Who makes the best '66?

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Hello the fire!
Pards, I've got a little under two years til I retire from the Corps.  I want to get a '66 Winchester as a retirement gift, and have it engraved with the EGA, and my dates of service.  Who makes the best one?  Reliability is the key factor.  I want one in .38 Special or .38.357, if they make one.  Any comments would be appreciated.
R/S
Fritz   

[Wrangler Rich]

Well Pard,

Winchester used to make 'em, but now the only manufacturer is Uberti.  They are imported by many, and some have different markings, wood, finishes, etc.  You can check:  Navy Arms, Cimarron, Taylors, etc., and pick out what you like.


   http://www.navyarms.com/

   http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/

   http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/

   http://www.emf-company.com/
 

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Thanks pard.  I've been looking at Cimarron, but I wasn't sure.  Anybody else?  Any good (or bad) experiences with a particular one?  Functionality and reliability are key.
R/S
Fritz

[Danny Bear Claw]

Mine is a Uberti made, Navy Arms version with 24 inch octagon barrel in 44-40 caliber.  It's real perty!  With Winchester Cowboy loads it does sub 2 inch groups at 50 yards and hits about 3 inches high at that range.

I love my "Yellow Boy"!   

[US Scout]

As stated, they are all made by Uberti now. 

I've had several from Cimarron and with exception of a weak loading gate that sometimes breaks, they have all functioned very well.  Had a .38 SRC but sold it off.  Sometimes I wish I hadn't been so hasty. 

The EGA didn't come in until 1875, if that is important to you.  Before that they used basically the same device as shown on the buttons (but with only a half-circle of six-pointed stars instead of the full-circle of five-pointed stars.  You can see what it looks like here: http://www.usmcmuseum.org/store/mchf/aboutmchf.asp

Semper Fi-

[Four-Eyed Buck]

They're mechanically all the same, only difference is cosmetics/markings. Best price price would get my nod as far as which company to get it from............Buck( who thanks you for your service)

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Thanks for your comments, as well as your compliments.  It's been an honor serving my country.  I'm going to bounce my service dates back 100 years...1887 thru 1907.  So the EGA will be appropriate.
R/S
Fritz

[Marshal Will Wingam]

You should find that the model '73s are extremely reliable. You may want to have an action job done on it so the internals won't sustain any unnecessary wear from working the action. All the springs are way too heavy and the parts take a beating from the excessive pressures in a stock gun. This isn't a problem, just about everyone has them slicked up anyway. They really feel great afterwards, too.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

I'm somewhat familiar with the "action Job" concept.  I used to work for a gunsmith prior to enlisting.  If I understand correctly, the internal parts are stoned so there are no rough edges.  Do the springs need to be shortened somewhat, or is replacement the only option?
R/S
Fritz

[pony express]

I'm not sure who marketed mine, as I bought it used. The only marking is Uberti.You might rember I had some jams at first using black, but after I adjusted the spring tension on the carrier block(not sure if that's the right name), it's been absolutely 100% reliable. I recently saw them at Dixie for $590, but I think it was only 44/40.