Basically my question is this: after getting turned-on to single-action revolvers, I decided it was time to stop mooching off my friends and purchase my own. I knew what I wanted was a great replica of the Colt SAA (real deal was a little too pricey). At first I was set on the Ruger Vaquero, being unaware of the number of SAA clone manufacturers out there (both U.S. and Italian). Then I picked up a Beretta stampede at my local gunstore and it was like night and day. Whereas the Vaquero was a big, bulky magnum frame and a little bit clunky compared to the SAA, the Stampede was light, well-balanced and very comfortable. But then I heard about companies like Uberti, EMI, Western Arms, Navy Arms etc. So I'm wondering this: is the Beretta the best choice? Does anyone have any other suggestions? I'd be greatful for some advice.

ocelot,

The Beretta is a very nice revolver. With the exception of the transfer bar and minor differences it is a Uberti as are all of the better and more desireable replicas. Beretta bought Uberti a year or so back and has continued production under the Uberti name.

Most of the replicas, all of the revolvers I believe, sold by Cimarron, Navy Arms, Cabella's are made by Uberti. The others, made by Pietta in particular, should probably be avoided. EMF guns are made by ASM and Pietta, the better are the ASM guns.

Uberti was the first Italian company to make replica black powder guns for Val Forgett, founder of Navy Arms back in 1956 or thereabouts. They have come to be virtually museum quality guns over the years. They also seem tobe the only one which has an undestanding of heat-treating as I have seen many, particularly Pietta, guns which were really too soft to expect much of a service life from them.

Thanks for the advice, Alk8944, it's good to know to avoid the Piettas. Beretta is looking better and better all the time, but if anyone else has some opinions on the subject I'd love to hear them. On a related note I had one quick newbie question: in the past I've been using my friends revolvers and the do most of the upkeep etc., I usely just point and shoot. My question is this: after freeing the cylinder and before firing, how can I tell if I have a chamber properly aligned with the barrel? Does one align after each click or do I have to visually inspect that the cylinder is properly aligned?

Thanks for the advice, Alk8944, it's good to know to avoid the Piettas. Beretta is looking better and better all the time, but if anyone else has some opinions on the subject I'd love to hear them. On a related note I had one quick newbie question: in the past I've been using my friends revolvers and the do most of the upkeep etc., I usely just point and shoot. My question is this: after freeing the cylinder and before firing, how can I tell if I have a chamber properly aligned with the barrel? Does one align after each click or do I have to visually inspect that the cylinder is properly aligned?

I love all the history about firearms one learns here! I did not know that Beretta bought-out Uberti. However, I do know that the Cimeron models (built by Uberti) are of very good quality. I have a 5 1/2" blued model (45 cal.) that I like very much. It shoots well, feels good in the hand and I picked it up for less than $350 new. As for lining up the cylinder to the barrel, any time you let the hammer all the way down then pull the hammer all the way back (on a properly functioning revolver), you should be good to go.
Whatever you get, shoot it alot and have fun!!
kl

I recently sold my EMF [asm, Armi san marcos] in 45colt-5.5" bbl in order to move up to the Ruger. My reason was but one;
Being able to hunt with the gun. I opted for the Ruger Blackhawk, stainless and 4 3/4" bbl. I also believed that the adj. sights would suit me better.

The reason being, when I took my Winchester Trapper in 45colt out to hunt, I did not want to have to carry 2 types of ammo: hot and "cold". The ruger, as you stated, has the "magnum" frame and can handle the 325gr. cannon fodder that I launch from the Winnie.

Was the EMF a fine gun...Absolutely! I've never participated in CAS, but I do see ALOT of EMFs being used!!!

good luck in your choice!!!

I vote for the Ruger....I'm getting a Ruger Bisely in .45 Colt. The only think I don't like about the Ruger...and this I absolutely hate...is the warning that's stamped into the barrel....

The Colt SAA (single action army)and it's look alikes are the King in the world of Cowboy Action Shooting. The most popular six shooter seems to be the Rugar vaquero followed by the guns offered by Cimmarron. http://www.cimarron-firearms.com Cimarron's are built by Uberti in Italy but the Cimarron company holds their quality to a higher standard then some other importers. Fit and finish is very nice.
You mentioned you were uncomfortable with the bulk of the Ruger. Cimarron is now offering a slightly scaled down carbon copy chambered for .38 special, a truley affordable caliber to shoot a lot of.( if you go to www.ammodirect.com you buy them for about $5.80 a box! :D ) Be aware, if your thinking of getting involved in CAS this smaller revolver is considered not legal to use by NCOWS in competetion. This spin off of it's bigger brother didn't exist in the old west.
BTW...You can't go wrong with ANY beretta....they've been building guns since 1526!!! You know they're not going to put there name on anything that isn't up to there standards.