Pietta 1858 vs Buffalo New Army

[Ash_J_Williams]

I have had a 1858 for a while now, got a good deal on it. I considered getting a conversion cylinder for it, as it has a steel frame, but they're harder to find (used) for Pietta than Uberti.

I picked up a Buffalo model, basically the same except a brass frame and a 12" barrel.

Both are very nice, unfired. I figured I'll get rid of one.

Which would you prefer? One is neat because I can get another cylinder for 45LC, though I'm unsure if a cheapo box of 45LC would be outside of the "cowboy load" range. The other is very cool, looks nice, and the long barrel would be more accurate... but brass frame.

Opinions?

 

[Indy4570]

keep em BOTH!

 

[Ash_J_Williams]

I considered it, and I would if I got to shoot black powder more often, but I don't.

 

[Indy4570]

I want a buffalo myself but a steel or stainless frame version.

 

[exbrit49]

I have both and I love the brass framed Buffalo. That 12 barrel is mighty accurate for me, I can shoot at 40 yards resting the barrel on my knee!
I only load 26G of FFFg and it loves this lighter load. The longer barrel kicks up the velocity and its a great target load.
I wouldnt use over 30 Grains as it does have that brass frame, It would probably handle it ok but with the lighter loads the gun should last forever.
I have had some good laughs when other shooters ask what on earth are you shooting? especially when they see me loading. I had some guys last summer ask if it could hit a barn, and had a good laugh. I noticed one of them was shooting a Ruger 45 ACP, I just said "when I take my target down I will let you put your target up and show me how well you can do with that ACP at 40 yards!!!" Well lets just say I had the last laugh . Not only that, one of the other guys with him came up afterwards and asked where he could buy one! I think we gained another convert!

 

[MCgunner]

I always default to steel, but I don't have a Buffalo in my collection and do have a steel Remmy, so for ME, I might keep the Buffalo. YMMV, though.

 

[Zombiphobia]

I have a buffalo model with steel frame that I bought many years ago when cabela's still sold them. They can be very accurate. Dunno about the brass framed ones, but Ifigure it's the same as any other brass frame just gonna be more accurate. Supposedly it's not safe to shoot factory cartridges in brass frames of any sort though, even the close framed Remmingtons.

Although if you kept the load around 200grn bullets and knew there wasn't more than 30gr of powder in the cartridge, it'd probably be fine, but don't take my word for it.