Description
The Pietta GWII Liberty 45 Colt Engraved is a patriotic dress version of the Great Western II: an all-blue 1873-pattern single action covered in photo engraving and fitted with Ultra Ivory grips bearing an eagle, shield and Liberty banner.
Pietta GWII Liberty 45 Colt Engraved Overview
EMF lists this model as GW45LLE434NMUI: .45 Colt, a 4 3/4-inch barrel, an all-blue finish with photo engraving, and Ultra Ivory Liberty Eagle grips. Photo engraving is a process that reproduces a scroll pattern on the steel with crisp, consistent detail at a fraction of the cost of hand engraving. The result is a revolver that looks like a presentation piece but is built on the same Great Western II mechanism Pietta uses across the line. EMF’s catalog photo shows a 5 1/2-inch Liberty; this listing is the shorter 4 3/4-inch gun, the classic Civilian length.
Engraving and Finish
Unlike the case-hardened Californian models, the Liberty is blued all over, which gives the engraving a dark, even background. Photo engraving is shallower than hand-cut work, so it is best protected with gentle cleaning: a soft cloth and light oil, no abrasive pads. The finish will show holster wear over time, as all bluing does.
Liberty Eagle Grips
The grips are Ultra Ivory, a white synthetic, with an eagle and shield and the word LIBERTY on the panel. They will not crack or shrink with humidity changes the way real ivory or bone can. The design makes the gun easy to identify in a collection and a natural choice for a gift or a commemorative display.
How It Shoots
Underneath the engraving it is a Great Western II: forged and CNC-machined frame, hammer-forged barrel, Colt-style four-click hammer, and a floating firing pin in the frame. Sights are fixed, so your load choice sets your point of impact; most shooters find 250 to 255 grain loads print close to the sights at typical handgun distances. The 4 3/4-inch barrel balances well and carries easily.
45 Colt Ammunition
Feed it standard-pressure .45 Colt, such as cowboy action and traditional lead loads. Do not use heavy .45 Colt loads labeled for Ruger or large-frame revolvers only, and never fire .45 ACP in this cylinder. Recoil with standard loads is a firm push that most adults handle comfortably.
Gift and Collection Value
An engraved Great Western II costs much less than a factory-engraved American single action, which makes the Liberty a practical way to own a decorated revolver you can actually shoot. Keep the box and paperwork if you think you may sell it later; complete guns hold value best.
State Laws and Ownership
Single-action revolvers are legal in every state, but handgun purchase rules vary widely. Permit-to-purchase or licensing systems apply in states such as New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Illinois, Connecticut, Hawaii and Maryland. California and Massachusetts keep handgun rosters, and some single-action revolvers qualify for exemptions while others do not. Your receiving dealer can confirm whether this model can be transferred where you live.
Specifications
- Maker: F.LLI Pietta, Italy; imported by EMF
- Model: Great Western II Liberty (EMF GW45LLE434NMUI)
- Caliber: .45 Colt (.45 LC)
- Capacity: 6
- Action: single action, 1873 pattern
- Barrel: 4 3/4 in.
- Finish: all blue with photo engraving
- Grips: Ultra Ivory with Liberty eagle and shield
- Sights: fixed
- UPC: 641996211935
Before You Buy
Federal law requires that this handgun ship to a licensed FFL dealer, where you complete ATF Form 4473 and a background check before pickup. Buyers must be 21 or older to buy a handgun from a dealer. Traditional practice with any 1873-pattern single action is to load five rounds and rest the hammer on the empty chamber; do so even though the Great Western II uses a floating firing pin.
Who It Is For
The Pietta GWII Liberty 45 Colt Engraved is a great fit for collectors, gift buyers, and single-action shooters who want an engraved revolver they will not be afraid to take to the range.
Buy the Pietta GWII Liberty 45 Colt Engraved at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the Pietta GWII Liberty 45 Colt Engraved online and ship it to your local FFL dealer, or browse our full selection of firearms for more revolvers. For factory details, visit EMF Company (Pietta).
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