Ruger made an engineering change to their single action revolvers circa 2005 to 2006. Older ones had all six chambers reamed at the same time with six bits all spinning at the same time. This caused mismatches between chambers, which in turn caused accuracy issues and velocity differences between chambers. In the new system, each cylinder is reamed one chamber at a time, all with the same bit/reamer set. This has led to more uniform chambers on each gun. And because it's easier to change and check one bit versus six at a time, the chamber dimensions we're getting are overall better. On most models the change can be identified by where the "lawyer's warning billboard" is on the barrel. Side of barrel is older, under-barrel is newer. There's an exception in the 50th anniversary Blackhawks - all of those use the new cylinder process. Also, ALL of the mid-frame guns (New Vaquero and some special runs of adjustable sight mid-frames from 2005 forward) use the new cylinder process. This change took the Ruger single actions from the good category to better where you've correctly listed them today.
Wonder why My Original Vaquero's from 1st year of production will put 6rds under 2 inches at 25yrds with a 2 hand hold ? My New Vaquero from 2007 is lucky put 6rds into 4 inches.
My dad passed away a couple weeks ago and he left behind a helluva gun collection (numbering in the hundreds) and he was particularly fond of Ruger. I know that “New Model” Ruger revolvers are named with ”New Model” on the left side of the frame but I presume “Old Model” specimens aren’t so labeled on the frame. In addition to “New Model” Blackhawk and RedHawks he had a number of DA revolvers (Security Six, Speed Six, SP101s and GP100). In particular, he had one of the original .327 Fed Mag SP101 with the short barrel (think snubbie) that he referred to as an “Old Model”. He kept nearly all his handguns in their own individual holster he bought for them in a small nylon bag. In each bag, he kept the gun in its holster with several boxes of ammo. He had also kept a ledger in which he recorded each gun divided into its appropriate category - Handgun, Rifle and Shotgun - where he recorded the date bought, amt paid, where it was bought, serial number, finish and Brand and model name. For this particular gun, he recorded it as Ruger SS SP101, .327 Fed Mag, Old Model. Seeing it sitting on a table it is indistinguishable from a SS SP101 in .357 Mag snubbie I bought about 7 years ago. Well, except the old SP has a small black metallic tab at the rear of the sight which resembles an adjustable sight but isn’t. I bought my own Ruger SP101 in .327 FM about 5 years ago but it is a 4.2” barrel with the small black tab at the rear sight area but it doesn’t say “New Model” anywhere on the frame. I know that when Ruger started fitting their revolvers with the “transfer bar” so that you could carry with all cylinder chambers loaded they used nomenclature such as “New and Improved” or “New Model” on their guns which opened a door they wish they hadn’t. Suddenly people started lawsuits against the company as they thought the original revolvers they had bought weren’t safe - although they had simply copied the manufacture of revolvers which dated back to the 1873 release of the Colt SAA. Over the years whenever I saw “New Model” on the frame of any of his Blackhawks and RedHawks I presumed it meant the transfer bar use and not any other manufacture indicators but looks like I was incorrect based on your comment. I know he had other Ruger SA revolvers which didn’t have “New Model” on the frames such as Single Six and Bearcat models in .22LR and at least one Single Seven, again in .327 Fed Mag. I know the Single Seven had a tad longer firing pin as it consistently fired .32 Auto rounds along with the original .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long, 32 H&R Mags and .327 FMs. My SP101 4.2” .327 would also fire all the same cartridges but only about half of the .32 Auto would fire with a light firing pin strike marks on the primers. Sorry for the length of my comment but you caught my attention and I really need to learn more about my dad’s collection before my mom sells it and she is in quite a hurry to do so.
@@slypperyfox You have my condolences on your loss. The Ruger SP-101 was the introductory vehicle for the 327 Federal. It had the 3 inch barrel and a windage-only adjustable rear sight. That's the "black tab" you're seeing at the rear of the frame. There should be a slotted-head screw on one side of the frame under the sight to move it from side to side. The SP-101 in 327 is now offered with adjustable sights and a 4.2 inch barrel, like the one you bought, and with fixed sights and a 3 inch barrel. The fixed-sight '101 is not really a new model; it's just a feature change to the older one. As far as the "New Model" nomenclature you are right, with one exception. The original Vaquero was made on the same 44 Magnum frame that the New Model Blackhawk was made on, complete with transfer bar, but with fixed sights instead of adjustable. The New Model Vaquero still has the fixed sights and the transfer bar, but it is built on the smaller "Flat Top" Blackhawk frame and in a smaller number of calibers. The New Model Vaquero also bears the "New Model" marking on the frame that the original Vaquero doesn't have.
I have 4 Piettas, 2 Ubertis and 1 Ruger in the SAA configuration. The Italian guns come from 4 different importers: Stoeger, Cimmaron, EMF, and Taylor’s. Piettas’ action is smooth as silk from the factory; Ubertis are terrible and need to be sent in for tuning if you want decent action.
I own Pietta and Uberti from different Importers black powder, Cimmaron/ Uberti cartridge conversions, Single Action Army. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Pietta the addage "if you want a shooter get a Pietta if you want fit and finish get an Uberti" is very very true
Heritage is owned by Taurus and is now making big bore single action revolvers and now makes a double barrel side by side coach style shotgun that looks good, but a little pricey.
My mom bought me the pietta 357 mag before she passed away. I really love it. I have it in a really cheap belt and holster. I need to upgrade that. Damn gun seems very high quality.
EMF's Great Western II line of revolvers are made by Pietta. There are some subtle but important differences between Uberti and Pietta and the latter is a better revolver according to TUCOthrratt.
I agree. I wouldn't buy a uberti for full price. Quality isn't as good. Also Pietta is the only one that countersink the ramrod housing into the barrel. Two of my friends have both had their 44 magnum Blackhawks screws fall out or stripped out that hold the ramrod housing. But with all single actions always check and tighten the screws. My Piettas in 357magnum/38special screws have come loose. My Piettas 45-colt 45acp for some reason have not. But be vigilant. Great video
@@mikemuhlbach2951401 Herters are notorious for the screw shearing off. I assume they back out first then shear. I’ve loktited only that screw on all my single actions. At least I hope I have.
First off, that Ruger is not a true 1 to 1 copy of the colt 1873, its your list but it’s okay, those that know, would rather have an Italian clone. Cimarron, Taylor and Steiger are importers, and they import both Uberti and Pietta, these two make all the Italian clones on the market!
I just want some one to make a modern 1877 Lighting clone in DA/SA. I know the original had a terrible mechanism because of patent laws. But that was 1877 and itd be nice to get one today with a modern lock up system.
I have no experience with any other of these revolvers, but I own a 1873 reproduction Uberti (Taylors and Company), chambered in 45 colt, and it is by far my favorite gun to shoot. Just delightful. 😊
Heritage arms .22 magnum SA was my first pistol way back in the early eighties, when I was around 13. I loved SA revolvers back then because I was left handed. Reloading is very easy for a left hander.
Unless something has changed Uberti-made Colt clones no longer have the correct "4 click" hammer while Pietta-made clones still do. Therefore, in my opinion, Pietta outranks Uberti.
@@TheYankeeMarshalThe last that I heard was Pietta was owned by Benelli which was owned by Beretta. When did that change? Did Uberti buy Pietta from Beretta? It really doesn't matter - Pietta 1873 clones are more correct than Ubertis.
I just got a Taylor's 1875 outlaw 5.5.5in bbl tuned model. All I got to say it is the sweetest gun I have handled. My Taurus gaucho is right up there with it.
I have a 3rd Gen Colt made in 2006… the quality of the finished product is definitely a bit nicer than the Uberti El Patrons I have had. The reason I chose Colt is pretty much the name. I know I paid a premium for it because the name but it’s my first one.
I have the uberti cattlemen in 10mm with the ported barrel. I had a problem with the cylinder hanging up. I watched a video that showed you how to file the lip off where the ramp brings the round into firing position. After doing that. The gun has been 100% reliable. With it being ported it has very little recoil even in 10mm. Also very accurate out to 50 yards. I forgot to mention. The trigger is very light. Barely breath on it and its going.
Would love to see a comparison of 22lr revolvers. Which are good to get and which ones to avoid. Not interested in self defense but would like to see which ones are reliable, accurate and well made. Considering that .357, .38 SP, and .327 Fed Mag are still expensive it’s nice to be able to shoot a revolver with an eye towards keeping the cost down.
My favorite is the 1858 Remington sheriffs model by Pietta. I’ve converted it from 44 cap and ball to fire 45 colt. It’s like the one Clint Eastwood uses in pale Rider
As a mid-level Colt SAA collector who regularly shoots Cimarron products, I would say the Cimarron's SAA is every bit as nice shooting as any modern Colt variant. The st gen Colts I collect are some of the finest firearms ever produced, in my opinion. Nice video.
@@kennethhamby9811 I never said Cimarron made anything. I know the gentleman who started Cimarron Firearms. They are a step above Uberti in fit and function.Manufactured by Uberti but to higher specs. Owned several of each, the Cimarron's were, side by side, always better. Better trigger, smoother cocking and better fit and finish. That has been my experience with the brand anyway.
It all depends on what you value. I prefer the blackpowder frame Colt saa revolvers. I like them as close to the originals as possible. I can't afford to order one from the Colt Custom Shop so I have to settle for a clone. I have a 4 3/4 model from Uberti USA and a 7 1/2 from Cimarron. I am extremely satisfied with both. For me it is authentic as possible at a price that I can afford. So your best category doesn't do it for me. So if Standard made an authentic blackpowder frame Colt SAA it would probably get my vote, although I still wouldn't be able to afford to buy it..
Second generation Colt SAA's from 1956 to 1959 are the finest made. They have the same quality build as the first generations and some have parts actually from those days. The fit and finish is second to none. First generations and these early seconds are the only Colts I would have.
I completely agree with these rankings having owned all of these. Also had one of those Beretta Stampedes and regret getting rid of it. It was a quality single action.
According to my Colt SAA shop manual, many Beretta Stampede and Colt Cowboy (not SAA) are compatible. That makes me suspect the Cowboy parts were farmed out to Pietta.
I have handled many single-action revolvers -- Taylor had the smoothest action, best trigger compared to any other revolver. I would put Taylor in the best category on trigger and action alone.
Ruger, Ruger, Ruger, .22 convertible, .38/.357 Blackhawk , .44 mag. Super Blackhawk. Go ping, bang, boom everytime. Not paper purchers, taken everything from squirrel, deer, and hogs for the last 45 years.
Hey Yankee, ole boy, you forgot the latest extraordinary offering by Uberti, the 1873 SINGLE-ACTION CATTLEMAN New Model - Hunter with Picatinny Rail. It appears to be an extraordinary single-action, available in .45 Colt caliber with models 345495 and 345496.
I have to Agree Yankee, The Standard is really Superior,a work of Art! They Shoot Too! I am fortunate to have a Blue/bone and charcoal Case colored 7.5 " with Walnut grip.#1811
I have a Taylor & Co. clone in .357 magnum. Taylor will not warranty the gun if you fire .357 magnum or jacketed .38 special. My LGS and I were both told this by their customer service. It is a great shooting revolver and very accurate, but why would a company market and stamp a firearm for a caliber they don't recommend firing in it?
Pietta revolvers are known for having shallow rifling. Colt marked barrels and Uberti both use deeper grooves. That's the one thing that Uberti gets right. Maybe this is the key. Ill stick with my Colt SAA 3rd gen. Colt has always used top notch steel. Uberti guns are known for being a bit soft on the heat treatment scale. Pietta does a better job in that department.
@@mikemuhlbach2951 Yeah and no manufacturer is going to produce a firearm where you can't fire standard factory ammo for its chambering. I don't know where the commenter above got his info but it's wrong. Actually Piettas and Uberti's are proofed at higher CIP standards.
FWIW I believe Heritage Rough Rider now has 45 Colt chambered guns. Targeted at values based customer (like $450 ballpark) imho they seem more sold than the price would suggest.
Yankee, where did you read that Colt ever used Uberti barrels? Pietta and Colt barrels use a barrel stud and screw to correctly mount the ejector rod housing. Uberti does not. Their barrels all lack the correct stud. On a thick .357 barrel no one would probably notice. On a .44 or .45 barrel they have a tendency to work loose after firing. Also Colt and Pietta barrel threads are inch pattern while Uberti are metric. I think you may have meant Pietta.
@@Athanasios-pg2gf Jerry Kuhnhausen wrote an excellent book called Colt Single Actions Vol. 1&2 that I highly recommend. He details all the dimensional differences between all Colt models and generations including the Bisley, Cowboy and New Frontier models. He also documents extensive information on Uberti, Pietta, Armi San Marco, USFA and Beretta Stampede. Standard Manufacturing isn't mentioned in this book. They weren't making Colt copies at the time of publishing. Rugers, Freedom Arms, Interarms Dragoons (Sauer) and Weirach (EAA) aren't mentioned because they are not actually Colt copies. He doesn't discuss Uberti Remington or Smith & Wesson #3 copies either.
My Pietta Gunfighters parts are interchangeable with Colt. Uberti are slightly lRger than Pietta. My Piettas are Davidson Exclusive convertible revolvers. No tuning or spring action job needed. When did Alejandro at Pietta sell the company?
As usual, thanks for a good video. I would disagree about Pietta however. I own them and Uberti. Both companies offer unique versions that the other doesn't offer as well as parts are not usually interchangeable. Also we all know the Colt model is now most popular and Hollywood has us believing that that's all there was. What about some 1875 Remington's or a Smith top-break, etc. regardless of who makes it. Thanks again, keep it up.
@@TheYankeeMarshal I believe ya. I had heard that elsewhere. Probable what I've bought was older stock. I wonder as time goes on if they'll consolidate some of their product lines? Especially making for parts interchangeability. I hope so. They may also keep some separation of product lines, strictly from a marketing aspect. As if still separate. Time will tell.
My son bought a Baretta Stampede Marshall model about 10 years ago, and I have to say, it is the finest non-colt SAA I have ever shot. I look for one at every gun show, and search Gun Broker often to find one, but so far, no luck. Today I was at a gun show and found a Taylor's & Company Runnin' Iron Tuned stainless model for $909 I did not buy it because I was not familiar with it. After getting home and doing some research, it appears to be a well-made model, and likely worth the money. It may be a viable alternative to the Stampede, since those can not be readily found? Anyone on here have first-hand experience with that particular model?
The BFR clearly deserves to be in the "best" category. They use 17-4 ph stainless steel and are machined to very close tolerances. There is no comparison between my BFR.44 and my stainless super Blackhawk. I wouldn't trade my bfr for a freedom arms. And yes I handled a freedom arms.
I see your point, and definitely agree with you on quality but in regards to Heritage. They sold an immense amount of single actions. They also kept the spirit alive with new shooters. So, as a company? As for the spirit of single action? They rank number one. Being able to put a single action in everyone's hand. Not only that. The customization right from the factory to make it your own? Innovation
Not to be a pain, but...I would recommend a Ruger SR22. I just got a Glock .22 and my wife and I haven't shot it enough to give it a good recommendation yet. As a side note, my wife can shoot my Sig 220 45acp almost as good as I can. Really the accuracy of a gun is the proper grip on the gun for a beginner. The Sig 220 makes everyone look like a good shot.
If she is considering carrying a .22 revolver either the Ruger lcr(x) or Taurus 942 hold 8 rounds...seems like Charter and S&W make .22 revolvers for carry, also...we carried the Taurus in .22wmr for a while, it a good little gun...better 8 rounds of .22 than nothing...
(You know, Yankee, it might be pretty useful if you did a thing on what likely-found *used* single actions are OK: (Or maybe to avod,) still-made or not. I have pretty limited experiene or knowledge abut the things, they weren't apparently popular where I grew up, and people might want more Dirty Harry than Fistfull of DOllars if they wanted a big revolver. :) But I suspect I'd really like em if I actually got round to shooting one. As such I haven't exactly developed a lot of preferences yet. :) Caliber-wise there'd likely be two possible purposes for me: a) something a bit on the lighter side mostly just for fun, or b) Something pretty big if I ever end up somewhere I might be walking around with large wildlife concerns. I've always seemed to get along pretty chill in wildlife encounters, but for just in case I imagine I might as well have full cowgirl setup. :)
I posted details on an engineering change in the Rugers that boosted them a lot circa 2005-2007 and how to spot the later ones. I wouldn't own an older one, it's that big a deal.
I didn't know that Standard Mfg. is a continuation of USFA. I remember those and wanting to get one, then the owner changed directions and his new project failed and they went belly up.
UFSA were manufactured in the old Colt building in the South end of Hartford. They went out about 2015. The Standard plant is a few miles away in New Britain, Ct.
Picked up a new El Patron competition in 45LC a few years ago at a discounted price, mostly because it was at a dealer that focuses mostly on polymer semi-autos. Believe it was one of those deals where a vendor says "I can sell you X number of this extremely popular semi-auto, but you have to also buy some of these other firearms also". The El Patron shoots nice, although I've only put Sellier Bellot cowboy loads through it.
How you plan to use the gun is going to be big deciding factor in my opinion. Unless you are planning on shooting cowboy action matches with that revolver you will likely find that the sights on Blackhawk alone lean the decision that way for most people. Your caliber choice and if you want a interchange might sway your decision as well.
@@JimGothyoAnd on the stainless Blackhawks you can change the front blade without soldering. Have the old Vaqueros still but prefer my blued Blackhawk. Just want to change the front blade.
It depends also on whether you are talking the older vaquero built on the Blackhawk frame or the new vaquero built on the smaller frame (which is actually the original Blackhawk frame from a long time ago). The newer one is going to be smaller in the hand and closer to a real colt dimension. The older are built heavier and can handle heavier loads meaning it is bigger all around. They are both great and extremely durable. If you want modern sights or the gun is more for practical woods use, I’d getter the Blackhawk. You want something more historical looking or nostalgic, get the vaquero.
The info contained in this video is mostly wrong. Colt does not use Uberti parts, they did only in the black powder series. They are different revolvers, not interchangeable at all. Beretta bougth Uberti, not Pietta, which is still family owned. The Beretta Stampede is a Uberti revolver which much better finish, The revolvers sold by Cimarron, EMF, etc, are mostly the same gun: Ubertis. Ubertis incorporate totally new mechanisms today and are different revolvers to the rest, and Uberti didn’t copy anything from Standard manufacturing ir EMF.
Yep! Except to add that Cimarron and Taylor's both import guns from both Uberti and Pietta. EMF is now owned by Pietta and imports their guns exclusively. And everybody seems to forget about Dixie Gun Works. Far as I know, their revolvers are Uberti only.
there's a reason the BFRs (Big F*cking Revolver. no, actually "Biggest Finest Revolver") cost so much, $1344-1770. they're owned/made by Magnum Research. so basically, they're Desert Eagle revolvers. and the available calibers is crazy... Short Cylinder Models: .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, .480/.475 Linebaugh, .500 JRH, .500 Linebaugh Long Cylinder Models: .30/30 Winchester, .350 Legend, .360 Buckhammer, .444 Marlin, .450 Marlin, .45 Long Colt/.410, .45/70 Gov’t, .460 S&W Magnum, .500 S&W Magnum
These are fun guns that make you slow down and make your shots count 👍
They also keep you from burning through all your ammo too fast unlike semiautomatics giving you more enjoyment to e at the gun range.
Ruger made an engineering change to their single action revolvers circa 2005 to 2006.
Older ones had all six chambers reamed at the same time with six bits all spinning at the same time. This caused mismatches between chambers, which in turn caused accuracy issues and velocity differences between chambers.
In the new system, each cylinder is reamed one chamber at a time, all with the same bit/reamer set. This has led to more uniform chambers on each gun. And because it's easier to change and check one bit versus six at a time, the chamber dimensions we're getting are overall better.
On most models the change can be identified by where the "lawyer's warning billboard" is on the barrel. Side of barrel is older, under-barrel is newer.
There's an exception in the 50th anniversary Blackhawks - all of those use the new cylinder process.
Also, ALL of the mid-frame guns (New Vaquero and some special runs of adjustable sight mid-frames from 2005 forward) use the new cylinder process.
This change took the Ruger single actions from the good category to better where you've correctly listed them today.
Agreed! Love my Single-Six .32 H&R mag Bisley.
Wonder why My Original Vaquero's from 1st year of production will put 6rds under 2 inches at 25yrds with a 2 hand hold ? My New Vaquero from 2007 is lucky put 6rds into 4 inches.
@@walksfletcher I'm talking trends. Individual specimens, sometimes don't follow trends.
My dad passed away a couple weeks ago and he left behind a helluva gun collection (numbering in the hundreds) and he was particularly fond of Ruger. I know that “New Model” Ruger revolvers are named with ”New Model” on the left side of the frame but I presume “Old Model” specimens aren’t so labeled on the frame. In addition to “New Model” Blackhawk and RedHawks he had a number of DA revolvers (Security Six, Speed Six, SP101s and GP100). In particular, he had one of the original .327 Fed Mag SP101 with the short barrel (think snubbie) that he referred to as an “Old Model”. He kept nearly all his handguns in their own individual holster he bought for them in a small nylon bag. In each bag, he kept the gun in its holster with several boxes of ammo. He had also kept a ledger in which he recorded each gun divided into its appropriate category - Handgun, Rifle and Shotgun - where he recorded the date bought, amt paid, where it was bought, serial number, finish and Brand and model name. For this particular gun, he recorded it as Ruger SS SP101, .327 Fed Mag, Old Model. Seeing it sitting on a table it is indistinguishable from a SS SP101 in .357 Mag snubbie I bought about 7 years ago. Well, except the old SP has a small black metallic tab at the rear of the sight which resembles an adjustable sight but isn’t. I bought my own Ruger SP101 in .327 FM about 5 years ago but it is a 4.2” barrel with the small black tab at the rear sight area but it doesn’t say “New Model” anywhere on the frame.
I know that when Ruger started fitting their revolvers with the “transfer bar” so that you could carry with all cylinder chambers loaded they used nomenclature such as “New and Improved” or “New Model” on their guns which opened a door they wish they hadn’t. Suddenly people started lawsuits against the company as they thought the original revolvers they had bought weren’t safe - although they had simply copied the manufacture of revolvers which dated back to the 1873 release of the Colt SAA. Over the years whenever I saw “New Model” on the frame of any of his Blackhawks and RedHawks I presumed it meant the transfer bar use and not any other manufacture indicators but looks like I was incorrect based on your comment. I know he had other Ruger SA revolvers which didn’t have “New Model” on the frames such as Single Six and Bearcat models in .22LR and at least one Single Seven, again in .327 Fed Mag. I know the Single Seven had a tad longer firing pin as it consistently fired .32 Auto rounds along with the original .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long, 32 H&R Mags and .327 FMs. My SP101 4.2” .327 would also fire all the same cartridges but only about half of the .32 Auto would fire with a light firing pin strike marks on the primers.
Sorry for the length of my comment but you caught my attention and I really need to learn more about my dad’s collection before my mom sells it and she is in quite a hurry to do so.
@@slypperyfox You have my condolences on your loss.
The Ruger SP-101 was the introductory vehicle for the 327 Federal. It had the 3 inch barrel and a windage-only adjustable rear sight. That's the "black tab" you're seeing at the rear of the frame. There should be a slotted-head screw on one side of the frame under the sight to move it from side to side. The SP-101 in 327 is now offered with adjustable sights and a 4.2 inch barrel, like the one you bought, and with fixed sights and a 3 inch barrel. The fixed-sight '101 is not really a new model; it's just a feature change to the older one.
As far as the "New Model" nomenclature you are right, with one exception. The original Vaquero was made on the same 44 Magnum frame that the New Model Blackhawk was made on, complete with transfer bar, but with fixed sights instead of adjustable. The New Model Vaquero still has the fixed sights and the transfer bar, but it is built on the smaller "Flat Top" Blackhawk frame and in a smaller number of calibers. The New Model Vaquero also bears the "New Model" marking on the frame that the original Vaquero doesn't have.
I have 4 Piettas, 2 Ubertis and 1 Ruger in the SAA configuration. The Italian guns come from 4 different importers: Stoeger, Cimmaron, EMF, and Taylor’s. Piettas’ action is smooth as silk from the factory; Ubertis are terrible and need to be sent in for tuning if you want decent action.
Who does the cylinder work on pietta for fanning? I need the Lundon mods
I'm pretty sure SAA fans (colt and clones) want any modernization, ruger has that covered.
You are correct. PIETTA IS THE VERY BEST OF ITALIAN CLONES, and they're still in business, despite YANKME's hallucinations
Love my Piettas over my Rugers
@chiefkikyerass7188 I concur Pietta is still family owned as of talking to Charlie last week at EMF. And Tucotherat is still a spokesman for Pietta.
What we need is someone to make a high quality Merwin & Hulbert replicas.
Ooo, ahhh, yum.
@@mkshffr4936 You are kind of an idiot right?
What happened to that project?
Abso-fuckin-lutely!
I have a U.S.F.A. short barrel, .45LC, Sheriff's Special. It is a work of art.
I own Pietta and Uberti from different Importers black powder, Cimmaron/ Uberti cartridge conversions, Single Action Army. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Pietta the addage "if you want a shooter get a Pietta if you want fit and finish get an Uberti" is very very true
Heritage is owned by Taurus and is now making big bore single action revolvers and now makes a double barrel side by side coach style shotgun that looks good, but a little pricey.
I woukld never own anything made by Taurus.
Taurus makes fantastic firearms now they are awesome with todays standards . They got going now !! @@doranmaxwell1755
There is a major difference between “manufacturer” and “importer”.
Pietta and Uberti ARE MANUFACTURERS!
Pietta is 100% in business and much better then uberty
I'm not sure where he got his information on this one. The Cimarron he shows is the El Malo, and it's manufactured by Pietta.
My mom bought me the pietta 357 mag before she passed away. I really love it. I have it in a really cheap belt and holster. I need to upgrade that. Damn gun seems very high quality.
Freedom arms cannot be beat when it comes to quality.
EMF's Great Western II line of revolvers are made by Pietta. There are some subtle but important differences between Uberti and Pietta and the latter is a better revolver according to TUCOthrratt.
I agree. I wouldn't buy a uberti for full price. Quality isn't as good. Also Pietta is the only one that countersink the ramrod housing into the barrel.
Two of my friends have both had their 44 magnum Blackhawks screws fall out or stripped out that hold the ramrod housing.
But with all single actions always check and tighten the screws.
My Piettas in 357magnum/38special screws have come loose.
My Piettas 45-colt 45acp for some reason have not. But be vigilant.
Great video
@@mikemuhlbach2951401 Herters are notorious for the screw shearing off. I assume they back out first then shear. I’ve loktited only that screw on all my single actions. At least I hope I have.
You should rank 1911's
First off, that Ruger is not a true 1 to 1 copy of the colt 1873, its your list but it’s okay, those that know, would rather have an Italian clone. Cimarron, Taylor and Steiger are importers, and they import both Uberti and Pietta, these two make all the Italian clones on the market!
I just want some one to make a modern 1877 Lighting clone in DA/SA.
I know the original had a terrible mechanism because of patent laws.
But that was 1877 and itd be nice to get one today with a modern lock up system.
You and me both. I'd even love to have an 1878 clone too.
Agreed on that.
The snubby SAAs are cool but they are not a double action revolver.
I've heard the Diamondback .22/.22wmr is similar
I have no experience with any other of these revolvers, but I own a 1873 reproduction Uberti (Taylors and Company), chambered in 45 colt, and it is by far my favorite gun to shoot. Just delightful. 😊
Heritage arms .22 magnum SA was my first pistol way back in the early eighties, when I was around 13. I loved SA revolvers back then because I was left handed. Reloading is very easy for a left hander.
People have speculated that Colt was left handed. Texas Longhorn Firearms made a SAA completely reversed that they said was for right handed people.
Unless something has changed Uberti-made Colt clones no longer have the correct "4 click" hammer while Pietta-made clones still do. Therefore, in my opinion, Pietta outranks Uberti.
Uberti still makes a couple of 4-click models exclusively for Cimarron.
It depends on the gun and there is no separate Pietta and Uberti anymore. They have been consolidated.
@@TheYankeeMarshal Hey Yankee! What do you mean by saying 'consolidated'? Have they merged?
@@TheYankeeMarshalThe last that I heard was Pietta was owned by Benelli which was owned by Beretta. When did that change? Did Uberti buy Pietta from Beretta? It really doesn't matter - Pietta 1873 clones are more correct than Ubertis.
Pietta 73 models are mostly compatible with Colt 2nd generation SAA.
Yankee Marshall is one of the OG gun tubers! Keep at it man!
I just got a Taylor's 1875 outlaw 5.5.5in bbl tuned model. All I got to say it is the sweetest gun I have handled. My Taurus gaucho is right up there with it.
I have a 3rd Gen Colt made in 2006… the quality of the finished product is definitely a bit nicer than the Uberti El Patrons I have had. The reason I chose Colt is pretty much the name. I know I paid a premium for it because the name but it’s my first one.
I just picked up my cimarron man with no name revolver chambered in 45colt and I love this thing, it’s the best revolver I own
Freedom Arms.
What about NAA Minis??
I have the uberti cattlemen in 10mm with the ported barrel. I had a problem with the cylinder hanging up. I watched a video that showed you how to file the lip off where the ramp brings the round into firing position. After doing that. The gun has been 100% reliable. With it being ported it has very little recoil even in 10mm. Also very accurate out to 50 yards. I forgot to mention. The trigger is very light. Barely breath on it and its going.
Would love to see a comparison of 22lr revolvers. Which are good to get and which ones to avoid. Not interested in self defense but would like to see which ones are reliable, accurate and well made. Considering that .357, .38 SP, and .327 Fed Mag are still expensive it’s nice to be able to shoot a revolver with an eye towards keeping the cost down.
Don't necessarily understand your rational for excluding the Pieta on the basis of the Beretta Stampede.
could you do a sass weapon review...? rifle revoler shotgun.. looking to get started in cowboy action shooting
I've wanted a Freedom Arms in 454 for a while. It's certainly the most common single action 454 I've seen, and it has the most options.
Heritage does have a Big Bore series. They are available in .357 and .45 Colt. They have a transfer bar safety and are made by Pietta.
Those are just Uberti/Pietta guns with custom stamps. I covered that in the video.
@@TheYankeeMarshal No, they’re Pietta, not Uberti.
My favorite is the 1858 Remington sheriffs model by Pietta. I’ve converted it from 44 cap and ball to fire 45 colt. It’s like the one Clint Eastwood uses in pale Rider
Good vid but wrong about pietta. Tucothratt has a good video on why pietta guns are made better than uberti.
I have a beautiful Pietta 1973 .45 LC Gen2. Blued 5 1/2 in. barrel, brass backstrap and trigger guard. ❤
YANKEE What is the selections of 45lc ammo available that is safe to shoot in the Factory MFG 45lc revolver
As a mid-level Colt SAA collector who regularly shoots Cimarron products, I would say the Cimarron's SAA is every bit as nice shooting as any modern Colt variant. The st gen Colts I collect are some of the finest firearms ever produced, in my opinion. Nice video.
Cimarron makes sqat, they import Uberti and Pietta, period.
@@kennethhamby9811 I never said Cimarron made anything. I know the gentleman who started Cimarron Firearms. They are a step above Uberti in fit and function.Manufactured by Uberti but to higher specs. Owned several of each, the Cimarron's were, side by side, always better. Better trigger, smoother cocking and better fit and finish. That has been my experience with the brand anyway.
It all depends on what you value. I prefer the blackpowder frame Colt saa revolvers. I like them as close to the originals as possible. I can't afford to order one from the Colt Custom Shop so I have to settle for a clone. I have a 4 3/4 model from Uberti USA and a 7 1/2 from Cimarron. I am extremely satisfied with both. For me it is authentic as possible at a price that I can afford. So your best category doesn't do it for me. So if Standard made an authentic blackpowder frame Colt SAA it would probably get my vote, although I still wouldn't be able to afford to buy it..
Thanks for doing this video! I was hoping you'd do it after the loving the last one.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Second generation Colt SAA's from 1956 to 1959 are the finest made. They have the same quality build as the first generations and some have parts actually from those days. The fit and finish is second to none. First generations and these early seconds are the only Colts I would have.
Ruger, Ruger, Ruger, Ruger, and, of course, Ruger.
Ruger super blackhawk stainless... its a beast
So are the blued ones, they can handle loads very few ,44 Magnum lever action rifles can.
They are ALL good, functional and reliable. Just the amount that you are willing to spend to make yourself feel a little better.
Good content mr marshall! Best ranking chart system on the interwebs.
I've always liked the Virginian Dragoon. Wish they still made them.
I have a Standard Mfg 45 in nickel that is one bad ass revolver.
It’s been a long time but I had people try to sell me a Ruger. They were rough with large gaps so the answer was No!
I completely agree with these rankings having owned all of these. Also had one of those Beretta Stampedes and regret getting rid of it. It was a quality single action.
According to my Colt SAA shop manual, many Beretta Stampede and Colt Cowboy (not SAA) are compatible. That makes me suspect the Cowboy parts were farmed out to Pietta.
I have handled many single-action revolvers -- Taylor had the smoothest action, best trigger compared to any other revolver. I would put Taylor in the best category on trigger and action alone.
I want to customize a six inch 9 rnd Rough Ryder convertible with a bird head grip as a small game hunting gun
I have a GERMANY LA'S DEPUTY S.S.A 357mag I BROUT IT IN 1966. Still working great do you have any information on it. Thanks 👍🏿🎯
No heritage 357's? They do have em. Love to see a review on here of one
Not sure what your saying, I have Heratige 45cal liberty made by Pietta . It is damn tight, accurate and well built.
Ruger, Ruger, Ruger, .22 convertible, .38/.357 Blackhawk , .44 mag. Super Blackhawk. Go ping, bang, boom everytime. Not paper purchers, taken everything from squirrel, deer, and hogs for the last 45 years.
Elmer Kieth, Bob Munden or Jerry Miculek?
Hey Yankee, ole boy, you forgot the latest extraordinary offering by Uberti, the 1873 SINGLE-ACTION CATTLEMAN New Model - Hunter with Picatinny Rail. It appears to be an extraordinary single-action, available in .45 Colt caliber with models 345495 and 345496.
EMF actually uses Pietta revolvers for their Great Western ll
I have to Agree Yankee, The Standard is really Superior,a work of Art! They Shoot Too! I am fortunate to have a Blue/bone and charcoal Case colored 7.5 " with Walnut grip.#1811
Colt SAAS do not use Uberti parts. Only the Colt Black powder line used them.
I have a Taylor & Co. clone in .357 magnum. Taylor will not warranty the gun if you fire .357 magnum or jacketed .38 special. My LGS and I were both told this by their customer service. It is a great shooting revolver and very accurate, but why would a company market and stamp a firearm for a caliber they don't recommend firing in it?
Pietta revolvers are known for having shallow rifling. Colt marked barrels and Uberti both use deeper grooves. That's the one thing that Uberti gets right. Maybe this is the key. Ill stick with my Colt SAA 3rd gen. Colt has always used top notch steel. Uberti guns are known for being a bit soft on the heat treatment scale. Pietta does a better job in that department.
Fake news.
Pietta warranties and factory ammo according to their manual and website. Then I have Davidson Exclusives they come with a lifetime warranty.
@@mikemuhlbach2951 Yeah and no manufacturer is going to produce a firearm where you can't fire standard factory ammo for its chambering. I don't know where the commenter above got his info but it's wrong. Actually Piettas and Uberti's are proofed at higher CIP standards.
FWIW I believe Heritage Rough Rider now has 45 Colt chambered guns. Targeted at values based customer (like $450 ballpark) imho they seem more sold than the price would suggest.
I have the 357 magnum version
@@Kentuckycolonelpatrick May I ask how you like it?
They are just Uberti/Pietta guns with custom stamps.
Interesting. Didn’t know who built them.
Pietta apparently.
Yankee, where did you read that Colt ever used Uberti barrels? Pietta and Colt barrels use a barrel stud and screw to correctly mount the ejector rod housing. Uberti does not. Their barrels all lack the correct stud. On a thick .357 barrel no one would probably notice. On a .44 or .45 barrel they have a tendency to work loose after firing. Also Colt and Pietta barrel threads are inch pattern while Uberti are metric. I think you may have meant Pietta.
I just checked a few of mine and you're correct.
@@Athanasios-pg2gf Jerry Kuhnhausen wrote an excellent book called Colt Single Actions Vol. 1&2 that I highly recommend. He details all the dimensional differences between all Colt models and generations including the Bisley, Cowboy and New Frontier models. He also documents extensive information on Uberti, Pietta, Armi San Marco, USFA and Beretta Stampede. Standard Manufacturing isn't mentioned in this book. They weren't making Colt copies at the time of publishing. Rugers, Freedom Arms, Interarms Dragoons (Sauer) and Weirach (EAA) aren't mentioned because they are not actually Colt copies. He doesn't discuss Uberti Remington or Smith & Wesson #3 copies either.
Could you do a video about how double action revolvers are imported into California as single action and then converted?
I have actually done that with the Rhino.
My Pietta Gunfighters parts are interchangeable with Colt. Uberti are slightly lRger than Pietta. My Piettas are Davidson Exclusive convertible revolvers. No tuning or spring action job needed.
When did Alejandro at Pietta sell the company?
As usual, thanks for a good video. I would disagree about Pietta however. I own them and Uberti. Both companies offer unique versions that the other doesn't offer as well as parts are not usually interchangeable. Also we all know the Colt model is now most popular and Hollywood has us believing that that's all there was. What about some 1875 Remington's or a Smith top-break, etc. regardless of who makes it. Thanks again, keep it up.
There are no separate Pietta and Uberti companies any longer. They are under the same roof.
@@TheYankeeMarshal I believe ya. I had heard that elsewhere. Probable what I've bought was older stock. I wonder as time goes on if they'll consolidate some of their product lines? Especially making for parts interchangeability. I hope so. They may also keep some separation of product lines, strictly from a marketing aspect. As if still separate. Time will tell.
My son bought a Baretta Stampede Marshall model about 10 years ago, and I have to say, it is the finest non-colt SAA I have ever shot. I look for one at every gun show, and search Gun Broker often to find one, but so far, no luck.
Today I was at a gun show and found a Taylor's & Company Runnin' Iron Tuned stainless model for $909
I did not buy it because I was not familiar with it. After getting home and doing some research, it appears to be a well-made model, and likely worth the money. It may be a viable alternative to the Stampede, since those can not be readily found?
Anyone on here have first-hand experience with that particular model?
Love my Heritage and my Pietta.
The BFR clearly deserves to be in the "best" category. They use 17-4 ph stainless steel and are machined to very close tolerances. There is no comparison between my BFR.44 and my stainless super Blackhawk. I wouldn't trade my bfr for a freedom arms. And yes I handled a freedom arms.
Bro is such a fudd 😂
I been waiting for this topic!!!
I see your point, and definitely agree with you on quality but in regards to Heritage. They sold an immense amount of single actions. They also kept the spirit alive with new shooters. So, as a company? As for the spirit of single action? They rank number one. Being able to put a single action in everyone's hand. Not only that. The customization right from the factory to make it your own? Innovation
yankee did you ever get a scholfield revolver
Wait, wait, WAIT! ... Are you telling me that Colt is using Uberti's parts???
What would you recommend for a 22 revolver that's in a budget range I'm thinking about getting my wife one because she has a hard time shooting a 9 mm
Ruger Wrangler
they also have the Super Wrangler which I believe comes with 22 WMR Cylinder so that might be something to Consider.
Not to be a pain, but...I would recommend a Ruger SR22.
I just got a Glock .22 and my wife and I haven't shot it enough to give it a good recommendation yet. As a side note, my wife can shoot my Sig 220 45acp almost as good as I can. Really the accuracy of a gun is the proper grip on the gun for a beginner. The Sig 220 makes everyone look like a good shot.
If she is considering carrying a .22 revolver either the Ruger lcr(x) or Taurus 942 hold 8 rounds...seems like Charter and S&W make .22 revolvers for carry, also...we carried the Taurus in .22wmr for a while, it a good little gun...better 8 rounds of .22 than nothing...
Heritage Rough Rider or Ruger Wangler
The BFR is a Magnum Research brand.
The only gun that is going to win competitions at a higher level are the Rugers.
(You know, Yankee, it might be pretty useful if you did a thing on what likely-found *used* single actions are OK: (Or maybe to avod,) still-made or not. I have pretty limited experiene or knowledge abut the things, they weren't apparently popular where I grew up, and people might want more Dirty Harry than Fistfull of DOllars if they wanted a big revolver. :) But I suspect I'd really like em if I actually got round to shooting one. As such I haven't exactly developed a lot of preferences yet. :)
Caliber-wise there'd likely be two possible purposes for me: a) something a bit on the lighter side mostly just for fun, or b) Something pretty big if I ever end up somewhere I might be walking around with large wildlife concerns. I've always seemed to get along pretty chill in wildlife encounters, but for just in case I imagine I might as well have full cowgirl setup. :)
I posted details on an engineering change in the Rugers that boosted them a lot circa 2005-2007 and how to spot the later ones. I wouldn't own an older one, it's that big a deal.
@@1jimmarch Ah, thanks indeed, if that comes up. :)
Thanks for educating us all 😊
Greatest revolver ever created, Grover #5
And it is the only right handed single action.
Why can’t I ever find a new Colt SAA?
Heratige has centerfire single actions too
Agree with all.
Heritage/Piettas 357 & 45 colt
Heritage arms has 38/357 45LC and all that.
Is the color case hardening real or an applied finish on the Standard MFG?
Its real
Loved that video
They do make a 357 now yankee
I didn't know that Standard Mfg. is a continuation of USFA. I remember those and wanting to get one, then the owner changed directions and his new project failed and they went belly up.
They may have bought the USFA tooling when they closed. Somebody did.
UFSA were manufactured in the old Colt building in the South end of Hartford. They went out about 2015. The Standard plant is a few miles away in New Britain, Ct.
It isn’t, no relation. They didn’t go belly up, they quit.
Picked up a new El Patron competition in 45LC a few years ago at a discounted price, mostly because it was at a dealer that focuses mostly on polymer semi-autos. Believe it was one of those deals where a vendor says "I can sell you X number of this extremely popular semi-auto, but you have to also buy some of these other firearms also". The El Patron shoots nice, although I've only put Sellier Bellot cowboy loads through it.
Standard has no relation to USFA.
Colt has never used Uberti parts.
Very good job; God bless!
When you cock the hammer back on Colt, the four clicks say Colt. When you cock the hammer back on an import the four clicks say fake .
Good video.
what are your thoughts on the blackhawk vs. the vaquero in 357? Similar size and price range, what is the difference?
How you plan to use the gun is going to be big deciding factor in my opinion. Unless you are planning on shooting cowboy action matches with that revolver you will likely find that the sights on Blackhawk alone lean the decision that way for most people. Your caliber choice and if you want a interchange might sway your decision as well.
@@JimGothyoAnd on the stainless Blackhawks you can change the front blade without soldering. Have the old Vaqueros still but prefer my blued Blackhawk. Just want to change the front blade.
It depends also on whether you are talking the older vaquero built on the Blackhawk frame or the new vaquero built on the smaller frame (which is actually the original Blackhawk frame from a long time ago). The newer one is going to be smaller in the hand and closer to a real colt dimension. The older are built heavier and can handle heavier loads meaning it is bigger all around. They are both great and extremely durable. If you want modern sights or the gun is more for practical woods use, I’d getter the Blackhawk. You want something more historical looking or nostalgic, get the vaquero.
Dude, where the hell did you get your info?! 😂
i like bfr & ruger.
Freedom Arms makes the best quality and most accurate single-action revolvers of all time, JMO.
The info contained in this video is mostly wrong. Colt does not use Uberti parts, they did only in the black powder series. They are different revolvers, not interchangeable at all. Beretta bougth Uberti, not Pietta, which is still family owned. The Beretta Stampede is a Uberti revolver which much better finish, The revolvers sold by Cimarron, EMF, etc, are mostly the same gun: Ubertis. Ubertis incorporate totally new mechanisms today and are different revolvers to the rest, and Uberti didn’t copy anything from Standard manufacturing ir EMF.
Yep!
Except to add that Cimarron and Taylor's both import guns from both Uberti and Pietta. EMF is now owned by Pietta and imports their guns exclusively.
And everybody seems to forget about Dixie Gun Works. Far as I know, their revolvers are Uberti only.
there's a reason the BFRs (Big F*cking Revolver. no, actually "Biggest Finest Revolver") cost so much, $1344-1770. they're owned/made by Magnum Research. so basically, they're Desert Eagle revolvers.
and the available calibers is crazy...
Short Cylinder Models:
.357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, .480/.475 Linebaugh, .500 JRH, .500 Linebaugh
Long Cylinder Models:
.30/30 Winchester, .350 Legend, .360 Buckhammer, .444 Marlin, .450 Marlin, .45 Long Colt/.410, .45/70 Gov’t, .460 S&W Magnum, .500 S&W Magnum
I love my Uberti 1873!
Thanks for the video but Ruger should be moved to the right.
I concur