Finally getting a cowboy gun but a question?

[matt56]

About a year and half ago a few local dealers got Colt SAA's in stock and I was really considering picking one up.  Even though it was a new production gun made by a hollowed out company it still felt like owning a piece of history.  I could not bring myself past the $1600 price tag though.  I figured if I really wanted a top notch gun I could spend a few hundred more and get a Standard Mfg.  I am never satisfied with one of one type of gun so I held off on spending big money on a single gun when I don't even know if I like SAA's.  

Then I started thinking about an Uberti but I was confused by all the rebadged guns distributed by Taylor's and Cimarron.  Were they all the same with different prices?  Were there good ones and bad ones that needed function checked before buying?  I wasn't sure the answers to any of my questions.  I did read about the safety hammer though and I stuck in the back of my mind any one I wanted to buy should have the 4 click style hammer to be most similar to an original saa.

Most of my gun buying got put on hold last year due to being newly married and the uncertainty of the pandemic.  Actually I fished more last year than many years in the past which was a nice refreshing change.  I have been itching for a new gun lately though. 

So I've been stopping in the LGS lately as reloading supplies trickle in to make sure I don't miss out on anything I'm short of.  Not really interested in any particular guns recently but I noticed a used Cimarron Model P .45 colt in the display case.  I didn't even look at it the first time I went in there.  All I really thought was hey that's what I wanted a year ago.  The next time I went in there it was still there so I asked to see it and went down the check list.  

1. 45 colt - check
2. Barrel length - 4 3/4"
3. Finish - The gun looks never fired, no handling marks or flaws in the finish.  Very nice color on the frame
4. Screws or modifications - No damaged screws and nothing looks touched 
4. 4 click hammer? Nope it has the safety hammer  

I have no idea about the hammer so I said no thanks and put it back.  Went home and started searching. What I find out is some people don't mind the safety hammer, some say it fires every time, others say the it doesn't fire reliably and it should be replaced.  Some say the solid hammer drops in, others say it needs fitted. Some don't like the 2 notch base pin, etc.  Basically every gun is unique and needs treated as such.  I am definitely down with tinkering on a new gun, it doesn't bother me at all to pull something out of the box and finish what the factory should have.  It just makes it that much more mine.  

Next I read a post somewhere from about a year ago that the 4 click hammer and trigger was going obsolete and Uberti was never making any more.  This concerned me a little because if I buy this gun I would definitely want to switch it over.  I figured eventually I would be able to find a hammer and trigger, maybe from the aftermarket so a few days later back to the LGS I went.  

Asked to see it again.  Went back through looking at everything just trying to find some reason not to buy it.  The fact that I don't have any 45 colt molds crossed my mind.  I figured I would look past the hammer for now and stuck it on layaway.



Today I'm looking around and I find out that Taylor's & Company sells the 4 click hammer and trigger for the 1873 uberti.  The parts show in stock but I do not know if that is actually the case.  Do you guys know if this hammer and trigger are what I need to convert this gun?  Not worried about ordering the 2 notch base pin.  

taylorsfirearms.com/old-style-parts-kit-for-uberti-retractable-firing-pin-revolvers.html

[Encore64]

I'm the last person who will say not to do something because you want to.

But, I will highly recommend against listening to the babbling about such subjects. Everyone has their idea about which hammer, trigger, etc. Unfortunately, many get stuff in their head and are thoroughly convinced the design they don't like doesn't work.

Think you are making a good decision buying this gun. You can easily add a 45 ACP Cylinder at home too.

Get the gun and shoot it. But, I wouldn't worry about a problem until I had a problem.

As far as "only original ideas work," study history and reality. Colt has gone bankrupt repeatedly and now it appears it's being sold to CZ. Uberti builds excellent guns and is thriving because of it. Simple facts there and no opinions inserted.

[wheelguns]

I have an uberti with the 2 click, transfer bar action. It is a great gun. The cylinder throats were perfect. The finish was superior to ruger, and when you hear the click, the cylinder is lined up. Mine was a fixed sight model, and the only real drawback, in my opinion. I am getting older and have a harder time with the fixed sights. Just remember, it is not a ruger and can’t handle ruger only type loads.

[oldseabee]

Shoot the heck out of it. They are nice as is. Later on you can switch parts. Have fun. These are well made.

[dhd]

Do it. You said you like to tinker (who here doesn't?) and if it's me and I go back to look a second time, something is happening in my brain. My only problem with the Italian SAA's is the front sight and none are available around me to finger. Nothing is wrong with the front sight really as it's my eyes that are the problem.

No 45 caliber molds? I hear that Accurate Molds has a website and you can go and look for one. I heard that from myself as when I type in "Acc" on my phone, Accurate Molds pops up (I'm what you might call a "Regular"). He has 4 weeks listed for delivery but my last mold took only 10 days, 2 weeks ago.

[Encore64]

The cylinders on these guns are slightly larger than those found on Colts. Strength is better than most think.

Certainly not for "Ruger Only" loads, which we all agree.

Brian Pearce has done a couple fine articles on the Ruger Midframe 45s. His common sense approach is to load 45 Colt to 45 ACP pressures since those guns are available with Auxiliary Cylinders in 45 ACP.

Keeping in mind, the same is true with the Uberti Guns. The 45 Colt is no slouch loaded to original ballistics or bumped up to 21K PSI.

[JM]

The Ruger Blackhawk mid-size frame 45 Colt/45ACP in stainless is a great all around 6-gun!

Don't overlook any Ruger 3-screw guns.

If you have your heart set on an SAA type of experience, I would make the effort to locate a traditional "4-click" type of action & become 100% knowledgeable on the correct loading & carry procedures.

2-notch base-pin is a non issue. Easily replaced or modified.

[matt56]

No stranger to single actions here I just happen to not have any 45 colt or SAA revolvers.

I have a few Rossi 92 45 colts but I launch 260gr or 300gr Speer jacketed bullets from those.

[JM]

Thought your handle looked familiar.

Just to confuse the issue more. I've been fortunate enough to handle a 3rd gen Colt SAA & an Uberti that were both worked over by Bob Munden at the same time.

There is a difference. Not sure what the difference is, but it is there. Something tactile & sound as you operate the action.

[conch]

Welcome to this site. I found my way here some months a go while researching which SA to get I ended up with a Cimarron Uberti, 1875Rem. I'm sure you'll enjoy both your new gun, and this great site.

[Encore64]

My first Uberti 45 was the Flattop Target Model. It shoots fantastic and obviously has the adjustable Sights. I added a 45 ACP Cylinder to it that shoots just as well.

When Uberti announced the "Drifter" I had to add one. Basically a Peacemaker Clone with a beautiful octagon barrel. It also shoots well and got a 45 ACP Cylinder added.

I haven't filed on the front sight yet, so still shoots low. I've got to eventually decide to file the front sight or get a windage adjustable front sight dovetailed in.

[patrick1948]

Jan 23, 2021 16:58:06 GMT -5 JM said:

The Ruger Blackhawk mid-size frame 45 Colt/45ACP in stainless is a great all around 6-gun!

Don't overlook any Ruger 3-screw guns.

If you have your heart set on an SAA type of experience, I would make the effort to locate a traditional "4-click" type of action & become 100% knowledgeable on the correct loading & carry procedures.

2-notch base-pin is a non issue. Easily replaced or modified.

Do not shoot 21,000 psi loads in the 45 Colt cylinder That cylinder is NOT rated for that.

[Encore64]

From Brian Pearce in Handloader March/April 2017 Issue..

"...The Uberti revolver features a more or less .020-inch larger diameter cylinder ( 1.670 inches) than the Colt SAA ( 1.650 inches); however, the distance from the axis of
the cylinder and the center of the bore is the same. This adds significant steel to the outside of the cylinder, as well as over the bolt notch ( effectively doubling that thickness), which is the SAA pattern revolver's weak link. If your Uberti is of late manufacture, it will handle .45 Colt loads that generate similar pressures as .45 ACP factory loads
that are industry rated at 21,000 psi, or 23,000 psi for +P loads...."

[gsp7]

Jan 23, 2021 11:18:07 GMT -5 matt56 said:

Do you guys know if this hammer and trigger are what I need to convert this gun?  Not worried about ordering the 2 notch base pin.  

taylorsfirearms.com/old-style-parts-kit-for-uberti-retractable-firing-pin-revolvers.html

Yes, I have bought 4 click hammer and the trigger for it from both cimarron and taylors

Just last year I had to wait for Taylors and Cimarron to get parts in frm Italy( Italy was shut down for awhile) Got the parts no problem
.

[gsp7]

Jan 23, 2021 11:18:07 GMT -5 matt56 said:

Do you guys know if this hammer and trigger are what I need to convert this gun?  Not worried about ordering the 2 notch base pin.  

taylorsfirearms.com/old-style-parts-kit-for-uberti-retractable-firing-pin-revolvers.html

Yes, I have bought 4 click hammer and the trigger for it from both cimarron and taylors

Just last year I had to wait for Taylors and Cimarron to get parts in frm Italy( Italy was shut down for awhile) Got the parts no problem
.