Uberti or Pietta 1861

[kmittleman]

Hi all,

I’m thinking about getting another BP revolver and was looking at the 1861’s. However I hear that the Ubertis have an arbor that’s too short and Piettas need more deburring.

Any recommendations?

K

 

[Gcs7th]

I may have one NIB, need to check which models I have.

 

[linkstate]

I’ve got a Uberti 1851 Navy and I’m aware of the short arbor but I have never had any issues with occasional casual plinking.

It is a very nice pistol. Someday I want to add a Pietta to compare.

 

[kmittleman]

I’ve got a Uberti 1851 Navy and I’m aware of the short arbor but I have never had any issues with occasional casual plinking.

It is a very nice pistol. Someday I want to add a Pietta to compare.

Thanks so much for the reply. How high does it shoot? How’s the windage?

 

[linkstate]

Thanks so much for the reply. How high does it shoot? How’s the windage?

It’s been awhile for me to give you an accurate answer. I usually shoot it around 15 yards and I don’t remember it being all that high.

Windage was fine. Now I’m no great pistolero but accuracy is acceptable for me.

I also have a Remington in .44 but the Colt patterns are just beautiful, balance well and I enjoy it more.

If you are going with an 1861, I would go with a .44 for a couple reasons. The barrel will be the same diameter if you go .36 or .44 and I suspect the .44 will balance better. Also, it is way easier to find factory .44 cal round balls of different diameters. .36 usually means buying from a boutique such as track of the wolf unless you are going to make your own.

Also buy a couple different quality nipple wrenches. On the Uberties at least, they are very tight from the factory.

 

[Threeband]

Can someone explain this short arbor? I've never heard of it.

I have an Uberti '51 Navy, but it's over 40 years old.

... Okay, I googled it. I don't think mine has this problem. I've never known the cylinder gap to close up.

I bought mine in 1980.

 

[Brickman301]

If you don’t have a 58 Remington, pick one of those up as well.
The don’t handle as well as a “Colt”, but they are more accurate, easier to clean and maintain. With extra preloaded cylinders, it’s faster/easier to reload. They are also better platforms if you ever want to use conversion cylinders as well.

 

[kmittleman]

If you don’t have a 58 Remington, pick one of those up as well.
The don’t handle as well as a “Colt”, but they are more accurate, easier to clean and maintain. With extra preloaded cylinders, it’s faster/easier to reload. They are also better platforms if you ever want to use conversion cylinders as well.

Actually I have an 1858 and it’s great but Midway has an Uberti all steel 1861 for $300 so I’m tempted…..

 

[John from MD]

Hi all,

I’m thinking about getting another BP revolver and was looking at the 1861’s. However I hear that the Ubertis have an arbor that’s too short and Piettas need more deburring.

Any recommendations?

K

A Uberti steel '61 for $300 is a good deal these days. I have not seen a short arbor in years for either manufacturer.

 

[tjiann]

A Uberti steel '61 for $300 is a good deal these days. I have not seen a short arbor in years for either manufacturer.

...and free shipping coupon on their site right now.

 

[The Saint]

I've had no problems with either maker...and I own or have owned multiples of both. If you want the best of the best, get a Ruger Old Army...but unless you think you're gonna be into it into it...the money spent on a Ruger these days can buy almost 2 1/2 Uberti/Piettas.

Oh, and if you want to shoot conicals...get a Uberti. Round ball only rammers on the Piettas...Uberti can do em all.

 

[linkstate]

So the OP had me checking out Midway and sales. So ignore what I said about going with a .44. Was thinking the 1860. I’m a fan of going with the original calibers per model.

 

[tjiann]

I didn't know Pietta was owned by Traditions (?).

 

[The Saint]

Whatever you choose...get yourself a set of SlixShot nipples for it...just take my word for it. Best $40 you'll ever spend to making a cap and ball gun as close to 100% reliable as possible.

 

[wpage]

Those are lots of fun. Either Pietta or Uberti, good bang for the buck. Not so much paper work in certain states to buy.

 

[normbal]

Not a CAS just a collector/shooter. First cnb was Pietta, 1851 Navy, hobby shop buy in 1973. Spring broke out of pawl, sadness ensued. Finally found a ‘smith through Bill Jackson’s (StPete, offa 4th street then, not US 19) to fix it.

next cnb was a 1858, Traditions, Cabela’s) 1995. First shot the stud holding the reloading lever fell off. Went back in the mail on Monday.

my next half dozen BO cnb guns were all Uberti.

the fit, finish, timing are impeccable.

Colt bp collector series were mfd by Uberti - I’ve owned and shot several of those.

me, IMHO, I’d go with Uberti.

 

[The Saint]

Colt bp collector series were mfd by Uberti - I’ve owned and shot several of those.

This gets misrepresented all over the internet for years now...

The 2nd Gen "black box" "Black Powder Series" Colts were largely made by COLT and are leagues above the Uberti guns, with only some minor parts being forged by Uberti and ALL hand fitted at COLT. 3rd Gen "blue box" Signature Series" Colts are nothing but a glorified Uberti at more than double the price, and not worth the money AT ALL, unless you're a diehard Colt collector not planning to shoot them. If you do plan to shoot it, steer clear of 3rd Gen entirely unless it costs you no more than a regular plain jane Italian repro (because it is one). Colt had basically 0% involvement with the 3rd gen, but almost everything to do with the 2nd Gen.

 

[normbal]

This gets misrepresented all over the internet for years now...

The 2nd Gen "black box" "Black Powder Series" Colts were largely made by COLT and are leagues above the Uberti guns, with only some minor parts being forged by Uberti and ALL hand fitted at COLT. 3rd Gen "blue box" Signature Series" Colts are nothing but a glorified Uberti at more than double the price, and not worth the money AT ALL, unless you're a diehard Colt collector not planning to shoot them. If you do plan to shoot it, steer clear of 3rd Gen entirely unless it costs you no more than a regular plain jane Italian repro (because it is one). Colt had basically 0% involvement with the 3rd gen, but almost everything to do with the 2nd Gen.

I sit corrected (I stand for the flag and not much else these day). Thanks.

funny, I bought one of the Uberti “Colt signature“ models, shot it a couple dozen times (FYI - .357 magnum ballistics are possible) a year later, sold it for about 25% more than I paid originally.

 

[Gcs7th]

If your still looking I have an 1847 Uberti Walker .44 9” and a Uberti 3rd model dragoon .44 cal. These were donated to the Gun club and all proceeds will go to our juniors shooting team.

 

[tjiann]

FYI, I've got a new in box Pietta 1858 Remington Army I'll be listing in the classified soon.