Hi, I received my engraved Pietta 1858 from Cabellas yesterday. I must admit, it is simply gorgeous! Even my wife that witnessed me getting two new other guns in the last couple of weeks said that she is glad I purchased it.
I replaced the engraved cylinder with a spare Pietta 1858 cylinder to work the action without causing any wear on the engraved cylinder. I worked the action and can report that the timing is perfect, I have never seen a Pietta any better. I measured the cylinder chambers of the engraved cylinder, 0.4455" average. The barrel/cylinder gap measured 0.003". The smaller the gap, the less the fouling that can build up on the base pin. Also, the wood grips are beautiful. I think that Pietta selected their best 1858s to engrave
I must admit to have been somewhat concerned on what a laser engraved revolver meant. Was the finish Duracoat or some other finish other than bluing that was etched? The revolver is indeed blued with a beautiful dark bluing. The etching appears silver. I took an ohmmeter to explore what that silver color is. The silver color is the base steel. What's impressive is that the backstrap is engraved as is the trigger guard.
I'm now at a loss. I bought this revolver to make a few bucks selling it on GunBroker. However, it is so fantastic that I may just use it for display. Either display the revolver or recruit a couple of whores where I can be the best dress armed pimp in Western NY.
Regards,
Richard
