Johnny Loco Posted May 18, 2023 Share Posted May 18, 2023 What is the best 9mm SAA 1873 clone money can buy? I’m looking at the Taylor’s and El Patron right now. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griff Posted May 19, 2023 Share Posted May 19, 2023 The same one as are made in .32-20, .38/.357, .38-40. .44-40 & .45 Colt. And that would be the one that's been to a SA specialist and timed, tuned and slicked up. Until that's done, they're all just about the same except for price, some slight differences in fit & finish... and lastly, if you're not buying a Colt or a Standard Mfg., you're not getting quality American steel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Loco Posted May 19, 2023 Author Share Posted May 19, 2023 This particular El Patron is about as smooth as anything worked on can get including Colts. I didn’t see a problem with timing and the lockup was on par with my best Ruger, not a rattle nor hair of play. I’m kinda concerned about the new firing pin thing though. Sounds like I should just buy a Heritage Steel Frame for plinking based on your assessment. I’ve had issues with the Spaghetti clones but using heavy caliber and full house loads Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griff Posted May 19, 2023 Share Posted May 19, 2023 I've got a couple of Italian clones that are very smooth, both have rehardened/tempered cylinders... Even worked on by the same gunsmith... but they still don't match the quality/feel of my Colts. And by the way, only Colt can use the name SAA... all the others are just a "SA". I would never advise to buy a particular gun... too much depends on your goals... I was just pointing out that they all as produced at some point along a scale that qualifies as "junk" until they're worked on to operate optimally. This includes the "vaunted" Ruger. But, what do I know? I've only been playing this game since 1985... and more importantly, I shoot Patersons occasionally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BigBelle Posted May 19, 2023 Share Posted May 19, 2023 I wouldn’t think 9mm would foul up a cylinder any more than shooting 38s through a 357 cylinder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Loco Posted May 19, 2023 Author Share Posted May 19, 2023 My goal ain’t to use it for CAS. Its for screwing around with cheap ammo instead of expensive reloads. I can make a “project” gun out of even a Colt SA, nothing’s perfect. Just wanted to unbox and shoot. I understand the disparagement and use of the term “junk” as I feel the same way about HenryUSA firearms, Taurus, Heritage, and a few others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abe E.S. Corpus SASS #87667 Posted May 19, 2023 Share Posted May 19, 2023 If you are concerned about the Uberti retractable firing pin, Pietta makes its 1873 style revolvers in 9mm. I think the Taylors TC9 may be a Pietta. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Loco Posted May 19, 2023 Author Share Posted May 19, 2023 Yes it is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colorado Coffinmaker Posted May 19, 2023 Share Posted May 19, 2023 Before you lay out the Folding Green for a SA in 9mm, I would suggest looking hard at the Barrel vs Cylinder dimensions. Especially if the gun is a convertible. I haven't been able to closely inspect a sample example since I retired, but and however, 9mm cylinder throats should nominally be .355 and the Nominal Bore diameter is .355 with the lands at .350. I would expect accuracy and leading problems if the gun has a .357 barrel diameter. Just a thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeaconKC Posted May 19, 2023 Share Posted May 19, 2023 @Colorado Coffinmaker is dead on about the barrel diameters. I have had two convertible Blackhawks and while both were great with 38/357 cartridges they both disliked the 9mm one, poor accuracy with anything other than soft lead reloads that would obdurate to fill the bore. And that negates the advantage of cheap plinking ammo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Dan Posted May 19, 2023 Share Posted May 19, 2023 14 minutes ago, DeaconKC said: @Colorado Coffinmaker is dead on about the barrel diameters. I have had two convertible Blackhawks and while both were great with 38/357 cartridges they both disliked the 9mm one, poor accuracy with anything other than soft lead reloads that would obdurate to fill the bore. And that negates the advantage of cheap plinking ammo. How so? Lead coated bullets reloaded are still cheaper than factory jacketed ammo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Loco Posted May 19, 2023 Author Share Posted May 19, 2023 I’m successfully talked out of it. Thanks for the info Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeaconKC Posted May 20, 2023 Share Posted May 20, 2023 6 hours ago, Ranger Dan said: How so? Lead coated bullets reloaded are still cheaper than factory jacketed ammo. I was thinking of the convenience of just buying the cheap[er] fmj 9mm ammo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slapshot Posted May 20, 2023 Share Posted May 20, 2023 I've reloaded .356 diameter bullets in 38 spl and shot them out of various Smith model 10's without any effect on accuracy and no more leading than with the .358 bullets.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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