Mikey the Barbarian said:
Im new at this,,,is Uberti and Pietta the same thing? Iv heard that Ubertis are wonderful cap and ball pistols? I was on the verge of purchasing one, now after reading the pistol threads, im cautious again? Was the guy that got the 1851 from Cabales,,was it a Uberti?
Thanks guys.
FWIW,
Over the past 30+ years, I have had Armi San Marco, EIG, Westerner Arms, Palmetto, Pietta, Uberti, including Cabela's, CVA, NAvy Arms, Traditions (which are all made by a handful of the aforementioned companies) Ruger, of course, and probably a few more that I can't remember right now...
I read somewhere that only a few manufacturers actually exist and all cap-n-ball revolvers come from those places. Ruger makes their own--which is not a replica of anything, but similar to the Remington or Rogers & Spencer, if trying to compare them. I seriously doubt if you could hurt a Ruger Old Army using black powder.
Nowadays, the choice is basically between a Pietta and an Uberti. I generally like the fit & finish on the Uberti guns better, but Pietta is nothing to be ashamed of either. The Uberti guns usually have smoother actions from the box too. But the Piettas are getting better. If you can handle both at a shop or a friend's house, you might prefer one make over the other, but there's not an excessive amount of difference anymore.
The price difference to to be a bigger deal, as the Piettas were generally a good bit less expensive, but the difference is so small anymore, that there is no reason to choose because of price only. The Uberti guns are worth a little more IMHO.
Regards, and good luck on your purchase,
WV_Hillbilly