Italian SAA Clones--Any Difference

[Bart Solo]

I am thinking about buying a couple of Italian clones in 357.  I know that many are made by Uberti and others are made by Pietta.  All are made on the Colt SSA pattern. Are their any serious differences? 

[jager]

I have two Beretta Stampedes, one in .357 (4 5/8") and one .45 Colt (7 1/2). I know that Uberti makes the guns, but compared to the Uberti's I've examined, the Beretta's look to be better finished. I've checked the specs with a michrometer and they were "tighter" than my old .45 Ruger BH, which I eventually sold (didn't want to mix loads from that stronger frame). I really like Beretta's slim profile and balanced weight. However, the shorter .357 has the same weight as the .45 due to the same contour barrel with a smaller hole.  The .357 will take any load published out there without a problem. I think the Beretta has the feel and function of a 3rd generation Colt without the higher price tag. If a "transfer bar" isn't an issue, Beretta may be your gun.

[Bart Solo]

Thanks for the endorsement. I have heard that the Beretta Stampede is sort of like the Cadillac of the Uberti SAA line. Basically the same as other Uberti's but with a little better fit and finish. 

I am looking for a couple of 357s my wife can use in cowboy shooting.  They won't sit in the safe. They will be shot. I have been looking at EMF's Californian (Pietti?) and Cimarron's Model P (Uberti?).   I am thinking about 4 3/4 inch barrels, but can be persuaded to go 5 1/2, which I find to be a pretty nice length.

Of course, I already have Ruger NM Vaqueros and I know they are built hell for stout.  I have been thinking that something a little closer to the Colt SAA might be fun.  Both are less expensive than the Vaquero or the Stampede and given my CAS budget (equipping a second shooter in one year) cost is a factor. 

[shaner]

ive owned 5 uberti 1873 cattlemans and have had  zero problems with them , all shoot great once i  gotthe load and sights all adjusted to me, hahah ,

[Lazarus Longshot]

Hi, Bart,
I've got Cimmarons (Uberti), Piettas, and several pair of AWAs. In my opinion, the AWA is the sleeper of the clones. The current models are built by AWA-USA in Florida, using Italian parts. 

There was a previous company, AWA-International, that made two models, the Longhorn (less expensive) and the Peacekeeper (high-end). We have two pair of Longhorns that we started with and had zero problems with them. I understand that when the Colt lawsuit hit AWA-International (they sued because the Peacekeeper was too close to a Colt), that Longhorn quality suffered.

After around four years, I got a pair of AWA-USA Ultimates with longer 7 1/2" barrels. Beatiful pistols, with Turnbull case hardened frames, and they shoot fantastically. Russel (the owner and chief gunsmith at AWA-USA) is terrific to work with. You would not believe how smooth these guns are out of the box. They were so good that I got Lorelei a pair as a gift (with 4 3/4" barrels). I sent Russel some of my reloads, and her pistols were set up for our ammo by him before they were shipped. We still have our Longhorns, though, and use them as backup guns (although we've never had to use them) and as loaners for new shooters.

Most gunshops do not stock AWAs, but here's the website: http://www.awaguns.com/ . I am a big fan of the AWAs, and would put them up against any Colt or clone as to quality and reliability.

[ggeilman]

Speaking of Piettas. You might want to look at the Great Western II's by EMF. They are a lot smoother than the Uberti Cattlemans I have.