If you're a fan of old-school wheelguns, you've probably come across a Mitchell Arms Single Action Army while browsing the used racks at your local shop or scrolling through an online auction. These revolvers have a bit of a cult following, and for good reason. They represent a specific era in the firearms industry when Italian craftsmanship started to really dominate the cowboy action scene here in the States. Back in the day, if you wanted a Peacemaker but didn't want to mortgage your house for a genuine Colt, the Mitchell import was one of the premier ways to go.
The story behind these guns is pretty interesting. Mitchell Arms wasn't actually a manufacturer; they were an importer based out of California. During the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, they brought in a lot of high-quality firearms from Europe. When it came to their single-action line, they partnered with Uberti in Italy. Now, anyone who knows anything about Western replicas knows that Uberti is basically the gold standard for this stuff. But the ones Mitchell brought in were often finished to a slightly higher standard than the "run of the mill" imports you'd see from other companies at the time.
Why People Still Hunt for Them
So, what makes the Mitchell Arms Single Action Army stand out from the dozen other clones on the market? Mostly, it's the fit and finish. When you pick one up, it just feels substantial. It doesn't have that "kit gun" feel that some of the cheaper 1970s imports had. The bluing is usually deep and lustrous, and the color case hardening on the frame—done the old-fashioned way—often shows some really beautiful blues and straws.
There's also the nostalgia factor. For a lot of shooters who grew up in the 90s, these were the guns they saw in the hands of competitive shooters before the market got flooded with every variety of Peacemaker clone imaginable. They were built to be shot, but they were also built to look good while doing it. If you find one today that hasn't been abused, it usually still has that "bank vault" lockup that single-action fans crave.
The Uberti Connection
Since Uberti was the actual maker, you're getting a gun that follows the original Colt Model 1873 pattern very closely. That's a double-edged sword for some. On one hand, it's authentic. You get the four distinct clicks when you cock the hammer—spelling out C-O-L-T, as the old saying goes. On the other hand, it means these guns usually have the traditional firing pin on the hammer.
In plain English? It's not "drop safe." You have to carry it with the hammer down on an empty chamber if you're doing anything other than standing at a firing line. It's the "cowboy load" rule: load one, skip one, load four, cock it, and lower the hammer on the empty hole. It's part of the charm, but it's something newer shooters should definitely be aware of. The Mitchell Arms Single Action Army is a throwback in every sense of the word.
Handling and Performance
Shooting a Mitchell Arms Single Action Army is exactly what you'd expect from a high-quality Italian clone. The balance is iconic. Whether you've got the 4.75-inch "Gunfighter" length, the 5.5-inch artillery model, or the long 7.5-inch cavalry barrel, the gun points naturally. It's like an extension of your arm.
Most of these were chambered in the classic .45 Colt, though you'll occasionally see them in .357 Magnum or .44-40. The .45 Colt versions are a blast to shoot with standard pressure loads. The recoil is more of a rolling push than a sharp snap, thanks to the plow-handle grip design that lets the gun rotate upward in your hand.
Accuracy is usually surprisingly good. While the sights are just a simple blade and a groove in the top strap, these guns were built with decent tolerances. As long as your eyes are up to the task of using fixed sights, the Mitchell Arms Single Action Army can usually outshoot the person holding it. Just don't expect to win any precision bullseye matches—it's a gun designed for hitting steel plates or "varmints" at reasonable distances.
What to Look for When Buying
If you're looking at a used Mitchell Arms Single Action Army, there are a few things to keep an eye on. First, check the timing. Slowly cock the hammer and make sure the cylinder locks into place right before the hammer reaches full cock. If there's a lot of "play" or if it doesn't lock up until the hammer is already all the way back, it might need some gunsmithing.
Also, take a look at the screws. Since these are based on the old design, they use a lot of flat-head screws. If a previous owner used the wrong size screwdriver, those screw heads will be "buggered up" or marred. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's a sign of how the gun was maintained.
The brass trigger guards and backstraps were common on some Mitchell models. Over time, these can tarnish, but a little bit of polish brings them right back to a mirror shine. Personally, I think a bit of patina on the brass gives the gun character, making it look like it actually spent some time on the frontier.
Parts and Longevity
One of the best things about owning a Mitchell Arms Single Action Army today is that parts are actually pretty easy to find. Since they are Uberti-made, most modern Uberti replacement parts will fit with little to no fitting required. Whether you need a new hand, a bolt spring, or a firing pin, you aren't hunting for "extinct" parts from a defunct factory. You can just hop on a site like Taylor's & Co or Cimarron and find what you need.
That being said, these guns are pretty robust. Unless you're "fanning" the hammer like a movie cowboy (which, please, don't do that—it wrecks the internals), a Mitchell single action will likely last through thousands of rounds. They were built using modern steels that are much stronger than the iron and early steel used in the 1800s, so they can handle a lifetime of hobby shooting without breaking a sweat.
The Bottom Line
Is the Mitchell Arms Single Action Army the best revolver ever made? Well, "best" is subjective. If you want a modern, high-capacity polymer pistol, this obviously isn't it. But if you want to capture a piece of history and enjoy the mechanical feel of a well-made machine, it's hard to beat.
There's something incredibly satisfying about the ritual of loading a single-action revolver. Opening the loading gate, clicking the hammer to half-cock, and sliding those big .45 caliber cartridges into the chambers—it slows you down. It makes you appreciate the act of shooting more than just "spraying and praying" at a target.
The Mitchell Arms Single Action Army sits in that sweet spot of value. It's more refined than the budget-tier clones but usually cheaper than a new-production Colt or a high-end custom job. It's a workhorse with a touch of elegance. If you find one at a fair price, it's a solid investment in both fun and craftsmanship. Whether you want to get into Cowboy Action Shooting or you just want to feel like John Wayne for an afternoon at the range, this revolver will definitely get the job done. It's a classic piece of the "import golden age" that still holds its own today.