Hartford EMF

Ruger Packer · Mar 16, 2011

Anyone know much about the Hartford Model EMF in .45 LC?? Has firing pin on the hammer. Has "US" and original patent dates on the frame. 8)

I have a chance to grab one at $300 in excellent condition.

BIgMuddy · Mar 16, 2011

I have owned 3 of them. The first was a .45 that I bought when they first became available. That gun spent more time back in California than it did in my house. I was always sending it back with problems. When it was all done (for me) I had replaced everything on the gun except the main frame and the cylinder. I finally got it where it seemed ok, and sold it for next to nothing with explanation of all the problems I had.

Since then I have had two in 38 w.c.f and they are much better guns. One has had literally thousands of rounds through it, and other than replacing a spring or two it still shoots and works great. It was used heavily for CAS by me. The other I gave to a friend of mine as a gift on his retirement. He had an action job done by Bob James and his is still giving him great service.

Long winded way of saying I think there were some early issues that may be worked out now. They are made in Italy by Pietta and usually come with fairly rough actions, but can be smoothed up.

I know that mine as well as another friend's 45's needed 454 bullets to shoot well.

That price would be my maximum on one.

Dan

pisgah · Mar 16, 2011

$300 for one in excellent shape = good deal

MMichaelAK · Mar 16, 2011

Ive got one of EMF's 1860 Army Sherrif's models.
It is a Pietta with a little bit of extra marking added but a very nice revolver.

You did get a nice deal.

gak · Mar 16, 2011

You might check the fine print on the barrel. The recent decade(s) EMF Hartfords have been made by Uberti IIRC--essentially their version of the Uberti Cattleman and Cimarron Model P as well as a similar model by Taylors--both Uberti-made. Only their current line of Great Western II's is made by Pietta. Two years ago, EMF's relationship with Uberti's single action line ended, leaving only the GWIIs by Pietta. Dating way back, I think the Hartford (or equivalent) line was made by Armi San Marcos (ASM). If a recent year Uberti, and if my (and several friends') virtually identical 3 year old Cimarron Model P is any indication, it's a nice gun.