EMF's Great Western II & GW II Californian

[nero45acp]

Anyone here have any experience/info/opinions on EMF's GW II and GW II Californian? How do they stack up against other SAA clones, (especially AWA's Ultimate SAA)? Also, other than a different CH finish and grips, is there any mechanical difference between the GW II and the GW II Californian models? Thanks.

http://www.emf-company.com/1873-revolver-great-western.htm


nero

 

[cibach]

Did you end up getting one of these? I am looking at one at my local store..

 

[owlhoot]

My response is probably moot at this point, but for what it is worth the Great Western II revolvers are made by Pietta, an Italian company. The only difference in the various GW revolvers is in external finish.

These guns are, in my opinion, very well made and represent a good value. Moreover, the EMF customer service is excellent.

The AWA "Ultimate" receives a good bit of hand finishing and should come to you with a good action job. AWA also offers very good customer support, but the outfit is a very small operation, and they are likely to be a little slower in response. The Ultimate was made by Mataba I believe, but I have heard they have gone under. Nevertheless, AWA should have enough parts on hand to satisfy any warranty concerns.

Either choice is going to give you an excellent single action revolver. Your choice should rest on price and the availability of the finish that you desire.

 

[cibach]

The one I handled was very good.. I think I will pick it up this weekend..

 

[peacemaker45]

I've got a consecutive serial numbered pair of GWIIs that I used as main match revolvers for SASS. One of them's jumped time twice, and both needed frequent attention from a screwdriver. If you're gonna shoot it much, you might want to blue loctite the screws. All of them. They'll start backing out in just a few rounds.

Eventually replaced them as match guns with a pair of ultra slick 50th anniversery Blackhawks.

~~~Mat