Pietta, Uberti, or Ruger.

[C Younger]

Lately I’ve really got the itch to buy a single action revolver in .357. I’m thinking I want a Colt reproduction and I’ve been looking at Uberti and Pietta. I’ve read that Uberti has gone away from the four click action and started making all their single action cartridge revolvers with the firing pin safety that was introduced with the Cattleman II.
I’ve also read a lot of reviews from people who are not satisfied with this change for multiple reasons.
Some people are writing that Pietta has gone to a transfer bar with a frame mounted firing pin. I don’t know if this is similar to Ruger’s or not since I’ve never seen one.
I understand that the internet is full of rumor and speculation, so I’m hoping some of you have recent experience with one or both of these manufacturers. I would check them out in person, but finding a dealer that has much of a selection from these two manufacturers is near impossible. I have found a few Cattleman II’s though.
Please elaborate on why you voted the way you did. Some additional information I’m looking for:
Do either of these manufacturers still have models that use the four click action of the original Colt 1873?
Did Pietta actually go to a frame mounted firing pin? If they did, do they have any models without it?
Which has the better fit and finish?
Is there a noticeable difference in material quality?
Ruger voters need not elaborate. I already have a Vaquero in a different caliber and have no doubt that it is the highest quality option; sometimes, I just like traditional.

 

[NeroM]

Have Uberti and Rugers, voted for none. Based on described use IMHO, it is more about which feels better in hand and which sight picture provides a better visual for the OP. For myself, the so called "Army" grip of a Uberti Grizzly Paw has a great feel in my hand, sight picture is good; however RBH sights are better for me. Rugers are incredibly tough. Uberti chamber throats are often too big in 357. Uberti might be considered a better value, Ruger is made in USA.
Get one, shoot it, be happy!

 

[Tallball]

They're all very likely to go bang, so mostly whatever fits your hand best?

If you need four clicks, you might have to buy used. That's fine. SAA's are fairly simple machines and very few people actually wear out handguns.

 

[bannockburn]

I have single action cartridge revolvers by both Uberti (made for Beretta) and a Ruger (older Vaquero). I also have several Pieta black powder guns. Overall fit and finish would be tied between the Uberti and the Ruger with Pieta in a very close Second Place. Actions on all of the guns are very smooth just out of the box and the two cartridge models make use of a transfer bar system.

 

[Ethan Verity]

New production old frame (screw at front releases cylinder pin, and thinner rear sight notch) SAA replicas made by Uberti, imported by Cimarron, are still the traditional 4-click hammer. I just got one a few weeks ago, their '7th Cavalry' series which includes 'replica' U.S. markings and inspection stamps. If you want an authentic replica to shoot, this is what I would recommend. Note that it's not 100% authentic inside, as the hand is now biased forward via a coil spring/plunger assembly rather than the original leaf spring, however this change is just for reliability and is not noticeable without taking the gun apart.

 

[ms6852]

I have found that in my hand each gun has a unique feel. I liked the Pietta and the Ruger, just felt good in the hand. The Uberti, for me I felt I get used to the feel, I never like to get used to anything if I don't have too. It is like somebody saying it is "an acquired taste", it either tastes good or it does not.

 

[armoredman]

The Ruger Old Army is my Grail gun, but I'll likely never be able to afford one. Of the three makers I would actually prefer Uberti, until Ruger makes a Remington 1890 clone.

 

[J-Bar]

The Ruger Old Army is my Grail gun, but I'll likely never be able to afford one. Of the three makers I would actually prefer Uberti, until Ruger makes a Remington 1890 clone.

I used mostly Ruger Old Armies in cowboy action competition for 17 years. I owned some Pietta cartridge and percussion revolvers, and several pairs of Uberti percussion revolvers, and even some Colt Signature percussion revolvers (which were really Ubertis in disguise). Piettas and Ubertis are kits that need tweaking to be reliable for competition. My ROAs were always reliable without modification.

If you want an ROA, (which can be used with a conversion cylinder if you insist on cartridges), look for a used blued one with adjustable sights. You can find them at prices below some of the new imports. Two years ago I bought a used Stainless ROA with adjustable sights, gun only, for $600. They are out there.

 

[C Younger]

I used mostly Ruger Old Armies in cowboy action competition for 17 years. I owned some Pietta cartridge and percussion revolvers, and several pairs of Uberti percussion revolvers, and even some Colt Signature percussion revolvers (which were really Ubertis in disguise). Piettas and Ubertis are kits that need tweaking to be reliable for competition. My ROAs were always reliable without modification.

If you want an ROA, (which can be used with a conversion cylinder if you insist on cartridges), look for a used blued one with adjustable sights. You can find them at prices below some of the new imports. Two years ago I bought a used Stainless ROA with adjustable sights, gun only, for $600. They are out there.

I’ve got a stainless ROA with fixed sights that I’ve considered buying a cartridge cylinder for. Of my C&B revolvers, it is probably my favorite overall with my 2nd gen stainless 1860 army as a very close second.

 

[C Younger]

Have Uberti and Rugers, voted for none. Based on described use IMHO, it is more about which feels better in hand and which sight picture provides a better visual for the OP. For myself, the so called "Army" grip of a Uberti Grizzly Paw has a great feel in my hand, sight picture is good; however RBH sights are better for me. Rugers are incredibly tough. Uberti chamber throats are often too big in 357. Uberti might be considered a better value, Ruger is made in USA.
Get one, shoot it, be happy!

I was looking on Gun Broker at a Taylor’s (Uberti) they call the Gunfighter. It uses an army grip which, I assume, is the same as the El Patron Grizzly Paw. If this is the same grip as the 1860 army, I may get it. I don’t have large hands, but the 1860 is probably the most comfortable single action grip I’ve used.

 

[halfmoonclip]

I got a Taylor Smokewagon, because it appeared to have a fixed firing pin...and I hadn't done my homework. This pistol only had 3 clicks, and a firing pin that retreated into the hammer.
I contacted Taylor, and they sold me a 4-clicks hammer, which was easy enough to install. Taylor had already smoothed the action, and the replacement hammer didn't adversely affect that.
I can't fault the workmanship; it's really well done.
Yes, many of the small springs have been replaced with music wire torsion springs, but none of that will show.
This was perhaps 5 years ago, and what parts may still be available I do not know.
I had a Beretta Stampede (beautifully made by Uberti), but made with a transfer bar ignition. Had a couple Ruger Stampedes, too.
Full agreement with the OP; traditional guns should function in a traditional way.
Even if it means loading only 5.
Moon

 

[InTheSwamp]

For traditional gun: Pietta or Uberti, pick your poison.
For shooting: Ruger...unless you can afford a Freedom Arms.

 

[v8stang289]

Ruger probably has the best QC and customer support of the ones listed, but the Vaquero doesn't really have the look or feel of an SAA. Which is why I went Uberti/Cimarron.

 

[Pat Riot]

I voted for Ruger. I have been very happy with mine over the years.
I bought a pair of original Vaqueros in ‘97. I literally put thousands of rounds through them. I gave them to my son-in-law. He continued shooting them. In 2019 they felt a bit loose so I sent them back to Ruger for a going over. Ruger tuned them up, replaced springs and a couple of parts and sent them back feeling like new. THAT’S good customer service!


EDIT - 7/29
I forgot to mention, Ruger did that at no charge to me.

 

[C Younger]

For traditional gun: Pietta or Uberti, pick your poison.
For shooting: Ruger...unless you can afford a Freedom Arms.

I like Freedom Arms guns, but can’t stand adjustable sights on a single action.

 

[NeroM]

I like Freedom Arms guns, but can’t stand adjustable sights on a single action.

Have Ruger and Uberti, however an FA83 is my favorite single action, some models have adjustable sights, some are fixed,
based upon your preference and need.
Have the so called "safari" sight on mine, very quick acquisition and effective in brush,
almost seems like it is radar guided.

 

[Cowhide Cliff]

For a true Colt reproduction like the OP asked there is only the choice of Pietta or the Cimarron old model P made by Uberti. All the others are not a Colt SAA type revolver. Personally I like the Cimarron old model P myself.

 

[MacAR]

Cimarron old model P

I have two, they're excellent revolvers. Both the 357 and 38-40 shoot very well, and fit and function are great. I'd recommend them over the other two options for my own use.

Mac

 

[Cowhide Cliff]

I have two, they're excellent revolvers. Both the 357 and 38-40 shoot very well, and fit and function are great. I'd recommend them over the other two options for my own use.

Mac

That's a good start

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Sorry, I have no Pietta cartridge revolvers so I cannot comment on them. But I have Rugers, Colts, and one older Uberti.

These days I only have one Uberti cartridge revolver (I used to have another), a Cattleman that I bought used probably close to 20 years ago.

Let's see if my photos will post on The High Road today.

It of course has the same 'four click' action as a Colt.

I am lucky in that I have a few 2nd Gen Colts to compare the Uberti Cattleman to. Here are a couple of them.

The 'feel' of my Cattleman is pretty much the same as a Colt in the same caliber and barrel length. If I grabbed them blindfolded I do not think I could tell which one was which.


However.........I don't know what type of sights Uberti is putting their current revolvers, but the rear sight on my Cattleman is similar to the small V groove on the original 1st Gen Colts. Colt modified the rear sight on the 2nd Gen to a nice, easily sighted, square notch. In this photo, a 2nd Gen Colt is on the left, my Cattleman on the right.

Here is the rear sight on a 1st Gen Bisley Colt. I much prefer the squared off sight of a 2nd Gen Colt.

I have quite a few Rugers. Of course all modern manufacture Rugers incorporate a transfer bar, which makes them completely safe to carry fully loaded with six rounds and a live round under the hammer. The three in the center of this photo are larger "original model" Vaqueros, built on the same sized frame as the 45 Colt Blackhawk on the far left. The two on the right are New Vaqueros. In 2005 Ruger stopped producing the "original model" Vaquero and introduced the New Vaquero, which was slightly smaller than the older model, about the same size as a Colt Single Action Army.

The factory grips on the New Vaquero are slimmer than the the grips on the "original model" or Colt or Uberti grips. I can definitely feel the difference when I pick up a New Vaquero vs a Colt or Uberti.

Also, because the trigger has to travel a little bit to raise the transfer bar before the hammer drops, I find the trigger pull on a Ruger to not be as crisp as a Colt or my Cattleman.

One more thing, regarding holding a single action revolver. I have fairly large hands. I discovered a long time ago that trying to cram my entire hand onto the grip was a good way to get the knuckle of my 2nd finger whacked in recoil, particularly with a heavy recoiling load such as a full house 45 Colt Black Powder round. Cramming my entire hand onto the grip places my knuckle in direct contact with the rear of the trigger guard. Recoil would then whack my knuckle, and it would hurt. I discovered that curling my pinky under the grip lowers my hand a little bit, and a gap of about 1/4" opens up between the rear of the trigger guard and my knuckle. No more whacked knuckles for about the last 20 years or so.

Obviously I have no trouble controlling recoil with my pinky curled under the grip with my Black Powder 45 Colt ammo.

 

[Hokkmike]

Have owned all three. it is win, win & win. The Ruger is a little heavier and stiffer but they are all good.

 

[.45Coltguy]

Have both a Pietta and a Uberti/Taylors. My Pietta[G.W. "Gun Fighter"] has the 4 click hammer, whereas my U/T has 3 click hammer. Doesn't matter to me, these are desert plinkers only.
Both .45 Colt with the Pietta also coming with a .45 acp cylinder. Both revolvers shoot very good.

 

[BRatigan]

I have the Uberti El Patron in 357 Magnum. It's an excellent revolver. Three clicks and the floating type firing pin. Trigger must be held all the way until the shot is fired. Letting go early will create light hammer strike. It's not a problem. The gun is very accurate and with a spring kit the trigger is excellent. It handles full house and under loads with no problem. I do carry a screwdriver to tighten up the screws after a full magnum session. Fit and finish are top shelf.

 

[James K2020]

This Pietta Gambler Royale is 4 clicks and is very solid. The Ruger Vaquero Bisley is one of the most comfortable to hold and shoot.

 

[Nasty Canasta]

I voted Ruger. After looking at everything out there short of a genuine Colt the Rugers looked to me to be the most solid & so far I’ve had nothing but enjoyment with them. Yes, they cost more than the imports but if I’m only going to have one I want the best I can afford.