Uberti 1866 Rifles and Carbine - Shameful!

[RRio]

Uberti should be ashamed of themselves!
Recently, I participated in a thread about the unreliable loading gates on Uberti's '66 Yellowboys. I finally got around to checking mine, and sure enough, it has the loading gate which is so prone to breakage. That is the most absolute pathic thing I have ever seen on a gun! Even though I prefer my EMF '92 in the matches, I should be able to use the Uberti '66 Yellowboy as a backup or main rifle if I so choose, without fear of breakage.

Recently, it was suspected as the cause in a "tubular blow-up". That's crossing the line in the safety factor.

We all pay in excess of $700 (very low end) for these guns and they put something like that in them??!! I believe the various importers of these guns should step up to the plate, and demand that Uberti correct this situation.

JMHO.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Greetings!

Rawhide Rio, I'm with ya on this.

Even though I have the somewhat better type, with welded, not bent cartridge stop, and to date have had no problems I really feel that this problem***SHOULD***be addressed by Uberti - not just the aftermarket parts folks. 

As an aside, I paid approx. $700 for my 1866 Sporting Rifle ... about 5 - 5 1/2 yrs. ago!  I think they're closer to $1000 nowadays.  Apparently, we here in Indiana must generally pay close to retail to get what we need.  And thanks, but I HAVE one already - I know that there are probably places where better prices can be had, but I needed that information half a decade ago! 

Again:  here's a "shout out" to Uberti - please fix this problem before someone gets hurt or at least ruins a FINE, well-made, accurate and just darn fun-to-shoot rifle !!!

Thanks

[RRio]

As an aside, I paid approx. $700 for my 1866 Sporting Rifle ... about 5 - 5 1/2 yrs. ago!  I think they're closer to $1000 nowadays. 

Again:  here's a "shout out" to Uberti - please fix this problem before someone gets hurt or at least ruins a FINE, well-made, accurate and just darn fun-to-shoot rifle !!!

Thanks

Pulled out my gun log, and I paid $725 plus tax for a total of $756 for mine in 2002. Too much $$ for a flawed gun.

[fourfingersofdeath]

I have one which is well over 30yrs old. Will it have this system? Mick.

[44caliberkid]

I've had mine for over 6 years and have used it for every match in that time.  1000's of rounds through it with no problem.

[RRio]

I have one which is well over 30yrs old. Will it have this system? Mick.

I've had mine for over 6 years and have used it for every match in that time.  1000's of rounds through it with no problem.

According to Steel Horse Bailey, he bought his about 5 - 5 1/2 years ago, and has what sounds like the old type loading gate, so both of you are probably okay.

[Joe Lafives]

The good news is that it is very easily fixed - much easier that fixing the dreaded Marlin Jam problem.

[Forty Rod]

Why should anyone have to "fix" a new rifle with a known manufacturing defect?  Easy fix ain't a good answer.

[Joe Lafives]

True, but name a cowboy gun you don't have to work on.  EVERY gun ships with a trigger that is too heavy (legal issues).  Most ship with actions that need to be broken in or tuned.  That's the way its always been and you get to decide how you want to react to it.

[Be-A-triss Bandit]

If you don't feel comfortable with the gate, replace it or retire the arm.  Not much choice is there?

[RRio]

Some seem to be missing the point. We really do not have to settle for mediocre. You pay $750+ for a product, it should not have a design flaw that has the possibilty of turning into a safety hazard. How long are we gonna settle for that, just so a company can save a few bucks? And I don't need to hear about how the world has turned into a competitive marketplace, I know all about that.

Besides, Uberti has no competition when it comes to the '66s.

Yes, I will replace the gate or modify the one that is in there, I have the capabilties of doing that as a machinist of 30 years.
But what about the new shooter, or the shooter with a tight budget because of family commitments, that does not have the knowledge or capabilities? Why should they have to pay someone to fix a new gun?
I personnaly think Uberti has rode the gravy train too long, and it is time for us to expect better from them.

This is not about bashing a manufacturer, it is about getting a cowboy or cowgirl what they paid for. Pure and simple.

[Joe Lafives]

Rio:
I understand the point.  Sure Uberti ought to fix the problem but I also realize they probably won't.   The problem is well known and as a consumer you certainly don't have to purchase the product.  In other words, vote with your dollars.  I can  remember, however, in 95-97 when you couldn't even get 66's or 73's in the Phoenix area from any importer.  You'd see maybe one every three or four months at either the Pistol Parlor or Arizona Sportsman or Legendary but none at the gun shows.  Only the ripoff artist in Scottsdale had them on a regular basis and he was selling them for $300 over retail.  At least they are in the pipeline and the fix is easier than cleaning the rifle.  Cowboy firearms manufacture is a cottage industry.   I count my blessings.

[Be-A-triss Bandit]

Ive e-mailed Ubert Italy.  Will post any answer.  Has anybody else contacted them about this?  Until I get an answer -
BB

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Looking forward to their answer.


          "Besides, Uberti has no competition in regards to the '66s"


What about the "Henry Big Boy"? 

NOT!

[h c ramrod]

Well I know what yah talkin about with the loading gate breakin , mine broke just as i aproched 200 rnds
i orderd the new improved gate and never had a problem after that , so far.
My 66 carbine is in 38 and its one of my favorite rifles just love the way it operates, of course i lightend the action , smooth as butter...............Ram

[Major 2]

According to Steel Horse Bailey, he bought his about 5 - 5 1/2 years ago, and has what sounds like the old type loading gate, so both of you are probably okay.

That, then sheds some light on my SR Carbine.
Traded for it (lightly used), in 1980.... shot the hell out of it for nearly 12 years ....I must of put 100 or more boxes through it in that time.
I knew nothing of or experience any problem at all.
It was a Navy Arms , Uberti in 38 Spc.
I thought the only thing different was a change (to a larger diameter) of the hinge pin on later guns.

[Be-A-triss Bandit]

Well, two work days and I'm still waiting for an answer from Uberti.  May take a little time for electrons to get to Italy and back.

[RRio]

Well, two work days and I'm still waiting for an answer from Uberti.  May take a little time for electrons to get to Italy and back.

That's a long way for those tiny little electrons to go, all by themselves. 

[44caliberkid]

Hey Be-a-triss, I hope you're not holding your breath.  For one, you assume there's someone at Uberti in Italy that can read/speak english.  I wouldn't count on it. 
  2. No gun company is going to respond to an e-mail regarding a possible (and hazardous) defect in their product.  Admitting any liability in writing would be foolish.

[buck]

I was just thinkin about buyin one of them there 1866 short rifles too!  I havent bought a new gun for months and was gettin ansy.  Does the 1873 win. from uberti have the same loading gate problem as the 1866?