Uberti El Patron vs. Taylor's & Co. Runnin' Iron

[Trent316]

Folks, I'm considering buying a single action replica 1873 revolver and am down to 2 models. I am looking at the Uberti El Patron model and the Taylor's & Co. Runnin' Iron model.
I am wanting one for collection purposes (to have while I watch old westerns) and to do some occasional plinking. I know that these are basically upgraded Uberti's, but in terms of quality, which one would you recommend and why?
Again, I won't be doing any cowboy action shooting, but would like a nice looking, quality revolver that I can keep and pass down when the time comes. I like the lowered hammer on the Runnin' Irons, but also like the Wolf springs on the El patrons. Any feedback would be helpful. Also, is there any issue with the Taylor's & Co. Runnin' Iron that I need to be aware of regarding "blanks"? I heard that you have to specify what you will be shooting from it. Thanks in advance!

 

[CraigC]

Six of one, half a dozen of the other. Although I do not like how they open up the rear sight notch on some of the tuned guns like Cimarron's Evil Roy.

 

[red rick]

I have a Taylor's Smoke Wagon that I really like. It's one of my favorite handguns. Very little extra billboard on it like the El Patron. I have not seen a Running Iron.

 

[Jaymo]

^
Damn, that's sweet.

 

[peacemaker45]

For plink, fondle and ogle duty, either would be a fine choice.

If you were going to be taking it to the races, I'd say any pasta pistol should still be set up by a good cowboy smith, but for light duty, don't sweat it. Get whichever your eye and hand prefer, not much else to choose between.

 

[bannockburn]

I have to go with what CraigC said; after checking them out online they both seem pretty much the same. So I would say go with the one that has most appeal to you and enjoy.

And do let us know which model you go with, along with photos of your new shootin' iron.

 

[Trent316]

What do you think of the Cimarron Frontier? Compared to the 2 earlier models?

 

[bannockburn]

Trent316

While the Cimarron Frontier looks pretty much like a standard SAA, the two Thunderstorm models they offer (Uberti and Pietta), both have the lowered hammer that you said you prefer as found on the El Patron and the Runnin' Iron models. Cimarron also states that their guns have "action jobs with U.S. competition springs".

Still the same manufacturers; just another importer/distributor with some different specs/finishes/options on some of their guns.

 

[Trent316]

Gents, thanks for all of the fine input. I went ahead with the Taylor's Runnin' Iron in stainless steel and .357 mag! I will take pics and publish them as soon as it comes in.

Now I need a fine holster!

 

[Trent316]

Taylor's Runnin' Iron Pistol pics like I promised!

Gents,
My Taylor's Runnin' Iron pistol (.357 mag, stainless) came in right before I went on vacation to Montana. It is very nice but could use some action work to make it really special. While in Montana, I picked up a really nice holster from a fella that runs "Saddle Tramp Saddlery" in Columbia Falls Montana, just outside of Glacier National Park! It was the best souvenir we came back with!

I have also included pics of my Beretta Stampede .357 mag in royal blue, along with another fine leather holster made by a fella here in Boerne Texas (Grassburr Leather).

Thanks again for all of the fine input!

 

[35 Whelen]

Here's an informative write-up on replicas. If you're interested in authentic features the pinched front sight and tiny rear groove would be the way to go, but for shooting, the wide rear is hands-down better. I have a couple of Uberti's that had the narrow rear groove and a machinist buddy of my Dad's opened them up for me. Much, much better!

35W

 

[owlhoot]

Great looking holsters! The carved one looks a lot like the El Paso "Austin" model. Who made it?

 

[Trent316]

A fella by the name of Sean Dougherty of Saddle Tramp Saddlery i Columbia Falls Montana.