1871/72 Open top vs 1851/60 Richards Mason conversion
I've got an itch for something strange to go with my 1866 Yellowboy in 38 Special.
Two local shops sell the Uberti cartridge conversions, but I know nothing about them. They don't look very strong to me, but I would only shoot standard pressure loads in one. And I think I want to stick with a .38 special.
The factory open tops (1871 and 1872) have a tiny rear sight on the barrel, while the Richards Mason conversions use a front bead sight with a notch in the tip of the hammer. I doubt either arrangement is going to be very effective, or even close to hitting point of aim.
Has anyone owned or shot these revolvers that can provide some insight? Is there anything about the factory open tops that would make them preferable to the conversions?
I've owned these for a while...
by Hoot 
, Diversityville, Liberal-sota, Friday, January 04, 2013, 09:54 (4323 days ago) @ Warhawk
They are .38 Spl made (marketed?) by Traditions. I take it real easy with them: 158gr lead over modest amounts of Trail Boss. Loads of fun. Practical? I shot past that so fast and so long ago, I hardly know anymore. 
![[image]](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/Hoot4570/Pistols/Trad38_1.jpg)
I think these quit being "practical" about 1873 ...
But they still look like a lot of fun without the mess and hassle of a cap and ball sixgun. 
1871/72 Open top vs 1851/60 Richards Mason conversion
I had the richards and mason conversion, in 38 special. it was amazingly accurate with standard velocity 38 specials. one hole group at 50 feet for 6 shots. I think JT reported the same. point of aim was a little off [ down an inch and to left about the same ]
lots of fun and would be good choice with our 1866.
There is a used 1851 Navy ...
Richards Mason conversion for sale in a nearby shop. It has a 7 1/2 inch barrel and I would prefer a 5 1/2. It might be perfect though, if it shoots high I can cut it back to 5 1/2 inches and install a dovetail front sight and file the sight to the proper height where POA and POI come together.
I bought the 1851 Navy conversion
It's a Cimarron in 38 Special with a brass frame and 7 1/2 inch octagon barrel.
I bought the 1851 Navy conversion
i suspect that the brass frame is just the grip frame? any way, that sounds like the gun i had. it was most amazing and pointed very naturally, easy to hit with.'
you will like it i bet!!
Yessir, brass GRIP frame ...
the actual frame is CCH.
![[image]](http://i.imgur.com/3NZgn.jpg)
![[image]](http://i.imgur.com/66EHy.jpg)
![[image]](http://i.imgur.com/sTeG7.jpg)
1871/72 Open top vs 1851/60 Richards Mason conversion
by Slow Hand 
, Indiana, Friday, January 04, 2013, 20:22 (4323 days ago) @ Warhawk
I had a consecutive pair of Uberti '72 open tops in .45 S&W to go along with my 1860 Henry, worked over to function with the S&W brass. They were great guns and gave me no troubles. I take that back, I do remember having a spring fail me at a CAS shoot but I can't remember which spring it was! I do remember being able to finish the match, just a bit slower. I shot mine with black powder only. They were tons of fun! I had the '60 Army gripframes on mine, which I prefer.
I also had a cut down 1851 conversion in .38. It was a fun little plinker. I ended up selling it to Doc Hudson years ago. Wish I still had all three!
The sighting arrangement is better on the '72 but other than that, I'd say its ip to whatever frame you prefer the feel of. All are good guns.
Group photo
by Slow Hand , Indiana, Friday, January 04, 2013, 20:39 (4323 days ago) @ Slow Hand
Just happened to be looking through old pics on my photobucket account and found this pic...
![[image]](http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h24/Slow_Hand23/Gun%20Pics/ThreeOpenTopcartrigeguns.jpg)