Clone Advice

[Coal Creek Griff]

This question may show my ignorance of SAA clones.  For some reason, my knowledge of this area of firearms is lacking.

I'm interested in a clone of an 1870's Colt in 44-40.  The Cimarron Model P old frame seems to fit the bill, although the safety features kind of bother me.  Are there other, perhaps better, options?  Also, is the same gun available through other importers?  I know in my other guns there was a significant price difference for the same gun from different importers.  In looking at web sites, it isn't always clear to me who the actual manufacturer is.  I assume that they're usually Uberti or Pietta, but the importers don't always spell that out.  My other reproductions are mostly Uberti, but I'm open to other makers.

Thanks.

CC Griff

[Abilene]

...The Cimarron Model P old frame seems to fit the bill, although the safety features kind of bother me.  ...

Safety features?  There is only one safety on the Model P, and that is the two-position cylinder pin.  You can grind off and polish the rear of the pin to make iit like a regular Colt, or replace the pin with a single-position pin if you prefer.  No more safety.  The Model P is made by Uberti.  This same model imported by some other companies as a Cattleman may or may not also have another safety on the hammer below the firing pin, sometimes known as a safety-block hammer.  Cimarron and other companies also import Pietta SAA copies, and these all have just the two-position cylinder pin for a safety as far as I know.

[Coal Creek Griff]

Thanks.  Like I said, I'm pretty ignorant about these models and it shows.  I had thought that there were hammer blocks or other hammer modifications on all of these as well.

CC Griff

[Abilene]

There are also a few other models out there like the Beretta Stampede (no longer produced) and I think the Pietta-made big bore gun from Heritage that have a transfer bar and frame-mounted firing pin, which is less authentic but allows you to safely load six.

[Coal Creek Griff]

I note that few importers list their Colt clones in 44-40. That would be my choice of calibers. Are they in short supply?

I currently have a Ruger NV, but I'm looking for something closer to an 1870's-1880's Colt (note how I'm not saying "authentic" so the firestorm doesn't start again.).

CC Griff

[sack peterson]

EMF imports the Great Western II in .44-40 and Cimarron imports the Frontier in .44-40.  This is the Pietta gun.  Nice gun.

[Coal Creek Griff]

Thanks, gents. Now to see if anyone has what I'm after in stock and within my meager budget.  A big question. Well two questions I guess.

CC Griff

[Lefty Dude]

Why not just save your Bucks and get a Colt from the Custom shop and not a Clone. You know you want a 7 1/2" black powder frame, beveled cylinder and the markings on the barrel, "Frontier Six Shooter".

It may take a Year to receive your prize after you place your Custom order, but the wait will be worth it.

[Marshal Deadwood]

Get you a good clone. They are fine guns. I have a bp frame, 7 1/2" Taylors Cattlemen (uberti) that is a fine of SAA as you would want,,and I wouldn't trade it off for any,,,except if someone had a USFA to trade me.  From what I read, Pietta makes a fine single action too. I've had four ubertis and they are good as any of them. The Italian shootin' irons are just fine.

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Marshal
If you decide to trade that old USFA 7.5 44wcf, I will be glad to trade you my Uberti for it . 

[Old Doc]

There are also a few other models out there like the Beretta Stampede (no longer produced) and I think the Pietta-made big bore gun from Heritage that have a transfer bar and frame-mounted firing pin, which is less authentic but allows you to safely load six.

Didn't know the Stampede had been discontinued. I did notice, however, that Uberti is now offering  the same gun with transfer bar and wide trigger.

[Coal Creek Griff]

Well, I'm drawn to the BP frame in 44-40 to match my rifle. I'd rather limit modern safety devices which visibly change the original design. That kind of limits my choices. I couldn't justify the expense of a custom shop Colt, even if I had the money.  If I'm reading my catalogs right, that leaves me with a Cimarron Model P. Does that sound right?

Buying any new gun is a big deal to me and I want to get it right.

Thanks.

CC Griff

[Major 2]

CCG

you've got it just about right ,you'll do just fine with that Uberti 

[Four-Eyed Buck]

I've had three Uberti's, nary a problem with any of them. two of them are in 38-40 with the 4 3/4" barrels and the BP( old style) frame. They work well

[Major 2]

I'll post this link again.
 

I just caught the aired episode on the Discovery CH. the other day. 
It was the same video as the link, but it had a male voice over in that version.

[Lefty Dude]

My 5 1/2" Cimarron/Uberti BP frame Artilliary model 45 is the most accurate SAA I own. It out shoots my two Colt Custom shop 44WCF's.
The bore slugs out a true .450", and the cylinder throats measured with a pin gage & Micrometer are all .4505".

This piece shoots POI, with 250 gr. SWC, or 250 gr. Nosler RNSP's.

It happen's to be my favorite SAA, even tho I am a 44 type of shooter. This is the only 45 Colt I own.

[Coal Creek Griff]

Well, gents, I placed my order for a Model P.  I chose the 4 3/4" BP frame in 44WCF (their model MP522 http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/cartridge-revolvers/model-p-1873-1896/model-p-1/model-p-4-3-4-44-wcf-4-3-4-in-model-mp522.html).  The guns are backordered, of course, so we'll see how patient I can be.

Thanks for the advice.

By the way, and this may be best posted elsewhere, were all three barrel lengths offered from the beginning in 1873, or did it start with the 7 1/2" and the other lengths offered later?  I'm talking about the original Colt SAA here, of course.

CC Griff

[Major 2]

73 was not even offered to civilians from the begining ..only the Army got the 7 1/2"

if in the first year or two a civilian had one,  it was either sold by a trooper for wiskey money or stolen and sold

[Coal Creek Griff]

I keep showing my ignorance about Colt pistols. I'm much more knowledgeable about Winchesters and other guns.

When were Colt SAAs first offered to the public and what configurations were available then. I seem to remember that 44-40 came along about 1878 in the Colt. Is that right?  How early would a 4 3/4" 44WCF pistol have been available?

Thanks.

CC Griff

[Coal Creek Griff]

I'm checking my sources and getting answers to these question. I have so many reference books that I start forgetting which ones I have.

Thanks again, gents.