Hi, I've been a single action shooter for a couple of years now and definitely have a place in my safe for a top break. A friend of mine has one (a genuine Webley) and I'm a fan of the action. With my fast hands, I reckon I could reload her fast enough to compete in a couple of other events besides my usual Saturday cowboy!
I'm well aware of the superiority of a solid frame design, so please lets not divert this thread to opinions about how I should stick with my colt SAA's!
2 affordable options that are easily obtainable in Australia are; Uberti Schofield and the Beretta Laramie. I should say "Beretta Schofield" now that they have merged. I am aware of the Navy Arms model, but I'm not sure if I can easily get that.
They both are around the same price. So pricing isn't an issue. I prefer the Beretta Laramie design for a couple of reasons.
Firstly I like the grip shape which favours my hand. Its smaller and has that angled notch that fits snug in the web of your hand. The classical curved grip that the Uberti has, I find, allows the revolver to flip back in my hand when shooting. Especially when my hands get greasy or sweaty. Even the slightest bit of slippage in that plane can cause inconsistencies in my groupings. The Uberti Russian, however, has a nice grip shape. Except the curved finger grip below the trigger guard which looks like a pain to holster/unholster! But I could always modify this if I had to.
Secondly I like the modernization of the Laramie. Just like how Ruger improved the Remington 1858 to make one heck of a sturdy black powder revolver, it looks like Beretta improved on an old design. It's safer to carry 6 rounds (hammer block) and is stronger with a beefed up top strap/latch. Also I appreciate the adjustable rear sights. Considering it looks like, biologically, I always shoot slightly to the right (no joke, I swear the shape of my hand is responsible! I have near perfect technique). Aiming off the target starts getting complicated at longer ranges, and I really appreciate being able to shoot point of aim. I also like the .44 Russian styling on the Laramie.
However it seems more people own Uberti Schofields than Laramies. Maybe because its closer to the original design? Or maybe because it works better? Do they know something I don't? As a western buff I do respect people's choice to keep things as authentic as possible. However, I am also practical and would buy something modernized if it was more reliable and sturdy.
So there is my dilemma. I'm stuck on either the Uberti Russian (.45LC) or the Beretta Laramie (.45LC). I'm leaning towards the Laramie at the moment but I have not given up on the Uberti Russian, pending people's reviews and opinions.
What do you think?
Opinions appreciated. You guys have been right in the past so I know I'm in the right place Thanks!
I'm well aware of the superiority of a solid frame design, so please lets not divert this thread to opinions about how I should stick with my colt SAA's!
2 affordable options that are easily obtainable in Australia are; Uberti Schofield and the Beretta Laramie. I should say "Beretta Schofield" now that they have merged. I am aware of the Navy Arms model, but I'm not sure if I can easily get that.
They both are around the same price. So pricing isn't an issue. I prefer the Beretta Laramie design for a couple of reasons.
Firstly I like the grip shape which favours my hand. Its smaller and has that angled notch that fits snug in the web of your hand. The classical curved grip that the Uberti has, I find, allows the revolver to flip back in my hand when shooting. Especially when my hands get greasy or sweaty. Even the slightest bit of slippage in that plane can cause inconsistencies in my groupings. The Uberti Russian, however, has a nice grip shape. Except the curved finger grip below the trigger guard which looks like a pain to holster/unholster! But I could always modify this if I had to.
Secondly I like the modernization of the Laramie. Just like how Ruger improved the Remington 1858 to make one heck of a sturdy black powder revolver, it looks like Beretta improved on an old design. It's safer to carry 6 rounds (hammer block) and is stronger with a beefed up top strap/latch. Also I appreciate the adjustable rear sights. Considering it looks like, biologically, I always shoot slightly to the right (no joke, I swear the shape of my hand is responsible! I have near perfect technique). Aiming off the target starts getting complicated at longer ranges, and I really appreciate being able to shoot point of aim. I also like the .44 Russian styling on the Laramie.
However it seems more people own Uberti Schofields than Laramies. Maybe because its closer to the original design? Or maybe because it works better? Do they know something I don't? As a western buff I do respect people's choice to keep things as authentic as possible. However, I am also practical and would buy something modernized if it was more reliable and sturdy.
So there is my dilemma. I'm stuck on either the Uberti Russian (.45LC) or the Beretta Laramie (.45LC). I'm leaning towards the Laramie at the moment but I have not given up on the Uberti Russian, pending people's reviews and opinions.
What do you think?
Opinions appreciated. You guys have been right in the past so I know I'm in the right place Thanks!