Uberti vs Uberti

[SimmerinLightning]

I see alot of statements around the 'web to the effect that an Uberti from this guy is pretty much the same as the one from that guy. But I also read alot of opinions that some sources, Cimarron in tpatrpeiculr, do additional fitting and, accordingly, their offerings are much nicer than those from a plain ol' distributor. I know my Uberti 1851's are not nearly as smooth as my Cimarron Man With no Name, but then that is kinda like comparing apples to a totally different kind of apples, eh? So, comparing similar items, like a pair of navies from two different sources, is one likely to be better-fit or  better-finished than another?

[Abilene]

Fit and finish?  That would pretty much be the same for all Ubertis.  And that will vary from one gun to the next, but for the most part the single actions are very good fit/finish, while the wedge guns are more prone to variations and lack of fitting for serious shooters who need much better fitting than an occasional plinker.  And I think that is across the board for guns to all the Uberti importers.

Now features and appearance is where there is some difference.  Many of Ubertis models and features of models were brought out for Cimarron and were at one time Cimarron exclusives, but over time became standard for other importers.  Here is Mike Harvey of Cimarron talking about some of those:          That is the third of a 3-part series on the beginings of Cimarron, if you are interested.

There are still some appearance differences, for example on SAA's the Cimarron will have hidden proof marks, same fonts as originals in the barrel address and caliber markings, charcoal blue screws, and of course the standard hammer versus the one with safety linkage in the hammer on a standard Cattleman.  As for the percussion guns, the Cimarrons will again have less visible proof marks. 

Inside (actions) the Uberti guns are all the same. The only guns Cimarron changes are the competition guns like Evil Roys and Thunderstorms that have action jobs done in Amercia, and some guns that have the "U.S. Finish" (old style bonemeal charcoal case hardening), and some other special order finishes.

Cimarrons tend to be the choice for people who want the most authentic appearance. Some of those details are small and don't matter to others, and those folks will be happy with other Ubertis which will shoot just as well. 

I've stated these things before but they're kind of buried in the back pages. I'm talking Ubertis here, as that was the question.  There have been plenty of other discussions about Pietta versus Uberti. 

[Slowhand Bob]

Piettas seem to go the extra mile to create true copies of the actual colt models created by Colt in the cap and ball days.  Case in point, look at their 1851 Navies with the then popular short barl and 44cal option!

[Coffinmaker]

I like Abilene's answer.  Pretty much the way it is.  From a Gunsmith's standpoint, A Uberti is a Uberti, is a Uberti, no matter who the importer is.

Some years ago there was this "thing" going round that a certain importers guns (Cimarron) received more attention than "others" and the guns were further individually inspected prior to sale and shipment.  So ........ I have this Bridge for sale out on the West Coast.  Includes a whole passel of toll booths and an Orange paint job.  Priced to sell .....................

There are times this "Old Wives Tale" continues to surface.  Taint so MacCgee.

Tee Hee Hee, with tongue stuck firmly in cheek, the most ever popular '51 Navy in .44

Coffinmaker

[Abilene]

...Some years ago there was this "thing" going round that a certain importers guns (Cimarron) received more attention than "others" and the guns were further individually inspected prior to sale and shipment...

The guns ARE individually inspected by the guys in the shipping department before packing up to ship to dealers.  I should expect the other distributors do the same.

[Flint]

There is a noticeable difference between an Opentop and a cap & ball (I know, they both have open tops)..  The 71 Opentop is made of much better steel  (4140, 4150?  Heat treated) in order to handle smokeless cartridges, and the machining and assembly is much better than the cap & ball guns.. (It has to be).

Also, look at the quality of fit and finish of the Russian and Schofield, better than any other Uberti product... (They also have to be)..

Compare a 71 Opentop quality more to the SAA.  The only fault is, as Pettifogger can attest, is the arbor to barrel fit.  Fix that and the revolver is damn near perfect.  My main match guns for over 10 years.  I do have barrels and cylinders in 45, but hesitate to use them due to the reported forcing cone cracks, (another fault?), so I shoot exclusively 44 Russian.