Hello...
Arriving late, but since this thread has been idle for a year... I thought I would give it a bump!
I was one of those that watched the original series.. in my case I was 9-12 years old during its 3 year run. I was also just getting into "real" guns during that time.
At age 10, I got a Remington Model 510 .22 Single shot (I still have it!), and at age 12 I got a Revelation (Western Auto - Marlin) .22 bolt action repeater.
Like all kids in our time, we played out Cowboy fantasies, inspired by our favorite TV heroes. I never had a toy version of the Mares Leg... settling for a "Fanner 50"
In the early 90's, I got into Cowboy Action Shooting, and got to relive those childhood fantasies... only this time... no toy guns!
Fast forward to the first Mares Legs on the open market. First problem was at a price of $1200-$1400 for the custom offerings, they were way out of my budget. Second problem, the first production units just didn't look right... with their 12" barrels and 24" overall length, they looked more like a Trapper with the buttstock bobbed off.
Then Chiappa released a 9" barrel version and 21" overall length. While not quite the original 19" OAL... it was close enough for me!
The prices dipped briefly about a year ago... so I was able to get a new one in .45 Colt for $720!
The large lever loop is odd shaped compared to the originals, but Rio Bravo and Puma Bounty Hunter style levers are available as after market swaps.
Using the back of my left wrist as a forearm rest allows me to hit my spinners as readily as with my Uberti Schofield, using a Weaver/Isosceles grip.
Is it better than a Revolver?... No!
Is it better than a Carbine?... No!
Is it more fun, and "Warm and Fuzzy Feeling" inducing?... YOU BET!
http://chiappafirearms.com/product/824
http://chiappafirearms.com/product/2742