Hands down, James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok was the quintessential Old West gunfighter, who displayed his deadly shooting skills with a pair of muzzle-loading, ivory-gripped revolvers. This exact replica from Uberti USA is more practically chambered for the easily available .38 special cartridge, while still offering all the romance and flavor of Wild Bill’s legendary sidearms.
The Wild Bill – Chambered in .38 Spl
The Uberti Wild Bill revolver pays tribute to one of the most iconic figures of the American West. It draws from the 1851 Navy pattern that Wild Bill Hickok favored for most of his life. Uberti built this replica for shooters who appreciate history and want a revolver that feels alive in the hand. It captures the look and character of Hickok’s famous brace while offering reliable performance for modern use.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
The revolver features the classic octagonal barrel. It points well and provides a steady sight picture. The balance feels natural and sits between the hands with ease. Seasoned shooters notice how well the 1851 pattern aligns on target. The Wild Bill model follows that tradition. The brass backstrap and trigger guard provide a warm feel and match the original style. The walnut grips add to the historical tone and fit most hands without trouble.
Chambered in .38Spl
Uberti offers this gun in the easy to find.38 Special. While this is a departure from the original design, it is a nice modern feature that makes range time a little easier and less expensive. Function-wise, the cylinder locks up with a positive feel and rotates without drag when kept clean. The sights remain simple, as expected from a period gun. They work well at typical revolver distances and reward slow, steady shooting.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
One of the strengths of this revolver is its build quality. Uberti has always given us great replicas, and this revolver follows that trend. The fit and finish are fantastic, and the case-hardened frame brings color to the gun that is as much art as it is function. The action feels consistent, with a crisp hammer and a smooth trigger. These details matter when you want a revolver that carries the character of the past but holds up under regular use.
The Wild Bill – From Uberti
If you are a fan of the Old West and Wild Bill in particular, the Uberti USA “Wild Bill” 1851 Navy conversion should be in your collection.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
For more information, visit Uberti.
Uberti USA “Wild Bill” 1851 Navy Conversion Specifications
| Importer: | Uberti USA |
| Action Type: | single-action, center-fire revolver |
| Chambering: | .38 Spl. |
| Barrel: | 7.5” steel |
| Frame: | color-case-hardened steel |
| Sights: | hammer-notch rear, brass front |
| Trigger: | single-action |
| Capacity: | six-round cylinder |
| Length: | 13.6” |
| Weight: | 44.8 ozs. |
| MSRP: | $809 |
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
WHY OUR ARTICLES/REVIEWS DO NOT HAVE AFFILIATE LINKS
Affiliate links create a financial incentive for writers to promote certain products, which can lead to biased recommendations. This blurs the line between genuine advice and marketing, reducing trust in the content.
