I have been kicking around getting a single action revolver...colt clone. I found a Uberti at the local shop at a good price. Are the Ubertis as well made as the Ruger Vaquero or the Beretta Stampede? I have had none of this brand, but surely someone out there has some insight. Should I jump on it or wait? Looking at 45 Colt model, blue with color case hardening.
Uberti Single Action?
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David E
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The Ruger is better made, but that doesn't mean the Uberti is junk.
FWIW, Beretta bought Uberti, so the Stampede revolvers are actually Uberti revolvers with a transfer bar system.
That said, it seems that there are different levels of quality with Uberti. Which one did you find, specifically, for how much?
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FWIW, Beretta bought Uberti, so the Stampede revolvers are actually Uberti revolvers with a transfer bar system.
That said, it seems that there are different levels of quality with Uberti. Which one did you find, specifically, for how much?
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nalioth
Member
Beretta purchased Uberti.
The Stampede is just a Beretta marked Uberti.
Nothing comes close to a Ruger.
The Stampede is just a Beretta marked Uberti.
Nothing comes close to a Ruger.
Uberti makes excellent clones of the original Colt Single Action Army, and the prices are very reasonable. So if you want a revolver that duplicates the older Colt – including both its good and bad features - this may be a good way to go.
The Uberti-made Beretta is mostly the same, but with different internals and a transfer bar safety. The other Uberti single action must be carried with the hammer down on an empty chamber for safety reasons. If you feel that you must carry more then five rounds but otherwise want a revolver that's mostly the same in the way it operates as the Colt pick this one.
The Ruger is perhaps the best of the lot, but it's a modern gun, with only an external resemblance to the Colt. It also has a transfer bar safety and can be carried fully loaded.
All of these are good revolvers, so it's a matter of choosing what you like best.
The Uberti-made Beretta is mostly the same, but with different internals and a transfer bar safety. The other Uberti single action must be carried with the hammer down on an empty chamber for safety reasons. If you feel that you must carry more then five rounds but otherwise want a revolver that's mostly the same in the way it operates as the Colt pick this one.
The Ruger is perhaps the best of the lot, but it's a modern gun, with only an external resemblance to the Colt. It also has a transfer bar safety and can be carried fully loaded.
All of these are good revolvers, so it's a matter of choosing what you like best.
BHP FAN
Member
I've got a bunch of Ubertis,some Armi San Marcos,and a 'Jager', Remington 1875's [2] Remington 1890's [2] that supposedly belonged to Maria Uberti,and were pulled off the production line and serialed to match,for her [there may be some truth to this as one is stainless,and the other blued,yet they are sequentially numbered] two .45 5 1/2'' SAA clones also matching numbered,a .357 SAA clone ,a Uberti ''Thunderer in .357 3 1/2'' [Blued /CC'd] an ASM 7 1/2'' .45, and my old plow handled 'Jager' .45 41/4''.They're all good guns.Once in a while I may have to replace a trigger spring,and the hand and spring years ago on the Jager,but all in all very reliable sixguns.
I have a Cattleman and a Blackhawk next to each other.
Each is a well-made gun. The Uberti has aftermarket springs in it; for less than 20 bucks, they make shooting it feel GREAT instead of just good.
The Uberti is a reproduction of a gun that was designed in the 1840s. The 1873 Colt has the same moving parts as the earlier black powder revolvers -- an 1851 Navy has the same grip frame. The upper frame was taken from the Whitney designs of the 1850s.
The 1873 was produced using methods perfected during the Civil War.
The Blackhawk was designed 100 years later, and updated mechanically in the 1970s. It is produced using methods perfected during WW II. Internally, it's as modern as a Smith and Wesson 686.
The Vaquero and New Vaquero are Blackhawks that have been ground to the shape of an old Colt -- this is just their appearance, though. They're 20th Century revolvers, not 19th Century revolvers.
So, it's not exactly fair to ask which one is made better. I think they're very similar in quality.
Their designs are different, though. One still shares interchangeable parts with the first commercially successful revolvers. The other has parts that weren't designed until the 1970s.
Depends what you want.
Each is a well-made gun. The Uberti has aftermarket springs in it; for less than 20 bucks, they make shooting it feel GREAT instead of just good.
The Uberti is a reproduction of a gun that was designed in the 1840s. The 1873 Colt has the same moving parts as the earlier black powder revolvers -- an 1851 Navy has the same grip frame. The upper frame was taken from the Whitney designs of the 1850s.
The 1873 was produced using methods perfected during the Civil War.
The Blackhawk was designed 100 years later, and updated mechanically in the 1970s. It is produced using methods perfected during WW II. Internally, it's as modern as a Smith and Wesson 686.
The Vaquero and New Vaquero are Blackhawks that have been ground to the shape of an old Colt -- this is just their appearance, though. They're 20th Century revolvers, not 19th Century revolvers.
So, it's not exactly fair to ask which one is made better. I think they're very similar in quality.
Their designs are different, though. One still shares interchangeable parts with the first commercially successful revolvers. The other has parts that weren't designed until the 1970s.
Depends what you want.
BHP FAN
Member
I want all of them.
TexasRifleman
Moderator Emeritus
Look close at the Cimarron brand. They are Uberti built but the finish and wood is quite a bit better than standard Uberti's. The final fit and finish is done by Cimarron.
http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/
http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/
PRM
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I owned several Uberti C&Bs in years past, and they were all great shooters.
Cimarron is supposed to be the high end of Uberti as far as selection and finish. My two experience with their guns out of the box has been less than steller!!!
I bought a Cimarron Lightening that right out of the box had to have a firing pin fabricated (barely touched the primer, would not set off the round). I could have sent it back and waited for several weeks, instead I spent $25 dollars and had a local gunsmith make one. I still own the gun and it is a great shooter.
Next, I bought a Cimarron Bisley. When it arrived, the cylinder had been so aggressively buffed prior to bluing that it would not lock up. Cylinder had to be replaced. Then I found it would not chamber all brands of .44 Special. The frame had to be barrel sanded and re-colored at the loading gate to to fix that. SAAs sometimes have problems with cylinder bolt springs - mine ate them. It also busted a main spring. I wound up replacing the hammer assembly to get everything working right.
I have bought parts from the folks at Cimarron and they have always been very helpful. Customer service was great. Far as the guns - I realize you can get a lemon with any mfg. But, you really do get what you pay for. I have a Colt SAA that dates back to the 60s - locks up like a vault, shoots straight as one can hold it, and has the feel of pure Colt quality. USFA also makes top of the line revolvers. I would buy the best I could afford even if I had to save a little longer. You want ever regret investing in the higher grade gun. You can spend just as much getting a cheaper gun the way you want it. I had close to $200 in postage fees alone on my Bisley.
Cimarron is supposed to be the high end of Uberti as far as selection and finish. My two experience with their guns out of the box has been less than steller!!!
I bought a Cimarron Lightening that right out of the box had to have a firing pin fabricated (barely touched the primer, would not set off the round). I could have sent it back and waited for several weeks, instead I spent $25 dollars and had a local gunsmith make one. I still own the gun and it is a great shooter.
Next, I bought a Cimarron Bisley. When it arrived, the cylinder had been so aggressively buffed prior to bluing that it would not lock up. Cylinder had to be replaced. Then I found it would not chamber all brands of .44 Special. The frame had to be barrel sanded and re-colored at the loading gate to to fix that. SAAs sometimes have problems with cylinder bolt springs - mine ate them. It also busted a main spring. I wound up replacing the hammer assembly to get everything working right.
I have bought parts from the folks at Cimarron and they have always been very helpful. Customer service was great. Far as the guns - I realize you can get a lemon with any mfg. But, you really do get what you pay for. I have a Colt SAA that dates back to the 60s - locks up like a vault, shoots straight as one can hold it, and has the feel of pure Colt quality. USFA also makes top of the line revolvers. I would buy the best I could afford even if I had to save a little longer. You want ever regret investing in the higher grade gun. You can spend just as much getting a cheaper gun the way you want it. I had close to $200 in postage fees alone on my Bisley.
Black Dime
Member
Taylors imports a SA made by Uberti. The SmokeWagon is inspected by a good friend and pard and a nationally known gunsmith, Cody Conagher aka Don Jones. This pistol comes with the feel of an action job and is a shooter.
http://www.westernshootinghorse.com/wshcontent/2008/03/27/smoke-wagon/
I second the nod to a USFA. The Rodeo is the economic model.
"The Original Rodeo®
The design of the Original Rodeo® was forged by history. It is handcrafted with our Cowboy Action Matte Blue™ a Special Glare-Reducing Finish. The balance is perfect. Reliability, unquestioned. Experience the benefit of fully machined bar stock parts, properly tempered springs and a hand built action in that first pull of the trigger."
http://www.usfirearms.com/
If you want a tank and looks like a cowboy gun, get the new model Vaquero by Ruger. Almost as cheap as Uberti and much better made gun.
For about $500.00 the best thing to buy is a "3 screw Blackhawk" by Ruger. I have five. Two have been my match guns and they were owned and tricked out by Cody Conagher. They have adjustable sights, click four times like a Colt, but stronger than a Colt.
http://www.westernshootinghorse.com/wshcontent/2008/03/27/smoke-wagon/
I second the nod to a USFA. The Rodeo is the economic model.
"The Original Rodeo®
The design of the Original Rodeo® was forged by history. It is handcrafted with our Cowboy Action Matte Blue™ a Special Glare-Reducing Finish. The balance is perfect. Reliability, unquestioned. Experience the benefit of fully machined bar stock parts, properly tempered springs and a hand built action in that first pull of the trigger."
http://www.usfirearms.com/
If you want a tank and looks like a cowboy gun, get the new model Vaquero by Ruger. Almost as cheap as Uberti and much better made gun.
For about $500.00 the best thing to buy is a "3 screw Blackhawk" by Ruger. I have five. Two have been my match guns and they were owned and tricked out by Cody Conagher. They have adjustable sights, click four times like a Colt, but stronger than a Colt.
Black Dime
Member
It occurs to me that if you want to handle cowboy guns, find a cowboy club near you and go watch. Tell them you want to buy a six shooter and would they show you some.
"Google" SASS (Single Action Shooting Society). On the home page click on affiliated clubs. A map of the US will show. Click on your state and a list of clubs will appear.
Where do you live?
"Google" SASS (Single Action Shooting Society). On the home page click on affiliated clubs. A map of the US will show. Click on your state and a list of clubs will appear.
Where do you live?
I have a variety of SAs. My wife fell in love with the charcoal blue finish, and our first attempt was a Cimarron. When it finally came the barrel was full of toolmarks--it should never have gotten out of the building. We were able to return it, and found an almost identical Uberti on the shelf. It is okay--and shoots nicely to POA--but not really a $500 gun to me. I do have three other Ubertis which seem better made, but they are percussions--and cost about $200 less than the SA.
I got a NM Ruger Vaquero about two years ago, and am verypleased with it. In stainless, from a slight distance it is a dead ringer for my 1882 Colt; balances and handles the same, and also shoots beautifully. IMHO it is twice the gun the Uberti (and other clones) is/are.
The only other Colt clone SA I have seen so far that I think is as good or better is the USFA, and that is fairly pricey. For my purposes, the Ruger is a lot of bang for the buck.
I got a NM Ruger Vaquero about two years ago, and am verypleased with it. In stainless, from a slight distance it is a dead ringer for my 1882 Colt; balances and handles the same, and also shoots beautifully. IMHO it is twice the gun the Uberti (and other clones) is/are.
The only other Colt clone SA I have seen so far that I think is as good or better is the USFA, and that is fairly pricey. For my purposes, the Ruger is a lot of bang for the buck.
wheelgunslinger
Member
One of my friends has a carry gun that is a Uberti Cattleman.
He likes it. Lots of rounds downrange, hasn't malf'd, and it still looks nice.
It's the same model you're considering.
I wouldn't throw a Uberti out of the running because of brand snobbery.
Check one out and see what you think.
He likes it. Lots of rounds downrange, hasn't malf'd, and it still looks nice.
It's the same model you're considering.
I wouldn't throw a Uberti out of the running because of brand snobbery.
Check one out and see what you think.
kmrcstintn
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I have an Uberti 'Cattleman' series 1873 SAA clone in .45 Colt that is very fun to shoot and makes a good 'critter' control sidearm in PA woods when walking the hunting grounds; I use loads that are withing the limits of this gun's design
I use Blazer (aluminum cased) 200gr jhp's (Speer Gold Dots), Remington 225gr lswc leadheads, and CCI 'snakeshot' loads; another solid leadhead that is loaded a bit above 'cowboy' loads is Winchester's Super X 255gr round head flat-tipped load;
Ubierti's are 'true to form' as SAA clones (eg: older spring designs, hammer mounted firing pins, frames not 'beefed up') and you cannot shoot 'hotrod' loads from them since the frames and cylinders are not proofed for +p or heavy hunting loads; to be safe, you can load 5 bullets and leave and empty cylinder under the hammer when the gun is not cocked (firing pin protrudes thru hole in frame); the first cocking notch is not a 'safety' and cannot be relied upon as a safety allowing the shooter to place a loaded cylinder under the hammer;
Uberti makes Beretta Stampedes, but utilize a transfer bar system like Ruger single actions and Taurus gauchos; in this way they are not 'true to form' as an SAA clone
I use Blazer (aluminum cased) 200gr jhp's (Speer Gold Dots), Remington 225gr lswc leadheads, and CCI 'snakeshot' loads; another solid leadhead that is loaded a bit above 'cowboy' loads is Winchester's Super X 255gr round head flat-tipped load;
Ubierti's are 'true to form' as SAA clones (eg: older spring designs, hammer mounted firing pins, frames not 'beefed up') and you cannot shoot 'hotrod' loads from them since the frames and cylinders are not proofed for +p or heavy hunting loads; to be safe, you can load 5 bullets and leave and empty cylinder under the hammer when the gun is not cocked (firing pin protrudes thru hole in frame); the first cocking notch is not a 'safety' and cannot be relied upon as a safety allowing the shooter to place a loaded cylinder under the hammer;
Uberti makes Beretta Stampedes, but utilize a transfer bar system like Ruger single actions and Taurus gauchos; in this way they are not 'true to form' as an SAA clone
TexasRifleman
Moderator Emeritus
Cimarron doesn't make the guns any "better" than they come from Uberti, but if you decide to buy Uberti anyway the finish and wood is better from Cimarron.
Uberti guns have a higher rate of lemons than other makers, and that's reflected by their price.
Once you decide to buy in that price range, however, you might as well get an importer with better than average customer service and finish quality.
I never said Cimarron/Uberti guns were the best choice, only that Cimarron was the best place to get a Uberti.
jad0110
Member
Summed it up very well. In fact, many (if not all) Uberti and original Colt SAA are interchangeable, with handfitting of course. And though a Uberti might not be as strong as a New Vacquero (and certainly not as strong as a Blackhawk or Old Vacquero), their metalurgy is superior to the original Colts, hence they are sturdier than the original.
goodtime
Member
I've got two of the Uberti Millenium Cattleman revolvers (aka Hombre,) the cheapest Uberti makes, and I love 'em both. They both are great guns, with excelent lockwork and timing. I also have three Ruger Blackhawks. Love them, too. They're different animals, but the Rugers are a little more animalistic (able to handle hot loads.) It just depends what YOU want. Nothing else maters. If the price is right, it feels good in your hand, and pleases your eye, go ahead and jump on it, and don't look back. These other guys pretty much summed up the difference between the two with a lot of good/accurate info.
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