Uberti 45 Colt First Outing = FUN!

[ESquared]

Got out early this AM, as the itch to try this Uberti was on me!

Got the "load one, skip one, load four" figured out (with an assist from watching "The Shootist") and set up at 5 yds. Hadn't shot this many rounds at a handgun target at such a shot distance in quite a while.

As some of you may know, my revolver history/experience is not great, but this SAA seems to be the answer. I'd done some "sight picture" research, so I had a basic idea of what to look for.

Started out with five factory loads of 200 gr from Choice Ammo (courtesy of PT7!), and, man, is that trigger light. The theme here is "I'm not used to this trigger yet," and I'm sticking with that excuse for now. Those wandering shots are me, just not being used to the break point. There is NO creep whatsoever.

Moved from center of mass to head shots with my 255 gr Missouri Bullets/8.0 gr of Unique, which was a blast (pun intended).

Then I finished up with 15 shots on a second target. Again, the flyers are all "rookie trigger errors."

I'll figure it out soon, but THIS might just be a revolver I can shoot consistently!

Final pic is a holster/belt rig I have coming next week from Wylie Leather in Wyoming. Tapered 3" belt with 10 cartridge loops, cross-draw holster (which he calls "The Duke" model). Almost as cool as "Bandolier Bob"!

[BigAl52]

RR will like those targets big holes. You are hooked now. When is the 357 Uberti coming.

[ESquared]

RR will like those targets big holes. You are hooked now. When is the 357 Uberti coming.

You know, before I started reloading, I wouldn't have considered another 357 revolver, but now that I've learned how to lighten the load, it's on the list!

It would have to be the 5.5", El Patron Grizzly Paws, as the grip is just right (as Goldilocks said). I have my GB shop in MN on the look-out! There aren't a lot of them out there yet...

[North Country Gal]

Looks like a couple of very "leaky" bad guys, there. Nice work.

A little dry fire work can help you get used to that trigger. No need to over dot it, though. I don't believe in heavy dry fire work with a revolver - it can cause unnecessary wear and tear. Cock the gun, slowly, so you don't peen the cylinder notches. A little dry fire work with a new revolver to learn the trigger is certainly justified, though.

Also time to review basic handling with a gun that has a light trigger for the sake of safety. Not saying you're doing it in an unsafe manner, here. Just thought this might be a good time for everyone who shoots handguns to review some basic safe handling techniques.

Here's a good article on the proper safe draw with a single action revolver, though it's an adaptation of the modern safe draw for semi-autos. Essentially, it means you DON'T cock that hammer as you draw from the holster and you DON'T touch that trigger until the gun is out in from of you and sights lined up on target.
https://www.shootingillustrated.com/art ... f-defense/

Even when at the range and not drawing form the holster, but simply shooting targets, I see a lot of shooters who cock the hammer as they are raising the gun and doing it with their finger on the trigger to boot. Bad, bad habit. Gun out straight and on target, first, finger off of the trigger, then cock the hammer. Next, sights on target, then, and only then, touch the trigger. This is a routine I rigidly follow when shooting all handguns, but if you think that single action trigger is touchy, try shooting a Contender handgun or match handgun with much lighter triggers. Very dangerous guns to shoot in the hands of someone with bad handling habits.

[ESquared]

All great points, NCG!

When it comes to some dry-firing, would snap caps be a good idea, or does it matter with this integrated firing pin (part of the hammer) design?

[CT_Shooter]

Great report, Evan! Thanks for the details and for sharing your excitement with us.

[North Country Gal]

Snap caps are a bit of a controversy. Some folks think they are necessary to prevent firing pin damage on a centerfire gun, but I'm one that does not. The caps really do very little to cushion the firing pin, anyway, but if it makes you feel better to use them, go for it. Again, this is assuming that you are only dry firing, now and then, in order to familiarize yourself (or re-familiarize yourself) with the trigger and, again, cocking the gun, gently, not slamming the hammer back and playing cowboy. Sitting in front of the TV and dry firing a revolver for hours is another thing, entirely. Some folks do it, but not me.

[Mags]

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I think the purpose of the snap caps isn't to cushion the tip of the firing pin, but to prevent the shoulder of the firing pin from impacting the inside of the bolt where the firing pin passes through the bolt orifice. I believe the rationale is that enough dry fires may deform the pin shoulder and bolt orifice and eventually cause the firing pin to get sticky or stuck. That shared, I don't think it matters for revolvers.

Snap caps are a bit of a controversy. Some folks think they are necessary to prevent firing pin damage on a centerfire gun, but I'm one that does not. The caps really do very little to cushion the firing pin, anyway, but if it makes you feel better to use them, go for it. Again, this is assuming that you are only dry firing, now and then, in order to familiarize yourself (or re-familiarize yourself) with the trigger and, again, cocking the gun, gently, not slamming the hammer back and playing cowboy. Sitting in front of the TV and dry firing a revolver for hours is another thing, entirely. Some folks do it, but not me.

[Mags]

oops, duplicate post erased.

[Mags]

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I like what I'm seeing in what you're sharing. Got me rethinking my wish list 3/4 size Stallion .38 for a full size revolver. I already have a revolver that shoots .45 colt, but it is a pain to shoot even with the rubber recoil absorbing grip. How is yours on the hand and wrist?

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[PT7]

Congrats that your "First Outing = FUN!" That's the best, ESquared.

I'm certain that you've now begun re-writing your revolver history. That S/A .45 Colt will make it easy, and I'd say before long you will be shooting it with ease and confidence. Your first POIs are large and definitely in the right places! Great job on your first range visit.

Maybe someday your Grizzly Paws and my Russian will have a target shootout?!? That could happen under Frontier Justice.

BTW, what did you think of the Choice Ammo, and also generally the revolver recoil? Cool caliber, without a doubt.

PT7

Got out early this AM, as the itch to try this Uberti was on me!

Got the "load one, skip one, load four" figured out (with an assist from watching "The Shootist") and set up at 5 yds. Hadn't shot this many rounds at a handgun target at such a shot distance in quite a while.

As some of you may know, my revolver history/experience is not great, but this SAA seems to be the answer.

I'll figure it out soon, but THIS might just be a revolver I can shoot consistently!

[ESquared]

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I like what I'm seeing in what you're sharing. Got me rethinking my wish list 3/4 size Stallion .38 for a full size revolver. I already have a revolver that shoots .45 colt, but it is a pain to shoot even with the rubber recoil absorbing grip. How is yours on the hand and wrist?

pinkchk_xsm.png

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No issues from a discomfort standpoint whatsoever, but, as alluded to above, you just have to be ready for the shot. For my grizzly-sized paws, that's the bonus of these grips - I can get all four fingers wrapped around the handle (so to speak). It balances well and that 5/5" barrel helps, no doubt.

And, it's a a 2.3 lb gun (unloaded), so that helps to absorb the 45 just fine. These were Unique loads @ 8.0 gr, and I'm sure I could go with lighter reloads if need be, but this seems to be a real sweet spot from an accuracy standpoint.

WAY less recoil than any factory 357 I've shot, but I guess I expected that...

[fortyshooter]

Getting out a good ol' SA .45 Colt is always a great time and congrats ES on trying out your new revolver and loads!
The fun gets much better when you can hit the steel plates and gong!!
Work on your trigger control and back up to 15 and later 25 yds or more.

I was down at my range today but sadly no shooting but ditch digging

[ESquared]

Great report, Evan! Thanks for the details and for sharing your excitement with us.

Thanks for your advice along the way! Very happy with the way this turned out. The cost/fun ratio is compelling!

[Mags]

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So I got me one today. Found it at the local Coastal Farm Supply. That store is really well stocked. Largest number of Henry's I've seen in one place. They had just gotten a shipment in, including 3 Long Rangers in .243, .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor. Alas, not one in .223 but another shipment was coming and might have them. Otherwise I might have come home today with 2 firearms.

What I did come home with was a Uberti Cattleman II .45 Colt with the brass back strap. My original preference was the Stallion .38, but it's not available with the brass back strap.

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. and along side my penance to my chief financial officer.

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[PT7]

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So I got me one today. Found it at the local Coastal Farm Supply. That store is really well stocked. Largest number of Henry's I've seen in one place. They had just gotten a shipment in, including 3 Long Rangers in .243, .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor. Alas, not one in .223 but another shipment was coming and might have them. Otherwise I might have come home today with 2 firearms.

What I did come home with was a Uberti Cattleman II .45 Colt with the brass back strap. My original preference was the Stallion .38, but it's not available with the brass back strap.

Congrats on that beautiful Six Gun, Mags. That brass backstrap extending around into the trigger guard sure makes the sharp-looking wood grip stand out, too. My Stallion is the purtiest of my S/A revolvers.

Looking forward to your Range Report, and hopefully pictures of some great targets with those fun large holes!!
Enjoy.

PT7

[Mags]

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Thank you sir. Your Stallion .22 was the inspiration behind what I chose to buy. I was disappointed to learn that the Stallion .38 did not have the brass like your .22. Then E^2 and fortyshooter just had to share their revolvers and that broke the ice for me. Coastal had been on my list of places to check into and today the opportunity presented itself. Coastal is also the only somewhat local place that was willing to special order if I wanted something else. None of the other local places I asked was willing to do that. So along with their huge selection of makes, they will be getting my future business.

... That brass backstrap extending around into the trigger guard sure makes the sharp-looking wood grip stand out, too. My Stallion is the purtiest of my S/A revolvers.
PT7

[ESquared]

Great job, Mags! The revolver is very nice, you found a good local place to deal with on future firearms and your household is set for a steady stream of baked goods for the foreseeable future!

Really like the brass backstrap treatment, too! Please keep us posted on your range visit(s) and how the first batch of cookies turn out! Genius creation of a "Win/Win" scenario with the CFO! Hats off!

[ESquared]

Not to mention artful use of a certain bench towel in a lovely shade we've all come to admire!

[PT7]

Glad the Stallion inspired. I get that sense whenever I shoot it, too. BTW, did you Folk notice the photo in CT_Shooter's Range Report that his new Uberti Cattleman 22LR has the same brass for the backstrap and trigger guard? Uberti has got that design spot-on!

Oops! Never even saw the bench towel. You fellows must look for that before anything else!!

Have fun on the range, Mags. It will be cool to "compare" ESquared's and your big-holed targets.
PT7

Your Stallion .22 was the inspiration...

Really like the brass backstrap treatment, too!