Pietta Millenium Matte finish an issue?

[phoenix1151]

I saw an unanswered question elsewhere that asked whether the matte finish on a Pietta 1873 revolver would be an issue in sanctioned cowboy action events.  Does anyone have a definitive answer?  I can't see why a "finish" should have any bearing as long as the revolver itself is appropriate.  I just ordered a pair of Pietta 1873 Millenium model in .357 magnum and would like to make sure myself. 

[Abilene]

The matte finish is just fine for SASS.  I am not sure about NCOWS.

[Cliff Fendley]

The matte finish is just fine for SASS.  I am not sure about NCOWS.

A matte finish can be aged without a lot of trouble to pass the muster for NCOWS. When done looks better than the Matte finish IMO.

[Major 2]

To clarify....

NCOWS Rules and Regulations

No matt-finished or brushed-finish stainless steel firearms are allowed except as specifically exempted in these Rules and Regulations, e.g. only those stainless steel firearms whose finish resembles an original nickel-plated finish.

No modern commemorative firearms shall be allowed

Projectiles shall be cast lead or lead alloy. No metal-jacketed projectiles shall be permitted. Muzzleloaders shall use round ball or elongated projectiles if such were original to the firearm.

Muzzleloading percussion firearms shall be original to the period or authentic reproductions.

Cartridge firearms shall be original to the period or authentic reproductions of original makes and models. "Short-stroke" modifications to lever-action firearms are not allowed.

Sights for all firearms shall be of original design or configuration.

Approved calibers and loads include any that were introduced prior to or during the period of 1865-1899 and that were originally introduced as a black powder load. Common examples include but are not limited to: .22 rimfire, .32-20 WCF, .32 S&W Short, .32 S&W Long, .38-40 WCF, .44-40 WCF, .44 S&W American, .44 S&W Russian, .45 Long Colt, .45 S&W, .45-70 Government. Any cartridge designation that was not originally introduced as a black powder load will not be allowed except for appropriate firearms in the smokeless cartridge division only, or for specifically-designated shooting events. .38 Special/.357 Magnum and .44 Special/.44 Magnum cartridges will be allowed if loaded with black powder or with smokeless powder to black powder velocities.

.22 caliber hand guns for main stages are to be pocket pistol/derringers only. .22 revolvers and rifles are restricted in use for specialty shoots only.

Single-Shot cartridge rifles shall weigh no more than twenty (20) pounds for official NCOWS competition.

[TwoWalks Baldridge]

As stated - SASS no problem

For NCOWS a simple solution - 30 minute soak in vinegar - wipe off finish - polish and done.  Or you can put on a acceptable finish. All three of these came with the mat finish.  The third one has since been redone also.

[phoenix1151]

Thanks for the replies.  I'm from Canada and don't know or care about NCOWS (seems to be USA only).  At least SASS qualification has been clarified for me.  Thanks again.

[Major 2]

And there you have it ... SASS it is and will suit you

[Old Doc]

In those NCOWS rules,  you can read it that the terms matt finished and brush finished both refer to stainless guns.

[Major 2]

I'm not sure what you're saying  

The NCOWS rule refer to both the Matt finish blue/black and the brushed Matt finish nickel....
found on...  Uberti , (under several different sub names ) Pietta and USFA (Rodeo & Rodeo II )

Though rare there were some USFA revolver offered in rainbow Matt colors ( these are not NCOWS approved thou I doubt we ever see any)

[Old Doc]

I'm not sure what your saying 

The NCOWS rule refer to both the Matt finish blue/black and the brushed Matt finish nickel....
found on...  Uberti , (under several different sub names ) Pietta and USFA (Rodeo & Rodeo II )

Though rare there were some USFA revolver offered in rainbow Matt colors ( these are not NCOWS approved thou I doubt we ever see any)

I'm saying you can read that more than one way .
"No matt-finished or brush finished stainless steel guns."
It says nothing about blue/black guns . You can make the argument that it should say "No matt-finished blue/black guns or brushed finished stainless guns . "

[Major 2]

I suppose one could interpret it like that... no argument

There are some places places within the Tally Book that have vague statements...

if you feel strongly we reword to include "...  refer to both the Matt finish blue/black and the brushed Matt finish nickel"
It can be added to the agenda at up coming Congress...