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?

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.

But they still look like a lot of fun without the mess and hassle of a cap and ball sixgun.

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.

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.

It's a Cimarron in 38 Special with a brass frame and 7 1/2 inch octagon barrel.

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!!

the actual frame is CCH.

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.

Just happened to be looking through old pics on my photobucket account and found this pic...

Saw a western years ago (don't recall the title) wherein Yul Brynner starred as a Creole gunslinger who carried one of those. Ever since then I have thought the open-top Colts were MAJOR cool.

x

I'll have to do one of these when I get everything together. That was the whole point of this anyway, to have a period sixgun to go along with my 1866 Yellowboy.

and really do prefer the non conversion units. There just isn't words to describe the blance and pointability if either the conversion or modern 1860 open top Uberti revolvers..no matter the caliber. Only pistol I could hit targets tossed in the air (I know..I was safe and shooting into a remote mountain).