I was at the local gun store today looking for a 44 mag Ruger Vaquaro and saw a 44 mag Uberti...I don't really know much about Ubertis even though I traded around for 45 Colt 1873 Cattleman a couple years ago.I have never shot this gun its still in the box.I made the assumption you can only shoot cowboy loads from these guns, but what about the 44 mag? Does anybody have any experience with the 44 mag Uberti?
Any Opinions on the Uberti 44 Mag
- Thread starter Hunt480
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BCRider
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To me .44Mag is reloader's cartridge. With reloading you can explore the full range of possible loads from light bullet plinkers suitable for recoil sensitive beginners on up to serious wrist wreckers that can be used to take down decently serious game. In between is a vast universe of load options to suit anyone out there.
But all of this doesn't work if the gun does not have adjustable sights. If you go this route I noticed that there is only one model called the Callahan Target which has an adjustable rear sight.
Personally my own choice, despite really likeing my own Uberti guns, is to go with the tried and true Ruger Blackhawk or Super Blackhawk option. I know that the sights break up the classic lines. But they give you the adjustability you want for a gun that SHOULD be used to shoot a wide range of ammo to really get the most out of it.
But all of this doesn't work if the gun does not have adjustable sights. If you go this route I noticed that there is only one model called the Callahan Target which has an adjustable rear sight.
Personally my own choice, despite really likeing my own Uberti guns, is to go with the tried and true Ruger Blackhawk or Super Blackhawk option. I know that the sights break up the classic lines. But they give you the adjustability you want for a gun that SHOULD be used to shoot a wide range of ammo to really get the most out of it.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
The target-sighted Callahan looks to be a great sixgun. I've handled one locally several times and if I didn't already have several .44Mag's, I'd have brought it home. Very nicely put together. Uberti makes a good sixgun and they still have a traditional half-cock action. Which has its own appeal over something like a New Model Ruger.
A buddy of mine had a few some years ago, including a 44 mag. I had lots of fun with it and think that you can shoot watever ammo the gun is stamped for.
The 44 Mag has a bigger frame and cylinder, like the carbine versions I have seen.
Uberti was for very long THE Italian source for quality. My only beef with them was the old fashioned flat springs, true to the 1873 model, which can sometimes let you down. Also 44-40 guns had very tight chambers; wouldn't chamber 427 bullets....for .428 barrels....
The adjustable sight model looks better than a Blackhawk to me. But the Ruger will eventually outlast it.
I don't know about the recent Beretta production, apart for them being overpriced in Canada.
The 44 Mag has a bigger frame and cylinder, like the carbine versions I have seen.
Uberti was for very long THE Italian source for quality. My only beef with them was the old fashioned flat springs, true to the 1873 model, which can sometimes let you down. Also 44-40 guns had very tight chambers; wouldn't chamber 427 bullets....for .428 barrels....
The adjustable sight model looks better than a Blackhawk to me. But the Ruger will eventually outlast it.
I don't know about the recent Beretta production, apart for them being overpriced in Canada.
The Old Redneck
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I have owned one with adjustable and one with fixed sights. Both shot to point of aim with most 240 grain loads an several cast hand loads. Have wished that I had kept the adjustable sight gun. Would buy another if the price was right. Fix sights are a pain when you get old.
Well I went back to the store and bought the 44 mag Uberti. This gun has the tightest tolerances I've ever seen on a new SA out of the box. The cylinder locks up very tight. There is virtually no slop in this gun in any way... it has a fair trigger already, don't think I'm going to have to bother polishing the trigger action. I already like the size and wieght of the gun...its lighter than all my SBH's I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet...I'm liking this gun...If this gun shoots point of aim I have a keeper for sure.
Trad Archer
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Myself, I've had bad luck with Uberti. Not an opinion, a fact. However, I've known others who swear by Uberti. Best of luck, I hope the gun turns out to be a great shooter for you.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Looking forward to pics and a range report! 
I don't have any pictures but I put about a 60 or 70 rounds through the 44 mag Uberti today...I know I should'nt be shooting on Sunday but I wanted to know..The gun shot great. I was just walking and shooting off hand to start with and hitting the target where I was aiming. It was shooting so well I thought I would shoot some sitting at the bench. I can put six rounds in a pie plate out to 40 or 45 yards easily. I was using a MB 240 Kieth with a Trailboss load I keep on hand to just to practice with. I'm going to taylor a good load for this gun though. I did shoot some warm loads just to see how the gun would act since its so much lighter than I'm used to. The gun shoots great! I'm liking this gun...
I'm completely satisfied with the gun after this shooting session but only time can test the durability... I like Rugers and will never part with any of mine but I have to say I actually like this gun better than the Bisely 44 Hunter I bought just a few weeks ago... This gun is quality craftsmanship, the timing and fit is the best I've seen on any new gun lately.You can see it and can tell it when you handle it...And the Old West look in a 44 mag is very nice...Now that I shot it I'm already thinking about adding the shorter barrelled version to my collection...If anybody likes Ruger 44's I think they will love this gun IMO...
I'm completely satisfied with the gun after this shooting session but only time can test the durability... I like Rugers and will never part with any of mine but I have to say I actually like this gun better than the Bisely 44 Hunter I bought just a few weeks ago... This gun is quality craftsmanship, the timing and fit is the best I've seen on any new gun lately.You can see it and can tell it when you handle it...And the Old West look in a 44 mag is very nice...Now that I shot it I'm already thinking about adding the shorter barrelled version to my collection...If anybody likes Ruger 44's I think they will love this gun IMO...
I looked up what the Cattleman looked like and I would have advised you to buy a heavier pistol if you want to shoot full bore 44 Magnum loads.
http://www.uberti.com/firearms/single-action-cattleman.php
I had a FIE Hombre in 44 Magnum, shooting full power loads was a horrible experience. The pistol was too light and the recoil, and muzzle blast, was awful. Maybe the Callahan is a bit heavier.
http://www.uberti.com/firearms/single-action-cattleman.php
I had a FIE Hombre in 44 Magnum, shooting full power loads was a horrible experience. The pistol was too light and the recoil, and muzzle blast, was awful. Maybe the Callahan is a bit heavier.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
IIRC, Uberti never made a medium frame .44Mag. If it's a Callahan model, it's at least as beefy as a Ruger with a forged frame to boot. No worries.
MachIVshooter
Member
The 6" Callahan is not that light at 42 ounces; The 5.5" Super BH is 45 ounces.
My gun is the 6'' Callahan with the fixed sights. I'm amazed how accurate the fixed sights are on this gun...Since just about all my hunting handguns have 7.5'' barrels this gun seems much lighter and smaller to me... I have an old 41mag NMBH this gun compares to in size but I think it may be actually lighter than that gun to. It has been a pleasant surprise how well this gun shoots. I'm convinced this gun will shoot in one hole with a custom load. Its been darn accurate shooting with general loads.
One other thing I noticed;I have never shot cast bullets that did'nt lead in my guns at least some...When I cleaned the gun yesterday I was suprised not to find no lead at all. Apparently the .430 diameter Missouri 240 Kieth Bullet fits this gun perfectly, which is another plus for me...I like 44 mags and this one is a keeper for sure.
One other thing I noticed;I have never shot cast bullets that did'nt lead in my guns at least some...When I cleaned the gun yesterday I was suprised not to find no lead at all. Apparently the .430 diameter Missouri 240 Kieth Bullet fits this gun perfectly, which is another plus for me...I like 44 mags and this one is a keeper for sure.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Sounds great! Don't make me go buy one!
Just an update on the Uberti 44 Mag if anyone is interested;
I have probably a thousand rounds through the 44 without any issues. I thought the action may loosen up a bit but its still tight as a drum...The accuracy remains outstanding...The gun is a pleasure to carry and shoot...Since it is a 1873 Cattleman replica I'm sure I will be replacing the bolt spring eventually but so far so good.
I have probably a thousand rounds through the 44 without any issues. I thought the action may loosen up a bit but its still tight as a drum...The accuracy remains outstanding...The gun is a pleasure to carry and shoot...Since it is a 1873 Cattleman replica I'm sure I will be replacing the bolt spring eventually but so far so good.
MachIVshooter
Member
Glad to hear it! May have grab one myself. IMO, Uberti is making the finest SA revolvers south of $1,200 right now. Not quite a Colt or USFA, but nowhere near the sticker shock, either. And while I prefer to buy US made products for the most part, I have no problem with Italian goods. It is my heritage, after all.
For an 1873 replica you just can't beat these guns...I think the Uberti's that are being made now are better quality than past models...After looking over several guns at the gun store today I added a 4 3/4" 45 Colt to my collection today...They have a few models I would love to own. I might try one in 357 next go-round.
BCRider
Member
A thousand rounds in just a hair under two weeks? You HAVE been a busy little shooter...
From the sounds of it you're using less than full bore loads. Probably not a bad idea for both you and the gun. I really enjoy some full power .44Mag rounds. But not 500 a week. My hands couldn't take that much! ! ! !
I've reloaded some 240gn cast bullets sitting ahead of some stout Trail Boss loads as well. Makes for a pushy but not punishing round to shoot. Definetly fun and I'm going to do more loading along the same line for my .44Mag guns. I'd guess I'm loading to roughly .44+P or so.
From the sounds of it you're using less than full bore loads. Probably not a bad idea for both you and the gun. I really enjoy some full power .44Mag rounds. But not 500 a week. My hands couldn't take that much! ! ! !
I've reloaded some 240gn cast bullets sitting ahead of some stout Trail Boss loads as well. Makes for a pushy but not punishing round to shoot. Definetly fun and I'm going to do more loading along the same line for my .44Mag guns. I'd guess I'm loading to roughly .44+P or so.
BC, I have been splittin time with two loads...a 10 gr load of Unique and a 6.5 gr load of TrailBoss over a 240 grain Missouri Kieth... I usually set down and load 500 at a time or every chance I get...I shoot the 44 mag almost everyday...
Thank God I'm fortunate to say my shooting range is just out my back door as it has been all my natural born life...
Thank God I'm fortunate to say my shooting range is just out my back door as it has been all my natural born life...
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Thanks again for your report!
BCRider
Member
Hunt480, thanks for the recipes. I make them out to be up around 900 fps out the muzzle from my reloading books and the Hodgdon reloading website. That's a nice sporty speed which won't punish our poor old bodies.... You're just into the bottom end of the Magnum velocity and just a hair over what they call for from a .44Spl. With that sort of power on a regular basis you'll also avoid beating the gun up so it should last for many years to come... assuming you don't wear out the barrel at the present rate of use...
Some good quality pictures of the gun out in the sun sitting on a stump or something would sure cap off this thread nicely.
You're just into the bottom end of the Magnum velocity and just a hair over what they call for from a .44Spl. With that sort of power on a regular basis you'll also avoid beating the gun up so it should last for many years to come... assuming you don't wear out the barrel at the present rate of use... Some good quality pictures of the gun out in the sun sitting on a stump or something would sure cap off this thread nicely.
iLikeOldgunsIlikeNewGuns
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Hunt480- That sounds like a sweet wheelgun you have there! I had a Super Blackhaw and really loved it, but the loading gate without halfcock just felt weird. I will get another Super Blackhawk at some point, but I really like SAA clones so I just might get one of these Ubertis first! I love my Uberti Walker, it was my third gun purchase many years back. Is your Callahan/Cattleman case hardened? Pics please!
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