Pietta Firearms

About Pietta

Founded in 1960 by Giuseppe Pietta in Gussago, Italy, F.lli Pietta has been crafting exceptional historical firearm reproductions for over six decades.

Giuseppe Pietta began learning gunmaking at age 14 and established his company initially producing hunting guns before transitioning to black powder pistols and revolvers in 1963.

In 1964, the company began manufacturing replicas of American Civil War firearms, with their first major order being 10,000 replicas of Colt's 1851 Navy black-powder revolver.

Pietta became the first company to mark weapons "100% made in Italy," setting a standard that many competitors later adopted.

Today, this family-owned company continues Giuseppe Pietta's vision of combining traditional Italian craftsmanship with historically accurate reproductions that meet modern safety standards.

Popular Pietta Features

Italian Craftsmanship

• Each firearm is manufactured with high-grade materials and traditional Italian gunmaking techniques for exceptional quality and attention to detail.

Historical Accuracy

• Pietta reproductions feature period-correct aesthetics, proper mechanisms, and authentic materials like case-hardened frames and walnut grips.

Hammer-Forged Steel Barrels

• Superior barrel construction ensures consistent accuracy and durability while maintaining the authentic appearance of historical firearms.

Modern Safety Standards

• Traditional designs incorporate contemporary safety features and proper metallurgy to meet modern manufacturing standards.

Customization Options

• Multiple barrel lengths, caliber options, and finish choices allow shooters to select the perfect configuration for their needs.

Floating Firing Pin Design

• The hammer-mounted floating firing pin system replicates the original Colt design for authentic operation and reliable ignition.

Popular Pietta Black Powder Revolvers

1851 Navy Revolver

• This .36 caliber reproduction is one of Pietta's most popular models, praised for its historical accuracy and excellent balance.

1860 Army Revolver

• The .44 caliber 1860 Army offers superior power and reliability with period-correct appearance that appeals to collectors and shooters alike.

1873 Colt Single Action Army

• Available in multiple calibers including .357 Magnum and .45 Colt, this Peacemaker replica won "Best Gun of the Year" from the Single Action Shooting Society in 2002.

Great Western II Series

• Modern single-action revolvers with traditional styling offer contemporary shooters the classic cowboy revolver experience with modern cartridges.

LeMat Revolvers

• These unique reproductions feature the distinctive nine-shot cylinder and central shotgun barrel design of the original Civil War-era LeMat.

Remington Reproductions

• Pietta's Remington-pattern revolvers offer the solid-frame design preferred by many cowboy action shooters for its strength and reliability.

9mm Collection

• Modern cowboy-action revolvers chambered in 9mm provide cost-effective shooting while maintaining traditional single-action styling.

Alchemista Series

• Premium decorated revolvers feature detailed engravings and artistic finishes for collectors seeking exceptional presentation pieces.

Popular Uses for Pietta Firearms

Cowboy Action Shooting

• Pietta revolvers are extremely popular among Single Action Shooting Society competitors who appreciate their reliability and period-correct appearance.

Historical Reenactment

• Civil War and Old West reenactors choose Pietta firearms for their authentic appearance and proper functioning during historical demonstrations.

Collecting and Display

• Firearms collectors value Pietta reproductions as affordable alternatives to original antique firearms while maintaining historical accuracy.

Competition Shooting

• Black powder shooting matches and cowboy action competitions frequently feature Pietta firearms due to their consistent performance and reliability.

Recreational Shooting

• Enthusiasts enjoy the unique experience of shooting historical firearm designs while benefiting from modern manufacturing quality and safety.

Pietta Firearms FAQs

QUESTION: What type of powder should I use in Pietta black powder revolvers?
ANSWER: Use only black powder (3F grade) or approved black powder substitutes - never use modern smokeless powder in black powder firearms.

QUESTION: How much powder should I load in a Pietta revolver?
ANSWER: Typically 20-25 grains of black powder is recommended for most revolver models, but always consult your owner's manual for specific recommendations.

QUESTION: What size round balls work best with Pietta .44 caliber revolvers?
ANSWER: .454 round balls are commonly used for .44 caliber Pietta revolvers and provide proper compression when seated.

QUESTION: Are Pietta firearms suitable for cowboy action shooting competitions?
ANSWER: Yes, Pietta firearms are extremely popular in SASS competitions and their 1873 SAA replica won "Best Gun of the Year" in 2002.

QUESTION: How often should I clean my Pietta black powder revolver?
ANSWER: Clean thoroughly after every shooting session as black powder creates corrosive fouling that can damage the firearm if left uncleaned.

QUESTION: Where are Pietta firearms manufactured?
ANSWER: All Pietta firearms are manufactured in Gussago, Italy, and were the first to bear the "100% made in Italy" marking.

QUESTION: Can I use wonder wads in my Pietta revolver?
ANSWER: Yes, wonder wads or other over-powder wads are recommended to help prevent chain fires and improve accuracy.

QUESTION: What calibers are available in Pietta 1873 reproductions?
ANSWER: Pietta offers 1873 reproductions in multiple calibers including .357 Magnum, .45 Colt, .44-40 Win, and 9mm.

QUESTION: Are replacement parts available for Pietta firearms?
ANSWER: Yes, replacement parts are available through authorized dealers and importers like EMF Company for most Pietta models.

QUESTION: How do Pietta prices compare to original antique firearms?
ANSWER: Pietta reproductions are significantly more affordable than original antique firearms while offering modern manufacturing quality and safety.