I own several “A. Uberti” Single Action Army [SAA] revolvers and I really, REALLY like them. Both are model 1873 Cattleman NM, plated in Nickel, one with a 5 1/2″ bbl and the other a 7″ bbl. Both are 45 Colt.
The 5 1/2″ is actually a Beretta Stampede [made by A. Uberti] and has walnut grips. The 7″ is actually a Benelli Stoeger [also made by A. Uberti] with walnut grips.
Both are very accurate out beyond 25 yds [way further than the average gun fight of 7 yds or less] and are easily cleaned and maintained.
The 7″ has several features that the 5 1/2″ does not. For example, the “cylinder base pin” has two positions, one which functions as a hammer safety block [a voluntary safety feature]. The second feature [a voluntary safety], a “hammer block safety”. This is often referred to as a “first cock” safety. This differs from a traditional SAA revolver by adding an additional cock position: three, [as opposed to a traditional two cock setup] whereby you have “first-cock”, ”half-cock” and “full-cock” positions.
The 1st cock requires a rearward movement of the hammer about 1/4″ from the frame then a “hammer safety block” automatically engages, detected by an audible “click”. While the action “automatically” occurs, it is still a “voluntary safety” because one could choose to move the hammer further reward to the half-cock position where no safety is engaged. For newcomers to revolvers, the “half-cock” position allows free-wheeling of the cylinder, thus enabling loading/unloading of the cylinder through the loading gate.
As for the “cylinder base pin”, when the firearm is not in use, pull the hammer to the 1st-cock position. Next push the cylinder base pin rearward toward the hammer until the base pin reaches the 2nd position. The stop ring on the base pin will rest against the front of the frame and the opposite end will rest against the hammer, already in the 1st-cock position. Again, this is a “voluntary safety” but a nice added feature.
Anyway, I’d like to hear your thoughts on these fine firearms and any stories that may relate to them or other firearms of your liking. Please leave your comments which I will post here.
