Pietta Great Western II Red River 45 Colt 4.75 in Revolver
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About this product
The Pietta Great Western II Red River 45 Colt 4.75 in Revolver is a modern Italian-manufactured reproduction of a classic American single-action design, built for period-authentic handling and appearance. It fills a specific niche priced between budget Uberti imports and premium custom builds. You're looking at the core mechanical package that defined the Colt Single Action Army lineage for over a century.
What is the Pietta Great Western II Red River used for?
The Pietta Great Western II Red River is primarily intended for four purposes: Cowboy Action Shooting competition where period-accurate firearms are mandated, historical collection, introductory single-action training under supervision, and recreational range use. Its 4.75-inch barrel balances classic proportions with practical sight radius, while its six-round cylinder and transfer bar safety make it a functional shooter, not just a display piece. It's not duty-rated for modern high-pressure defense loads, but handles standard pressure .45 Colt factory ammunition within SAAMI spec.
How does the Pietta Great Western II compare to the Uberti 'Cattleman'?
The Pietta Great Western II is a more mechanically accessible platform for a first-time single-action owner than the Uberti Cattleman, trading some historical authenticity for easier disassembly. Specifically, the Pietta uses a modern coil mainspring and a rebounding hammer with a transfer bar, whereas many Uberti variants retain the original flat spring design. The Pietta is better for shooters who prioritize straightforward maintenance and enhanced drop-safety; the Uberti is better for purists seeking the most accurate mechanical replica, an important distinction discussed in our single-action revolver comparison guide.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 42 ounces (1190 grams), measures 10.5 inches in overall length, and has a cylinder width of 1.7 inches. The 4.75-inch barrel provides a sight radius of 5.2 inches from front blade to rear notch. The grip frame is a one-piece traditional plowhandle shape with checkered Ultra Ivory panels that measure 5.3 inches in circumference at the widest point. The entire package balances at the front of the cylinder, giving it a distinct forward-heavy feel compared to a modern double-action like the Stevens 334 Rifle.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is decidedly not for defensive carry, rapid reload scenarios, or shooters who require high-volume, high-precision performance. The mandatory single-action cocking before every shot makes it unsuitable for any defensive application, and the loading gate and ejector rod system limits reload speed severely compared to even a swing-out cylinder. It's a poor choice for hunting anything beyond very short-range varminting, due to its fixed sights and modest ballistics. If you need a multi-purpose, high-capacity handgun for hunting or defense, look elsewhere.
What's in the box?
The factory box contains the revolver, an instruction manual that includes a basic takedown guide and safety warnings in multiple languages, and a single plastic cable lock for compliance. There is no cleaning kit, bore snake, or spare parts included. The manual specifies Pietta's warranty: one year from the date of purchase for the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship, provided the firearm has not been modified or subjected to +P ammunition. You will need to supply your own tools for disassembly.
Is the Pietta Great Western II worth it at $802.28?
At $802.28, the Pietta Great Western II sits at the high end of production-grade reproductions, but justifies it with superior fit and finish over Turkish or Brazilian imports. When you consider the cost of authenticating and servicing a true antique Colt SAA, this price is reasonable for a mechanically sound, new-production shooter that looks the part. The value is in its role-specific authenticity—it's a gateway into a shooting discipline, not a modular tool. If you want a general-purpose shotgun for similar investment, something like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge offers far more versatility.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Exact 4.75-inch barrel length for SASS competition compliance—no modifications needed.
- Six-round cylinder with transfer bar safety provides modern drop-safety on a classic platform.
- Ultra Ivory grip panels offer superior heat dissipation versus plain wood on a 90°F range day.
- 42 oz (1190 g) weight balances at cylinder for stable off-hand shooting.
Trade-offs
- Single-action-only operation mandates cocking hammer before every shot—no fast double-action capability.
- Fixed sights are non-adjustable for windage or elevation; requires filing for precise zeroing.
- Loading gate and rod ejection system is slow, taking approximately 30 seconds for a full reload.
Key attributes
| upc | 641996200816 |
| manufacturer | Pietta |
| manufacturer part number | GW45RR434NMUI |
| barrel length | 4.75" |
| caliber/gauge | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| capacity | 6 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .45 Colt ammunition?
- Yes, it is fully compatible with standard SAAMI-spec factory .45 Colt (Long Colt) ammunition. Do not use .45 Colt +P or "Ruger-only" loads, as the frame and cylinder are not rated for those pressures. The barrel has a 1:16 right-hand twist rate, optimized for 250-255 grain lead bullets typical of the caliber.
- Does it fit standard single-action holsters?
- Yes, it will fit most generic leather holsters designed for a Colt Single Action Army or clone with a 4.75-inch barrel. The trigger guard dimensions are period-correct. For a perfect fit, look for a holster marketed for a "Uberti Cattleman" or "Pietta Great Western II" as they have near-identical dimensions.
- How long does shipping take?
- Orders typically ship within 3 business days following a completed background check. Transit time via UPS or FedEx is 2-5 business days depending on destination. All firearms must ship to a licensed FFL holder, you will receive tracking upon carrier pickup.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function correctly?
- You can initiate a return within 30 days for a manufacturing defect, which will be inspected by our certified armorers. Returns for "buyer's remorse" are not accepted on firearms due to federal regulations. If a defect is confirmed, we will cover all shipping and facilitate a repair or replacement through Pietta's warranty channel.
- Does this work with a Weaver-style scope mount?
- No, the top strap is not drilled and tapped for a scope base, and the design of the fixed rear sight notch makes mounting impractical. This revolver is designed for traditional iron-sight shooting. Attempting to add a scope would require extensive, expensive custom machining, which is not recommended.