Uberti Schofield vs Beretta Laramie?

[TCoops]

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!

 

[don95sml]

My reply does not really answer the questions you asked, but I'm adding some input just in case some portion of it may be of interest. First, I have not seen the Laramie, but from what you posted about the features (adjustable sights, hammer block, etc.) it would appear that it meets your requirements better than the Uberti. I personally prefer a .38 Special caliber vs the .44 or .45, so I recently bought a Uberti Wells Fargo model with 5" barrel in .38 Special. The Uberti website does not show this model, but Navy Arms does offer it. Hopefully, the lower recoil of the .38 Special will prevent the gun from flipping back in sweaty hands. We'll see!

 

[jwxspoon]

Here's my opinion:

 

[Jim March]

The Laramie is much newer, accounting for the difference in the number of owners of each.

Uberti bought Beretta a few years ago, so they're related guns. Beretta specs the transfer bar, same as they did for the Beretta Stampede series, which has a respectable reputation for reliability.

Overall, I would buy the Laramie over any other SA breaktop including the now-discontinued S&W re-issue.

With THAT said: strength is an issue. I would buy a Laramie in 38Spl. If I packed it for defense, and I'd be damned tempted, I'd get some of the new Buffalo Bore 38Spl standard pressure combat load.

 

[buttrap]

I am thinking that the Beretta is actully made by Uberti. The upper picture is of the Laramie and not the Schofeild. VTI Gun Parts lists all the internal action parts as fitting the Schofeilds,Russians and Laramie. I belive the Schofeild has a more duarable frame lock set up plus the 2 main parts of the lock are replacable too. The Schofeilds and Russians can be carried with 6 rounds also as it has a hammer block. They also have the beefed up upper frame design.

 

[Jim March]

I just realized I did a huge typo.

It's Beretta that bought Uberti.

:banghead:

Anyways. Beretta's Stampede and Laramie series (and other old-west designs) are indeed Ubertis, but specified by Beretta as high-end Uberti production plus a safety designed by Beretta and found in no other Uberti guns.

I knew all that, I just bloopered .

Anyways. I would still recommend a Laramie as the best SA breaktop made recently.

 

[TCoops]

The stainless steel just looks awesome. But I just don't trust myself with it I know I'm gonna scratch it all to hell (holster wear.. I'm terrible..) and it would be a crying shame! Really sexy stuff though..

My brain is telling me to go for .38 for the practical/economical reasons. But I just love .45 LC. The way it feels and sounds. I thought cowboy loads would be gentle enough to ensure years of operation.. no?

Thanks. I'm sold on this beauty. I'll start brokering tomorrow seeing as it will probably take me 6 months to ship it in! Grr I hate that ; )

 

[jwxspoon]

It's nickel plated. I have to say that with my 60+ handguns the schofield is my current personal favorite. Extreme build quality in this one.

jw

 

[don95sml]

Congratulations on a decision that appears to be the best choice for you. I would like to add a comment to my previous reply for the benefit of those U.S. members who may be considering a Schofield. I have learned that in addition to Navy Arms, Schofields are also distributed by Taylors & Co. in Winchester, VA. Last week my local dealer obtained for me from Taylors & Co. a 1875 Schofield Wells Fargo model .38 Special with 5" barrel. It has a blued frame, cylinder, and barrel. The trigger guard, latch, and hammer are color case-hardened. It has smooth walnut grips with what they call a "cartouche". This includes some initials on each side of the grip, the history of which I have not yet been able to determine. At any rate, Taylors & Co. is an alternate source to Navy Arms if this is more convenient for your dealer.

 

[cane]

don95sml, the cartouche is military. The original 5" Schofields were military pistols that Wells Fargo&Co. bought and cut down.

 

[sixgun MAK]

Schofield!!!!!!!

 

[dagger dog]

TCoops, get it in the shiny stainless! if you fubar it( scratch it up) you can always have it bead blasted to a matte finish.

 

[lonegunman]

I purshased an Uberti Scholfield last week. I do not care for cowboy shooting in the least but I do like old handguns and shooting. The action, when cocking the hammer is a little rough for my taste and could use some polishing. The trigger is however very nice, one little bit of creep and about 3 pounds.

On a twenty-five yard timed fire target (at 25 yds), shooting it fairly slowly netted a 98-5X and was slightly left of center. It had one knot of four rounds in the same hole above the X ring.

I fired 80 rounds thru the gun and it was a blast to shoot. It was the military model #2 in 45LC.

Fit and finish in the gun are perfect, blueing is deep and smooth, case colors and deep well done. I canot say enough nice things about the gun.

Cowboy loads are a little weak, they do not expand the case enough to get a good gas seal, so it is a little smokey and dirty. It ran great with 225gr LSWC and really grouped nicely with 250gr LFN loads.

Beretta bought Uberti so they are marketing the guns Uberti makes, Navy Arms is also an Uberti product, just different variations of the gun. Mine is an Uberti marked Stroger.

Here is the cool part. The dealer has no interest in the gun because ofall the SAA guys. He let me have it for 115 dollars under wholesale just to get rid of it.

I really like the gun.

 

[buttrap]

I have one of the Stoeger versions too and really like the thing.

 

[jon_in_wv]

That revolver is amazingly pretty. I would LOVE to have one. (referring to the Beretta above. I can't see the pic of the Stoeger)

 

[yrralguthrie]

single action

It is my understanding that the only difference between the Uberti branded Schofield and the Beretta branded Schofield is the transfer bar safety. Both guns being made by Uberti.

So then it is a matter of how close to original you want the gun to be. I believe Naval Arms and Taylor and Company both import from Uberti. Of course they both state they inspect each and every gun to make sure it conforms to their standards, but the guns are just re branded Uberti's. I bet they don't reject many.

Uberti makes very good guns. Why would Beretta associate with them otherwise? Beretta's are as good as anything made. That being said I expect the Beretta or Uberti will hold it's value better than Naval Arms or Taylor.



ljg

 

[Oyeboten]

What about the actual Smith & Wesson re-issue ones? ( 'Shofield' Model )

Anyone had any experience with those?

 

[WARDER]

I have just purchased [one of thoseS&W ] and i think they are great i load with 4.7 grs of tightgroup with a 200.lead swc, accuracy is brilliant ,i bought the schofield from germany and is brand new in its oak box and original packing ,only thing is the trigger pull was vert heavy 6.75 lbs something to do with US laws ,I now have it to around 3 1/2lbs with a lot of polishing .When i wrote to S&W ref the trigger pull they were not that interested and when i asked them for two little spare screws for the top catch [ just to have them as spares] they were going to charge me $22 plus postage for them so i didn't bother, i was quite taken back in there attitude , but in saying all that i love the schofield ,I hope to use it a lot ,the firing pin is in the frame not as original but the fit and finish is great they were all hand machined in the performance center so should be good hence the large price tag ,but i think its worth it ,time will tell .The pistol is much more steamlined than the beretta or uberti which are very thick around the top latch and looks quite ugly. The Smith is lovely in comparison and cocking the gun is realy a pleasure .sights are quite basic ,as on the original sort of battle sight but when the sight picture is correct she;ll put them in the Xring .there is also a built in hammer stop. Hope this helps with your quset ,buy the original and the best.

 

[CraigC]

I've heard very little about the S&W reissues. I would have to assume that they're better-made guns. CDNN has Beretta's on closeout but unfortunately for me, it's the #3 Russian that always tickled my fancy.