Pietta Great Western II Californian .45 Colt Single-Action Revolver, 5.5" Barrel, Color Case-Hardened/Blue, 6-Round
This F.lli Pietta Great Western II Californian is a modern, Italian-made single-action revolver in .45 Colt with the classic 5.5" barrel. It stands out for its color case-hardened steel frame, blued barrel and cylinder, and the Californian variant sight configuration featuring a wider rear notch and larger front blade for faster acquisition. EMF-distributed, it carries period-correct patent-date rollmarks along with Italian proof marks, pairing authentic styling with current production quality.
Condition
Overall Condition: As-new condition with no signs of prior handling beyond what's typical from inspection (see photos).
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Exterior metal and wood show a smooth, like-new appearance consistent with factory handling only. The bore is bright and shiny throughout.
What's Included
- F.lli Pietta 1873 Single-Action Revolvers instruction manual
- EMF / F.lli Pietta Great Western II factory box
The Californian submodel refines the traditional fixed-sight layout with a wider rear notch and a larger front blade, improving visibility while retaining the topstrap groove and blade format. Chambered in .45 Colt with a six-shot fluted cylinder, it maintains the timeless single-action handling buyers expect in a full-size revolver.
Construction details include a forged, CNC-machined steel frame and a hammer-forged steel barrel for durability and consistency. The frame wears a color case-hardened finish, while the barrel and cylinder are blued. Smooth wood grips complete the classic profile.
Functional features remain faithful to the pattern, including the ejector rod housing with a front screw and round button. The 5.5" barrel length strikes a balanced feel and sight radius within the Great Western II series.
Markings and proofs provide clear provenance: the barrel top is marked "Great Western II," the frame bears patent-date rollmarks "PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871" and "PAT. JULY 2, 1872," and the revolver carries the CIP N nitro proof, the Italian proof-house crest, and an IT23 date/proof code. This EMF-distributed example was manufactured by F.lli Pietta in Italy, and its serial number matches the label on the factory box.