A different approach to branding
F.lli Pietta have pioneered many different types of engraving styles on their single actions using traditional hand engraving (on truly limited editions), their deep laser engraving process on more affordable limited editions, and traditional computer-controlled laser engraving. Their very first model with cattle brands from Taylor & Co. is made by Pietta and uses their standard laser engraving, which is also the first, since the laser not only has to make the cattle brand but also the dotted background! On the hand-engraved patterns there is exceptional depth on the marks and stitches.
This is not possible with laser engraving (although somewhat more effective with deep laser engraving), but the results shown here still have the depth and dimension, and the cost is significantly less than for a hand-engraved weapon. This new Pietta model from Taylor has a list price of $617 and is sold with Pietta’s faux deer grips, which add an interesting extra layer to the Colt .45-caliber model with cattle brands.
Characteristics of the weapon
Taylor’s Pietta has more than 50 cattle marks covering about 90 percent of the weapon including the bands, extractor seat, castle, barrel, drum, and underguard. In fact, the only parts that are not engraved with cattle marks and lacking a dotted background are frontstrap, buttstrap, stock, and front sight. The 5-1/2-inch models (available in .45 LC and .357 Magnum/.38 Special caliber) use the latest Colt style with infume yoke and drum block.
The cattle-marked weapons have a nickel and stainless steel finish with the cattle marks finely polished and the slightly deeper points left flat to give greater definition to the laser engraving. There are some very recognizable Texas cattle brands on the weapon, including the 45, $, the “flying” W, the lazy Y, JA, the (large) hat, the stirrup, the spur, a turkey print, a horse print, the stinging Y, the anchor, the open A, the double bar, the key (of a prison), the hook, the diamond, and the half diamond, the broken arrow, and the sun: it’s pretty darn close to a Texas steel cattle mark register.
Actiontreatment
Pietta’s Single Action are famous for having factory-made actions with a lightweight trigger and hammer. Taylor’s weapon has a slightly heavier trigger and hammer than usual. Compared to a Pietta single action fresh out of the factory (neither engraved nor customized), the trigger needs an average of 3 pounds and 11 ounces while Taylor’s Cattlebrand measures 4 pounds and 14.8 ounces. I personally prefer the lighter trigger (the lightest Pietta I have is 2 pounds and 15.4 ounces), but the Cattlebrand is quite good staying under 5 pounds. Pietta’s dog releases those four Colt return clicks, but has a 6-pound, 5-ounce average drag, compared to the usual single-action average of 4 pounds, 1.9 ounces.
Thus, it does not go into action smoothly or quickly, but much of this also depends on individual preferences. As expected, the size of the Cattlebrand model is very close to the 5-1/2 inches of the Peacemaker Colt, and the stainless steel Pietta weighs 2 pounds 5 ounces with its slightly heavier synthetic faux deer grips. These are a marvel of constancy-I have three different models with deer grips and each one is identical in every single detail with only different shades of color. And these are pretty hand-fill stocks that have a base width (including buttstrap) of 1.5 inches. A standard handle (including buttstrap) measures 1.4 inches.
Lowering the slinging lead
For the shooting test I chose Black Hills 250 gr. ammunition. RNFP and Leadville 200 gr. RNFP. These are both CAS charges and the test was done in 45-foot duel style. Black Hills ammunition cleaned chronograph traps at 730 fps, Leadville ammunition at 748 fps. Taylor’s Cattlebrand shot a little low, like most Single Action, and with a little correction I was able to keep all my shots between rings 10 and the X. My best five shots with the Black Hills touched a spread of 1.75 inches with a couple of overlapping shots in ring 10 and on the X.
The Leadvilles grouped their 5 rounds a little farther apart in a line at 2.75 inches, again in ring 10 and on the X. In general, the weapon fired a little more accurately with heavier powder Black Hills ammunition rounds. The weight of the revolvers determines some of the recoil but there is still that nice old-fashioned Wild West muzzle rise to contain it, but that is part of the style in which Peacemaker revolvers fire! Taylor’s Cattlebrand shoots fairly accurately, and the trigger that needs 4 pounds and 14.8 ounces is fine for aimed shots.
The 5-1/2-inch barrel lengths of the Cattlebrand model cleaned the leather effortlessly from Chisholm’s Trail’s custom Cattlebrand Holster. In fact, my only problem with the weapon is the end of the deer grips, which are slightly uneven and can begin to bother my palm after a few dozen shots. The deer certainly looks good, but the smooth, white Micarta grips (available as an option) are not a bad idea if you intend to shoot this weapon in CAS encounters. Otherwise, if you can hit the real target with this unique six-shot from Taylor, you will undoubtedly leave your mark on the event.
Agee’s influence
Cole Agee grew up in the waning days of the Wild West having been born just after the turn of the century. He learned the art of engraving when he was in his early twenties just by watching other engravers, and practiced on his own until he was good enough to start selling his own work. In less than a decade he became one of the most famous gun engravers in Ft. Worth (Texas) working from his store on Christine Street.
Agee engraved weapons for some of the most famous Texas law enforcers of his time, including Texas Ranger Manuel Trazazas “Lone Wolf” Gonzaullas and Captain Clint Peoples. Agee died in 1955 at the age of 54 having engraved something between 15 and 20 weapons in his branded (branded) cattle style. A style that would inspire engravers for more than half a century, including a very talented laser engraving machine in Brescia, Italy.
For more information
Specifications of Taylor & Co.’s Cattlebrand made by Pietta
Caliber: caliber 45 LC
Barrel: 5-1/2 inches
Length: 10-7/8 inches
Weight: 2 pounds, 5 ounces
Handles: molded deer finish
Sights: fixed
Action: SA
Finish: polished nickel and laser engraving
Capacity: 6
Retail price: $617
Performance of Taylor & Co.’s Cattlebrand made by Pietta
Charge speed accuracy
Black Hills 250 gr. RNFP 730 1.75
Leadville 200 gr. RNFP 748 2.75
Bullet weight is measured in grains, velocity in fps from the ProChrono chronograph, and accuracy in inches for 5 shots fired at 45 feet duel-style.