The Ultimate Edge in Western Shooting: Uberti 1873 El Patrón Competition Revolver

For enthusiasts and competitive shooters immersed in the world of cowboy action shooting, speed, precision, and reliable performance are paramount. The Uberti 1873 El Patrón Competition revolver, chambered in versatile .357 Magnum, stands as a meticulously engineered firearm designed to meet and exceed these demanding requirements. This isn't just another replica; it's a finely tuned instrument for those who seek to dominate the firing line, whether in the fast-paced stages of the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) or simply to experience the pinnacle of Western-style marksmanship.

Why the El Patrón Competition is Your Go-To Revolver

Are you searching for the best single-action revolver for competitive shooting? Do you need a firearm that blends historical authenticity with modern enhancements for unparalleled speed? The Uberti 1873 El Patrón Competition answers these questions directly. It's purpose-built for the rigorous demands of competition, featuring specific modifications that give shooters a distinct advantage.

One of its most defining characteristics is the low-angle hammer. This isn't a mere aesthetic choice; it’s a critical ergonomic enhancement that translates directly into quicker follow-up shots and more comfortable handling, especially under pressure. Unlike standard hammer designs, the El Patrón's low-angle hammer allows for incredibly fast cocking with minimal effort, reducing the time between shots and making it an indispensable asset for rapid-fire stages. This design element ensures easy access for thumbs of all sizes, contributing to a smoother, more intuitive shooting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor aiming to shave precious seconds off your time or a newcomer looking for a forgiving and responsive first competition gun, the low-angle hammer significantly improves user interface and overall shooting fluidity.

The Power and Versatility of .357 Magnum

The choice of .357 Magnum caliber for the El Patrón Competition speaks volumes about its adaptability. While powerful in its own right, the .357 Magnum chamber also readily accepts and functions flawlessly with .38 Special ammunition. This dual-caliber capability offers tremendous advantages for competitive shooters and recreational plinkers alike:

• Reduced Recoil for Faster Recovery: When shooting .38 Special, especially lighter loads, the recoil is significantly mitigated. This allows shooters to maintain their sight picture more easily, get back on target faster, and maintain higher accuracy during rapid strings of fire. For extended practice sessions, the reduced fatigue is also a major benefit.
• Cost-Effective Practice: .38 Special ammunition is generally less expensive than .357 Magnum, making it a more economical choice for high-volume training. This means more trigger time and more opportunities to hone your skills without breaking the bank.
• Optimal Performance with Lead Bullets: Many cowboy action shooting categories mandate or favor lead bullets, and the .357 Mag / .38 Special chambering is perfectly suited for these traditional projectiles, offering excellent accuracy and consistent performance.

This caliber versatility ensures that the El Patrón Competition is not only a top-tier competition firearm but also an incredibly practical choice for general target practice and improving fundamental shooting skills.

A Masterpiece of Form and Function: Materials and Craftsmanship

The Uberti 1873 El Patrón Competition is not just about internal mechanics; its external presentation is equally impressive, reflecting Uberti's renowned commitment to historical accuracy and artisanal quality. The revolver features a classic blued finish on the barrel, cylinder, and grip frame, providing a deep, lustrous black that exudes timeless elegance. Complementing this is the stunning case hardened frame. This traditional finishing process creates a unique, mottled pattern of blues, purples, browns, and grays, making each revolver visually distinct and captivating. Beyond its beauty, case hardening also contributes to the frame's durability and resistance to wear, ensuring that your El Patrón will not only perform beautifully but also age gracefully.

The materials used are of the highest quality, selected for their robustness and ability to withstand the rigors of competitive shooting. From the precision-machined steel components to the carefully fitted wooden grips, every element contributes to a firearm that feels solid, balanced, and utterly reliable in hand. This attention to detail is a hallmark of Uberti firearms and a key reason why they are so highly regarded by serious shooters and collectors worldwide.

Optimizing Your Performance: Key Design Elements

Beyond the hammer and caliber, several other features of the Uberti 1873 El Patrón Competition are specifically optimized for competitive success:

• Smooth Action: Uberti revolvers are celebrated for their exceptionally smooth actions right out of the box. The El Patrón takes this a step further, often featuring enhanced internal components that result in a lighter, crisper trigger pull and an incredibly fluid cycling of the action. This smooth operation minimizes shooter fatigue and maximizes consistency, crucial elements for achieving high scores.
• Classic Sights: Staying true to the original 1873 Single Action Army design, the El Patrón Competition features a fixed blade front sight and a notch rear sight milled into the topstrap. While traditional, these sights are surprisingly effective for rapid target acquisition at typical cowboy action shooting distances. Their simplicity ensures robustness and eliminates potential snags, a desirable trait in dynamic shooting scenarios.
• Balanced Feel: With a 5.5-inch barrel, the El Patrón strikes an ideal balance between sight radius for accuracy and maneuverability for quick transitions between targets. The weight distribution is expertly managed, ensuring the revolver points naturally and feels comfortable during extended periods of handling, whether holstered or on the firing line.

Who Benefits Most from the Uberti 1873 El Patrón Competition?

• Competitive Cowboy Action Shooters (SASS, NCOWS, etc.): This revolver is explicitly designed for you. Its low-angle hammer, smooth action, and .357/.38 Special versatility directly address the need for speed, reliability, and precision on the clock. It's engineered to help you achieve personal bests and climb the ranks.
• Historical Firearm Enthusiasts and Collectors: While performance-oriented, the El Patrón maintains the authentic aesthetics and feel of the original Colt Single Action Army. For those who appreciate the craftsmanship and history of Western firearms, this model offers a perfect blend of period correctness and modern functionality.
• Recreational Shooters Seeking a Premium Experience: If you enjoy shooting single-action revolvers and want to elevate your experience with a top-tier, exceptionally smooth, and highly reliable firearm, the El Patrón Competition delivers. Its ease of use and consistent performance make every range trip a pleasure.
• Anyone Asking: "What single action revolver is easiest to shoot fast?" The low-angle hammer is a game-changer for quick cocking, directly impacting shooting speed. The smooth action and balanced design further contribute to a rapid, controlled firing rhythm.

Understanding the Legacy: The 1873 Single Action Army

The Uberti 1873 El Patrón Competition draws its lineage directly from the iconic Colt Single Action Army (SAA) revolver, often referred to as the "Peacemaker." First introduced in 1873, the SAA became synonymous with the American West, carried by lawmen, outlaws, and pioneers alike. Its robust design, simple mechanics, and powerful performance cemented its place in history.

Uberti, an Italian manufacturer with decades of experience, has earned a stellar reputation for producing historically accurate and high-quality replicas of classic firearms. The 1873 El Patrón Competition is a testament to this legacy, meticulously reproducing the external lines and classic feel of the original while incorporating subtle, yet crucial, internal enhancements desired by modern competitive shooters. This blend of heritage and performance is what sets Uberti firearms apart.

Maintaining Your Uberti El Patrón: Tips for Longevity

To ensure your Uberti 1873 El Patrón Competition continues to perform at its peak for years to come, regular maintenance is essential. Single-action revolvers are relatively straightforward to clean and care for:

1. Safety First: Always ensure the firearm is unloaded before beginning any cleaning or maintenance.
2. Field Strip: Remove the cylinder and wipe down all accessible surfaces.
3. Bore Cleaning: Use a bore brush, patches, and appropriate bore cleaner to remove powder residue from the barrel and cylinder chambers.
4. Frame and Action: Use a soft brush and gun cleaning solvent to clean powder fouling from the frame, especially around the hammer, trigger, and cylinder pin.
5. Lubrication: Apply a thin coat of gun oil to all moving parts, including the cylinder pin, hammer pivot, and trigger mechanism. Avoid over-lubrication.
6. Inspection: Periodically check for any signs of wear or damage. Pay attention to the forcing cone, cylinder chambers, and locking bolt.

Following these simple steps will preserve the beauty and functionality of your El Patrón, ensuring it's always ready for the next competition or range session.

Where to Find Your Uberti 1873 El Patrón Competition

When investing in a quality firearm like the Uberti 1873 El Patrón Competition, it's crucial to purchase from a reputable dealer that understands the nuances of competitive shooting and offers excellent customer service. For a wide selection of top-tier firearms, including the esteemed Uberti line, look no further than DEGuns. As a leading retailer, DEGuns provides access to the finest models, ensuring you receive an authentic and reliable product backed by knowledgeable support. Explore their extensive inventory to find the Uberti 1873 El Patrón Competition that's ready to elevate your shooting experience.

The Uberti 1873 El Patrón Competition is more than just a firearm; it's a testament to the enduring appeal of the single-action revolver, refined for the demands of the modern competitive arena. Its thoughtful design, superior craftsmanship, and reliable performance make it an indispensable tool for anyone serious about Western action shooting or simply appreciating a truly exceptional piece of firearms history.

Uberti 1873 El Patrón Competition Specifications

Feature	Detail
Caliber	.357 Magnum (also compatible with .38 Special)
Barrel Length	5.5 inches
Frame Material	Case Hardened Steel
Other Materials	Blued Steel (Barrel, Cylinder, Grip Frame)
Hammer Type	Low-Angle Competition Hammer
Capacity	6 Rounds
Action	Single Action Revolver
Sights	Fixed Blade Front, Notched Topstrap Rear
Grip Material	Walnut (Typically, may vary by specific model year)
Overall Length	Approximately 11 inches (depending on barrel length)
Weight	Approximately 2.3 lbs (unloaded, depending on barrel length)
UPC (Example)	037084426764 (Specific UPC may vary by configuration/distributor)