Problems with Uberti Cattleman II

[Shed]

Hi everyone,

Wanted to share my experience with the Uberti Cattlemen II (or "new model") revolvers. I picked up a pair this spring for cowboy action shooting in 45 Colt, and their performance hasn't been what I would call reliable. Both suffer from off-center primer strikes that can cause lead to shear off the bullet and/or also cause significant tumbling (see the photo for one that actually hit the paper; usually they don't). One of them had primer strikes so off-center that the cartridges wouldn't even ignite (I found this out the hard way during a match). One had off-center strikes every 25ish cartridges, while the other would do it every 10 to 15 cartridges. This occurred with both handloaded and factory new cartridges, and with both Remington and CCI primers.

I sent the worst of the 2 back to the factory for repair, and they said they fixed timing issues associated with the gun. Their customer service was pretty hassle free, and they had the gun back to me in about 2 weeks. I'm in the process of testing this gun now, and it does run better, but I haven't put many through it currently.

All in all the guns look and feel great, but I would not recommend them for competition or higher volume shooting due to reliability issues. Also, make sure you have a gunsmith screwdriver set, because the screws can loosen up significantly and fly off during firing (voice of experience). But it's ok if you lose them, because Uberti will only charge you $22 for a replacement nut and spring...ouch....

I'm transitioning mine out for Ruger Vaqueros.

Shoot Straight,

Shed

 

[45 Dragoon]

Shed,
At least you now know that "stock" S.A. revolvers with Colt type actions aren't "race" ready! Neither are Colt S.A.A.s. Setting up a S.A. of the Colt type for fast/forceful cycling of the action is a must if you want it to last. The Uberti Cattleman series are quite nice revolvers but they aren't "race guns" out of the box. Some of the more "premier" models (Smoke Wagon, El Patron, etc.) are supposed to be competition ready but those too (along with standard Cattleman revolvers) can be significantly upgraded to truly super competition standards. They can go toe to toe with Rugers and do it in a lighter package.
I have set up pairs of Uberti and Pietta S.A.s that have much lighter actions along with the durability of a Ruger. I'm very close to introducing a cam-less hammer which will allow the use of a "solid" bolt (not unlike the Ruger set up) that won't break.
So, it's not necessarily the Cattleman's fault, it's more what activity it's set up for.

Mike

 

[tomingreeneco]

Use the blue Locktite on the screws. They will stay put until you need to remove them yourself. I have an old model cattleman and love it. Never had a misfire no matter what brand on primer I use.

 

[Tazman1602]

Hey Shed,
Haven't been here in a bit but my son in law and I bought a pair of these, him in 44 mag and mine in a birds head grip 357 mag back in January. Mine blew a timing hand or something first cylinder out, promptly took it back and traded it on a flawless S&W 686. His he didn't shoot until yesterday...and screws fell out and lockup wasn't good. Upon returning it we were told Uberti had a machine malfunction and was repairing/replacing all guns. Sad because I liked that nickel plated birds head but I will NEVER buy another Uberti as long as I live....and they had a good reputation too!

Art
PS -- NOT a troll here....

 

[45 Dragoon]

Wow, I bet Uberti is glad that most of the feedback isn't like Tazman 1602's!! That's unfortunate but I think the Uberti Cattleman is one of the best "bang for the buck" S.A.A. copies available today. None are perfect but neither are/were a true S.A.A. !!!

Good luck with S&W!

Mike

 

[SG1]

I've been running a stock birdshead cattleman II and a taylor tuned smokewagon deluxe in competition and havent had any issues in about 5 matches plus indoor range practice and dry fire with snap caps. Less than 1000 rounds through them but more than 500 each. Other than the screws on the stock model backing out. I did invest in a nice set of Wheeler hollow ground gunsmith screw drivers.

I recently bought a set of Uberti SASS pro short stroke revolvers in .357/.38. I've only dry fired them so far but I'll be using them in the next monthly match.

 

[Oldschool shooter]

I have a forerunner to the Cattleman, the Regulator. No transfer bar, so generally only load 5 unless I'm at tbe range. The gun shoots well and never had any issues, but with the possible exception of a Gold Cup, I can't think of many out of the box guns that are "race ready". Sorry some of you have had issues, Uberti has been making fine firearms for a long time.

 

[no.5enfield]

I bought a cattleman ii in December. No problems, aside from screws backing out. I don't consider that a big issue. It's mainly being fed wax bullets by my 12 year old son. He's trying to practice his fast draw, lol. It's a good way to get him used to carrying and definitely handling a single action. If the floating firing pin gives me trouble, I'll try to find an old style hammer and trigger.