Pietta Great Western II Californian
F.lli Pietta · Revolver · In Production · 2005
Also known as: Pietta 1873 GWII Californian, Pietta GW II Californian, 1873 Great Western II Californian
Overview
The Pietta Great Western II Californian is a single-action revolver that faithfully reproduces the Colt 1873 Single Action Army in the classic 'peacemaker' pattern. Distinguished within the Great Western II line by its color case-hardened frame paired with a blued barrel and cylinder and one-piece walnut grip, the Californian is chambered in .45 Colt and fed from a six-round revolving cylinder loaded through a side gate. Its hammer-forged, CNC-machined steel barrel and frame are offered in 4.75-inch and 5.5-inch lengths, with fixed sights and a traditional floating firing pin housed in the hammer.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 992 g (35.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 267 mm (10.51") |
| Barrel Length | 121 mm (4.76") |
| Action Type | Single Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Color Case Hardened |
Calibers
- .45 Colt · primary — also known as .45 LC, .45 Long Colt, 11.43x33mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Floating Firing Pin, Half Cock Notch
- Features: Color Case Hardened Frame, Blued Barrel And Cylinder, Six Shot Cylinder, Cartridge Revolver, 1873 Saa Pattern, Fixed Sights, Walnut Grip
Base model
Production
Production years: 2005-present
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Notes
Named model within Pietta's Great Western II catalog (Italian import, distributed in the US via EMF and others). The Californian pairs a color case-hardened frame with blued steel barrel and cylinder and a walnut grip. Chambered in .45 Colt and .357 Magnum; barrel options 4.75" and 5.5" (a 7.5" 'Last Stand' configuration also exists). Specifications listed are for the 4.75" .45 Colt model (approx. 35 oz, 10.5" overall). Unlike some GWII models, the Californian uses a traditional floating firing pin rather than a transfer-bar safety.
Background
The Californian evokes the frontier six-shooters carried during the California Gold Rush era and the cattle towns of the Old West. As a modern reproduction of 'The Gun That Won the West,' it is popular with Cowboy Action Shooting competitors and Western reenactors who want the authentic look of a case-hardened 1873 Colt with the reliability of modern hammer-forged steel.