The best 1873 SA Colt clones?

jamiejaf

jamiejaf

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I'm gearing up for cowboy action style shooting. I picked up a couple of 1873 clones: a Pietta and a Chapparal in .45 colt. I like both. I like the sights on the Chapparal I like the birdshead grip on the Pietta. There are things about each pistol that I like however I haven't shot the Chapparal yet so I can't comment on its accuracy. Without spending a lot of money, what are you preferences on the Colt clones? I'll probably end up with a real one soon i figure. I might ditch one depending on opinions.
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There is a forum that deals with Action Shooting and you might get more responses there but if you are just starting I would think that both of those guns are good enough to get going. Here is a picture of my 1873 clone:

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Didn't consider the rugers. Had a super blackhawk and super redhawk and they're both good guns. I'll check out the action shooting forum.
 
I agree with Dan on his choices (USFA and Vaquero's), for exactly the same reasons.... I have been shooting CAS for 12 years now. I have a set Blackhawks in .45 Colt that I have been using from day one, with no issues whatsoever... I also got a great deal on a pair of Uberti 1873's in .357 about 5 years ago. The Uberti's were used hard by a very active CAS shooter and pretty much needed a full rebuild. Once the hammer notches were re-cut and cleaned up, cylinder hands and locking bolts replaced and the timing re-done they are now strong performers again.... Not to turn anyone off Uberti's these guns did good service as I believe they had in excess of 30 000 rounds thru each of them before the rebuild...

Once funds permit I would like to get a pair of "New Vaquero's" in 45 Colt....
 
Nothing beats an original Colt...

That said, if I was going to get back into Cowboy Action I'd go for a pair of Ruger Vaqueros, just for the strength & durability of the Ruger action.

For looks alone, it would be the Uberti series SAA's.

I do have a Pietta in .357 Mag which is also a very nice "clone". I've also recently shot one in .45 Colt and enjoyed it, too.

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NAA.
 
I wouldn't call the Rugers clones of an SAA, but they can't be beat for durability. What is best depends on whether your priority is functionality or authenticity.
 
NAA said:
Nothing beats an original Colt...

That said, if I was going to get back into Cowboy Action I'd go for a pair of Ruger Vaqueros, just for the strength & durability of the Ruger action.

For looks alone, it would be the Uberti series SAA's.

I do have a Pietta in .357 Mag which is also a very nice "clone". I've also recently shot one in .45 Colt and enjoyed it, too.

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NAA.
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I agree with all these points.

Absolutely - no clone holds a candle to a Colt.

Rugers have the strength and durability crown, but I wouldn't call them a Colt SAA clone. More like an alternative revolver design, IMO.

The Uberti's are solid, well-made clones. I like the "antique" finish that has them looking 100 years old right out of the box. Perfect for that authentic look and a lot cheaper to play with than beating the crap out of a first-generation Colt.

I confess to never having owned a Pietta, but they appear to be reasonably well-made/finished and, I suspect, would also serve as a good shooter.

This leads us to consider the buyers' intended purpose. If you want the best SAA money can buy, get a Colt. The Colt has the added advantage that, all things being equal, it will retain it's value better than any of the clones. Again, I don't consider Rugers to be a clone of the Colt SAA, but they come a very close second in value retention and are every bit as durable.

If value retention is secondary to overall cost of ownership (defined as purchase cost plus maintenance costs, less recovery from disposition), I'd look to a Uberti or a Pietta.
 
I've got two Pietta's (thunderer's) and two Uberti (1875 Outlaws) all in 45.

The Pietta's are much slicker out of the box than the Uberti's I have. I debated on Ruger's but I kinda like the "4 clicks" of the Colt and clones....maybe someday I'll get the funds to upgrade to Colts!
 
Don't the Rugers have functional advantages for a shooter. IE, able to load all chambers without concerns about accidental discharge? Not sure whether the design of the Uberti or Pietta address this.
 
Yes, Rugers have a transfer bar that makes them drop-safe with a loaded chamber under the hammer. Italian SAA copies should be carried with an empty chamber under the hammer, as with the originals. This is a moot point for Cowboy Action Shooting, as all revolvers are required to be loaded with five rounds only.
 
I'm not into CAS yet, I'd love to be but we have no clubs close by. I do have a Chaparral 45 LC however and love it! It is by far my favourite gun I own. I find the sights are intersting though. I have to have the front sight about half way above the groove of the back sight if I'm trying to shoot at something about 25 m away, but even with this perculiarity, it is very accurate. For the money (379 at Marstar) you can't get a better gun.
 
and I call it a single action revolver that is better than all the rest... :D

I will never own another single action clone revolver to many issues with mine in the past bought 2 Ruger Bisley Vaquero's and never had another issue.

If I was starting over again I would order two stainless steel 4 5/8" Ruger New Vaquero's or Bisley Vaquero's in 45 Colt.

CC
 
Camp Cook said:
and I call it a single action revolver that is better than all the rest... :D

I will never own another single action clone revolver to many issues with mine in the past bought 2 Ruger Bisley Vaquero's and never had another issue.

If I was starting over again I would order two stainless steel 4 5/8" Ruger New Vaquero's or Bisley Vaquero's in 45 Colt.

CC
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:agree: I have never had any problems with the Rugers I have owned.
 
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