed and then renamed. You will never find an original Colt Pistol with Long Colt on the Barrel. The Berreta Stampede which was made by Uberti came with Long Colt on the barrel. I tried to tell the person that that was put there by an Italian gun maker and not a Colt employee.
    One gun writer even was so stupid that he said the name change started because of the 45 ACP, this man needs a few history lessons.
    The problem started when the Amy had issued the Colt 1873 model with 7 1/2 bbl to the US Army in the 1870’s. They were a great gun but hard to fire and reload on horseback. The cavalry had a officer that designed the revolver that became known as the Schofield revolver made by S&W. It fired a 45 caliber cartridge also, except that the 45 Schofield round was shorter with a slightly larger rim size. Some Colt SAA could chamber and fire this round that was loaded with a 28 grain load as opposed to the much more powerful 45 Colt load with 40 grains of gunpowder.
    The supply office had it’s hands full trying to issue this ammo to the troops because they were sending the units with the Colt SAA the 45 Schofield cartridge and vise versa with the ones with the Schofield revolvers receiving the 45 Colt ammo. The officers of the units with the Colt SAA were saying, we need the longer cartridges not these short ones you are sending us. The units of cavalry that had the Schofield revolvers could do nothing with the long Colt ammo as it could not even began to fit. It was useless to them. The slang of Long Colt became something used by US ARMY Troops only. It became a word that was picked up by the civilians at later dates.
    The Army started to issue the 45 Schofield ammo to all of it’s troops as it was able to be used in both revolvers and was lighter in recoil which allowed faster shooting by the troops.
    Colt never made a single 1873 revolver that had 45 Long Colt stamped on the barrel. It’s the work of new and young gun writers who refused to read or study history and to start their own mistaken names. Later David Shultz AKA Fairshake SASS 81802

    • Sam Trisler March 23, 2015, 10:21 am

      I picked it up reading Elmer Keith. Although it should be with a lower case l. There are a couple of different theories where the long comes from. Keith wrote about the “short” ones that were made in the early 20th Century. Did Colt call it a Long? Nope, you are correct and I see your point and have heard it many times. But there is a historical record of them being called Longs as you also pointed out.

  • Davey Ditzer February 3, 2015, 10:53 pm

    For those with smaller hands or who prefer less recoil along with good accuracy, try the Uberti Model P Jr. in 38 special. Mine has an excellent trigger (and I’m a bullseye competitor so I’m fussy). It is also surprisingly accurate with midrange loads and 158 gr. lead bullets. Size is, for me, almost perfect – somewhere between a Ruger Bearcat and the regular sized SAA. If I got kicked out of a time machine in the 1890s, this pistol with a decent carry holster and a box or two of ammo would suit me just fine.

  • Jim February 3, 2015, 3:40 pm

    I have an Uberti Cattleman in .45 Long Colt, and it is indeed a beautifully finished and accurate Single Action Revolver. When I first got the gun (NIB) it gave me fits because frequently, when I cocked the hammer, the cylinder would over-rotate slightly. This gave my gun smith fits because it wouldn’t do it for him, but consistently would for me. He eventually solved the problem by drilling and tapping a hole to install a small machine screw which served as a limiter for how far back you could pull the hammer. Problem solved, and I shot the gun for years as a main match gun in Cowboy Action Shooting. However, since I obtained a pair of Ruger New Vaqueros, my Uberti has become a bit of a safe queen.

  • troop emonds February 3, 2015, 2:33 am

    Just bought a .22 Cattleman with their brass trigger and frame handle. It has a 7.5″ barrel and am getting half dollar groups at 25 yds. Incredible quality and great trigger. Quality cannot be better. Also have a .357 with the 7.5″ barrel with all steel handle and trigger guard. Also incredibly accurate. Beautiful case colors on both,

  • Mark N. February 3, 2015, 1:45 am

    The El Patron runs about the same as this charcoal blue version, and unless you can do it yourself, is worth the price. I must say that this particular handgun has a nice case hardened frame; their less expensive models are not as nice. Pietta does a nice case hardening on their frames. Uberti also makes a true transfer bar safety system in a gun called the Horseman, but I was not terribly impressed by the one I inspected–it seemed kind of flimsy. On the other hand, it has the same coil hammer spring found in the Rugers, a system that is more reliable and easier to tune than the original. Pietta also does a transfer bar. Both guns are in the same price range, and both can be found for about $75 below MSRP.
    I don’t know where Colt is getting its parts now, but for a while they were being made by Uberti and finished in the US–then sold for three times the cost of the Uberti.
    One of the sad things, at least as far as I have been able to discover, is that Uberti also makes a variety of finishes and different levels of engraving, starting with laser engraving all the way up to masters quality hand engraving–that are not available in the US.

  • RedGreen February 3, 2015, 1:17 am

    I have a Uberti Bisley that I converted to 45acp. The Bisley grip is great for larger hands and has similar handling of a Merwin Hulbert. A little work on the action and now it’s a great gun!

  • Mutterer February 2, 2015, 4:34 pm

    For a really nice, slick, tuned action and trigger, you need go no further afield than Uberti’s Cattleman “El Patron”

  • Peter Chuen February 2, 2015, 4:22 pm

    I have an Uberti and a Colt.both in 45LC. They were both sent to Bob Munden for trigger and action jobs. He also put on a Birds eye maple grip on the Colt. I later had my gunsmith checker the grip, it was too slippery when shooting one handed. The club I shot Cowboy action, we all shot one handed. The Uberti is actually more accurate then the Colt. I put a stag grip on the Uberti. I also have an Uberti 1873, also in 45LC. I bought it when they were first released. I believe it was in the late 70’s early 80’s. Both of my SAA are so much fun to shoot. I no longer reload, sold all my equiptment when I got divorced and moved from CT to NM in 2006. So I don’t shoot them as much as I used to. 45LC is expensive when buying retail.

  • Grey Beard February 2, 2015, 3:53 pm

    I have two of the 1873 Uberti’s, both in the charcoal blue and 44WCF, just different barrel lengths. Yes, Please, I would love to have you do the DIY on slicking up the trigger pull. Even at 4 lb pull if you have a clean break it’s not at all bad for accuracy. And it may well help with the 1851 Navy I bought a Long time ago.

  • Larry Jones February 2, 2015, 3:19 pm

    Please do put a trigger job out for a Uberti Cattleman. I have the Hombre model in .45 Long Colt. At the time it was the only one I could afford. Even though it is the base model of the Cattleman I was very pleasantly surprised at the way it functioned. It has been flawless with any ammo I have run through it. It can use a little slickin’ up and a trigger job. I would very much appreciate the Colt and clones single action trigger job instructions. I’m trying to become self reliant on doing small gunsmithing jobs on my guns so I can use all the help I can get. Thanks for this great review.

  • Edward Kydyk February 2, 2015, 2:44 pm

    would like to purchase one or two of these revolvers.

  • Steve February 2, 2015, 2:11 pm

    Great review! Ulberti certainly makes good quality and affordable products. I don’t mind a heavier cocking and trigger pull, albeit 4.5 – 5 pounds for the trigger break doesn’t sound too bad. It would be great if an Ulberti Vaquero were available. I would buy it just to tear it down (disassemble/reassemble) as an Rubics cube type puzzle whenever like thinking friends came to visit.

  • Bill February 2, 2015, 1:48 pm

    I have the cattleman in 357/38 special. Fun to shoot. Having a problem with setting the cylinder pin and set screw. The pin has been deformed. I have requested assist from Uberti. I got an acknowledgment from them, The young lady asked for the gun serial number. This was in November 2014. Up to today, 2 Feb 15, I have sent 2 more follow ups . No answer from Uberti. I guess my $600.00 plus is spent. Not even close to being happy.

  • bison1913 February 2, 2015, 12:46 pm

    I own seven Ubertis and never have looked back. I own three Piettas all are excellent as well but not the same attention to detail as the Uberti. I have tried to work on the triggers myself but a good tutorial educational video would be awesome… especially coming from a professional. Please… enlighten us with such a video. We would love to see it.
    Thank you.

  • Mike Runkel February 2, 2015, 11:51 am

    I have two new Winchester 1873 rifles. Well one is really a Ulberti but both are a true representation of the classic period rifle. I have been shopping for a six-gun to compliment these excellent weapons. I favor the Ruger Vaquero for its quality and relative resemblance to the real Colt 1873 Single-Action Army revolver. I must compliment Ulberti, Taylor and the other very good quality replicas for their efforts in creating good alternatives to the costly Colt. I shoot my Ulberti 1873 model rifle but since my new Winchester is a genuine Winchester I just keep it in my gun safe, even though it is late model I am still trying to keep its unable-fired status intact. That is why I like the Italian replicas so much. I can shoot them with no guilt! So I applaud these fine shooting replicas of the real thing.

    I LOVE to shoot and these as they are made to do so, instead of just collecting them. Well done my Italian friends.

  • D Woods February 2, 2015, 11:40 am

    I have 2 1873. 1 is 45 the other is 44/40 both are the real deal. I also have several clones and would be very interested in the trigger jobs. Good article.

  • Bootknife Bobh February 2, 2015, 10:39 am

    I love my SAA Uberti’s ,Colts and Ruger Vaquero’s…..Fun to Shoot and Teach the New Shooters Too !

  • Dakota February 2, 2015, 10:30 am

    These Uberti replicas can make excellent less costly starter guns for Cowboy Action – SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) as is, with gritty trigger or not. The 1873 models that have the screw, instead of the spring loaded push pin, can be secured between cleanings with a little blue Loctite. Otherwise the screw must be checked when loading for tightness and tightened after you shoot your 5 or 6 shots, each and every time, as it will be loose without the Loctite most of the time. There are spring kits available from common online shops like Brownell’s, Midway USA, etc. that can lighten the cocking and trigger pull, which can be a DYI project. Nice part about doing it via spring kits only, it can be set back to its original equipment condition if the spring kit does not work for you and you saved all of your good original parts. Nice article. These replicas are available in other calibers too, besides 45 Colt. There are other Uberti models that are smaller for those with smaller hands, so visit your local ‘Cowboy Action’ gun shop and get a feel of these cowboy guns!

  • M Fee February 2, 2015, 7:49 am

    As a collector of relics and other odd items I must say people forget or never experienced the real deal, and are used to modern-day combat tupperware. These original guns were crude, inaccurate, and a pain in the butt, but they were reliable.
    comparing the trigger pull, or construction to a modern day replica is stupid. Like comparing a French 75 to a M777

  • John Mitchell February 2, 2015, 7:37 am

    Yes, I would like a trigger job on this single action. I plan to purchase a Taylors new model.

  • Jim Satory February 2, 2015, 6:36 am

    Thanks for the Uberrti review..informative, helpful, got me interested In the older style revolver…

    • Roger February 2, 2015, 11:36 am

      You might want to check out the Uberti model 1875. This is the .45 “top-break” that made single-actions competitive with the new revolvers until about 90 years ago. Much easier to reload, and the Navy used them prior to the Colt 1911. I’ve also seen this model in .357, a slightly less bulky pistol. Uberti does make nice stuff.

  • roger February 2, 2015, 6:28 am

    Italian gun’s quality have come a long way from the 1970’s

    • Nahum February 2, 2015, 9:42 am

      I agree.

    • WBH February 2, 2015, 1:29 pm

      Absolutely! I remember my first one from the very early 80’s. It got bullets out the barrel but it had issues with fit in several places, like the recoil shield. Plus it had a cheesy look compared to recent single actions from Uberti. My Beretta Stampede 7.5″ (Uberti) shoots spot on which is a nice change from my first 45 SA.

  • Ron February 2, 2015, 4:44 am

    So when can we expect the DYI trigger job on Colt and clones?

  • David Reiss February 2, 2015, 3:25 am

    I own several Uberti single actions and they all have exceeded my expectations. I would love to see an article on slick n’ up the actions of these guns. Thank you for this review, it encourages me to go out and add one of these to my collection.

  • Will Drider February 2, 2015, 2:28 am

    Love the true hammer firing pin. While testing was it “Fan-fired”. I know it is considered hard use but the action should be capable of this function. Decades ago bought a heavely worn Colt.32-20 WCF, that the seller and I thought was broken. It had actually been modified to “slip-fire”. Good review and pics.

    • Mike Mathew March 7, 2018, 11:30 pm

      Most “slip fire” guns were guns that broke the full cock notch off the hammer or the nose off the trigger, not intentional. Work with what you got mentality. Got real good with a 3 screw Ruger .44, snake shot, quail, rabbits. 10-15 yards, 1960 to 62 in HS.

Send this to a friend