Pietta Great Western II Deadman's Hand

F.lli Pietta · Revolver · In Production · 2015

Also known as: Pietta 1873 GWII Deadman's Hand, Pietta GW II Deadman's Hand, 1873 Great Western II Deadman's Hand, Pietta Deadman's Hand

Overview

The Pietta Great Western II Deadman's Hand is a themed single-action revolver reproducing the Colt 1873 Single Action Army 'peacemaker' pattern. Distinguished within the Great Western II line by its photo-engraved color case-hardened frame, photo-engraved blued barrel and cylinder, brass backstrap and trigger guard, and a white polymer grip carrying the 'Aces and Eights' Dead Man's Hand motif, it is chambered in .45 Colt and fed from a six-round revolving cylinder loaded through a side gate. The hammer-forged, CNC-machined steel barrel measures 4.75 inches, with fixed sights and a period-correct floating firing pin housed in the hammer.

Specifications

Weight (empty)1020 g (36.0 oz)
Overall Length267 mm (10.51")
Barrel Length121 mm (4.76")
Action TypeSingle Action
Firing MechanismSingle Action
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity6 rounds
Magazine TypeRevolving Cylinder
Effective Range50 m (55 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialPolymer
FinishColor Case Hardened

Calibers

Features

Base model

Pietta-Great-Western-Ii

Production

Production years: 2015-present

Origin

Country of origin: Italy

Notes

Named commemorative model within Pietta's Great Western II catalog (Italian import, distributed in the US via EMF and others). The Deadman's Hand references the poker hand of aces and eights allegedly held by Wild Bill Hickok when he was shot. Features photo-engraved color case-hardened frame with photo-engraved blued barrel and cylinder, brass grip frame, and a white polymer grip bearing the aces-and-eights artwork. Chambered in .45 Colt and .357 Magnum; standard barrel length 4.75". Specifications listed are for the 4.75" .45 Colt model (approx. 36 oz, 10.5" overall). Uses a traditional floating firing pin rather than a transfer-bar safety.

Background

The Deadman's Hand takes its name from the poker hand of two black aces and two black eights - the 'dead man's hand' - reputedly held by legendary lawman and gunfighter Wild Bill Hickok when he was fatally shot from behind while playing cards in Deadwood, Dakota Territory, in 1876. Pietta renders the legend onto a modern 1873 Colt reproduction with photo-engraving and an aces-and-eights grip, making it a favorite show piece and Cowboy Action Shooting collectible among fans of Old West history.