Uberti Top-Break Revolvers?

[Brass Rain]

I had put a Ruger Blackhawk .357 on my list for use as a long-range target gun, but I really have a thing for top-break revolvers. I like the Uberti models based on the Schofield design, but was wondering what kind of accuracy to expect from these. I'd probably go with the 7" barrel version in .38 Special, but I know .38 isn't a very high-energy cartridge suitable for long-range work. The other options are .44/40, .44 Russian, and .45 Long Colt, but those are all chamberings I never see ammo for anywhere, and I'd like the ammo to be more accessible. I know these other cartridges can be had online, but I put major points towards something I can get a box of at the local Wal Mart. I know I tend to ramble, so to sum this all up:

How is the Ruger Blackhawk for accuracy?

How is the Uberti 0857 for accuracy?

What other full-power handguns (namely revolvers) are suitable for long-range target shooting? I have a Ruger GP-100 on the list for a DA revolver, so I'm thinking SA.

There don't happen to be any modern recreations of the Webley Mk. VI in modern chamberings, are there?

Thanks.

 

[Clifford]

I can't help you on any real info but I do understand the desire for one of those topbreaks. I've seen them locally for around $1200, a little pricey for something I'd only plink with.

 

[Brass Rain]

Really, $1200? I was thinking around $800. That's pretty steep... And it would have pretty limited use.

 

[DPris]

The Uberti breaktops are not long-range propositions.
The actions are not strong enough to hotrod & the accuracy isn't there.
Denis

 

[murdoc rose]

Top breaks are fun but wow there expensive imo and you can get them for 700-800. Id think the black hawk would serve you better tbh.

 

[BCRider]

From the sounds of your priorities a Blackhawk would be a FAR better option.

.45Colt is easily gotten as it's extremely popular with the Cowboy Action Shooting population. And a lot of it is loaded in soft "just legal" cowboy power.

But it's not likely to be found at the local Wally's with the same frequency as .38Spl. If that's where you shop for your ammo then stick with the .357Magnum version. The other calibers are rather pricey unless you reload. And of course like all .357 Mag guns this one can also shoot .38Spl.

To my mind though the most fun would be to get yourself into reloading and get a Blackhawk in either .44Mag or .45Colt and find a load that produces the tightest bench rested groups and then enjoy the gun. The Blackhawk isn't a light piece and shooting .38Spl from it would be only a little more kick and smile than shooting .22LR from a Single Six. Granted .44Mag sounds intimidating but if you're loading your own to closer to .44Spl power then you have the fun of big bore shooting with a recoil that isn't going to maim you....

 

[madcratebuilder]

The Ruger well serve you intend use far better than a Uberti replica. The Schofield design would be a great range toy and I'm sure you can work up a BP load that would be accurate. You just won't be able to load to the same power levels as the Ruger.

The Schofield's run about $800 at my LGS, someday.

 

[DPris]

The breaktop replicas don't do well with BP.
Denis

 

[Dnaltrop]

I love my Taylors/Uberti Schofield. I have the #0855 5" .45 Colt version. It's solid, aims well, and with the rarity people see them outside of SASS, makes a great conversation starter on the range.

You have to baby them with cowboy only rounds, and a ruger Super Blackhawk is my next single action for "serious" rounds. Hopefully in .45, but i'll settle for a .44.

I can stay within about 12" of COM at 50' with the "classic" sights. at 3-7 yards it's about as accurate as any other pistol I own short of the "write your name in cursive" antique SW Model 10 .38.

The Beretta Laramie is the same pistol with a better finish and a little more work.

Either way, the guns will probably hold up better over time if you buy the .38 versions.

I get a kick out of the .45 round though. It's loaded with nostalgia, and it's fun to take a 9mm or .40 round, and have it vanish inside a spent .45 (russian nesting doll style, "look at how tiny your rounds are"). The cost is murder if you don't load your own. (even a basic Lee hand loader will serve you)

It's also a great barometer of someone you meet on a range. First, do they know how to operate/open a top break revolver. Second, are they the sort who are too stubborn to ask?

Remember, Schofield is a Cavalry/action gun, designed for rapid reloads. (and the weaker .45 Schofield round) And for the love of god, don't snap it closed.

And don't get cocky and try fanning it, you'll most likely just hit the catch and spray your shells for 5 feet in front of you. I keep snap caps handy to demonstrate when people start asking about that kind of stuff.

http://www.oldwestgunsmith.com/

This guy has a great book (you can see it on the front of the entry page) given to me for my birthday. great info, schematics, loading data for the gun too

 

[gutterman]

I have both, the Super Blackhawk and the Blackhawk in .44 mag, and I have a Beretta Laramie in .38 spl, and I have had the Uberti top break Schofield in .45 LC. The Rugers are one of the strongest handguns out there for "power" loads, the Laramie is a top break and is just fun to shoot in .38, and the Uberti in .45 LC was fun to shoot , but not as accurate as I would have liked. I do all my own reloading, so ammo is not an issue-but cutting to the chase, the Rugers are your best choice for your application. IMO