Beretta Stampede Revolvers

[PJ Hardtack]

I got a shot at a pair of nickel plated Beretta Stampede revolvers in 44-40; one 4-3/4", one 5-1/2". Allegedly used for one season.

I know that they are just Ubertis with a transfer bar, but is there more to the picture? Reliability? Timing?

Only 44-40 revolvers I've owned were Taylors '58 conversions and I found them too big for my hand and problematic re: the ejector rod mechanism. Sold them. He had issues as well with something. I hope he's still my friend.

Any 'been-there-done-that' experience?

[Abilene]

I've heard of people who have had great luck with Stampedes, and some less so.  I know that when they first came out, the internals were different than any other single action (not talking about the transfer bar).  I don't recall the details, but something like the hammer cam and bolt were different?  And at that time parts were only available from Beretta.  I don't know if they changed the innards to the more common Uberti style or not.

Perhaps Pettifogger or Coffinmaker has been in them and can tell you more.

[Scattered Thumbs]

Just my personal opinion.
If I wanted a transfer bar in a Single Action revolver I would have bought a Ruger.

[Coffinmaker]

Well, my "been-there-done-that" isn't based on personal ownership.  It's of a more technical nature.  I worked on quite a few of them.  I would have to describe them as nice guns.  

The Stampede is well made, as reliable as any other Italian reproduction out of the box.  As with anything we are going to play CAS with, they do respond to some judicious rubbin-n-buffin as well as a change of springs.  I'd recommend changing out the trigger/bolt spring for one from Pietta and changing the Main Spring for one from either VTI Gunparts or a Lee's gunsmithing set from Brownells.  Fit the bolt to the cylinder notches and verify the timing and they should give you good service.

PLUS .... Nickel Guns are most KOOL

Coffinmaker

PS: I would personally prefer same same Barrel Length.  If it doesn't bother you .. just ignore me  

PSS:  Oh pshaw Thumbs.  When last I checked, Stampede parts were available from VTI.  Do Not Quote Me!!

[PJ Hardtack]

Thanks all! The guy wants $1300 the pair. I think I'll pass.

I've owned just about all the SAA clones over the years, including Rugers, the only ones that never gave me any trouble from the get go.

Ubertis, Piettas, Armi San Marcos, Colt 2nd Gen - all needed tweaking, tuning and/or parts replacement.

I did have the Vaqueros mod'd to resemble Colts and added a steel ejector rod to the blued model. Other than that, box stock.

[Coffinmaker]

I personally think $1300 for unpopular guns now out of production is just a bit too high.  About $500 too high.  I'd pass too

Coffinmaker