Pietta, whats the differences?

[Mark E. Prickett]

I'm going to purchase a Pietta 1858 this week and want the best accuracy for my money. What's the difference between $299 and $399. Also is the stainless or chrome better? What are your thoughts?

 

[Justin.44]

The difference between the $299 and the $399 is cosmetic. The Old West model has a slightly "aged" look. Not worth $100 and can be done yourself for next to nothing and looks better.

 

[Phil Coffins]

Stainless is all the way threw, chrome is a plating. I’d recommend steel and take care of it. Accuracy will not be effected by what metal is used and will depend on how that individual pistol was fitted together.

 

[Stantheman86]

It depends on which one you think looks better

Don't waste money on that Old West manure, they just wire brush a blued gun

I've "Old West" finished blued Piettas with 50 cents worth of vinegar

I have a Uberti 1858 Stainless and I just like how it looks

 

[Mark E. Prickett]

Well accuracy would be my first choice. The Stainless one has my attention due to the no rust problem.

 

[Mousegunguy]

Well accuracy would be my first choice. The Stainless one has my attention due to the no rust problem.

Stainless will still rust..

 

[Phil Coffins]

I find the stainless is a problem on sunny days. That’s my eyes you may be unaffected. Normal care prevents rust for my guns that have hunted for fifty years.

 

[TreeMan]

Stainless will rust just like steel. Black powder/pyrodex residue does not discriminate. Stainless just adds bling bling.

 

[TDM]

Buy the $299 steel frame. Use your extra money for good cleaning supplies, caps, balls, & powder. You’ll enjoy it.

 

[SwanShot]

My advice would be tainted by a personal bias. Stainless and black power just don't belong in the same sentence. Get the blued one.

 

[ernbar]

My advice would be tainted by a personal bias. Stainless and black power just don't belong in the same sentence. Get the blued one.

Was about to say the same. When I bought mine they only had it in Old Silver which looks nice but I actually like it in blue steel better, so yea go with blue steel.

 

[Mark E. Prickett]

Was about to say the same. When I bought mine they only had it in Old Silver which looks nice but I actually like it in blue steel better, so yea go with blue steel.View attachment 170682

How's the accuracy?

 

[ernbar]

How's the accuracy?

It has a taller front sight than the Colt types and is very accurate and well balanced. I use 18-20 grains for best accuracy for target shooting using .454 round ball and lubed patch.

 

[Stantheman86]

Polished Stainless scratches up easier, I took my cylinder out and replaced it, and have a patch of scratches on the cylinder now from just touching the frame with it.

It seems like if you look at it wrong it scratches

 

[Mark E. Prickett]

Thanks folks.
I bought the $299 model but man that stainless sure was pretty. Let's hope it shoots better than I do and I'm glad it has the adjustable front sight.

 

[Robby]

I worked for a company that used mostly 316 and 304 stainless steel. I have seen scraps of it sit outside for years, rain, snow, sunshine, sleet, and never saw a bit of rust on any of it, not so for their carbon steel counter parts that turned a beautiful orange almost immediately.
Robby

 

[nick_1]

I old west them by using them a lot. my 1911 has not a single bit of origional finish and though my current cap an ball tevolvers are only a few moths or in one case weeks old they are starting to snow their use...

 

[GYJ]

The reason for the price difference is due to the materials used. Carbon vs stainless steel. 100% personal preference.

I worked for a company that used mostly 316 and 304 stainless steel. I have seen scraps of it sit outside for years, rain, snow, sunshine, sleet, and never saw a bit of rust on any of it, not so for their carbon steel counter parts that turned a beautiful orange almost immediately.
Robby

That's because 300-series has a higher chromium content. Only 400 series is used in firearms.

 

[Robby]

Still, it is resistant.
https://arthurharris.com/news/how-use-400-series-stainless-steel/Robby

 

[GYJ]

Still, it is resistant.
https://arthurharris.com/news/how-use-400-series-stainless-steel/Robby

It is resistant but 300 series is much less likely to rust. While 400 is very good but not idiot proof.