Without a doubt, one of the most recognized and romanticized handguns in the world is the Colt Single Action Army. No wonder its 1873 design is still popular today.

The problem is, being basically a hand-fitted gun, modern production costs have now pushed the price of an original SAA into the stratosphere. But because the various patents on this handgun's design have long since expired, the field is wide open for replicas of this single action, which have been made as far back as the 1950s.

In spite of what some others have written, not all of them were "spittin' images" of the real deal. Most of the problems centered around the curvature of the back strap, shape of the trigger guard, hammer profile and location of the manufacturer's proof marks and other stampings, thus diluting the appearance and feel of what many consider to be the world's most ergonomically designed revolver.

Fit and finish were other hiccups that occasionally marred the function and classic Victorian lines of this handsome sixgun.

Aldo Uberti of Gardone Val Trompia, Italy (now a part of Benelli USA) was one of the first to replicate the Single Action Army, but like others who entered the replica arms race, even his factory had a learning curve to overcome. But that goal has been more than achieved with its New Model line of Cattleman single actions--specifically the Frisco.

With its iridescent charcoal blued barrel, cylinder trigger guard and backstrap, color case hardened hammer and frame and one-piece pearl grips, this six-shooter would have definitely commanded attention had it been in the firearms showcase of the F.C. Zimmerman Hardware Store in Dodge City during the 1890s.

I don't care what George Patton is alleged to have said; pearl grips look great on this blued and case hardened single action.

Of course, with a suggested retail price of $789, the Frisco's grips could not possibly be real pearl, but the faux pearl used on this replica looks so genuine, I had to take a closer look to be sure this grip material did not come from the ocean. And being less fragile than authentic pearl, these grips are not prone to chipping.

Like all guns in the Cattleman line, the Frisco is chambered for .45 Colt and is available with a 4.75-, 5.5- or 7.5-inch barrel. My test gun sported a 5.5-inch barrel, and its heft and balance was exactly like my first- and second-generation Colts in this same configuration.

Even the backstrap, trigger guard, and hammer profile approximated my first generation guns. The cylinder base pin is spring-loaded, as found on all "smokeless powder" frames made from 1896 onwards.

This is actually a much more practical method for removing the cylinder base pin than the earlier screw, as it doesn't require a screwdriver, which must be used on the pre-1896 "black powder" frames.

Unlike many earlier replicas, the Italian proof marks on the Frisco are small and discreetly stamped on the right side of the barrel, next to the frame, where they remain unobtrusive. And like the originals, this replica bears the same two-line patent number on the frame's left side.