Cimarron and Beretta SA Sixshooters

[Billyboy]

I just registered this morning and this is my first message on this forum.

I have a Ruger Vaquero in .357 w/ 5 1/2" barrel. I am looking for a second sixshooter in .357 with fixed sights. While I am very happy with the looks and performance of the Vaquero, there barrel lengths in fixed sight models are limited to either
4 5/8" or 5 1/2".
I was looking at Cimarron and Beretta web sights. The Beretta "Stampedes" apparently are not out yet so I would be surprised if many folks have any hands-on information on them. However I know Cimarron has been selling Single Action Sixshooters for many years. I have been reading Q and A from this forum and most seem to have either Uberti, Ruger, Colt firearms but no Cimarron. I know that most of the Cimarron models are manufactured by Uberti. For a second firearm in .357 I have the following questions:

1. Should I get the same length barrel (5 1/2") or try another barrel length ( such as 7 1/2")?

2. How are the Cimarrons when compared to the rest of the field?

3. Does anyone have information on the Beretta "Stampede" such as "Who makes them?" etc.

Any Information will be helpful.

Thanks.

Billyboy

[RJACKSON]

Originally posted by Billyboy:
I just registered this morning and this is my first message on this forum.

I have a Ruger Vaquero in .357 w/ 5 1/2" barrel. I am looking for a second sixshooter in .357 with fixed sights. While I am very happy with the looks and performance of the Vaquero, there barrel lengths in fixed sight models are limited to either
4 5/8" or 5 1/2".
I was looking at Cimarron and Beretta web sights. The Beretta "Stampedes" apparently are not out yet so I would be surprised if many folks have any hands-on information on them. However I know Cimarron has been selling Single Action Sixshooters for many years. I have been reading Q and A from this forum and most seem to have either Uberti, Ruger, Colt firearms but no Cimarron. I know that most of the Cimarron models are manufactured by Uberti. For a second firearm in .357 I have the following questions:

1. Should I get the same length barrel (5 1/2") or try another barrel length ( such as 7 1/2")?

2. How are the Cimarrons when compared to the rest of the field?

3. Does anyone have information on the Beretta "Stampede" such as "Who makes them?" etc.

Any Information will be helpful.

Thanks.

Billyboy

[RJACKSON]

Sorry.. I hit the wrong button on my last reply. Well, Billy, for one thing, Beretta is a very good firearms manufacturer. However, I chose to buy an Uberti in .44-40 due to the fact that it is very close the Colt Single Action Army. One of the reasons that i did not go with Beretta or Ruger is because for one thing, they both use transfer bars on their firearms, instead of having the firing pin mounted on the hammer (even though it is more dangerous), I wanted that because the firing pin on the hammer was more authentic. Also, another reason i did not go with Beretta is because their Stampedes were not out at the time of purchase.
Now on the Cimmaron topic, they are the exact same guns as Uberti, basically, it is just another name printed on the gun.
On your barrel length topic, (i asked this a few days ago), I am personally am going to get an actual Colt Single Action Army in 7 1/2 in barell so i can have an authentic firearm. I think that is an excellent combination, having a 5 1/2 and a 7 1/2 at the same time. I already have a 5 1/2 in. It does not mean you want to get that, it just depends what you are going to use them for. The only thing that came to mind about those two different lenghts is that they would be both unbalanced, so you could not really shoot well with both of them at the same time.
Now on your Beretta question, Beretta's Stampede IS NOW FOR SALE. I know this because I have handled them at various gun retailers, and I have their new product catalogue. They run around $450.00 and up. I hope this has helped you, post a reply to this for any other questions.

[Billyboy]

To RJACKSON,

Thanks for the feedback. Based on what you just told me, I will most likely try out an Uberti manufactured firearm ( either Uberti or Cimarron) to see if I like the way it feels before making a purchase. I knew about the safety issue with the transfer bar. That is why I purchase the Ruger as my first SA sixshooter. I also noticed when I was in my local gunshop, when comparing Ruger with other manufacturers in the same caliber and barrel length, the Rugers look bigger and are generaly from 2 - 2.5 ounces heavier.
I live in New Jersey where you have to apply for a Permit to purchase any handgun. These permits are good for 90 days from the date of issue. I should be able to pick my permit up next week so I have from then until the middle of December to make up my mind.

With respect to barrel length, I know that the longer the barrel, the less the balance. However, with a small caliber such as .357/.38, I thought that a longer sight radius would result in greater accuracy. I also like the longer barrels since they look more authentic.

Another question for you or anyone else is this. Which length do I use for a Crossdraw, The longer or shorter barrel?

My only other choice if I decide to go with a short barrel ( 4 5/8" for instance) would be a birds-head style. They look great and their grip is small and confortable but are they authentic for the 1870s - 1890s period?

Thanks again.

Billyboy

[RJACKSON]

Use the longer barrel for the crossdraw because if u draw it on your strongside(right handed) or weak side(left handed), you need more effort to pull a longer barrel out of a holster. Crossdraw would be the best choice for the 7 1/2. But i stress that 4 3/4 in. barrel lengths are worthless. They do not have any accuracy at any distance. But what ever you want. Also, the birdshead is authentic to the period. I hoped that i helped you.

[Billyboy]

To RJACKSON,

Thanks again for the feedback. I just made up my mind that 7 1/2 is the way to go. Now I just have to try Uberti manufactured sixshooters and possibly wait for the Beretta Stampede to show up at the local shop.

Billyboy

[RJACKSON]

I just have one more thing to say. I have decided to go with a Colt Peacemaker in .44-40, instead of a "clone" made by Uberti. I say this because after i shot the firearm for the first time, it broke after I put the cylinder back into the frame. And there was no warranty since Uberti USA went out of business. The part that broke was a spring that held the cylinder from rotating. Even though the gun has worked fine after it was fixed, the **** thing should not have broken that fast. At least when i get the peacemaker, i know that Colt's warranty is going to be there, and i know i am buying the real thing. And Billy, i know the peacemaker can cost an arm and a leg, i would consider the Colt Single Action Army. I hope i helped you in every way possible. But, Uberti really pissed me off because of that malfunction and the warranty issue. When Uberti USA went out of business, the warranties should have been transfered some way to compensate for the damage. But since they did not, they Screwed EVERYONE who has an Uberti USA imported firearm.

[DBC 5273]

Billyboy, welcome to the Benelly wire.
My wife is from New Jersey. I'm from NYC but we've live in Texas for over 12 years now.
I personally like the 7.5 inch barreled revolvers, buy I do own several 5.5 inchers, 2 4.75 inchers, the Ruger Birds Head Vaquero, which is 3.75 inches and I own a 3 inch barreled Sheriff's model made by Uberti. The shorter barreled guns are harder to shoot accurately due to a shorter sight radius, meaning the misses are shooter error, not any fault of the gun. In a rest the shorter barreled revolvers are just as accurate as the longer guns. If you're planning on using your single actions for Cowboy Action Shooting accuracy isn't all that important. CAS targets are large and up close. I have guns that only shoot 5 to 6 inch groups at 25 yards which work perfectly well for Cowboy Shooting matches.
While it is easier to clear leather on a cross draw with a longer barrel than it is on the strong side, I've found that better than half the people using two different length guns usually carry the shorter one in the off-side cross draw holster, myself included. (My main shooters are 7.5 inch barrels but sometimes I like to get a little crazy). The reason I carry the shorter gun cross draw is the cross draw holster is worn much closer to the front of the guy, near the belt buckle, and makes it difficult to sit comfortably with a long barrel almost front and center. Of course, to each his own.

BTW, I think Baretta makes the Stampede themselves. Lots of companies are trying to cash in on the CAS market.

Good shooting and God bless.

[ September 11, 2003, 02:04 AM: Message edited by: DBC 5273 ]

[Billyboy]

To DBC 5273

Thanks for the insight about barrel lengths. I am looking to obtain information from all of those with practical experience. The reason why I keep asking questions about barrel lengths is because I am short in stature and figured with my arm length, I would be better off with a straight draw using the shorter barrel. I am very new to this sport. I will be viewing ( not participating) my first contest on September 28th. Looking forward to it. I will be sure to let you know what I learned.
My emai address is [email protected]

Email me and I will return your email with my impressions after the 28th.
Thanks.

Billyboy

[buckskin joe]

I have two Cimarron SAAs in 45LC - 5.5" barrel that I shoot every weekend in CAS meets. I am pleased with mine - they're about a year old now and probably have about 3500 rounds each through them. Never a problem of any kind. However, word to the wise, periodically tighten all visible screws. I saw a fellow shooter 'shoot' his ejector housing and spring about 5' last weekend when the screw fell out. I've talked with the Cimarron sales reps at a couple of meets and they say their Uberti's are different than everybody else. They use a higher grade steel throughout than the standard Uberti spec. Take that for what its worth. I wouldn't hesitate buying another pair, although I probably won't, only because I would like to try something different. As far as barrel length goes, in 45LC I think a 7" barrel would be more accurate for CAS. I think a little extra weight out there might help dampen recoil, which slows target reacquisition time. I'm shooting 200 gr bullets normally for both pistol and rifle. My next purchase will be a Winchester '66 in 45LC, but I think I'll try the 24" barrel this time to help with the recoil. My '73 has a 20" barrel. Has any pards tried a 24" barrel on the '66 or '73??

[Billyboy]

To buckskin joe,

I must admit to liking the looks of the Cimarrons from the few that I have seen. I sent an email to the Cimarron folks about a month ago. They tell me that the firearms Uberti makes for them are built to a higher specification and with better raw material.
I also heard the same from another CAS that you need to at least check and possibly work the screws on all revolvers and even some lever action rifles after several rounds. I will be shooting .357/.38SP. I have a 5 1/2 ' barrel Vaquero and will purchase another fixed sight .357 with a 7 1/2 ' barrel before long. I am attending my first live CB Action shooting match this Sunday. I will probably ask the participants some questions concerning sixshooters, rifles and Shotguns.
I saw a dealer yesterday who suggests I consider the new Beretta Stampede as a second sixshooter. He things that they are better quality than anything made by Uberti. I still have some time before my purchasing permit runs out before I make up my mind.

Your input was very helpful. Thanks again.

BillyBoy