New to BP pistols..What brands good and bad?

Fuzzymaster · January 29, 2009, 01:50 PM

I have a black powder rifle, and I have looked at the pistols, but not to the point of looking to buy. I came into some extra cash and would like to get one. Even after reading Hawg Haggens experience! Are there any brands to strictly avoid, or is it a , get what you pay for thing.
I looked in Midway and saw about 100$ difference in Pietta and Uberti.
Thanks

Raider2000 · January 29, 2009, 02:29 PM

Umm unless you are looking at the difference in SS & Blued they are about the same price.

Midway's price for a Uberti 1858 NMA Blued Steel .44 caliber

Midways price for a Pietta 1858 NMA Blued Steel .44 caliber

I couldn't say much about Euroarms but from what I've heard they are very good quality as well, but between Uberti & Pietta the quality is about the same between the two right now I have both makers & with the Uberti having a slightly smaller grip compared to the Pietta "in the 1858 NMA revolvers that is" there really isn't much of a difference in the two.

CraigC · January 29, 2009, 03:31 PM

They're both getting better all the time but I believe Uberti still has the edge in quality. My Pietta 1860's are good guns but they exhibit flaws I've never seen on a Uberti. Still an excellent value.

Hawg · January 29, 2009, 06:55 PM

Lessee 300 bucks for a Uberti or 190 for a Pietta(on sale). I think I'd go with Pietta. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...817&hasJS=true

Hoss Fly · January 29, 2009, 07:22 PM

I assume ya talkin new one so i aint even gonna say "Stay away from ASM"

IMO any modern shooter will do you fine

I'm with Hawg on the Uberti/Pietta decission

Fingers McGee · January 30, 2009, 01:20 AM

I have numerous C&Bs from Pietta and Uberti. Have gotten good service from guns by each and have had problems with guns from each. I like the grip profile on the Ubertis better than the Piettas, although the GWII grip frame and grips work really well on a Pietta Navy.

You'll do alright with either. Buy what suits your fancy and pocket book.

Smokin_Gun · January 30, 2009, 01:45 AM

Nothin' wrong with ASM...

SG

kirpi97 · January 30, 2009, 02:08 AM

Now I own every one of the cheap Italian models (ASM, Pietta) mentioned. I only meant that I own revolvers from each of the makers. Not every model ever made. My bad for not being more exact with my words. I will choose them better next time. As for my safe. I have two 14-gun safes, a small pistol safe, and six other revolvers that are not in a safe. And one in my truck. And I have not experienced a problem with them. Maybe I am too gentle with my revolvers. But I am not up to paying for an Uberti when a Pietta will do. Besides, for that extra hundred, I can get a lot of supplies.

But what I will say for Pietta is the size of the grip. I have long fingers and the other brand's grips are less comfortable. So I am replacing grips for comfort. I would have no hesitation with buying another Pietta.

Now if it is pistols Fuzzy is looking into pistols as opposed to revolvers, then a Lyman is the way to go if you want to pay the price. But I have found Traditions to work just fine.

My bottom line--buy what you can afford. Unless you are really into SASS or the re-enactments, you'll be happy with a Pietta. I know I am.

madcratebuilder · January 30, 2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Nothin' wrong with ASM...

SG

That's my experience to. All the makers have good ones and bad ones, with the possible exception of Pedersoli.

mykeal · January 30, 2009, 01:04 PM

Pedersoli is not immune to quality escapes. They are perhaps a little more rare, but it won't take a long time to find a member of The Muzzleloader Forum who "will never have another #$%#@& Pedersoli as long as I live!".

Now, USFA might meet that lofty standard.

Fingers McGee · January 30, 2009, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Quote smokin_gun:

Nothin' wrong with ASM...

SG

Quote:

Quote madcratebuilder:

That's my experience to. All the makers have good ones and bad ones, with the possible exception of Pedersoli.

Other than ASM is out of business and new ones are only available on the secondary market & parts are not easily obtained.

Quote:

Quote Kirpi97

Now if it is pistols Fuzzy is looking into pistols as opposed to revolvers, then a Lyman is the way to go if you want to pay the price. But I have found Traditions to work just fine.

I completely missed the fact that he has a BP rifle and is looking for a pistol - For single shot pistols, a Lyman or Pedersoli would be the way to go. Pedersoli's selection is varied enough that he could match style, caliber, and lock type to his rifle easily (unless it's one of them ugly modern in line types.) If he's on a budget, Traditions sells some decent single shot pistols also.

Quote:

Quote kirpi97:

Now I own every one of the cheap Italian models (ASM, Pietta) mentioned.

Every one????? How big is your gun safe????

Hoss Fly · January 30, 2009, 04:37 PM

PHP Code:


			
Every one????? How big is your gun safe????

Cant have them all

I got two

Deadguy · January 30, 2009, 05:05 PM

Both Pietta and Uberti make good stuff. Both (especially newer pistols) need a little work to shoot accurately too. Most have severly undersized chamberd compared to their groove depths. If you use a super soft pure lead ball, it just may obturate and shoot somewhat decently. If you use a heavier conical, that might not happen. That's the primary reason why people say that these guns shoot round balls much better than conicals. If you ream (or have someone else ream) the chambers to proper size, they'll shoot both round ball and conicals well. Also, if you plan on shooting a lot or competetively, such as CAS, you'll need Treso nipples. The Italian ones just aren't up to snuff.

Hawg · January 30, 2009, 08:01 PM

Well he did mention Uberti and Pietta. I disagree about the chamber size on most being undersized. None of mine are.

Hoss Fly · January 30, 2009, 08:32 PM

PHP Code:


			
Well he did mention Uberti and Pietta. I disagree about the chamber size on most being undersized. None of mine are.

__________________

Yeah- same here & i was gonna carry on about it but i figgered [color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color]- Wud'nt do no gud

vdannyxman · January 30, 2009, 08:34 PM

Uberti!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, and Thompson center,i i have two 44s 1867 replica (Uberti) revolvers matching stainless steel . stamped allen arms of santa fe nm matching set . shoot fine . 58 caliber big boar thompson center in oak . fired about 100 rounds, love them all !!

Hawg · January 30, 2009, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Uberti!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, and Thompson center,i i have two 44s 1867 replica (Uberti) revolvers matching stainless steel

What the heck does an 1867 look like?

Hoss Fly · January 30, 2009, 08:46 PM

PHP Code:


			
What the heck does an 1867 look like?

__________________

Wat tha hell is one

Fingers McGee · January 30, 2009, 08:56 PM

Quote:

i have two 44s 1867 replica (Uberti) revolvers matching stainless steel . stamped allen arms of santa fe nm matching set .

What models? 1860s? SS Allen firearms? Wanna sell em??

Fingers (Show Me MO smoke) McGee

vdannyxman · January 30, 2009, 08:58 PM

1858 remington geez had my numbers mixed up

Fingers McGee · January 30, 2009, 09:04 PM

ok,

Rats

FM

Blankwaffe · January 31, 2009, 12:04 AM

With my recent entry back into cap-n-ball revolvers after many years of not having one,my experience I guess could be considered very limited.
Of the three cap-n-ball revolvers Ive purchased in the last month,2 Uberti's and 1 Pietta,I have to say I personally feel the Uberti made replicas are of better quality from fit,finish and especially to overall function.The bores on the Uberti's are certainly much better finished as well as all the external surfaces to what I would expect to see on say a modern made S&W or Ruger.No heavy mill,grinder or broach marks etc..bores are bright and smooth on the Uberti's also.
Now like I said that is based solely on the three examples I personally owned recently as well as the many different models and brands I have eyeballed at dealers and shows over the last four months.
Personally the absolute best advice I could give on the subject is to go to a stocking dealer near you and personally inspect the model you want regardless of brand.That way you can inspect the revolver for issues before buying and cutout the possibility of damage during shipment,which I have experienced both issues recently buying online.
Regardless,I can personally tell you that the customer service from the folks importing/selling Pietta and Uberti are first rate,and they do stand behind thier products 100%.Both offer 1 year warranties.
So I'd guess it really comes down to the certain model you want.
HTH

madcratebuilder · January 31, 2009, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Other than ASM is out of business and new ones are only available on the secondary market & parts are not easily obtained.

Are the ASM parts different from the Pietta or Uberti's? From the few dozen C&B's I have had apart it seems most of the manufacturers parts are very close to the same, with in similar models. May not be a drop in fit, but damn close. I do see a difference in quality and finish of parts.

Hawg · January 31, 2009, 04:21 PM

Quote:

The bores on the Uberti's are certainly much better finished as well as all the external surfaces to what I would expect to see on say a modern made S&W or Ruger.No heavy mill,grinder or broach marks etc..bores are bright and smooth on the Uberti's also.

Show me where the fit and finish on this one isn't as good or better than a Uberti. Where's the heavy milling and grinding marks?

grymster2007 · January 31, 2009, 04:37 PM

I have two Piettas, purchased new and there were issues with both, but still an overall good value.

January 29, 2009, 01:50 PM	#1
Fuzzymaster Member Join Date: January 6, 2009 Posts: 89	New to BP pistols..What brands good and bad? I have a black powder rifle, and I have looked at the pistols, but not to the point of looking to buy. I came into some extra cash and would like to get one. Even after reading Hawg Haggens experience! Are there any brands to strictly avoid, or is it a , get what you pay for thing. I looked in Midway and saw about 100$ difference in Pietta and Uberti. Thanks

January 30, 2009, 02:08 AM	#8
kirpi97 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 236	Now I own every one of the cheap Italian models (ASM, Pietta) mentioned. I only meant that I own revolvers from each of the makers. Not every model ever made. My bad for not being more exact with my words. I will choose them better next time. As for my safe. I have two 14-gun safes, a small pistol safe, and six other revolvers that are not in a safe. And one in my truck. And I have not experienced a problem with them. Maybe I am too gentle with my revolvers. But I am not up to paying for an Uberti when a Pietta will do. Besides, for that extra hundred, I can get a lot of supplies. But what I will say for Pietta is the size of the grip. I have long fingers and the other brand's grips are less comfortable. So I am replacing grips for comfort. I would have no hesitation with buying another Pietta. Now if it is pistols Fuzzy is looking into pistols as opposed to revolvers, then a Lyman is the way to go if you want to pay the price. But I have found Traditions to work just fine. My bottom line--buy what you can afford. Unless you are really into SASS or the re-enactments, you'll be happy with a Pietta. I know I am. Last edited by kirpi97; January 31, 2009 at 03:28 AM. Reason: Clarification

January 30, 2009, 04:37 PM	#12
Hoss Fly Junior member Join Date: December 27, 2005 Location: East Texas Posts: 849	PHP Code: `Every one????? How big is your gun safe????` Cant have them all I got two

January 30, 2009, 08:32 PM	#15
Hoss Fly Junior member Join Date: December 27, 2005 Location: East Texas Posts: 849	PHP Code: `Well he did mention Uberti and Pietta. I disagree about the chamber size on most being undersized. None of mine are. __________________` Yeah- same here & i was gonna carry on about it but i figgered [color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color]- Wud'nt do no gud

January 30, 2009, 08:34 PM	#16
vdannyxman Member Join Date: January 30, 2009 Posts: 16	black powder Uberti!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, and Thompson center,i i have two 44s 1867 replica (Uberti) revolvers matching stainless steel . stamped allen arms of santa fe nm matching set . shoot fine . 58 caliber big boar thompson center in oak . fired about 100 rounds, love them all !!

January 29, 2009, 02:29 PM	#2
Raider2000 Senior Member Join Date: July 23, 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 719	Umm unless you are looking at the difference in SS & Blued they are about the same price. Midway's price for a Uberti 1858 NMA Blued Steel .44 caliber Midways price for a Pietta 1858 NMA Blued Steel .44 caliber I couldn't say much about Euroarms but from what I've heard they are very good quality as well, but between Uberti & Pietta the quality is about the same between the two right now I have both makers & with the Uberti having a slightly smaller grip compared to the Pietta "in the 1858 NMA revolvers that is" there really isn't much of a difference in the two.

January 29, 2009, 03:31 PM	#3
CraigC Junior member Join Date: November 28, 2001 Location: West Tennessee Posts: 4,300	They're both getting better all the time but I believe Uberti still has the edge in quality. My Pietta 1860's are good guns but they exhibit flaws I've never seen on a Uberti. Still an excellent value.

January 29, 2009, 06:55 PM	#4
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,382	Lessee 300 bucks for a Uberti or 190 for a Pietta(on sale). I think I'd go with Pietta. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...817&hasJS=true

January 29, 2009, 07:22 PM	#5
Hoss Fly Junior member Join Date: December 27, 2005 Location: East Texas Posts: 849	I assume ya talkin new one so i aint even gonna say "Stay away from ASM" IMO any modern shooter will do you fine I'm with Hawg on the Uberti/Pietta decission

January 30, 2009, 01:20 AM	#6
Fingers McGee Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2008 Location: High & Dry in Missouri Ozarks Posts: 2,113	I have numerous C&Bs from Pietta and Uberti. Have gotten good service from guns by each and have had problems with guns from each. I like the grip profile on the Ubertis better than the Piettas, although the GWII grip frame and grips work really well on a Pietta Navy. You'll do alright with either. Buy what suits your fancy and pocket book.

January 30, 2009, 01:45 AM	#7
Smokin_Gun Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2005 Location: Mojave Desert, CA Posts: 1,195	Nothin' wrong with ASM... SG

January 30, 2009, 01:04 PM	#10
mykeal Senior Member Join Date: October 8, 2006 Location: Northern Michigan Posts: 2,772	Pedersoli is not immune to quality escapes. They are perhaps a little more rare, but it won't take a long time to find a member of The Muzzleloader Forum who "will never have another #$%#@& Pedersoli as long as I live!". Now, USFA might meet that lofty standard.

January 30, 2009, 05:05 PM	#13
Deadguy Member Join Date: April 17, 2008 Location: WI Posts: 93	Both Pietta and Uberti make good stuff. Both (especially newer pistols) need a little work to shoot accurately too. Most have severly undersized chamberd compared to their groove depths. If you use a super soft pure lead ball, it just may obturate and shoot somewhat decently. If you use a heavier conical, that might not happen. That's the primary reason why people say that these guns shoot round balls much better than conicals. If you ream (or have someone else ream) the chambers to proper size, they'll shoot both round ball and conicals well. Also, if you plan on shooting a lot or competetively, such as CAS, you'll need Treso nipples. The Italian ones just aren't up to snuff.

January 30, 2009, 08:01 PM	#14
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,382	Well he did mention Uberti and Pietta. I disagree about the chamber size on most being undersized. None of mine are.

January 30, 2009, 08:46 PM	#18
Hoss Fly Junior member Join Date: December 27, 2005 Location: East Texas Posts: 849	PHP Code: `What the heck does an 1867 look like? __________________` Wat tha hell is one

January 30, 2009, 08:58 PM	#20
vdannyxman Member Join Date: January 30, 2009 Posts: 16	ok ok 1858 remington geez had my numbers mixed up

January 30, 2009, 09:04 PM	#21
Fingers McGee Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2008 Location: High & Dry in Missouri Ozarks Posts: 2,113	ok, Rats FM

January 31, 2009, 12:04 AM	#22
Blankwaffe Member Join Date: July 30, 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 47	With my recent entry back into cap-n-ball revolvers after many years of not having one,my experience I guess could be considered very limited. Of the three cap-n-ball revolvers Ive purchased in the last month,2 Uberti's and 1 Pietta,I have to say I personally feel the Uberti made replicas are of better quality from fit,finish and especially to overall function.The bores on the Uberti's are certainly much better finished as well as all the external surfaces to what I would expect to see on say a modern made S&W or Ruger.No heavy mill,grinder or broach marks etc..bores are bright and smooth on the Uberti's also. Now like I said that is based solely on the three examples I personally owned recently as well as the many different models and brands I have eyeballed at dealers and shows over the last four months. Personally the absolute best advice I could give on the subject is to go to a stocking dealer near you and personally inspect the model you want regardless of brand.That way you can inspect the revolver for issues before buying and cutout the possibility of damage during shipment,which I have experienced both issues recently buying online. Regardless,I can personally tell you that the customer service from the folks importing/selling Pietta and Uberti are first rate,and they do stand behind thier products 100%.Both offer 1 year warranties. So I'd guess it really comes down to the certain model you want. HTH

January 31, 2009, 04:37 PM	#25
grymster2007 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: In the oak studded hills near Napa Posts: 2,203	I have two Piettas, purchased new and there were issues with both, but still an overall good value.