Reviewing the Mitchell Arms Single Action Army Revolver
If you're a fan associated with old-school wheelguns, you've probably come across a Mitchell Arms Single Action Army while searching the used racks at your local shop or scrolling through an on the internet auction. These revolvers have a bit associated with a cult adhering to, and for good reason. They represent a specific era in the firearms industry when Italian craftsmanship started in order to really dominate the particular cowboy action picture here in the States. Back in the day, in case you wanted a Peacemaker but didn't want to mortgage your home for the genuine Colt, the Mitchell import has been one of the particular premier ways in order to go.
The particular story behind these guns is pretty interesting. Mitchell Arms wasn't actually a manufacturer; they were an importer structured out of California. During the past due 1980s and all through the 1990s, they brought in lots of high-quality firearms through Europe. When this reached their single-action line, they partnered with Uberti within Italy. Now, anyone who knows anything about Western replicas knows that Uberti is basically the particular gold standard with regard to this stuff. But the ones Mitchell brought in were often finished to a slightly higher standard compared to "run of the mill" imports you'd notice from other companies during the time.
The reason why People Still Look for Them
So, why is the particular Mitchell Arms Single Action Army endure out from the particular dozen other clones available? Mostly, it's the fit plus finish. When a person pick one up, it just seems substantial. It doesn't have that "kit gun" feel that some of the cheaper 1970s imports had. The bluing is generally deep and lustrous, and the color case solidifying on the frame—done the old-fashioned way—often shows some really beautiful blues plus straws.
There's also the nostalgia factor. For a lot of shooters who grew up in the 90s, these types of were the weapons they saw within the hands of competitive shooters prior to the market got inundated with every selection of Peacemaker clone imaginable. They were constructed to be chance, but they had been also built in order to look good while performing it. If you discover 1 today that hasn't been abused, this usually still has that "bank vault" lockup that single-action fans crave.
The Uberti Link
Since Uberti was the actual maker, you're obtaining a gun that comes after the original Colt Model 1873 pattern very closely. That's a double-edged sword for a few. On one particular hand, it's genuine. You get the four distinct ticks once you cock the hammer—spelling out C-O-L-T, as the old stating goes. On the particular other hand, it means these guns usually have the standard firing pin for the hammer.
In plain English? It's not "drop safe. " You need to carry it with the hammer lower on an empty chamber if you're doing anything additional than standing from a firing collection. It's the "cowboy load" rule: load one, skip one particular, load four, dick it, and lower the hammer within the empty hole. It's part of the charm, but it's something newer shooters should definitely keep in mind. The Mitchell Arms Single Action Army is a throwback in most sense associated with the word.
Handling and Performance
Shooting a Mitchell Arms Single Action Army will be exactly what you'd expect from the high-quality Italian duplicate. The total amount is iconic. Regardless of whether you've got the particular 4. 75-inch "Gunfighter" length, the 5. 5-inch artillery design, or the lengthy 7. 5-inch cavalry barrel, the gun points naturally. It's like an extension of your arm.
Many of these were chambered in the classic. 45 Colt, though you'll occasionally see them in. 357 Magnum or. 44-40. The particular. 45 Colt variations really are a blast in order to shoot with regular pressure loads. The particular recoil is even more of a rolling push than a sharp snap, thanks to the plow-handle grip design that will lets the gun rotate upward in your hand.
Accuracy is usually amazingly good. While the particular sights are just the simple blade plus a groove in the top strap, these types of guns were constructed with decent tolerances. As long since your eyes are up to the task of using fixed places, the Mitchell Arms Single Action Army can usually outshoot the person holding this. Just don't expect to win any precision bullseye matches—it's a gun made for hitting steel discs or "varmints" from reasonable distances.
What to Look for When Purchasing
If you're looking at a good used Mitchell Arms Single Action Army, there are a few things in order to keep an vision on. First, examine the timing. Gradually cock the hammer and make sure the cylinder fastens into place best before the sludge hammer reaches full cock. If there's the lot of "play" or if this doesn't secure till the hammer is all the way back, it might need some gunsmithing.
Also, get a look from the screws. Considering that these are based on the old design, each uses a lot associated with flat-head screws. If a previous proprietor used the incorrect size screwdriver, all those screw heads will certainly be "buggered up" or marred. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's a sign of how the gun was taken care of.
The particular brass trigger pads and backstraps had been common on some Mitchell models. More than time, these can tarnish, but a little bit of shine brings them right back to a mirror shine. Individually, I believe a little bit of patina on the brass gives the gun character, producing it look like it actually spent several time on the particular frontier.
Components and Longevity
One of the best things about owning a Mitchell Arms Single Action Army today is that parts are really pretty easy to find. Since they will are Uberti-made, almost all modern Uberti replacement parts will match little to no fitting required. Regardless of whether you need the new hand, the bolt spring, or a firing flag, you aren't looking for "extinct" parts from a defunct factory. You can just hop on a website like Taylor's & Co or even Cimarron and find what you require.
That being said, these guns are pretty powerful. Unless you're "fanning" the hammer like a movie cowboy (which, please, don't perform that—it wrecks the internals), a Mitchell single action will probably last through thousands of rounds. They had been built using contemporary steels that are much stronger compared to iron and earlier steel used in the 1800s, so they can manage a lifetime of hobby shooting with no getting drenched in sweat.
The Bottom Line
Is the Mitchell Arms Single Action Army the best revolver ever made? Nicely, "best" is very subjective. If you want a modern, high-capacity polymer pistol, this particular obviously isn't this. But if you want to capture a piece of history plus enjoy the mechanical feel of the well-made machine, it's difficult to beat.
There's something incredibly satisfying about the ritual of loading a single-action revolver. Opening the loading gate, clicking on the hammer to half-cock, and sliding those big. 45 caliber cartridges in to the chambers—it slows down you down. Much more you appreciate the act of shooting more than just "spraying plus praying" at a target.
The particular Mitchell Arms Single Action Army sits in that lovely spot of worth. It's more processed than the budget-tier clones but generally cheaper than a new-production Colt or a high-end custom job. It's the workhorse with a touch of class. If you discover one in a reasonable price, it's the solid investment in both fun and workmanship. Whether you want to get directly into Cowboy Action Filming or perhaps you just want to feel like John Wayne intended for an afternoon with the range, this particular revolver will definitely perform the job. It's the classic piece of the "import golden age" that still retains its own today.