[Dallas]

With all this talk of black powder pistols, does anyone have a preference between the pistols by Uberti and the ones by Traditions? Which shoot straighter, or is there a difference?

[Shaun]

I like Uberti

[Big Dog]

For the true repros, Uberti is probably the pinnacle. My Pietta's are definitely a lower class, but still perfectly servicable. I don't have any experience with Traditions.
The Ruger I don't include, as it's really a modern design that resembles the old ones somewhat.

[allan1898]

I've only looked at the Traditions, but have Pietta and Uberti mfg pistols. Uberti has somewhat nicer fit and finish on some models, also somewhat higher prices, though not by much. But Pietta has some models that are very nice indeed. Look at the LeMat. As far as how well do they shoot, I have to say that I don't see any difference at all between the Uberti and Pietta. If you are considering getting started in cap and ball, I would say that Pietta would be a fine choice. I can't say yea or nay to Traditions, so maybe someone else can chime in on that. But I will recommend one thing. Get the starter kit that some offer as a go-with, like at Cabelas for example. Check out the online catalogue. Dixie is another good place to look. There are some cleaning products out there that make that chore really simple, but I use Mike Venturino's recommended product: Windex with vinegar, not the ammonia kind. Fouling just melts away like majic. A hot water rinse and immediate oiling finishes the chore in no time at all. I carry a bottle with me to the range. Squirt things down, wipe them off, hit it with WD-40, then keep on shooting. I ran 100+ rounds through a Pietta 36 cal '51 navy last time out. No problems. Great fun.

[Big Dog]

Allan1898 - Great tip! I'll try that on my next range trip.
I'm very happy with my new Pietta, and after perusing the Cap&Ball forum over on Greybeard's, I feel better about my choice. Those fellers seem to really know their stuff, and rate the Pietta's well.
I think that either Pietta is discontinuing the brass frames, or maybe just Midway is. It isn't their latest printed catalog, though it's still on the website.
Great price! $89 plus shipping!
I've been turned onto a website vendor for repro C&B parts, called VTI.

VTI Replica Gunparts:
http://www.vtigunparts.com/

They have parts for Uberti, Pietta, etc.
They are supposed to be adding parts for the LeMat soon too.

[Dallas]

Thanks all, I think I'll go with Traditions for my next black powder pistol.

[Smokin_Gun]

Uberti is definately better, providing you wanna pay $60-$80 more for a given revolver. If you want a Pietta a notch above in quality get one from EMF, or IAR, In. Hartford Series about $20 more than Cabela's.

[Smokin_Gun]

Forgot to mention Traditions is one of the main importers of Pietta. If you have a problem with a Cablea's gun and not satisfied with their answers, take it to Traditions for return or repair.