I have a couple of Armi San Marco black powder revolvers and I have not been very happy with them. I'm thinking of buying either a new Pietta or Uberti .36 cal. Navy. I would like to know if either of these is better than than the Armi San Marco and if so which of the two is the best. Also, one of my Armi San Marco revolvers is a Walker .44, and I was wondering what the maxium black powder load for that pistol is.

Welcome Logan,

This is a good place to get a lot of information, Most members will either have what you need, or else send you to where it can be found.
As for the Armi San Marco, I have one in a Remington model new army, and have had no problems with it at all, and it is over 30 years old. I have no experience with the Pieta models other than what used to come through the store, and I have to say that the fit and finish is just about the same as the San Marco, might be a little better on the San Marco, but definitly close. I have a 1861 Navy from Uberti that has one of the best color case finishes I have seen in a long time. Had to take a little off the rear of the barrel on the Uberti, as it had too small of a gap when received, (.002") and had a habit of draging on powder fouling when more than six shots were fired. Remember, this is only one mans observation, others may have different opinions.

Lee L.

The 1851 Navies from Pietta are quite nice and reasonably priced. I have handled Uberti cap-n-ball revolvers, but, prefer Pietta.

The 1858 Armies are ALOT easier to fire during your time on the range. A pair of short barreled (5 1/2") Rems are about as perfect of a 44/45cal revolver as you are going to find.

I have a 1858 Remington that was made by Pietta. I got it from Cabella's about ten years ago. I also have one of the R&D .45 Colt conversion cylinders for it. It's been a really good gun. From what I've seen, I think the Pietta's have also gotten better over the years. I think most of the recent ones are probably at least the equal of the Uberti's now.

I also have a Second Model Dragoon that was made by Armi San Marco. It's probably 25 or more years old. I did have to have it rebuilt, but I still enjoy shooting it now. I don't know how it compares to the current production quality, or the other makes out there. As issued, it probably wasn't up to the quality level of Pietta or Uberti. One thing that was really neat about it was the engraving on the cylinder. It had the best depiction of the the Dragoons shooting and trampling Indians I've ever seen on one. Pretty sick, huh...?

Most find the Ubertis the better gun as they should be for the price. I've found the grips, brass, finish have always been nicer with Uberti's. The wedge always seems better fitted also with Uberti also. The Pietta's I've seen either have the wedge beaten half way through the frame or unable to be seated fully in the first place. Just my humble observations but if possible I recomend Uberti.

i was wondering if anyone knew of a website where I could look up serial numbers for the Armi San Marco arms company. I got a .31 cal black powder pocket pistol and I was wondering on history. thanks

The Pietta '60 Army I have came from Cabela's when they were doing a special on them with 3" barrels a few years back. Mine is very tight and well made. I have no Uberti black powder revolvers, but i do have a Uberti Bisley in .45C and a Remington 1875 in .45C as CASS gear and they are are beautifully made and run always without a hiccup. The case colors on both are magnificent.

I have a Third Model Dragoon with Sholder stock that i got back in the mide 70's.. The ser. # is in the 4 didget range and is in 100% condistion .. I was wondering what they are worth now?? I onl paid $90.00 for it then.. I just bought one of Cimarron Firearms ( Ubertis ) Type Two Richards conversions in 38 Special.. It shoots very well and I like the way it is built...

I have and old Third Model Dragoon by Marco.. I fogot what ball size it usses.. I haven't shot it in at least 25 years.. I plain on ussing it in our primitive weapons dear seasion..

It might not be that easy finding what you're looking for as Armi San Marco revolvers were made in Italy and those who handled them here are distributers. You might try the EMF Company as they sold Armi San Marco products up 'til about ten years back. They may even have been the importer/distributers for the revolver you have now.

The Armi San Marco company is no longer in operation having been purchased by American Western Arms years ago.

BTW, between Uberti and Pietta, I'd be inclined to go with Uberti. Both are good guns but Uberti has the name and the parts/service.

Uberties are prettier, but Piettas shoot a whole lot more accurately, though they are less expensive. I personally chamfer all of my chamber mouths using a Lyman VLD tool for getting all of a 454 or 457 inch round ball in there without shaving off any lead. This makes them shoot so accurately that you'll find yourself exclaiming, " Cartrdge guns will never catch on."