If you've spoken with anyone who has purchased a new Pietta Smith within the last year, then you're probably aware of the controversy that currently surrounds the company's recent dip in quality; particularly in relation to their Smith carbine reproduction. For those who are unaware. It appears that Pietta spent a large portion of 2025 redesigning their Smith carbine tooling. Evidently a number of "cost saving" measures were implemented during the re-tool in an effort to lower the gun's MSRP. However, along with this reduction in cost, came a reduction in quality. Newly made Pietta Smiths are almost unrecognizable when compared with previous production guns. The stocks are no longer walnut, but some species of Birch, with a sprayed on tinted varnish to mimic the look of American Walnut. Additionally, the new production Smiths no longer feature steel top straps, but instead are fitted with aluminum top straps that are painted black. Furthermore, the machined components found in previous iterations of the Pietta Smith have been replaced with cast components, and the rifling of their barrels is rough with visible cutter marks visible throughout.
This dip in quality has created a healthy market for older Pietta Smiths made on the companies original tooling with high quality components. This particular Pietta Smith is one of the older "high quality" guns made in 2004. It remains in excellent used condition.
The stocks are in good shape, with a typical "Smith chip" missing from the wrist. These chips are unique to Smith carbines and are cosmetic only (see photos).
The lock up is good between the action and the barrel; with no real discernable "wobble" between the two halves.
The bore is great with no rust or pitting. A tall front sight has been installed for point of aim shooting at 50 yds.
Included with this gun is a period-correct leather sling.
