Claven2:
I've read that Pietta quality was iffy at best.
That's what I've read.
I own five with another on the way.
I can only speak from personal experience and I will share that.
My 1st Pietta was the s.s. '58 Army .44 with adj. sights.
It locks up tight as any new Colt or Smith. My best groups at 25 yards using 30 grains of Elephant and the r.b. ran one inch for 6 shots.
I'll put that up against any Smith or Colt wheel gun out of the box.
AVERAGE groups run 2 to 2.5" with that load.
Another blue steel .58 Army in .44 with adj. sights shoots about the same, but I have admit the 1" group is rare, average at 2 to 2.5" is, however, very good.
My stainless has digested some loads boardering on stupid and still remains tight. I left it heavily fouled one humid summer for 3 weeks and there was no corrosion of any sort. Of course I checked it every day and I would not recommend this sort of experiement with a blued gun.
I have a couple Colt style open frame Piettas. They are deffinately older and I paid a paultry 40 bucks each at a garage sale.
They were in nice shape and a bargain.
One is a little loose in the cylinder but not dangerously so, locks up fine.
I admit I don't shoot thousands of rounds a year so I can't report out on wear due to heavy useage.
If the gun you're thinking about is priced right then grab it, shoot it and have fun.
If you wear it out then you are blessed with the opportunity to shoot much more than I do.
