Looking for advice on various importers

[Vance Beckett]

Howdy folks,
I'd like some advice, and I'm sure y'all can help me out!
It's my understanding that many of the fine (and not so fine) replica cowboy guns are made by only a few firms, such as Armi San Marco (sp?), Uberti, and Pieta (sp?).  They are imported into the USA by companies such as EMF, Navy Arms, and Cimarron Arms.  My question is, in your experience, which of the importers seems to have the highest standards when it comes to the guns they bring in?  Which manufacturers seem to do the best work?  I myself am looking for replica guns which are as close to the "real thing" as I can afford for authenticity's sake, rather than the normal Ruger Vaquero/94 Winchester route (nothing wrong with em!).  From my own research, Cimarron Arms seems to be at the top, but I'd like some info from y'all who've been doing this for a while.  Thanks in advance 

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Boy, you ask the tough ones! Qualitywise, they're all about the same, you can get a lemon from any of them. With imported Uberti's, the only difference is markings and variations in finish. The new Pietta '73 Colts, are pretty good qualitywise. EMF and Charles Daly are importing those now. Probably the best clone out there are the USFA's and are made here, but the price is much higher. Armi San Marco's quality was very hit and miss and they're not in business as far as I know. Hope this helps some.......Buck

[Vance Beckett]

Every little bit helps!  Thanks for the reply, and I look forward to more

[Russ T Chambers]

I have a pair of EMF Frontier Marshall's.  They are Uberti's, and the same as EMF's Hartfords (but with brass back strap and trigger guard.   They have been just fine out of the box.  The only difference I've found is the handspring is a coil spring in the frame, rather than the little leaf spring on the hand on an original Colt.  That leaf spring is the only part that's ever broke, and led me to keep some extras in my parts box.  I've had the new ones for about two years now and have had no problems.

[Big John Denny]

Basically, Uberti makes all the guns marketed by Cimarron, Navy Arms, Taylor's, etc. I use a Uberti 1866 Henry in 45 Colt myself, but use Ruger Old Vaqueros for my revolvers. Anyone out there will tell you Ruger is hell for stout. I would suggest you look at the Marshal's Getting Started thread on the forum and read the handbooks on line, especially the one by Capt Baylor. He covers all the guns in details both bad and good.