Best Clone

davem · November 11, 2014, 11:58 AM

I am thinking about a Colt clone with a 7 1/2" barrel, early model with screw to retain cylinder, etc. Pin in the hammer, no transfer bar, and something that is of good quality. What are the better choices? I would prefer 44/40 but 45 Colt is okay.

Jim Watson · November 11, 2014, 01:33 PM

With the redirection of USFA to a plastic .22, the selection is not great.
What you see is different importers selling Ubertis and Piettas.

I have an ASM, but they are defunct and you get the same model designation on a Uberti at Cimarron Arms.

bedbugbilly · November 11, 2014, 03:26 PM

Check out either the Ubertis or the Piettas - both are good.

I'm assuming you are looking for a 1873 clone on the BP frame - i.e. a screw retained cylinder pin?

I recently purchased a Uberti "Bisley" - a little later design that what you want but the quality is excellent and it's a great shooting handgun. What you're looking for can be order from Uberti or someplace like Taylor, Cimarron, etc. I purchased my Bisley from the LGS and paid less than list on it. If you buy from Taylor and Cimarron, you're buying an Uberti anyway and I really doubt you'd notice much difference in the quality in spite of what some folks think.

I got my Bisley in .357 as I reload and shoot a lot of 38 Colt Shorts, 38 Colt Longs, 38 Spls. and some 357 - both smokeless and black powder.

I like the feel of the Bisley for target shooting but would have no problem in buying another Uberti in the 1873 pattern - in fact, when I finally get around to reloading either 44 Russian/44 Special or 45 Colt, that's what I'll probably do.

45 Dragoon · November 11, 2014, 06:27 PM

I have to agree with bedbug!!
I had an ASM copy that was a really nice one. Great shooter. Very accurate. I fire lapped the bore and it was quite the tack driver! That was in the early '90's .

I don't have it anymore (but would gladly take it ) but I do have a little over a year old Uberti made El Patron Competition in .45 Colt that after a little extra tweaking is an awesome firearm and wouldn't trade it for the mentioned ASM!! It is a great shooter as well and I like the safety block in the hammer. I am comfortable enough with it to load six. It spends time as a carry for me as well as a Pietta made Remington with a six shot conversion cyl. (.45 Colt of course!). Both have 5 1/2 in tubes.

Mike
www.goonsgunworks.com

44 Dave · November 11, 2014, 11:33 PM

I vote for .44 WCF, but .44-40 ammo can be a little more trouble.

November 11, 2014, 11:58 AM	#1
davem Junior member Join Date: October 4, 2004 Posts: 458	Best Clone I am thinking about a Colt clone with a 7 1/2" barrel, early model with screw to retain cylinder, etc. Pin in the hammer, no transfer bar, and something that is of good quality. What are the better choices? I would prefer 44/40 but 45 Colt is okay.

November 11, 2014, 03:26 PM	#3
bedbugbilly Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2009 Posts: 3,287	Check out either the Ubertis or the Piettas - both are good. I'm assuming you are looking for a 1873 clone on the BP frame - i.e. a screw retained cylinder pin? I recently purchased a Uberti "Bisley" - a little later design that what you want but the quality is excellent and it's a great shooting handgun. What you're looking for can be order from Uberti or someplace like Taylor, Cimarron, etc. I purchased my Bisley from the LGS and paid less than list on it. If you buy from Taylor and Cimarron, you're buying an Uberti anyway and I really doubt you'd notice much difference in the quality in spite of what some folks think. I got my Bisley in .357 as I reload and shoot a lot of 38 Colt Shorts, 38 Colt Longs, 38 Spls. and some 357 - both smokeless and black powder. I like the feel of the Bisley for target shooting but would have no problem in buying another Uberti in the 1873 pattern - in fact, when I finally get around to reloading either 44 Russian/44 Special or 45 Colt, that's what I'll probably do. __________________ If a pair of '51 Navies were good enough for Billy Hickok, then a single Navy on my right hip is good enough for me . . . besides . . . I'm probably only half as good as he was anyways. Hiram's Rangers Badge #63

November 11, 2014, 01:33 PM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,541	With the redirection of USFA to a plastic .22, the selection is not great. What you see is different importers selling Ubertis and Piettas. I have an ASM, but they are defunct and you get the same model designation on a Uberti at Cimarron Arms.

November 11, 2014, 06:27 PM	#4
45 Dragoon Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2013 Posts: 656	I have to agree with bedbug!! I had an ASM copy that was a really nice one. Great shooter. Very accurate. I fire lapped the bore and it was quite the tack driver! That was in the early '90's . I don't have it anymore (but would gladly take it ) but I do have a little over a year old Uberti made El Patron Competition in .45 Colt that after a little extra tweaking is an awesome firearm and wouldn't trade it for the mentioned ASM!! It is a great shooter as well and I like the safety block in the hammer. I am comfortable enough with it to load six. It spends time as a carry for me as well as a Pietta made Remington with a six shot conversion cyl. (.45 Colt of course!). Both have 5 1/2 in tubes. Mike www.goonsgunworks.com

November 11, 2014, 11:33 PM	#5
44 Dave Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2013 Posts: 584	I vote for .44 WCF, but .44-40 ammo can be a little more trouble.