Pietta Convertible 45 ACP/45 Colt

[owen67]

Folks,
I don’t own ANY 1873 clones, only Rugers.
However cost and availability keeps me from buying more at this junction.

I know Brian Pearce and others have given a thumbs up to the Uberti convertibles for 20kpsi loads based on the inclusion of the 45 ACP cylinder. Haven’t seen the same for Pietta, but then again until recently I didn’t notice they were available (maybe they weren’t ).

Anyways I’ve see them on Gunbroker for an attractive price www.gunbroker.com/item/937627351

I know this model isnt CC, and is plain Jane rubber or plastic grips. But what is consensus on 20kpsi loads, and use as just a fun gun and first 45 Colt? I have 45 ACP I can use in it ASAP, until I got reloading dies etc for the LC.

If I need anything with more oomph I have a NM 41 or SW 29.

If these suck I’ll hold out longer and pay the extra $200 for a CC Uberti, or waaaaaay longer and maybe another $500 for a new Ruger convertible.

Thx appreciate your inpet

[Encore64]

In a recent Handloader Magazine Article, Brian Pearce advised against 45 Colt +P (20k +/-) in the Pietta Revolvers.

He cited metallurgy, but didn't give specifics. He is one of the very few writers I listen to with no questions asked.

I've always used logic in this area too. If the cylinder holds 45 ACP, seems it would hold 20k 45 Colt too.

I've been wanting to try a Pietta, but haven't pulled the trigger yet so to speak. I'll be interested to see what info others offer...

[CraigC]

I saw that from Brian Pearce. Would like to know more. To me, it's impossible to argue that it's safe in .45ACP at 21,000psi but not in .45Colt at 21,000psi, unless there's a significant difference in chamber wall thickness. I got mine mainly for .45ACP. I think they're a very striking and unique sixgun and do not at all take a back seat to any other Italian replica. Unless we're talking Cimarron with the US finish.

[owen67]

Craig C I’d have to agree with you. I can’t imagine the cylinder walls are any thinner, nor the steel used nor heat treat of it is any different. Makes NO sense from a mfg standpoint. BTW that’s a nice pistolever you got there, and the price on these is really good.

Thx!

[z1r]

Jun 25, 2022 22:11:34 GMT -5 CraigC said:

I saw that from Brian Pearce. Would like to know more. To me, it's impossible to argue that it's safe in .45ACP at 21,000psi but not in .45Colt at 21,000psi, unless there's a significant difference in chamber wall thickness. I got mine mainly for .45ACP. I think they're a very striking and unique sixgun and do not at all take a back seat to any other Italian replica. Unless we're talking Cimarron with the US finish.

Interesting that the cylinder is unfluted.  Nice.

[taffin]

SINCE my baseline for loading all .44 and .45 sixgun cartridges is the equivalent of .45 ACP Hardball so it makes no difference to be the one with these handles heavier loads of the other. However, since the SCAMDEMIC kicked in I have been buying mostly percussion revolvers and cartridge conversions. Both brands are of excellent quality and accurate shooting. No complaints.

[owen67]

Mr Taffin thanks for speaking to the quality. And I agree with your terminology for the times we are in……..



I think I will try and buy one.

Be blessed all,
Owen

[scotsman1886]

I just picked up this very revolver. I'll advise after I shoot it. Seems well put together but the grips are horrible

[45dragoon]

I have a Cimarron import Pietta in 45C, blued. Bought it used ( but I don't think was shot) from my long time LGS. It's a 2020 date and it had hand "engagement" issues which would allow throw-by problems. Turns out the hand slot/passage was sorely out of spec. A new hand and bolt (factory Pietta bolts "as issued" SUCK !!) later, all is excellent!! I ordered a new ss 45C cyl replacement (since the orig. was "marked up") and a blued 45acp cyl.
Seems to shoot rather nicely with both and hope to get the sight height regulated soon.
I do like the non-fluted look but both of my cylinders are fluted.

Mike

[mike454]

I thought Pietta used a cylinder of Colt SAA diameter, 20 thou less than the Ubertis.

[45dragoon]

Hopefully someone will measure. I didn't bring my calipers with me to the beach!!
I do know the Pietta percussion cylinders for the open top revolvers are longer than the Uberti cyls.


Mike

[mike454]

Here's what Brian Pearce wrote about the GW !! by Pietta:

"This brings us to the Pietta manufactured Great Western II revolver, which is an attractive Colt SAA clone and features the highest level of quality offered by that company. It is available in many variations, finishes and barrel lengths. A “DLX Californian” chambered in .45 Colt with a 4¾-inch barrel was selected for review.
This is not just another Colt clone, rather it features a true Colt SAA cylinder frame size, with the cylinder measuring 1.652 inches in diameter and 1.615 inches long, which is a mere .002 inch larger and .005 longer than original Colts and is smaller than most"

[45dragoon]

Jul 8, 2022 9:39:04 GMT -5 mike454 said:

Here's what Brian Pearce wrote about the GW !! by Pietta:

"This brings us to the Pietta manufactured Great Western II revolver, which is an attractive Colt SAA clone and features the highest level of quality offered by that company. It is available in many variations, finishes and barrel lengths. A “DLX Californian” chambered in .45 Colt with a 4¾-inch barrel was selected for review.
This is not just another Colt clone, rather it features a true Colt SAA cylinder frame size, with the cylinder measuring 1.652 inches in diameter and 1.615 inches long, which is a mere .002 inch larger and .005 longer than original Colts and is smaller than most"

Well, there ya go!

The thing about the stock bolt in the Pietta is, the "reset cut" or relief on the left bolt arm is so prominent that it doesn't allow for proper bolt timing. The arm "slides" off the side of the cam because of it instead of allowing the arm to fall off the cam proper. In other words, it will allow the timing to deteriorate.
I was able to obtain a couple of "pulled" production bolts ( before the reset cut was done) so I could dial in a proper bolt drop.
Along with a new hand ( after clearancing the hand slot) things were looking great!! I like the recoil plate Pietta installs on their '73 copies ( the only repros that do), so along with a bolt block, an action stop, hammer shims, bushing shim for "0" endshake, an action shield and interference pins, it is a most excellent setup!!
But, I guess it's a Colt SAA "load" only . . .
just dangit!!

Mike

[owen67]

It would seem to me it could run 20kpsi loads, if it can shoot 45acp. As to the .020” smaller diameter than Uberti? If the bore centerline vs cylinder central pin dimension is the same, that’s .010” thinner outer walls.
I’d be willing to bet that Uberti until 10 years ago probably had cylinder OD tolerance of almost +\- .003” as it was.
I just don’t see it being an issue unless these guns are all running on the ragged edge of blowing up.

[Encore64]

I've also been very curious about this. Saying 45 Colt isn't safe at 20k makes me not want one in 45 acp.

I'm not saying or implying they aren't 100% safe. But, think I'll stick with Uberti on SAA Revolvers in 45 acp.