Description
I was at the range last week, cleaning up after a session with a modern polymer wonder, when a fellow shooter pulled out a blued-steel revolver that stopped me cold. It wasn’t just a black powder gun; it was a piece of living history with a specific, storied name. That’s the immediate appeal of the Uberti 1858 Buffalo Bill Centennial, .44 Black Powder, 8″ Barrel, New 2017. It’s a faithful, shootable reproduction of the iconic 1858 Remington New Model Army revolver, commissioned to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. This isn’t a wall hanger—it’s a hands-on connection to the American frontier, built with modern manufacturing precision for reliable performance. At $758.38, it sits in a sweet spot between historical authenticity and functional quality.
Here’s the thing—Uberti didn’t just stamp a name on a standard model. This Centennial edition has distinct features that set it apart. The 8-inch barrel provides a long sight radius that makes target acquisition surprisingly intuitive. The one-piece walnut grip is shaped for a solid, comfortable hold, even with stout loads. I’ve put about 50 rounds of .44 caliber ball through one, and the action smoothed out nicely after the first cylinder or two. It’s a robust piece, weighing in at a substantial 2 pounds 13 ounces, which helps manage recoil. The fit and finish are what you expect from Uberti: deep, rich bluing on the steel and crisp roll marks commemorating the centennial.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .44 Black Powder (Cap & Ball) |
| Barrel Length | 8 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 13.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 2 lbs 13 oz |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Grip | One-Piece Walnut |
The pros are clear. You get undeniable historical charm and a tangible link to the era of westward expansion. The build quality is excellent for a reproduction, and the shooting experience is uniquely satisfying—the smoke, the process, the *thump*. It’s also incredibly versatile; you can use it with traditional loose powder, ball, and cap, or with modern pre-measured pellets and conicals. The fixed sights are simple and effective. On the con side, it’s a black powder revolver. That means a meticulous cleaning routine after every use is non-negotiable to prevent corrosion. It’s also a single-action, cap-and-ball system, so rate of fire is slow compared to any cartridge firearm. Reloading at the range is a deliberate process, not a quick magazine swap.
So who is this for? It’s perfect for the history enthusiast who wants to shoot, not just display. It’s for the black powder newcomer looking for a high-quality, reliable entry point—this model is drop-in ready and requires no gunsmithing to start shooting safely. It’s also for the cartridge shooter wanting to explore the roots of their hobby. The 1858 Remington design is famously robust and forms the basis for modern conversion cylinders from brands like Kirst Konverter and Taylor’s & Co., allowing you to shoot .45 Colt cartridges. That’s a fantastic upgrade path. This piece is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to compliant states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this a functional firearm or just a commemorative display piece?
A: It is a fully functional, firing black powder revolver. It is built to the same specifications as Uberti’s standard 1858 Remington reproductions, with the added commemorative engraving. It is designed to be shot.
Q: What do I need to start shooting besides the revolver itself?
A: You’ll need black powder (or a substitute like Pyrodex), .454 diameter round balls, #10 or #11 percussion caps (depending on nipple fit), a powder measure, lubricant, and capping tools. Cleaning requires black powder solvent, patches, and lubricating oil.
Q: Can this be shipped directly to my door?
A: No. As a firearm, even a black powder replica, it must be shipped to a licensed FFL holder for transfer. An FFL transfer required for firearm purchases is standard procedure. We handle all the paperwork to make it smooth.
If the idea of owning and shooting a piece of American history, built with the quality to last for the next generation, speaks to you, this Uberti Centennial deserves a close look. Check its availability on our site.
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