Chiappa .45 Colt Type III WOWSER!

DPris · February 3, 2018, 06:38 PM

Actually, I call it a WOWSER, but they call it a Mare's Leg.

New version, octagon barrel, antiqued finish, no sights, teardrop lever, modified fanning hammer.

Brought it home for a test drive today.
Wood to metal fit is better than the Winoku 73 here, among the best I've ever seen.

If you're a Josh Randall fan, you'll like this one.
If you have to ask who Josh Randall is, go back to sleep.

Have not fired it yet, and had no intention of keeping it after the T&E, but in looking it over all it has to do is make a loud noise & it'll be one more puncture in my New Year's Resolution not to buy any more guns this year.

Denis

K_Mac · February 3, 2018, 07:02 PM

Denis, even though Randle wore his as a handgun, I'm not sure it qualifies as one for our purposes!

I did a quick search just to make sure I remembered accurately. In the process learned that the rounds he wore on his belt were not .44, but 45-70 because they were more impressive for the cameras.

Congratulations on the new pistol. I would love to handle and shoot one just for grins.

K_Mac · February 3, 2018, 07:08 PM

On further review, it is classified as a handgun by Chiappa. I am wrong again.

DPris · February 3, 2018, 10:45 PM

These factory-produced Mare's Legs by Chiappa, Rossi, Henry, and whoever, are all classified as handguns by ATF, so that's why I put it here.

I have their first version, with 12-inch barrel in .44-40 from a while back.
It has a smoother action, but this latest version is a visual feast, with shorter 9-inch barrel and the octagon configuration, and no sights to be more authentic.

The fanning hammer's a fun touch.
I'll have to try it, at least once.
Hopefully won't blow a toe off.
Denis

Model12Win · February 4, 2018, 01:36 AM

Key-op-uh.

!!!

Hawg · February 5, 2018, 12:45 PM

They make an 1887 12 gauge Mares Leg but it has an 18.5 inch barrel. Model12 you are correct on the pronunciation.

DPris · March 1, 2018, 03:20 AM

Finally shot it.
10 yards & 25 yards, with 5 loads.
Best 5-shot group 10 yards off a rest was just under an inch.
Best 5-shot group 25 yards off a rest was just under 3 inches.

Without sights.
It can shoot.

Denis

K_Mac · March 1, 2018, 09:44 AM

Denis, Josh would be proud!

DPris · March 1, 2018, 12:12 PM

Had planned some hip-shooting & fanning today, to round out the picture, but too windy outside.

Surprising how certain childhood influences remain so strong after all these years.

I've determined to actually tote it on a desert outing this Spring.
I've had a Mernickle holster for a Mare's Leg for a while, so I've got the leather to do it.
Just to say I finally fulfilled a wish I had back in '59.

Denis

February 3, 2018, 06:38 PM	#1
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	Chiappa .45 Colt Type III WOWSER! Actually, I call it a WOWSER, but they call it a Mare's Leg. New version, octagon barrel, antiqued finish, no sights, teardrop lever, modified fanning hammer. Brought it home for a test drive today. Wood to metal fit is better than the Winoku 73 here, among the best I've ever seen. If you're a Josh Randall fan, you'll like this one. If you have to ask who Josh Randall is, go back to sleep. Have not fired it yet, and had no intention of keeping it after the T&E, but in looking it over all it has to do is make a loud noise & it'll be one more puncture in my New Year's Resolution not to buy any more guns this year. Denis

February 3, 2018, 07:02 PM	#2
K_Mac Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2010 Posts: 1,850	Denis, even though Randle wore his as a handgun, I'm not sure it qualifies as one for our purposes! I did a quick search just to make sure I remembered accurately. In the process learned that the rounds he wore on his belt were not .44, but 45-70 because they were more impressive for the cameras. Congratulations on the new pistol. I would love to handle and shoot one just for grins. __________________ "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." Benjamin Franklin

February 3, 2018, 07:08 PM	#3
K_Mac Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2010 Posts: 1,850	On further review, it is classified as a handgun by Chiappa. I am wrong again. __________________ "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." Benjamin Franklin

March 1, 2018, 09:44 AM	#8
K_Mac Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2010 Posts: 1,850	Denis, Josh would be proud! __________________ "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." Benjamin Franklin

February 3, 2018, 10:45 PM	#4
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	These factory-produced Mare's Legs by Chiappa, Rossi, Henry, and whoever, are all classified as handguns by ATF, so that's why I put it here. I have their first version, with 12-inch barrel in .44-40 from a while back. It has a smoother action, but this latest version is a visual feast, with shorter 9-inch barrel and the octagon configuration, and no sights to be more authentic. The fanning hammer's a fun touch. I'll have to try it, at least once. Hopefully won't blow a toe off. Denis

February 4, 2018, 01:36 AM	#5
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Key-op-uh. !!!

February 5, 2018, 12:45 PM	#6
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	They make an 1887 12 gauge Mares Leg but it has an 18.5 inch barrel. Model12 you are correct on the pronunciation.

March 1, 2018, 03:20 AM	#7
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	Finally shot it. 10 yards & 25 yards, with 5 loads. Best 5-shot group 10 yards off a rest was just under an inch. Best 5-shot group 25 yards off a rest was just under 3 inches. Without sights. It can shoot. Denis

March 1, 2018, 12:12 PM	#9
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	Had planned some hip-shooting & fanning today, to round out the picture, but too windy outside. Surprising how certain childhood influences remain so strong after all these years. I've determined to actually tote it on a desert outing this Spring. I've had a Mernickle holster for a Mare's Leg for a while, so I've got the leather to do it. Just to say I finally fulfilled a wish I had back in '59. Denis