Quality of Uberti & Pietta?

Brooklynite

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I’m specifically looking at their cap and ball revolvers.
How’s the quality compared to other modern companies (not just historical replicas, but overall)
Are they closer to a Classic Smith, modern Smith, Taurus, or something worse?
 
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Well, you really have to be careful here. The Italian Colt models and other replicas are very well made but the SAA-type guns and cap and ball revolvers don't have the strength of modern double action revolvers. That doesn't mean they are weak or poorly made; that is definitely not the case. But they are structurally not the same as modern, double action guns.

Cowboy action shooters probably use as many or maybe more Italian replicas than anything else so, trust me, they're well made.

I want a Uberti Remington 1875 my own self!!!! :D
 
Uberti is owned by Beretta, they make the Beretta Stampede revolvers.
I know Pietta is marketed by EMF but I'm not sure if any other company owns them, or partners with them.
 
Uberti has more fans on the internet. I have one Pietta and it has been absolutely reliable. So no complaints about Pietta from me. You'll find others like me, others who swear (in anger) about either brand. But in the muzzleloading forums Uberti has more fans, or at least louder fans.
 
I own a Pietta 1858 Remington Belt Gun in 36 caliber. It has a 5.5 " barrel
If you're looking for a fun casual shooter. This one is it. Unlike many of the others, you won't need to stable a team of horses to carry it around. Structurally, it has a solid frame with top strap so it is not weak at the top.
 
I have had both brands.... Both are suitable for use. My preference is Uberti, because I have had fewer repairs necessary over the years. Some folks claim it's a lot like the difference between Ford or Chevrolet.
 
I wouldn’t get either a Pietta or Uberti, but a Cimmaron gun. They are made in the USA and a top favorite among CAS and SASS.
 
...I have one Pietta...an 1860 Army...it's excellent...

...I have 2 Uberti revolvers...a Walker Colt...and a Second Model Dragoon...they are excellent...

...and my latest is a Uberti 1885 High Wall...and it's fantastic...

...these pictures don't do it justice...

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1amy1885.png
 
I’ve got a Uberti 3rd Dragoon and a Pietta 1860 Army, both of which were purchased in the last two years. I can’t find fault with the fit, finish, or function on either one. I believe Uberti does have the better reputation of the two. When I was doing a lot of Cowboy Action Shooting the black powder shooters were probably split about 50/50 on Uberti/Pietta (with an occasional Colt Signature Series Reproduction thrown in) and they got hard use in the matches. I wouldn’t have a problem buying either brand in the future if I had a hankering for another BP revolver.
 
I wouldn’t get either a Pietta or Uberti, but a Cimmaron gun. They are made in the USA and a top favorite among CAS and SASS.

CIMARRON is actually a UBERTI distributor. I own a CIMARRON F.A. Co.
Model P Jr. that is plainly stamped "MANUFACTURED BY A. UBERTI, ITALY." It's a well made and reliable 10-shot .22 LR 1873 clone that's a fun plinker. While I've little experience with their cap and ball models, the ones I've seen and handled appear first rate quality. Uberti long gun replicas I've seen are exceptional. Although I can't confirm it, I've read PIETTA also manufactures some replicas for CIMARRON. I think you could buy either brand with confidence.
 
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Thanks guys. This is reassuring to hear.
So buying used would also be similar to buying a used revolver from any other respected company?
I was worried they may shoot loose, or be likely to suffer parts breakage after a certain number of rounds or something.
 
I have two Pietta C&Bs - a Remington 1858 in .36, and an 1860 Army. Both are well made and beautifully finished. When I first got the 1860, I needed to do a little hand fitting on the barrel wedge as it was a little tight, but no big deal.
 
Black Powder

Great Thread! I was just over on Levergun,
and they have a Thread going.

The Thread is about trying out a Black Powder
Revolver and has really nice Pictures.

OP - you might want to check it out.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.
 

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I own 2 Uberti black powder revolvers. I think Uberti is much better made than Pietta.
 
I wouldn’t get either a Pietta or Uberti, but a Cimmaron gun. They are made in the USA and a top favorite among CAS and SASS.

You have no idea what you are talking about. This is totally false information.

To the original poster - I own / have owned products of both. Can't say that I have a preference for one over the other but here are some observations.
Both make bare bones price point SAA replicas and both make much nicer ones as well. The differences will be seen from different distributors. Cowboy action shooting has led to off the shelf better tuned / race ready models from both makers as well.
I have some Pietta Great Western II's that were finished by Turnbull's shop and were offered by EMF that are absolutely beautiful. I have cap and ball from both makers and no complaints from either.
 
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A bit before my father died, he picked up an 1861 Navy replica that was made by Pietta, but has been mistaken for an Uberti. Honestly, I can't bring myself to shoot it yet (because of the memories). The quality, fit, and finish are remarkable.

I have yet to disassemble it, but as DWalt mentioned, the barrel wedge is a very tight fit. If you are looking at buying used, keep a close eye on the nipples for dry firing damage.

You might want to consider buying a percussion cap tool and a supply of roll caps so that you can have a constant stream of percussion caps in the event of shortages like we are witnessing with metallic reloading components.
 
I have the following Uberti's

Uberti USA, Importer

1863 Colt Navy .36

7 1/2 blackpowder frame Cattleman in .45 Colt
4 5/8 blackpowder frame Cattleman in 45 Colt

Taylor & Company, Importer

1860 Henry, 44-40
73 Sporting Rifle, .45 Colt
73 Sporting Rifle, .357 Magnum

Cimarron, Importer

Schofield, 5 1/2" .38 Special

Uberti's are very well made. I have been shooting them for close to 30 years, I bought my first sometime around 1989-90



 
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