The Pietta Great Western II is a single-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, built in the SAA format with a 4.75-inch octagonal barrel and 6-round cylinder. This variant is the engraved version: the frame has hand-cut engraving, the finish combines color case hardening on the frame with blued barrel and cylinder, the backstrap is brass, and the grips are ivory-colored polymer with an Aces & Eights motif. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Pietta 
• Model Name: Great Western II 
• Caliber: .357 MAG 
• Action Type: Single Action Only (SAO) 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 4.75 inches (Octagon) 
• Overall Length: 14.5 inches 
• Frame Finish: Color Case Hardened; Barrel & Cylinder Finish: Blued 
• Sights: Blade Front 
• Grip Material: White Polymer with Aces & Eights motif 
• Trigger Type: Standard 
• Condition: New in Box 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The engraved frame is the defining feature that separates this variant from the standard Great Western II. Pietta's engraving work is done at the factory in Brescia, and the coverage and pattern distinguish this revolver visually from plain production models. 
 
The color case-hardened frame shows the characteristic mottled blue-gray-orange pattern that comes from the traditional case hardening process. The octagonal barrel adds a period-correct aesthetic that round barrels don't provide. At .357 Magnum, the revolver can also fire .38 Special loads, which expands ammunition options for range use. 
 
The SAO action requires cocking the hammer before each shot. The standard trigger provides a consistent pull weight suitable for cowboy action shooting and range use. 
 

Target Audience 

 
This revolver targets collectors who want an engraved SAA-format revolver that functions reliably, and cowboy action shooters who want a visually distinctive gun on the stage. The .357 Magnum chambering keeps it practical for shooting sports while the engraving work makes it display-worthy. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

 
For cowboy action shooting, the SAO action and 4.75-inch barrel fit most competition stage requirements. At the range, running .38 Special loads reduces cost and wear for practice sessions while .357 Magnum is available when you want full power. For collection or display, the engraving and two-tone finish make it stand out.

Owners of the Pietta Great Western II Engraved consistently talk about the combination of visual quality and practical function, two things that don't always coexist in this price range.

Craftsmanship and aesthetics draw the most positive comments. The engraving quality and color case hardening are frequently praised. Pietta's Italian factory work is considered solid value compared to custom American engraving at multiples of the price.

Reliability and accuracy get good marks. The .357 Magnum chambering is appreciated for its versatility: full-power Magnum loads for serious use, .38 Special for affordable range sessions. Most owners report consistent accuracy appropriate for the SAO platform.

The trigger pull comes up as a minor critique. Some users find it heavier than they'd prefer for target work, though it's typical for factory SAO triggers in this class. Cowboy action shooters who have experience with the platform generally accept it.

Occasional fit and finish issues are mentioned in a subset of reviews, minor things like timing or cylinder gap that may need adjustment. The frequency isn't alarming, but it's consistent enough across Pietta reviews generally that buyers should inspect the revolver or confirm it's been checked before purchase.

Overall the Great Western II Engraved is well-regarded as a shootable engraved revolver at a price that's accessible compared to custom work. Collectors who want something they can actually take to the range without worrying about a safe queen find the combination of quality and function appropriate.