Pietta 1873 Single Action (Colt Single Action Army Clone)

The Pietta 1873 Single Action, also known in this case as the Cimarron Frontier Old Model, is a great reproduction of the Colt Single Action Army. (SAA.) In this video, I'll give a demonstration of the operation of the gun, as well as my overall review of it. You'll even see a deadly duel between myself and a carbonated bandit. Be sure to subscribe to my channel for more videos! Thanks for watching!
CORRECTION: Colt stopped using the round ejector and this base pin screw at the end of the black powder era, but not the end of the first generation of the Single Action Army. The first generation actually continued for many more years.
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[@GunsOfTheWest]

My channel now has merch! Click on this link to see the available products. Thanks for supporting the channel! teespring.com/stores/guns-of-the-west

[@brentmack51]

I load my 44 mags with little gun smokes nice and turns my kodiak into a flame thrower. Less mess less corrosive

[@theykilledjoel1496]

I bought a used colt 45 single action clone at a gun show, guy told me it was a ubeirtie but he wasn't sure what model. I can't find anywhere on it that says ubeirtie there's a small CS unter the barrel by the trigger guard, u got any idea how to tell what I have?

[@Panda-qv8yl]

What calibre does it have?

[@theykilledjoel1496]

@@Panda-qv8yl 45 colt

[@normanbraslow7902]

You are wrong about ejector rod and the second generation. It was still in the first generation, I believe. If I'm not mistaken the second generation was post WW II. And don't dry fire it. With the fixed firing pin the pin can be damaged.

[@delbrorlni6676]

This is the greatest handgun ever made. The Colt Single Action Army. Six bullets. More than enough to kill anything that moves - Revolver Ocelot

[@bubbleballs6200]

You're pretty good

[@mkshffr4936]

The S&W Schofield is a good rival. The Colt is quicker handling but the Smith is much faster reload.

[@craven1927]

Five unless you want to shoot your foot off

[@alexbowman7330]

An actual firing pin on the hammer. That's beautiful. I wish more gun makers today would give us that option to choose.

[@koltaire5938]

I agree but it’s very tuff now says with all the liability and such

[@user-kk3dq3xw9g]

John Wayne was asked “what if your gut tells you to load six?” He replied “then load six”

[@fordsrule35]

The Shootist...my favorite John Wayne movie.

[@mkshffr4936]

And then use the safety notch as Colt instructed. When loaded according to Colt's instruction you have six rounds in but the firing pin is not resting on a primer. There is controversy over the wisdom of using the safety notch but it does exist.

[@wolfpack4694]

Big day today. Picked up my Pietta/Cimarron 7th Cavalry SAA from my FFL. Unbelievable luck to have C Company on the bottom of the grip, because I was in C Troop, 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry. Can’t wait to get it to the range. Great info!

[@cannoneer155mm]

I have one of the Pietta 1873 with a 7.5 inch barrel. I added an 1860 grip frame and trigger guard. I rounded it off with a set of Tru-Ivory grips. With BP loads it shoots great. Mine was marketed by EMF and is known as a "Great Western 2".

[@cloycespears9632]

I just bought a EMF Great Western 2 Californian yesterday 4 3/4 barrel 45 LC. I have not shot it yet but the gun is beautiful.

[@tristanramos6060]

Did you buy it at cabelas

[@cloycespears9632]

No I bought at Big R.@@tristanramos6060

[@strangefolkprimary4837]

There are a handful of very high quality black powder shooting channels on youtube. You are one of them.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thank you very much! I appreciate that!

[@linopetro3569]

The appearance of the far-west colt is always beautiful and unique. Each colt is a work of art!

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Agreed.

[@BertieW0oster]

This gun is beautiful, and is exactly what I'm looking for (a very authentic 1873 clone). I also plan to exclusively shoot black powder in mine, I think that's half the fun of the 1873 revolver experience! I just need to pick 7.5" or 5.5"...

[@joracer1]

These old school tools are also works of art in my book, and if they get a little dirty and get some wear even more so... when I get any single action revolver in my hands I want it. I want it bad. I can't explain it. I wish I could own all of them every one ever made, colts, all clones, all the BP army, navy, even the rugers.I want them all. Thanks for showing...

[@i-tiyahman6519]

U and Baldwin 😂

[@hunnerat-touaregi4439]

@@i-tiyahman6519 nah Baldwin is anti gun i heard oddly enough.

[@hunnerat-touaregi4439]

I feel your pain 😭

[@614XJ]

Just got a EMF, Pietta, Great Western 2 “US Marshal” SAA 4.75” .45LC. Such a beautiful firearm. I’m excited to shoot it and slick it up real nice.

[@stevehaun6023]

The first generation saa were made from 1873-1940s the 2nd generation 1957-1974 and third generation from 1974-present supposedly 3rd generations vary in quality but I have a colt saa made in 1979 and it is the smoothest single action I've ever felt and is beautifully made.But you are right the frames changed from blackpowder to smokeless in 1896 when colt went to the cross pin latch for the cylinder pin and the crescent shape ejector rod head

[@Atpost334]

I had almost given up on finding one of these. Happy to say that I found one Cimarron / Uberti “I” Company. Couldn’t be happier with it 😎

[@jamescooper2618]

There is historical written evidence from Colt that the 1873 was to be carried with all 6 chambers loaded and the gun carried with the hammer in the first notch, their idea of a "safety notch". There are several written references to this.

[@mkshffr4936]

Yep.

[@jefftinsley7111]

Hey Dustin, great videos. You may know this, but the firing pin is of the smokeless era. On the original design, the firing pin looked more like a half bull horn. The reason for the firing pin change, it was found that the original design would cause the hammer to go back almost to the full cock when using the new smokeless rounds. The firing pin hole was larger on the "black powder frame" models.

[@anthonycooper225]

i have always loved the 1873 cavalry model colt. great video

[@musketmatters2004]

Thanks for pointing out the differences between this and other "1873" revolvers.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

I saw that third High Fructose gang member dodge that bullet only to catch the second! That’ll teach them boys! I do appreciate your continued fight protecting all from this dreaded gang! And the bugs like it too I would believe. This is such a splendid use for these bad boys! Thanks So Much, Many Blessings and Keep On Shootin On with that Lovely piece of History! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@1stminnsharpshooters341]

fine shoot'en against such a nefarious "high fructose" gang - LIKED!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Great info. The black powder frame, as we've talked about in the past, is a beauty. High Fructose Gang! -HA!

[@davymac9866]

"You ain't no daisy" Ha! Love it, Doc would be proud 👏

[@DarthMercanto]

Just ordered one of these beauties myself in .357 :D. One of my first revolvers! Can't wait!

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Congrats on the new purchase! I think you’ll really enjoy it!

[@cd4playa1245]

Have you shot it a decent bit yet? Reliable?

[@richardrimel2306]

Will be buying this gun in a couple weeks cant wait then comes the model 94 winchester love it

[@TexasHellcat1836]

Right now I'm focusing on a Pietta 1851 Navy and then an 1860 Army to match it. When when I'm 21, I'm gonna get this Pietta 1873 Single Action. Somewhere between now and then, I'll get me a Winchester 1873 to match it. 😁

[@oldwarmonger8750]

I got the engraved bill tilghman edition and a model like this one and I love them both...I got a Wild West collection going on....no safe queens though

[@derekec]

Took me so much research to learn all this info...too bad I did not find your info-video first. Good job.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnzajac9849]

Some experts say that the .45 SAA clone made by Standard Mfg. is also excellent, if expensive.

[@johnnypipe]

Excellent. The song Desperado comes to mind.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

+Johnny Petree, thanks for watching and for your great support of the channel!

[@jackpinewalker]

Thanks for posting this video. From the view I have I can only see the primer hole on one casing. I can't see any way to see more without spinning.

[@chutethemessenger5396]

Yeah, now I have an idea what Dave Halls meant when he said "he could only remember seeing three rounds"

[@therealhawkeyeii7888]

First Gen goes up to our entry into WWII. The change to the crescent ejector didn't change the Gen designation.

[@jeffreyelliott622]

2nd gen Colts began in 1956 I believe !!!

[@rajb5595]

Appreciate your demo n narration !

[@jerichosamurai]

His Pietta 1873 isn't the same thing as a Cimarron Frontier. At least not exactly. His revolver is different. I have a Frontier with the 4 3/4 inch barrel and it has the spring loaded cross-pin. It has the same finish on the metal and it's the same walnut grip, but it has all those modern features. Cimarron's stock is a bit different from if you buy directly from Pietta.

[@Cheaps928]

any idea what else is different? the cimarron pieta frontier has 4 click no safety hammer but with modern features like the half moon ejector tab and the pin you mentioned. but not sure what else. i just ordered a cimarron frontier so waiting for it to arrive

[@kylemichaels3373]

The first gen goes all the way until WWII, the change of the ejector rod button and the spring loaded cross pin does not make it a Gen 2. The Colt Single Action Army like 1911 is not trademarked therefore manufacturers of Reproduction SAA's may market them as SAA's. Just like anyone can call a 1911 a 1911. Now only Colt can stamp an AR15 AR15 as the U.S. Government owns the "AR15" trademark and licenses it to Colt.

[@dillongoodfriend7248]

here for baldwin research lol. so possible misfire if pin resting on a bullet and hammer hit? like pretending to pull it out like an actor would practice? very sad

[@LucasIsHereYT]

I'm convinced this was the Arizona Ranger they talked about in Big Iron.

[@sethmoon7633]

Texas orange

[@tomsmith4319]

Dustin, if that revolver had a cone shaped firing pin and a shorter cylinder pin it would be virtually exactly like the 1873 colt....great video!.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Tom Smith, thanks for watching!

[@paul55austria51]

you're right Tom. It's just a few small details. The longer cylinderpin has to do with safety. So there is also a hole in the extension of the pin so that it prevents the hammer from hitting the primer. I have the 5.5 ” model. Beautiful revolver, but you have to be very careful with this pin. The notches are not circular and must be placed perpendicular to the pin, otherwise the pin will slide forward and the cylinder will come loose.

[@eardwaith6888]

Brilliant. But the sound of richoset is missing. Never forget to use the sound of richoset!

[@DonDon-zm3vz]

i literally bought the same gun for the exact same reasons you did

[@noahlefferdink8225]

I’m not really into old west guns but man the blueing on that gun is amazing!! Might have to get into a new kind of shooting! Anyone have any tips?

[@oldwarmonger8750]

Just bought one from traditions/pietta and the thing is pretty as hell and accurate....I have well over 500 ends through it in a week's time.

[@jhutch1470]

I hope you got one and just took it to the range. They are fun.

[@freman007]

The local Gun City has a Pietta 45 Army Revolver, although the photos show it has a push button beside the cylinder, probably to unlock the cylinder pin like in the later Model Ps.

[@ralphperez4862]

Thanks for the review Dustin. Looks like fun. Hey, they even make this in a 10 round 22. Cool huh?

[@victorrasilla]

I’m very happy with this content

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thanks for watching!

[@ExploreAmerica]

Thank you

[@richardofsylmar]

I found your video very informative, I have learned things from you that I haven’t and several other videos I have watched. Thank you

[@Fluff467]

WOW....I have this model exaxtly...It is a FREDRICKSBURG

[@jorgehernandez-di7ll]

I just bought a beautiful 1873 pietta in 357 threw me completely of because of the the screw I thought it was a defect it was used but in beautiful condition at a pawn shop the manager didn't know why the screw was there either I asked him to do some research on it he couldn't find any information why the screw was there I got it for 450 so I guess I got myself a really nice gun for the price since they're more collectibles than the new ones thank you for the information here I was that somebody had messed with it but even with the screw look very beautiful that manager didn't know what he was selling and I didn't know what I was buying until now and I was getting tired of looking at all the new models and they did not have that screw beautiful gun

[@tonylee7714]

You are a good shooter

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thanks!

[@followingjesus2064]

So,I just recently purchased an old model Uberti 1873 cattleman with the birdshead grip. It has the cylinder screw which doesn't bother me.I did however want the push pin,but it's ok with the screw.But what disappointed me was it has the retractable firing pin and only 3 clicks.It is still a beautiful gun though.

[@irishdruid4516]

They are fun shooting, I own 4 different models of colt repros.

[@d.sparkes346]

Great video, thanks for the info, have one on the way..

[@rayst.2934]

I call it marshall Mat Dillon model , mine is 51/2.

[@stevensheats7536]

This should be a great gunfight at the ok corral scene from tombstone movie where the 4 of us facing the outlaws

[@ShaddySoldier]

Peacemakers and their clones need to have a longer barrel like this one, if you ask me. Shurr the shorter ones are better for the quick draw guys and maybe easier to spin fir thr fancy tricks, but having the barrel as Short as the unloading rod housing just looks goofy in my opinion. Having the long barrel just looks cool.

[@bongdudugenio9947]

that's a pretty darn piece of single action there! but i will really try the Cimarron "El Malo" it has a PRE-WAR FRAME & EJECTOR ROD without altering an image of old single action army revolver. did i say a non-cylindrical barrel? yes, it's an octagon barrel.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thanks for watching!

[@Hardcorediver44]

Well done! That was funny.

[@parowek8242]

Its also called Peacemaker

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

Pietta makes some mighty fine replica cap & ball revolvers, I know years ago I had many of them.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thanks for watching!

[@gunsquawk4443]

Great gun. Love the hat. Just subscribed.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thanks!

[@dem0nicempire881]

Mighty fine revolver

[@paulfisher4660]

mine arrived last week, waiting for reloading supplies. looks exactly the same. think it was listed as a cimmeron pistolero. mine has a screw on the left side to remove the cylinder pin. and 4.75 inch barrel.

[@Prowbar]

You have some great content. Subbed!

[@GunsOfTheWest]

+Prowbar, thanks very much!

[@missouriminuteman8571]

How's it holding up? I'm trying to decide between this one, or a 4 3/4 Pietta Great Western II Californian Deluxe, or the Pietta Great Western II US Marshal in 45LC/45 ACP...Decisions, decisions lol!

[@tastas3880]

Thanks dude... so you're saying a 1873 colt 45 parts would fit it?

[@09daves]

Really cool gun! I've recently taken a huge interest in Colt single action armys and I've been looking for a good "clone." Nice video, although the rounds looked real and you had me nervous at 5:07

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thanks for watching!

[@juliangiuliano9619]

Soy argentino me apasionan los wuester y las armas de esa época bonanza no me perdía capitulos

[@Cheaps928]

los wuester? que es eso?

[@broggii]

Where did you get your hat? I like the style, but dunno how to search for it.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

It was custom made for me by J.W. Hats in Salt Lake City, Utah. Thanks for watching!

[@robertrandin9568]

I noticed that it the rounds are smoking a lot after you shoot it or every time you shoot it is is it because you're using black powder inside these cases and if you are can you use smokeless powder on this gun regular 45 Colt

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Smokeless powder is fine for this gun and that’s what most people use. I just like the black powder, partly because of that smoke.

[@bking12762]

Has anyone seen a barrel with the word Magnum mispelled? I've got one that says Magum...

[@venatorossis9993]

Great vid! Nice piece !

[@AlexKS1992]

I got a question, I got my eyes on of these pistols and my question is can you shoot smokeless powder cartridges in these pistols or am I have to use cowboy action loads? The caliber I got my sights on is a .45 Long Colt. Also I love the soda humor 😆.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

These can shoot smokeless. I just like black powder for historical reasons and because I love the smoke. Thanks for watching!

[@AlexKS1992]

I commented before watching the whole video and I got to the end and you answered my question well at least I got an answer. Thank you. I should take note that I should watch the video then comment.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

No problem at all!

[@thomassmestead6424]

I own a Pietta in .45 Colt, 7.5" barrel. It will fire not only regular .45 Colt cartridges, but hollowpoint self defense loads. I don't shoot anything but smokeless powder cartridges in mine, preferring them to the black powder cartridges. I also own several black powder firearms, including a Remington New Army .44 caliber. If I want to shoot black powder or pyrodex, I'll do it with the cap and ball guns.

[@rayst.2934]

Good shooting

[@erlycuyler]

I love the old colts,but I just can't see how they were more practical than a schofield. Schofield is much simpler and faster to reload.

[@BogeyTheBear]

What the Colt has over the Schofield is power. The longer cartridge and solid frame construction had it capable of handling a heavier load, but it's not like that did the Colt any good because soldiers actually preferred the lighter loading of the Schofield round for better accuracy and recoil handling.

[@richardcranium2581]

@@BogeyTheBear late reply… 45 schofield is shorter than 45 Colt / long colt. The modern 45 ACP is more or less same ballistics to 45 schofield.

[@waynemcauliffe2362]

Thanks mate very informative

[@HomeGunMaker]

That is so beautiful! I absolutely love the SAA! It’s my favorite firearm, and I simply love the Old West. So much that I made my own non-firing replica. Could you check it out? Thank you!

[@bking12762]

AMAZING WORK!

[@jgiza8888]

Alec Baldwin brought me here...

[@ryancawdor8083]

Mr. Winegar, I just recieved my new Cimarron Pietta 1873 today and have a Question. Is the hammer supposed to be very light on cocking and the trigger about 6-7 pounds? It seems to come back with little force. My other Pietta, a Heritage 3 click transfer bar and Cimarron Uberti 4 click Old Model P while smooth, have more resistance and nicer triggers. This is my first Old Model Pietta.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

It’s normal for the hammer spring to feel light. When I bought this one, I was actually concerned that it may not hit the primers hard enough, but it works every time.

[@ryancawdor8083]

@@GunsOfTheWest Thank you, sir! This puts my mind at ease. Keep up the great work and I look forward to more episodes!

[@javiervazquez2896]

I want one.!...

[@Atlasowl]

Love it, thank you for the jokes lol, subscribed!

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thanks!

[@peterklevitch5571]

What is your opinion of USFA Rodeo 45 Colt as a replica of the Colt Single Action 1873 and other models? Was their feature to swap cylinders to their respective ACP Caliber Round's a good idea? Sadly no longer manufactured, are they still worth obtaining? Respectively, in your hands!!

[@letsgorangers5264]

This video made me laugh 5 seconds into it. :)

[@benkanobe7500]

I have a Winchester Model 1892 in 44-40 manufactured in 1898. I love my rifle. I would like to purchase the appropriate/period correct Revolver in 44-40. Looking on Gunbroker, there is no way I could afford an original Colt (not sure which one). What currently obtainable import replica is the right revolver to go with my rifle? Thank you.

[@ingohiller3415]

That's the one I like all original I have the same gun and I like it it's just like the colt

[@pauliedweasel]

What I would like to know is are the screws the same as the original Colt screws or are they metric like some of the other Colt knock offs that were made in Europe?

[@markstengel7680]

Enjoyed. I'm a fan of legacy firearms. Shame Colt stopped mfg of the SAA. Nice copy aka-clone. Did you get a rig for your 6 shooter . Be Well

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Colt is actually still making them. They’re very expensive though.

[@jeremiahkrouse9827]

Would you recommend this as a good gun? I have always loved sing action revolvers.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

It’s been great!

[@normanbraslow7902]

Guns Of The West I've heard the inner parts can be too soft. Enough to make me avoid one.

[@jhutch1470]

@@normanbraslow7902 Parts from the 1800's, or parts from 2020?

[@LILPAPASMURF97]

Where can I find a hat like yours?

[@wendellsawyer4386]

Great info. I just recent got my first SSA replica pistol. Which just so happens to be a Pietta imported by Cimmaron. (It's the Holy Smoker) Definitely loving it.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

I love Pietta revolvers! Thanks for watching!

[@johnwells5755]

Wendell Sawyer n

[@tcaustin879]

That was the slowest draw I've ever seen

[@GunsOfTheWest]

LOL!! Yeah, that holster just rides up your body if you're too fast. If the bandit was anything other than soda, I'd be dead! LOL!

[@tcaustin879]

@@GunsOfTheWest in any case fantastic demonstration

[@loopmichaelvalentine8273]

The rifling in m y peitta is almost nonexistant, and the cylinder throats were way over size on mine.

[@epicone8693]

"high fructose gang" thats a like xD i just orderd a 44 magnum pietta just like this one and im very excited to get it^^

[@epicone8693]

@Black Scorpio TV hey man no problem!! i have'nt gotten it yet but i went with the 5.75" barrel because i hunt and ride horses so i think its the perfect length, and i can get range out of it without hitting my barrel on anything. It also fits very nicly in my cowboy belt and holster. I have a 22.mag as well with the same length barrel( 5.75")

[@nephisilver3051]

How many grains of black powder or in those cartridges

[@hamergalil1263]

Hi, could you help me? I am about to buy an 1873 5.5, 357/38 and I would like to know briefly which one I should buy / which one is better, among them Cimarron, Traditions, Pietta and Uberti, which one would have more quality and would not give me any problems. Thank you, I await the reply.

[@peacemaker-du4hz]

do i have to use cowboy loads only or can i use any standard pressure ammo?i have one that was bought in about 2008 or so . the only thing ive always disliked about it is that it has a plug in one cylinder so youre forced to cowboy load it as a safety and not blow your toe off

[@mollyfoxxx]

This was the model allegedly used on the set of “Rust” that Alec Baldwin used when Halyna Hutchins was killed. He claims he never pulled the trigger, which seems rare, but if the gun was handed to him with the hammer pulled all the way back by the props department, it’s possible that it went off bc once you cock the hammer back, it doesn't take a lot to set that trigger off.

[@gord7025]

or if it was loaded with 6 rounds

[@Live.Vibe.Lasers]

came here for this comment. accurate.

[@alexprokhorov407]

It still requires you to pull the trigger, that's why there are four clicks, so the hammer cannot touch the primer unless it's all the way back or all the way in front of.

[@mooosestang]

this gun is getting a lot of attention due to the Alec baldwin case and they keep saying it can't be fired without pulling the trigger, but if you didn't slowly release the hammer and there was a bullet there would it not be possible to fire?

[@vivatones66]

Well done video. Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department might benefit from this video. It seems possible that actor, Alec Baldwin, may have mishandled the hammer and caused the gun to fire since there is no transfer bar. Obviously there should have been no live round. That speaks for itself.

[@ShaddySoldier]

He mishandled it twice in a row firing two shots in a single action lol.

[@tracnunya7165]

the gun baldwin used

[@larrys-qr6zr]

I noticed your hammer has a firing pin. i was wondering what year it was manufactured or if that was a special order, and if it has a rebounding hammer.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

It’s pretty new. They’re still available like this.

[@richardcranium2581]

What made you choose the 7.5”? And have you heard any issues of the 357 mag version and firing 357 mag over time?

[@GunsOfTheWest]

I mostly just like the look of the 7.5, but it also provides higher velocity. I haven’t heard of any issues with the .357 magnum versions.

[@richardcranium2581]

@@GunsOfTheWest thank you for the response. Internet “experts” all seem convinced the 357 models seize up with regular usage of off-the-shelf 357 loads.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

@@richardcranium2581 I suppose it’s possible, but it wasn’t my experience when I had one.

[@jaydo1879]

How is the accuracy on that gun? How far away were the bandits?

[@frankgon4]

Can you load it with 6 and lower it to the first click?

[@GunsOfTheWest]

I wouldn't. It's a fairly weak piece of metal that holds it there, so the hammer could possibly be knocked out of that position.

[@thomassmestead6424]

I second that. Unless you own a revolver which incorporates a transfer bar, or other safety device, best to leave the hammer on an empty chamber. This was a huge problem with the original Colt SAA. Even casual bumps would set off the cartridge primers, which many a poor cowboy or cavalry trooper found out the hard way. Holes in the boot, hurts!