Uberti and Pederosoli Rifles

[Nightcrawler]

I really like Uberti's 73 Carbine (19" barrel) lever rifle reproduction. Has anybody here owned/fired an Uberti lever rifle? For $910 MSRP, I'm guessing it's top quality, but I'd like to ask around before I ordered one, assuming I *had* a thousand bucks, which I, ah, don't. Heh.

Can these lever rifles handle high pressure factory loads, like Cor-Bon hunting ammunition? How's the fit/finish? Accuracy? I can tell from the picture that it doesn't have the spring-loaded-squishy-trigger that my new Winchester 94 has, thank goodness. I can live without the crossbolt saftey as well.

What about Pedersoli Sharps rifles? Specifically, if I had an extra grand to blow, I'd get the 1874 heavy target model in .45-70. How is the quality and accuracy of this rifle? Weighing in at 13 pounds, it would seem to me that the rifle is solid and makes for a rock steady shooting platform....

 

[Yanus]

I've never fired a Uberti 73, but I have handled one. They are beautiful pieces. Uberti makes them for several companies such as EMF, Navy Arms, Dixie Gun Works, and who knows who else.
The Winchester 73 is designed for low pressure rounds. It would be foolish to try high pressure loads as well as dangerous. That is why you will never see a 73 chambered for 44 mag. The highest pressure round used is a .357 mag and then they recommend against max power loads. The 1892 Winchester is stronger than the 73 and the 94 is stronger than both.

 

[Noban]

I have the standard Pedersoli Sharps in 45-70 and couldn't be happier. I shoot both factory ammo and reloads. To be cautious, I reload to the lowest acceptable pressures, and shoot only Remington 405gr factory loads. Remington advertises these as being "safe for all firearms." I believe the Pedersoli Sharps is rated for 25,000 cpu (psi) chamber pressures.

These rifles are very reliable and accurate and the fit and finish are excellent. With the vernier sights, I'm able to consistently shoot 1-2" groups at 100 yards with both factory ammo and reloads.

Noban

 

[Dfariswheel]

The Uberti '73's are top of the line. The color-case hardening is as good as a Colt SAA, and they are one of the most attractive guns on the market. Quality of fit and finish is also first rate.

The '73 should't be used with hot loads since the toggle action wasn't designed for this. Stick to standard cowboy loads and have a ball.
The '73 action makes a very distinctive sound as it operates, and this adds to the charm much like the 4 clicks of the Colt SAA.

I had an older '73 blued carbine in 44 WCF, and accuracy was very good.

I highly recommend Uberti made guns, they did it right.

 

[Redneck2]

Replica questions and maybe answers..

I have the Uberti copy of the 1866 Yellow Boy in 44-40. As stated above, the fit, finish and quality seem to be excellent. It is absolutely the smoothest lever I've ever operated. It has the richest fire blue I've seen. I've heard some mixed reviews from the coyboy shooters. I'd suggest going to one of their shoots, as there will be some there. I'd probably stick to low pressure loads as that's what it's designed for. If you want a big gun, buy a big gun.

Also have a Browning BPCR in .45-90. It is absolutely gorgeous. Has the vernier tang rear sight and "mailbox" front. Local dealer ordered it for another guy that ended up getting something different. I got it for $50 under dealer cost. I called Browning to try to get ideas for loads. They wouldn't give me load suggestions but their rep did say that the barrel has the same strength as a 300 Win Mag (his coded way of saying that I could load it up to the 50,000 range). Can't see the use of it though...aren't a whole lot of elephants or buffalo in these parts. It's way heavy and made for target. I guess I like the idea of the Browning over the Sharps because of the smaller, faster hammer drop and the higher pressure it'll take. Also has a hand lapped custom barrel.

Oh, if you want to buy one of these beauties, just do one simple thing...pay for everything every day with bills rather than use your change. Save your change in a big bottle. You'll probably have $3 every day. After 6 months you'll have enough to buy a nice gun and never miss the little money each day.